Vintage Cool with Modern Mojo
There are guitars that play well… and then there are guitars that look like they’ve already lived a few stories.
Enter Rapier Guitars — born in Britain in the early 1960s, reborn for today’s players.
Back in the day, Rapier was the go-to brand for young musicians chasing that electric dream. Designed by Alan Entwistle, these instruments were the sound of the UK’s homegrown rock ‘n’ roll scene — affordable, stylish, and absolutely dripping with cool. From bedroom jams to smoky stages, Rapiers gave working musicians the power to plug in and play loud.
Now, they’re back — redesigned by Entwistle himself — and better than ever. The same retro soul, but rebuilt with modern reliability, upgraded electronics, and killer tone. And yes, they’ve just arrived at Musicmaker Dublin.
This is not nostalgia — it’s resurrection.
Check out our current stock of Rapier Guitars and Basses Here.
Rapier Saffire Electric Guitar – Vintage Soul, Modern Bite
Available in Sunburst and Vintage White, the Rapier Saffire is the perfect fusion of classic 60s style and modern playability.
It sports that unmistakable offset double-cutaway design, slim C-profile neck, and a trio of Alan Entwistle single-coil pickups that deliver everything from crisp cleans to gritty British bark. The upgraded five-way selector and mid-cut control let you sculpt your tone with surprising depth — think jangly Merseybeat sparkle to raunchy garage grind.
It feels vintage, but it’s built for the modern stage — smooth, reliable, and ridiculously fun to play.
- Perfect for: Indie jangle, retro rock, and anyone who believes tone should come with swagger.
Drop in to Musicmaker to check out the Rapier Saffire Electric Guitar today.
Rapier Saffire Ultra Electric Guitar – Greenburst Glory
If the standard Saffire is the revival, the Saffire Ultra is the evolution.
Finished in a hypnotic Greenburst, it takes the original Saffire’s vintage aesthetic and pushes it into boutique territory. The Ultra features upgraded hardware, smoother frets, and a set of Entwistle HDN pickups — hotter, clearer, and even more dynamic.
That signature roller bridge and trem system give you silky vibrato control, while the body contouring keeps it comfortable for long gigs and sessions.
This is the Saffire refined — still retro, but with the muscle to handle any modern rig.
It's just cool. The Rapier Saffire Ultra.
Rapier Saffire Bass Guitar – The Groove Machine Returns
The low-end legend is back — and it’s a stunner.
The Rapier Saffire Bass brings all that old-school British charm to the rhythm section, available in Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, and Arctic White.
Loaded with a pair of Entwistle EWR64 pickups, this short-scale beauty delivers tight punch, deep thump, and smooth mids — the perfect balance for pop, rock, and Motown-style grooves.
The slim neck feels effortless, the hardware is rock-solid, and the tone? Equal parts vintage warmth and modern authority.
Pro tip: Pair it with flatwounds for that buttery 60s tone, or keep roundwounds for crisp modern funk. Either way — serious groove.
The Red one is the fastest Bass Guitar.
Rapier Saffire 12-String Electric Guitar – Chime Heaven
Few things sound as glorious as a well-made 12-string — and this one absolutely sings.
The Rapier Saffire 12-String Electric Guitar in Vintage White takes the iconic Saffire design and doubles the strings for pure, shimmering bliss.
Each note rings like a bell, the overtones shimmer forever, and the Entwistle pickups give every chord depth and clarity without getting muddy.
It’s perfect for jangly pop, cinematic textures, or simply making your rhythm parts sound massive.
- Fun fact: Early British Invasion bands leaned hard on that 12-string sound — and the Saffire brings it right back to life, better than ever.
More strings = more fun. Check out the Saffire 12-String in Musicmaker.
Rapier Mercury Electric Guitar – The Dark Horse
The Rapier Mercury is the moody, muscular sibling of the Saffire — sleek, punchy, and built for players who want bite and authority.
Available in Gloss Black, Greenburst, and Mahogany, it swaps out the Saffire’s triple single-coil setup for a more direct, powerful voice. The pickups are tuned for growl and sustain, while the solid construction gives it resonance for days.
It’s fast, fierce, and effortlessly cool — a modern rock machine dressed in vintage threads.
- Perfect for: Blues-rock, grunge, alt-rock, or anyone who likes their tone with teeth.
Classic cool for the modern world. The Rapier Mercury.
Why Rapier Guitars Deserve Your Attention
These aren’t museum pieces — they’re fully gig-ready instruments with heritage built into every curve. Designed in the UK by the same mind behind the originals, the new Rapier lineup nails that 1960s British energy while fixing all the quirks that made the old ones temperamental.
- Classic styling, modern playability
- Hand-wired Entwistle pickups
- Vintage colours that absolutely pop
- Affordable, professional-grade tone
Rapier Guitars are living proof that cool never dies — it just gets better tuners and hotter pickups.
Rapier Guitars FAQ
Are Rapier Guitars the same as the ones from the 1960s?
They’re faithful modern reissues designed by the same man who helped define the originals — Alan Entwistle. The spirit’s identical, but the build quality, electronics, and reliability are miles ahead of those early models.
Who is Alan Entwistle?
A British guitar designer and electronics wizard, Entwistle has been improving classic designs for decades. His pickups are known worldwide for clarity and punch — and his Rapier rebuilds are a labour of love for the instruments that inspired a generation.
Where are Rapier Guitars made today?
They’re designed in the UK and built using high-quality modern manufacturing to exacting Entwistle specs. Every guitar is set up for comfort, playability, and that signature British tone — ready to gig straight out of the box.
What makes the new Rapiers special?
Each model combines vintage looks with modern reliability:
- Entwistle pickups for warm, articulate sound.
- Updated bridges and hardware for tuning stability.
- Slim, comfortable necks that suit modern players.
- Retro finishes that look straight out of the 60s.
Which Rapier model should I start with?
If you love jangly, classic tones — go for the Saffire.
If you want something hotter and more modern — try the Saffire Ultra.
Bass players will adore the Saffire Bass, and for that timeless shimmer, nothing beats the 12-String Saffire. The Mercury? That’s your rock ‘n’ roll secret weapon.
Are Rapier Guitars good value?
Massively. You’re getting boutique-level tone and build for a fraction of the cost of other heritage-inspired models. They look and sound like vintage treasures but play like brand-new performance machines
Can I try Rapier Guitars in person?
Absolutely. The Rapier range — from the Saffire to the Mercury — is available in-store at Musicmaker Dublin. Our team will set you up, plug you in, and help you find the one that fits your style.
Find Your Rapier at Musicmaker Dublin
Whether you’re a vintage tone chaser, a modern indie player, or just someone who appreciates guitars with real character, you need to try these.
All these Rapier models are now in stock at Musicmaker Dublin, ready to play in-store or ship nationwide.
Come feel the necks, crank the amps, and hear why these British beauties are turning heads all over again.
