The stunning new generation Rapier 22 is a product design from Alan Entwistle, the UK genius guitar designer responsible for a host of successful guitar lines and accessories.
The original double pickup 22, hails from the Rapier Series of electric guitars 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 22, 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 22 now features a smooth, friction-free, precision cut 43mm nut, Wilkinson machine heads and high spec’d roller bridge.
Available in an immaculate Fiesta Red, 3 Tone Sunburst, Daphne Blue and Arctic White, offset with a 3-ply scratchplate, and new Rapier headstock logo, the Rapier 22, is stylish in every sense of the word.
Stunning looks aside, modern upgrades also include pickups, internal wiring and controls which have all experienced Entwistle’s magical touch.
A pair of Entwistle low noise EWR64 mini-double coil pickups, with exceptional tonal response, balanced output and clarity are now installed and, with the 3-position pickup selector switch wired for bridge - bridge+neck - neck positions, both pickups feature individual mini Bass-Cut switches which, along with separate volume controls and a global tone control, offer a host of versatile sounds including 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.”
Now with upgraded hardware, exceptional playability and performance, the new generation Rapier 22, will not only evoke nostalgic memories for old-school players and collectors, it’s also the professional choice for Britain’s new young talent.
Rapier 22 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: Alan Entwistle low-noise EWR64 mini-double coil pickups at the neck and bridge, delivering exceptional tonal response, balance output and clarity.
Controls: Two Volume Controls and a Tone control. 3-way pickup selector switch. 2 individual mini Bass-Cut slide switches for bridge and neck pickups.
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.
Scale Length: 25.5" / 648 mm.
Frets: 23 - including zero fret. Medium profile for added comfort, accuracy and an overall positive feel.
Top Nut: Precision cut, friction-free 43mm nut.
Headstock: Classic design with new generation Rapier logo.
The Rapier™ 22 is a collaboration between Alan Entwhistle and JHS.
