1975 Rickenbacker 480 Vintage Solidbody Guitar Fireglo, 100% Original w/ Case
$3,499.99
$3,499.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Up for sale, a 1975 Rickenbacker 480 in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. Easily among the more unique chapters of Rickenbacker history, the 480 was born from a desire to create a guitar with the same “Cresting Wave” body as the iconic 4001 bass. Produced from 1972 until its last full production run in 1981 (it stayed on the price list through 1984), and Rickenbacker’s best-selling six-string from 1973 through 1975, this 480 is a real frankenstein of an instrument with unique features including bolt-on neck construction, a slimmed-down version of the “Cresting Wave” headstock, Kluson Deluxe double-line tuners, 24 3/4“ scale length, and a flat, bound 24-fret rosewood fingerboard, loaded with a pair of “Hi-Gain” pickups.
This 480’s maple body and neck result in a certain treble clarity, roundness and chime, providing an ideal platform for the pickup pair. Even though these single coils were dubbed “Hi-Gain” by Rickenbacker, their relatively modest output allows for clear trebles and an overall smooth-yet-punchy quality, delivering quintessential Rickenbacker sparkle and jangle. This 480 weighs 7lbs 14oz, professionally set up here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Maple
-Shape: Chunky U, measuring .885” 1st fret, .905” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Rosewood, 24-fret, flat (zero radius), gloss-finished, dot inlay
-Frets: Medium, moderate wear on frets 1-4
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 5/8”
-Tuners: Kluson Deluxe double-line
Body Specs:
-Wood: Maple
-Pickups: “Hi-Gain” single coil x2
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, three-way pickup selector
-Harness: Untouched solder, CTS pots date to the 35th week of 1974
-Hardware: Six-saddle bridge with cover, “R” tailpiece
-Plastics: One-ply 4001-style pickguard, reflector knobs, “baton” switch tip
-Serialization: OG-prefix stamp on jack plate dates to July, 1975
The gloss Fireglo finish has light buckle worming across the back, one shallow chip on the inside edge of the bass-side cutaway on top, and various minor dings and finish scratches on the rest of the body. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth and clean.
A hardshell case is included.
This 480’s maple body and neck result in a certain treble clarity, roundness and chime, providing an ideal platform for the pickup pair. Even though these single coils were dubbed “Hi-Gain” by Rickenbacker, their relatively modest output allows for clear trebles and an overall smooth-yet-punchy quality, delivering quintessential Rickenbacker sparkle and jangle. This 480 weighs 7lbs 14oz, professionally set up here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Maple
-Shape: Chunky U, measuring .885” 1st fret, .905” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Rosewood, 24-fret, flat (zero radius), gloss-finished, dot inlay
-Frets: Medium, moderate wear on frets 1-4
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 5/8”
-Tuners: Kluson Deluxe double-line
Body Specs:
-Wood: Maple
-Pickups: “Hi-Gain” single coil x2
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, three-way pickup selector
-Harness: Untouched solder, CTS pots date to the 35th week of 1974
-Hardware: Six-saddle bridge with cover, “R” tailpiece
-Plastics: One-ply 4001-style pickguard, reflector knobs, “baton” switch tip
-Serialization: OG-prefix stamp on jack plate dates to July, 1975
The gloss Fireglo finish has light buckle worming across the back, one shallow chip on the inside edge of the bass-side cutaway on top, and various minor dings and finish scratches on the rest of the body. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth and clean.
A hardshell case is included.
