FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Rickenbacker 12 String

Question:
I am Interested in reading others' opinions about Rickenbacker 12-string guitars.

Answer:
No, just the opposite. IMHO, from a quality standpoint, unlike many (most?) other things, a Rick made today is every bit as good as an old one. They are still made in the USA, largely by hand, with much attention to detail. In fact the new ones are probably slightly better than the old ones - some improvements have been made in the double truss rod neck system that make for a stronger and more stable neck - an especially important improvement given all the tension created by the 12 strings True vintage 360/12's (from the mid/late '60's) seem to be typically adveritsed in the $1,200-$2,200 range - more if they're particularly unique. Used 370/12/RM's (the Roger McGuinn sig. model) seem to go for about $2,000+, when and if they can be found (they differ from stock 370/12's in that they were a limited production model - I think only 1000 of them were made in the late '80's - signed by RM and have special compressions circuitry built-in). New 360/12's seem to go for about $1,000-$1,200 (and list about $200-$300 higher). New 370/12's are about $100 more than comparable 360/12's - but they're hard to find - I had to factory-order mine. Used 360'12's seem to be advertised for about $200-$300 less than new. Used 370/12's (other than the occasional RM model) seem to be almost unheard of. These prices are just approximations - mileage may vary Personally, I like the 370/12 best of all (they have a third pickup and a slightly differently shaped upper pickguard - although, frankly, the difference between a 370/12 and the 360/12 is largely one of subtile aesthetics). A 370/12 is what I bought, new. None were available anywhewre in stock configured as I wanted it, so I had to factory-order and wait. It was 9 months from placing the order 'till delivery, but well worth the wait. If you get a Rickenbacker 12-string , make sure you have the 12 saddle bridge installed. This an approx $75 part available from Rickenbacker. It is essentially a direct swap-out replacement for the stock 6 saddle (2 strings per saddle) 12-string bridge. With the stock 6 saddle bridge it is almost impossible for the intonnation to be properly set. With the 12 saddle bridge, it is still tough to set properly, but at least it is possible. Rickenbacker will not install the 12 saddle bridge - they'll just sell you the part & you'll have to have the dealer do the work (or do it yourself). Some people find the Rickenbacker neck too narrow, especially for a 12-string. It is very narrow. However, I happen to like it - but then, I have very small hands. Make sure you try one out first!