Glossary of Terms

Just like in any fandom, Rickenbacker fans and collectors can speak a language all their own. If you’re new to the game, it won’t take long to run into mysterious abbreviations, collector jargon, factory terminology, and nicknames that everyone else seems to understand.

This glossary is my attempt to translate. Here you’ll find definitions for many of the terms and abbreviations you’re likely to encounter while exploring the Rickenbacker world—along with links to deeper dives where they exist. Let’s go!

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1 o’clock/2 o’clock f-hole

A shorthand used to describe the orientation of an f-hole, with a 1 o’clock f-hole being more vertical than a 2 o’clock f-hole. Imagine the f-hole as the hour hand of a clock: whichever number it points toward determines its designation. Click HERE to learn more about f-hole orientation.

6/12 converter

Produced between 1966-68, a lever on the face of the guitar slid a “comb” under the strings that engaged, pulled down, and muted the octave strings on a 12-string guitar, allowing it to function as a 6-string. Of limited utility, it did not last long. Models with this converter ended in -6, and the 450/12 (456/12), 330/12 (336/12), and 360/12 (366/12) were all offered in this form. Click HERE to learn more about the 6/12 “convertible guitars”.

12k Toasters

Toaster pickups made from around 1982 to 1999 wound to around 12k ohms. 196s vintage toasters (and modern scatterwounds) are closer to 7.5k ohms. Also referred to as “hot toasters”, they were reissued and officially referred to as such on the 480XC in 2021. No toaster pickups were available between 1974 and the introduction of the 12k toasters.

AC

The 4003AC, a Signature Limited Edition bass guitar designed by/for Al Cisneros of Sleep. Click HERE to learn more about the Signature Limited Edition models.

Accent Vibrato

A simple, surface-mounted vibrato fitted to many vintage guitars between roughly 1960 to 1969. It functions similarly to the Gibson Maestro Vibrola because both were licensed from the inventor, Paul D Butts. Factory-fitted vibrato model numbers ended in -5, so a 330 equipped with an Accent vibrato was designated a 335. The Accent has also appeared on a number of vintage reissue models. Click HERE to learn more about the Accent Vibrato.

AFG

Amber Fireglo, the 2006 Color of the Year finish. Click HERE to learn more about the Color of the Year program.

AG or ATG:

Autumnglo, a standard factory finish that has appeared and disappeared several times throughout the years. 1970s-era AG and WAL (Walnut) are often confused with each other—during this period AG was a satin finish while WAL was gloss. Click HERE to learn more about standard factory colors.

Astro

An inexpensive kit guitar manufactured in 1963 for Christmas sales. Did not share any parts, cosmetics, or design elements with contemporary Rickenbacker models. Click HERE to learn more about the Astro kit guitar.

AZ or AZG:

Azureglo, a standard factory finish. Click HERE to learn more about standard factory colors.

BB

Blue Boy, the 2004 Color of the Year finish. Click HERE to learn more about the Color of the Year program.

BBR

Blueburst, the 2005 Color of the Year finish. Click HERE to learn more about the Color of the Year program.

BG

Burgundy/Burgundyglo, both a standard factory finish and the 2002 Color of the Year Finish. Click HERE to learn more about standard factory colors or HERE to learn more about the Color of the Year program.

BH/BT

Black Hardware/Black Trim, referringto guitars produced from the mid-1980s to mid-1990 outfittted with black hardware (metal parts) and black trim (plastic parts). There were also BT guitars produced from the mid 1970s to early 1980s. Click HERE to learn more about the BH/BT guitars.

Blackstar

A limited production black-painted 4003 bass featuring a black-painted fingerboard and black hardware/black trim.

B-Series

Circa 1982-84 guitars “inspired” by Beatles-associated models. Rickenbacker’s first “reissue” models but not historically accurate reproductions. Click HERE to learn more about the B-Series guitars.

Blend knob

The small fifth knob found on many Rickenbacker models that serves as a neck pickup volume equalizer. Click HERE to learn more about the blend knob.

Capri

The grandfather of modern semi-hollow body Rickenbackers, produced from 1958 to 1961. The body shape was slightly changed in 1961, and this “new Capri” shape lives on in today’s 330. Correct model nomenclature for Capri-era guitars is “330 Capri”, “365 Capri”, etc.

CB or Checkered Binding

Two-ply binding found on some vintage-era guitars, consisting of an outer white ply and an inner ply of alternating black & white squares. Also found on some modern vintage reissue, limited edition, and special run guitars.

Chickenbacker

Chinese-made Rickenbacker counterfeits. Usually of fairly poor quality and easy to spot. Not to be mistaken with the Japanese-made “lawsuit era” guitars of the 1970s and 1980s.

