The story of Rickenbacker is a nostalgic illustration of the vibrant spirit that permeated musical circles during the post WWII era. With a burning desire to create, inspire and improve, Rickenbacker was the result of collaboration, innovation and determination. Rickenbacker was born of passion and desire for a more pervasive instrument.
Rickenbacker International Corporation was established in 1931 by entertainer and guitarist, George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker. Formed as a means to market, manufacture and sell the newly designed A-25 Hawaiian guitar, Rickenbacker was the first company in the world to produce electric guitars as they are known today. With string-driven electro-magnetic pickups, the A-25 was the first of its kind.
After moving from Texas to Los Angeles in the early 1920s, Beauchamp quickly became immersed in the vibrant musical culture that would come to symbolize Southern California. Shortly after his arrival in LA, he began to seek out a ways to enhance the performance capacity of the contemporary pre-electric guitars of the time.
Beauchamp collaborated with inventor and violinist, John Dopyera to create a prototype. After a short period of trial and error, the team brought forth a design consisting of three conical aluminum resonators attached to the bridge of the guitar. Excited about the new design and very pleased with the performance, Beauchamp quickly sought out investors to fund production.
Adolph Rickenbacher was a well respected production engineer, machinist and owner of Rickenbacker Manufacturing Corporation. Beauchamp and Rickenbacker converged when George was searching for a means of production for the newly designed tri-cone, solid metal body, electric guitar.
Adolph Rickenbacker sold the company in 1953 to F.C. Hall, a prominent player in the Southern California music business. With the winds of change, the modern Rickenbacker era was ushered in. In a move to modernize current Rickenbacker lines, Hall introduced the Combo 600 and 800 guitars. Six string Capri models introduced in 1958 are one of the most widely known
In the early 1960s, John Lennon picked up a Model 325 with Kaufman vibrato. Throughout the early years of Beatles history, Lennon is said to have owned at least four Rickenbacker models, earning the company a place in the biggest music revolution the world had ever seen.
Currently, the company continues to introduce new designs, as well as pay tribute to the classic designs used by the Beatles. Limited edition signature models have been released, with much success, celebrating the talent of music legends such as Tom Petty, Roger McGuinn and Carl Wilson. Thom Yorke, Rick Springfield and Joe Walsh are among the top performers of today that include Rickenbacker in their medley of guitars. From the early days of the post World War II era to present day, Rickenbacker guitars continue to embody quality craftsmanship and inspirational performance. Musicians of all skill levels can find inspiration in the rich history of Rickenbacker.
Keep Rockin’!!!
Rickenbacker by Duodenum Rex taken on July 13, 2010
