The Rickenbacker International Corporation (RIC) grew out of the first company founded for the sole purpose of creating and manufacturing fully electric musical instruments and amplifiers-the Los Angeles-based Electro String Instrument Corporation.

The Beatles used several Rickenbacker models in the early years. Before the group broke up, John Lennon would own at least four.

Roger McGuinn bought a Rickenbacker 360/12 after seeing the movie "A Hard Day's Night"-literally made the bell-like quality of its tone the foundation of the Byrds' early style.

Bands such as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and R.E.M. use Rickenbacker 6- and 12-string guitars.