Ci or Cheyenne

The first version of the 4004 Cheyenne bass, made between 1993 and 1998, which featured oil-rubbed walnut body wings and a maple fretboard. Click HERE to learn more about the 4004 basses.

Cii or Cheyenne II

The second version of the 4004 Cheyenne bass, made between 1999 and 2016, which featured figured maple body wings and a bubinga fretboard. Click HERE to learn more about the 4004 basses.

COA

Certificate of Authenticity, often issued by the factory with Signature Limited Edition models or special runs bearing the serial number and the item number of the limited run.

COY

Color of the year. Each year from 2000 to 2006 Rickenbacker offered a limited edition finish that could be ordered on almost any model, but only during that specific year. Many of these were actually produced in subsequent years due to factory backlog/batch schedules. In order they were: Sea Green (2000), Desert Gold (2001), Burgundy (2002), Montezuma Brown (2003), Blue Boy (2004), Blueburst (2005), Amber Fireglo (2006). Click HERE to learn more about the Color of the Year program.

Combo

Designation for early solidbody (or weight-relieved) guitars. Correct model nomenclature is Combo 600, Combo 400, etc.

CNC

Computer Numerical Control, a method for automating machine tools through the use of computer-controlled software. Rickenbacker began producing the wooden parts of its guitars and basses via CNC machines in 1996.

Cresting Wave

The body shape utilized on 400 and 600 Series guitars; the upper cutaway is shaped like a wave that is cresting and about to break. Introduced circa 1958. The 4000 Series basses follows the same design language. Click HERE to learn more about the cresting wave.

Crushed Pearl Inlays or CPI

From around 1964 to 1973, the triangle fretboard inlays found on deluxe models were made from sheets of crushed mother-of-pearl. Some modern limited edition and special models have also used a contemporary version of this material. Click HERE to learn more about crushed pearl inlays.

C-Series: the third (circa 2005) iteration of vintage reissue models. The 360/12C63 is considered, and the most accurate replication of the George Harrison guitar to date. The 4001C64 reissue has a reversed headstock; the rarer C64S has a zero fret and mods to the body to resemble McCartney’s 1964 4001S as modified.

CS

The 4001CS, a Signature Limited Edition model based on Chris Squire’s modified 1964 Rose Morris 1999. Click HERE to learn more about the Signature Limited Edition models.

CV

Conversion varnish, a two-part catalyzed polyurethane clearcoat used on most Rickenbackers since the early 1960s. It has been a UV cured formulation since about 2009. Click HERE to learn more about conversion varnish.

CW

The 360CW and 360/12CW, Signature Limited Edition guitars based on a 1965 360/12 played by Beach Boy Carl Wilson. Click HERE to learn more about the Signature Limited Edition models.

DCM

Dark Cherry Metallic, a finish exclusively available on 75th Anniversary models. Some issue with this paint has caused finish problems on a large number of guitars: either excessive checking or “gummy” finish. Click HERE to learn more about the 75th Anniversary models.

Deluxe Models

Deluxe models include features such as include triangle inlays, body and/or soundhole binding, and stereo wiring. Standard models usually have dot inlays, no binding, and mono wiring. Click HERE to learn more about the differences between standard and deluxe models.

DG

Desert Gold, the 2001 Color of the Year finish. Click HERE to learn more about the Color of the Year program.

Exploding Tailpiece

Over time string tension can weaken the R tailpiece, causing it to crack and break—usually on the crossbar where it fits into the bracket. Most common on 12 string and black powder coated tailpieces. Not as common as you probably think, but more than it should be.

FG

Fireglo, a standard factory finish. Click HERE to learn more about standard factory colors.

First Gen Higain Pickups: Higain pickups made from circa 1968-73 with exposed threaded pole pieces. Sound quite different from subsequent versions.

FL

Fretless.

F Models: “Full body” hollow-bodied guitars with a more traditional “jazz guitar” single cutaway shape and 17” wide body. Two very different versions were produced, the first between 1958-1961 and the second between 1967-19668. Proper model nomenclature is 360F, 335F, etc.

Gap-Tooth Bridge: Prior to mid-1973, the 4001 bridge was made of cast aluminum had a gap in the bar between the A and D string as part of the casting process. Later bridges for the 4001 and 4003 were made of zinc and had no gap.

German Carve

A design feature that has a pronounced, concave, stepped edge (the technical term is the “recurve area”) around the perimeter of the body. It is most notably seen on the 381V69. Click HERE to learn more about the German carve.

GC

Guitar Center, once a primary Rickenbacker dealer that ordered a number of limited edition instruments.

