Rickenbacker 1982 481S Slant Fret - Fireglo with Hard Shell Case

The Rickenbacker 1982 481S: A Rare Solid-Body Classic with Iconic Style

A Unique Entry in the Rickenbacker Legacy

The Rickenbacker 481S is a standout from the brand's historic 400 series, designed to offer premium craftsmanship at a more accessible price point. While never as widely recognized as the 300 series, these solid-body models retained Rickenbacker's signature build quality, tone, and distinctive styling. Produced from the late 1950s through the mid-1980s, the 481S features the cresting wave body design, making it an unmistakable addition to any collection.

Premium Maple Construction with Fireglo Finish

Built with a solid maple body and neck, the 1982 Rickenbacker 481S is designed for resonance, sustain, and durability. The classic Fireglo nitrocellulose finish enhances the grain of the maple, giving the guitar its unmistakable Rickenbacker aesthetic. While there are minor dings and signs of wear, including a missing finish area near the endpin, the guitar retains its original vintage charm.

Comfortable Playability with a Compound Radius

The deep C-profile maple neck provides a substantial yet playable feel, complemented by a rosewood fingerboard with faux mother-of-pearl shark fin inlays. The compound radius (32"-39"), as confirmed by a Plek scan, ensures a smooth transition from chording to lead playing, making it ideal for players who demand precision.

Original Rickenbacker Pickups for Iconic Tone

Equipped with its original Rickenbacker pickups, this 481S delivers chiming cleans, rich mids, and punchy overdrive tones that cut through any mix. The three-way pickup selector and two-way mini toggle (suspected phase switch) provide a variety of tonal options, while the individual volume and tone controls for each pickup allow for further fine-tuning.

Vintage Hardware and Original Electronics

This guitar retains all-original chrome hardware, including the original bridge (with one non-matching height screw) and chrome Grover tuners (patent pending). The CTS potentiometers date back to 1979, confirming the authenticity of this early-'80s model.

A Collector's Gem with Original Appointments

With its original white plastic pickguard, classic Rickenbacker branding, and vintage wear that adds to its character, this 1982 481S is a rare and valuable piece of Rickenbacker history. Whether you're a collector, player, or enthusiast, this guitar offers a unique blend of style, tone, and craftsmanship that is increasingly difficult to find.

Specifications

• Make: Rickenbacker
• Model: 481S
• Year: 1982
• Body Material: Maple
• Neck Material: Maple
• Neck Profile: Deep C
• Neck Attachment: Bolt-On
• Neck Depth:
  • 1st Fret: 0.909"
  • 10th Fret: 0.926"
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: Very Flat (32" - 39" compound radius)
• Number of Frets: 24
• Fret Crown Height: 0.041"
• Fret Crown Width: 0.075"
• Fretwear: Minimal wear in first position
• Inlays: Rounded Shark Fin (Faux Mother-of-Pearl)
• Nut Material: Black Synthetic
• Nut Width: 1.655"

Electronics

• Pickups: Original Rickenbacker Neck & Bridge Pickups
• Controls:
  • 3-Way Pickup Selector
  • 2-Way Mini Toggle (Phase Switch)
  • Individual Volume & Tone for Each Pickup
• Potentiometers: Original CTS Mini Pots (Dated 1979, Stamped "137792X")

Hardware

• Bridge: Original Chrome Bridge (One Non-Matching Height Screw)
• Tuning Machines: Chrome Grover Tuners (Patent Pending)
• Pickguard: Original White Plastic
• Finish: Nitrocellulose Fireglo

Condition Notes

• Minor dings on the body, headstock, and neck
• Larger (1" x 0.75") area of missing finish near endpin
• Some missing finish under the neck plate
• Overall structurally sound with original electronics and hardware

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This guitar is in very good condition and has undergone a full in-store professional inspection and setup. The neck is nice and straight, fits comfortably in the hand and exhibits only light-moderate fretwear. Cosmetically, there is a heavy amount of all-over wear to the finish at the top, back and sides of the body and to the neck, headstock, fingerboard, hardware and pickguard, and the bridge cover is missing all of which can be seen in photos. Original hard shell case is included (with one broken buckle).

This guitar ships fully insured with signature required

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