The Rickenbacker 331LS is a beautiful looking semi-hollow body guitar.
They produced this model in 6 & 12 string guitars and bass ones as well. With all the lighting effects on this puppy it’s no wonder they called it the “Lightshow Guitar”. It was only in production from 1970 – 1972 so you can see that this is not only a collector’s piece but a very rare bird indeed!
The latest price for a guitar of this ilk was $15,000.00 (US). Originally it cost around $599.00 (US).
The top of the guitar was created out of some semi opaque material. I guess it may look like a super ,full sized pick guard. The manufacturer placed lights (automotive style bayonet mounted bulbs) underneath the cover of it that lit up and changed colours. It definitely reminded me of some right out of psychedelic, progressive rock era. Only something like this could have come out way back in the early 1970’s. Spacemen and women, shields up!
It also came with this weird little silver box that you had to plug the guitar through. It is a fuse basically but I haven’t found out any more details on it.
The colours they used were Red, yellow or green and blue. When the player played certain notes a particular colour would light up! When a bass note was played the blue light would shine. If the guitarist played any mid-range note the yellow or green came on and when treble notes were hit Red lights appeared!
I’ve only played a Rickenbacker once in my life and it was an ok guitar to play, maybe the intonation was off a bit. Anyone out there that has or had a Rickenbacker out there? Better yet, if someone has this vintage guitar in their collection, is it still working?
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Keep on Jammin’
I’d love to get my hands on one of these. I love rickenbackers and that would be a sweet guitar to gig with. lots of fun!
I just love the look of this thing John! It would be a blast to use it live.
Keep on Jammin’
It’d be awesome to use at the opening of a set, similar style to in the vid. Only thing is surely the wow factor would wear off as soon as you use it on another track?
You’ve got a point there musical instruments! Still, it would be cool to just have one kickin’ around wouldn’t it?