GF

The 230GF, a Signature Limited Edition model designed by and for Glenn Frey of the Eagles. Click HERE to learn more about the Signature Limited Edition models.

GH

The 360/12GH, a Guitar Center special run inspired by a 1965 360/12 played by George Harrison. Similar to the CW, but without the heavily figured wood or checkered binding. Not a Signature Limited Edition model. Click HERE to learn more about special run models.

Glueglo

Some guitars produced between 1971 and 1972 saw the acetone used for the binding cause the black dye in the checkerboard binding to bleed into and discolor the wood around the edges of the guitar. Especially noticeable on Mapleglo guitars. Click HERE to learn more about Glueglo.

Goodies: Vintage features on a transitional-era guitar.

HB1

Humbucking pickup introduced in the late 1980s. Most notably appeared on the 650, 4004, and John Kay and Susanna Hoffs Signature Limited Edition models. Click HERE to learn more about the HB1

Higains

Single coil pickups that first appeared on the 381 in 1969 and gradually replaced toasters on all guitars between 1971-1974. Wound hotter than the toasters they replaced (thus the name), specs have changed subtly across the years. Recognizable by their black tops and “button” pole piece covers. (except transitional Higains, which have exposed threaded pole pieces). Newer versions have polepieces with hexagonal top holes for height adjustment via Allen wrench. Click HERE to learn more about Higain pickups.

Horseshoe Pickup

The first electric guitar pickup, used on Rickenbacker guitars from the 1930s until the late 1950s; basses until the late 1960s; and steel guitars until the early 1970s. Instead of a magnetic base or pole pieces, the coil is surrounded by two horseshoe shaped magnets with the strings actually running between the top of the magnet and the coil. The pickup cover on modern Rickenbacker basses imitates the look of the horseshoe pickup. The “horseshoe magnets” found on vintage reissue basses are cosmetic only. Click HERE to learn more about the horseshoe pickup.

JG

Jetglo, a standard factory finish. Click HERE to learn more about standard factory colors.

JK: The 381JK, a limited edition signature guitar designed by Steppenwolf’s John Kay and inspired by his 1968 381.

JL: Limited edition signature guitars inspired by John Lennon’s 325. Models include the 325JL, 355JL, 355/12JL.

John Hall: Rickenbacker owner, Chairman, and CEO. Purchased from his father, F.C. Hall in 1984. Son Ben Hall is factory manager, and ex-wife Cindalee Hall is CEO RIC International.

JPS: Jetglo Pearlstar

Kauffman Vibrola: The first commercially available guitar vibrato, offered on Rickenbacker guitars from the 1930s to the late 1950s. The handle moves the spring-loaded unit side to side to provide a note bending effect (and quickly detune your guitar). Click HERE to learn more about the Kauffman Vibrola.

Laredo: model 4004 with maple through neck and solid maple body wings, chrome hardware and HB-1 pickups.

Lawsuit Era Guitars: 1970’s-80’s (mostly) Japanese Rickenbacker (and Gibson and Fender…) copies. Often high quality, and NOT counterfeits (ie not branded “Rickenbacker”). Click HERE to learn more about Rickenbacker and intellectual property.

Lennonize: To modify a 325 to match a specific time period in the history of John Lennon’s oft-modified 1958 325. Mods may include additions of a Bigsby vibrato, Sorkin compensated bridge and various control knobs. Click HERE to learn more about Lennonizing.

Lightshow: Produced circa 1970-1971, The 331 and 4005LS removed the top from a 330/4005, filled the guts with Christmas tree light bulbs—with different colors responding to different frequencies—and covered it back up with a translucent top. Powered by an external transformer. Click HERE to learn more about the Lightshow guitars.

Limited Edition: a guitar made only in a specific quantity or for a specific, limited period of time.

LK

The 4004LK, a Signature Limited Edition bass guitar designed by and for Motörhead’s Lenny Kilmister. Click HERE to learn more about the Signature Limited Edition guitars.

MB

Montezuma Brown, the 2003 Color of the Year finish. Click HERE to learn more about the Color of the Year program.

MG

Mapleglo, a standard factory finish. Click HERE to learn more about standard factory colors.

MID

Midnight Blue, a standard factory finish. Click HERE to learn more about standard factory colors.

Moonglo

Collector’s term for a very dark red sunburst produced in very limited numbers in the late 1968. The formal designation is Autumnglo. Click HERE to learn more about the Moonglo guitars.

Neck Reset

The process of removing and replacing the neck of a semi-hollow guitar to adjust the neck angle. Commonly required on 1960s 12 strings as time and string tension gradually pull the headstock and neck up.

