The stunning new generation Rapier 33 is a product design from Alan Entwistle, the UK genius guitar designer responsible for a host of successful guitar lines and accessories.
The original Rapier 33, instantly recognisable with its forward slanted middle pickup, was the solid bodied electric that played a major role in the industry of British guitars. This legendary guitar served countless up and coming 60’s British Beat groups and helped launch the careers of many guitarists in the 60's and 70's.
Whilst Entwistle has successfully retained all the glorious charms and visual characteristics of the original ‘legendary’ Rapier 33, significant and meticulous attention has been made within hardware upgrades, construction and playability for this fabulous new model.
Selected specifically for its natural sonic characteristics, Okoume, from Central Africa, is the chosen tonewood for the body, whilst for speed, comfort and accuracy, the 4-bolt, soft ‘C’ profiled neck with fully adjustable truss rod, is now crafted from hard rock Canadian maple, with a 12in radius rosewood fingerboard, fitted with 23 medium jumbo frets (including zero fret).
For accurate intonation, tuning stability and perfect return to pitch from the original vibrato design, the exciting new Rapier 33 now features a smooth, friction-free, precision cut 43mm nut, Wilkinson machine heads and high spec’d roller bridge.
With a 3 ply scratchplate, immaculate 3 Tone Sunburst finish and new Rapier headstock logo, this guitar does indeed look visually very impressive. Stunning looks aside, modern upgrades also include pickups, internal wiring and controls which have all experienced Entwistle’s magical touch.
A trio of Entwistle low noise EWR64 mini-humbucker pickups, with exceptional tonal response, balanced output and clarity are now installed and, when used in conjunction with the ‘Bass Cut’ switch, delivers that classic and much-loved 60’s jangle.
“Both Volume and Tone controls are wired with 500k pots, linear and log respectively,” says Alan “And, with jazz and blues players in mind, the Tone control includes a 0.015 mfd cap which retains clarity when wound back, whilst also delivering that classic, rich response when played with overdrive or distortion.”
The original Rhythm/Solo toggle switch has been rewired as a 3 way pickup selector accessing neck, neck/bridge and bridge units. With the middle pickup now introduced via the second slide switch, 7 pickup permutations are available for an extremely versatile guitar.
Now with upgraded hardware, exceptional playability and performance, the new generation Rapier 33, will not only evoke nostalgic memories for old-school players and collectors, it’s also the professional choice for Britains new young talent.
Gear News talks to Alan Entwhistle about the new generation Rapier 33 HERE.
Rapier 33 Features
Body:
Original double-cutaway solid body featuring Okoume, a central African tonewood chosen specifically for its warmth, depth and high-end clarity.
Vibrato:
Original Rapier Hi Lo design smooth action vibrato system, with chrome finish.
Pickups:
3 Alan Entwistle low-noise EWR64 mini-humbucker pickups, delivering exceptional tonal response, balance output and clarity.
Controls:
Two Volume Controls and a Tone control. 3-way pickup selector switch. 2 slide switches: Middle pickup selector and bass
Machine heads:
6-inline Wilkinson WJN-05 machine heads provide simple, effective action for maximum tuning stability.
Neck:
4 bolt hard rock Canadian maple with soft ‘C’ profile for instant comfort, speed, accuracy and great feel. Fully adjustable truss rod,
Fingerboard:
12" radius rosewood fingerboard, fitted with 23 medium jumbo frets (including zero fret).
Scale Length:
25.5" / 648 mm.
Frets:
23 - including zero fret. Medium profile for added comfort, accuracy and an overall positive feel.
Nut:
Precision cut, friction-free 43mm nut.
Headstock:
Classic design with new generation Rapier logo.
The Rapier™ 33 is a collaboration between Alan Entwhistle and JHS.
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Online Orders – 14-Day Returns (Distance Selling Regulations)
Customers who make a purchase online or via distance selling are entitled to return an item within 14 days of receipt, in accordance with the Consumer Contracts Regulations. Items must be in unused condition and returned with all original packaging and documentation.
- Refunds will be issued to the original payment method once the item has been inspected and confirmed to be in resalable condition.
- Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer unless the item is faulty or supplied in error.
In-Store Purchases
Items purchased in-store are not eligible for a refund. However, we do offer exchange or a store credit (gift card) for in-store purchases returned within 14 days, provided they are in their original condition with proof of purchase.
Exclusions
Please note that custom orders, modified items, B-stock, clearance items, and goods obtained through part exchange are non-refundable, unless faulty.
Partial Refunds
There are certain situations where only partial refunds may be granted, at our discretion. These include, but are not limited to:
- Guitars returned with protective plastic film removed from pickguards or pickups.
- Items showing signs of use or handling.
- Missing or damaged original packaging, tags, or accessories.
All returns are inspected upon receipt. If a return does not meet the conditions above, we reserve the right to refuse it or issue a partial refund.
New Items — 12-Month Warranty
All new products sold by Guitar Warehouse are covered by a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty, in line with UK consumer law.
This warranty covers manufacturing defects and faults that occur under normal use. In the event of an issue, we will assist with the warranty process and liaise with the manufacturer or authorised service centre where required.
This warranty does not cover:
- Normal wear and tear
- Damage caused by misuse, neglect, accident, or unauthorised repair/modification
- Consumable items (such as strings, valves, batteries, etc.)
Pre-Owned Items — 3-Month Warranty
All pre-owned items are supplied with a 3-month Guitar Warehouse warranty.
This covers faults that arise from normal use and were not apparent at the time of sale. All pre-owned instruments and equipment are checked, tested, and set up prior to sale to ensure they are fully functional.
This warranty does not cover:
- Cosmetic wear consistent with age or prior use
- Damage caused by misuse, neglect, accident, or unauthorised repair/modification
- Consumable items (strings, valves, batteries, etc.)
Important Notes
- Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims.
- Warranty claims must be reported as soon as a fault is identified.
- Warranty is non-transferable and applies to the original purchaser only.
- Your statutory rights under UK consumer law are not affected.
For warranty claims on distance sales, customers are responsible for safely returning the item to us for inspection. Where a valid warranty fault is confirmed, we will cover the cost of returning the item to the customer.
If you have any questions about warranty coverage, please contact us — we’re always happy to help.
