This 1965 Rickenbacker 425 in Fireglo is a clean example of Rickenbacker’s single-pickup solidbody from the “Combo” series. Originally introduced in 1958, the 425 was a simplified, compact model built to the same standard as Rickenbacker’s higher-end guitars. By 1965, it featured a maple body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, and the distinctive cresting-wave body outline that later influenced the company’s 600-series designs.

The 425 gained wider attention when George Harrison bought one in Illinois in 1963. His guitar, a 1962 model, was refinished in black and used in early Beatles performances and recordings, giving the 425 an enduring association with that era.

This example weighs 3000g and is all original apart from a refret, which makes it play great. Pots are dated 1965, and there are no cracks or structural repairs. The neck is the typical slim Rickenbacker neck profile. Electronics are original, including the and single “toaster top” pickup. The “Boyd” trem system is missing internal parts and therefore functions only as a bridge, it does not work as a trem.

The guitar has mild finish checking and otherwise wear consistent with age.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: Rickenbacker 425
• Year: 1965
• Body type: Solidbody, cresting-wave outline
• Body wood: Maple
• Neck construction: Set neck
• Neck wood: Maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Dots
• Scale length: 24 ¾”
• Truss rods: Dual
• Pickup: Single Rickenbacker “toaster top” single-coil
• Controls: Master volume, master tone, tone-preset push button
• Output: ¼” mono jack
• Bridge: Adjustable Rickenbacker bridge
• Vibrato/tailpiece: Boyd vibrato unit, trem arm missing
• Pickguard: Large white single-ply
• Finish: Fireglo
• Tuners: Vintage-style open-gear with cream buttons
• Weight: 3000g
• Condition: Refretted, trem arm missing, no cracks or breaks, otherwise original