Neck Weight

A lead weight inlaid into the back of the fingerboard on 1970s basses. Purpose was to eliminate “dead spots” on the neck.

New Capri

The Capri line was redesigned in 1961, and the revised body shape—which lives on in today’s 330—was initially referred to as the “New Capri”. In 1964—coinciding with the change from gold to white plastics—the New Capri name was dropped.

New Style: The 360 style guitar changed from a flat double-bound top to a rounded “New Style” top with back and sound hole binding in 1964.

Noir: Special run guitars with a Matte Black finish, black hardware, black trim, ebony fingerboards, and checkerboard binding. Click HERE to learn more about the Noir guitars.

Oven Knobs: Brown Bakelite knobs with a gold diamond top used on many 50’s models. Also called stove/cooker/TV knobs.

OS: “Old Style”. 360 style guitars made after 1963 and before circa 1971 with a flat bound top, as opposed to the rounded “New Style” top. After 1971 such guitars are referred to as WB (with binding). Click HERE to learn more about OS and WB guitars.

Paddle headstock. The large headstock design on 6-string guitars used on non-reissue models from 1984-2007. Introduced as the company transitioned away from Kluson tuners. Looks like a boat paddle.

Poured inlays: From circa 1973-2008, triangle fingerboard inlays on deluxe guitars were made from a mixture of pearlescent powder and resin that were poured as a liquid and cured in place. Early 1973 models had full width inlays, but this was quickly changed to bordered triangles. Full width inlays were re-introduced in 2008 for all deluxe models.

PT: The 1998PT, a limited edition signature guitar inspired by the Rose Morris 1998s played (and smashed!) by Pete Townshend. The first limited edition signature guitar.

Redneck: Red painted 4003 with red painted fingerboard and black hardware/black trim.

Register: The rickresource.com register of guitars. Information on and pictures of thousands of guitars.

RIC

Rickenbacker International Corporation, the company founded by John Hall in 1984 to consolidate Rickenbacker’s previously separate manufacturing and distribution companies into a single corporate structure.

Rickenbuckers

A nickname sometimes used for HB1 humbucking pickups

Rickysounds Nut

A 12-string nut produced by UK dealer Rickysounds that increases the space between string pairs by narrowing the space between paired strings and moving the E strings closer to the edge of the fingerboard. Given Rickenbacker’s relatively narrow neck width, many players find these nuts make their guitars easier to play

Rick-O-Sound or ROS

Stereo wiring found on many deluxe models. Requires a stereo cord to be plugged into the guitar’s ROS output jack and sent to external splitter box, allowing the neck and bridge pickups to be sent through separate signal chains. Click HERE to learn more about Rick-O-Sound.

RM

The 370/12RM, a Signature Limited Edition model based on Roger McGuinn’s modified 370/12. May also refer to UK distributor Rose Morris. Click HERE to learn more about the Signature Limited Edition guitars.

Rose Morris

Rickenbacker’s UK distributor in the mid-1960’s. Semi-hollowbody Rose Morris models featured “f-hole” soundholes instead of slash/cat’s eye. Rose Morris models and their closest US equivalents are the 1995/315; 1996/325 (although the original 325 hads no soundhole); 1997/335; 1998/345; 1999/4001S. The 1993 had no US equivalent, the closest being a 330/12 with a bound body. Also referred to as RM and RoMo.

RRF

The Rickresource.com forum, one of the largest repositories of Rickenbacker Group information and discussion on the internet.

Serial Number or SN: Found stamped into either the output jack plate, the bridge plate, or neck plate (depending on model). Can be used to determine the year/month produced for guitars made after 1960.

Set Neck: Cheaper to produce than a through body neck, the neck on a set neck guitar is glued to the body. Found on most Electro/Ryder guitars, and 70s-80s 4000 basses.

SF: Slanted Frets. Offered as an option on semi-hollowbody guitars from 1970-71 and on the 481 from 1974-1979, frets (and nut and bridge) slant down slightly from the high E to low E string. NOT fanned, scale length is the same on each string. Designed to make chording easier. Did not catch on.

SG: Sea Green, the 2000 Color of the Year finish. Click HERE to learn more about the Color of the Year program.

SH: The 350SH, a limited edition signature guitar designed by/for Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles.

Shadow: limited run model 4003 in mid-‘80s ordered by Guitar Center; Jetglo with BH/BT, checkered body binding; and black dot position markers

Short-Scale Guitars: Models 320/325, 900/950, 1000, and ES-16 feature a 20 3/4” scale, as compared to the 24 3/4” scale found on most other Rickenbackers. Also referred to as 3/4 scale guitars (which is mathematically incorrect!).

Signature Limited Edition: A limited edition model either inspired by a model/specific guitar closely associated with a particular artist or designed by/for that artist. Usually features the artist’s signature on the pickguard and a COA.

Silver-Top Knobs: Black plastic control knobs with 7 prominent coved ribs, a flared skirt, and flat top with a silver disc and white indicator dot on top. Specific control is printed on silver disc (Bass Volume, Treble Tone, etc). Used on most guitars from the mid 60’s-mid 2020. Blend knob is smaller and unlabeled.

Skunk stripe: Shedua or Walnut center strip found on 3 piece bass necks (circa 1971-1985 basses and 2022-present basses)

S Models: Domestic versions of export style Rickenbackers typically made from surplus stock after Rose Morris batches had shipped. 335S, 330S/12, 360S/12, 4001S etc.

SPC: Special. A model with special features (custom color, binding, extra pickup, etc) usually sometimes produced for a specific dealer. Has also been interpreted to mean “special pickup option”, such as what appears as a 1998 Rose Morris reissue (three pickups) is classified by RIC as a 1997 SPC.

Slotted Headstock: By routing two vertical slots into the headstock, a second set of tuners can be installed sideways, allowing 12-string Rickenbacker headstocks to be much shorter than most. Starting in 2005, these slots went through the headstock for non-reissue models.

Standard Models: Standard models features (usually) include dot inlays, no binding, and mono wiring. “Deluxe” models features (usually) include triangle inlays, body and/or soundhole binding, and stereo wiring.

Tail Lift: Over time, string tension can pull the tail of a bass bridge up and away from the body. Most common on 70’s-mid 80’s basses, but all bass guitars with the post 1973 zinc bridge are susceptible. Click HERE to learn more about tail lift.

Toaster Pickups: Vintage style single coil pickups that look like the top of a toaster.

Through body neck: most solidbody Rickenbackers are made with a neck that runs all the way from the headstock to the tail of the guitar, with wings glued onto either side to create the body.

TP: The 660/12TP, a limited edition signature guitar loosely inspired by the 1963 620/12 featured on the cover of “Damn The Torpedos” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. That guitar actually belongs to Heartbreaker Mike Campbell. Issued with checkered body binding and gold pickguards In FG and JG.

Transitional: Guitars made circa 1971-74 that have both vintage and modern spec elements.

TRC: Truss rod cover. Backpainted plexiglass on vintage and reissue guitars, injection molded with raised letters on modern guitars.

Tulip: Early solidbody guitars featured oddly shaped cutaways that gave the body a tulip-shaped silhouette. Tulip models include the Combo 400/450, 900/950, and 1000. Over time the cutaways of the 1000 and 450 tulips changed, with one interim style now referred to as a “half-tulip”.

Tuxedo: White painted guitar (360/4003) with white painted fingerboard and black hardware/black trim.

Vintage: In general, 1973 and earlier instruments, built before significant spec changes ended.

Vintage Knobs: Black plastic control knobs with 7 prominent coved ribs, a flared skirt, and a slightly domed top with a white indicator line on top. Used on many vintage guitars, most reissues, and on all production since 2021.

Vintage reissue guitars: modern guitars designed to mimic vintage models. The B-Series (circa 1982) was followed by the V-Series (circa 1985), which was followed by the current C-Series (circa 2005). Each subsequent series has been more accurate than the one it replaced. Model numbers in the V and C series end in VXX or CXX, where XX (sometimes loosely!) represents the model year being replicated (ie, the 360/12C63 is copy of the 1963 360/12).

Vintage specifications: model-appropriate vintage specs may include 21 fret necks, toaster pickups, crushed pearl inlays, neck pickup location, checkerboard binding, thinner top thickness, internal “x” bracing

VB: Factory installed Accent style vibrato on non-reissue guitars

VP: Vintage pickups, ie factory installed toaster pickups on non-reissue guitars.

V-Series: the second reissue series (circa 1985) and the first serious attempt to recreate vintage specifications.

WAL: Walnut finish, NOT wood. 70s WAL and AG are often confused with each other. WAL was gloss and AG was satin.

WB: With Binding (also known as WBBS, With Binding Both Sides). Post 1971 non-reissue 360-type guitars with a flat 330-style top and bound edges. Pre 1971 guitars with these features are referred to as OS. Also can refer to 4005 basses with a flat and bound top. Click HERE to learn more about WB and OS guitars.

W-Series. 330/360/4003 style guitars with bodies made of walnut instead of maple.

Winfield: Winfield Vintage, a manufacturer of many reproduct