360/12 vs. 360/12c63?

Vintage, Modern, V & C Series, Signature & Special Editions

Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4

Post Reply
mhedge
New member
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2018 12:04 pm

360/12 vs. 360/12c63?

Post by mhedge »

Hello, I'm about ready to accomplish a life-long dream of mine and purchase my first Rick 12. I'm caught between the standard 360/12 and 360/12c63. Anyone here played both and can offer their opinion on comparison? I'm drawn to the 12c63 of the pickups, and also being a huge George Harrison fan. That trapeze tailpiece is also great stuff. But also wonder if the 360/12 has modern improvements, superior in playability to the 12c63.

I know I'm getting a quality instrument either way, but wondering if anyone else has an opinion. Thank you!
User avatar
jdogric12
Rick-a-holic
Posts: 10853
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 6:00 am

Re: 360/12 vs. 360/12c63?

Post by jdogric12 »

Welcome Matt and congrats in advance. The standard 360 was changed from 21 to 24 frets in the 70's to be more modern, and resulted in a more stable neck at that time. A modern reissue will be stable no matter how many frets it has. The hi gains, I've found, are more midrangey and sit better in a band mix. Toasters do fine too but may need compression for the punch you might need competing with a drum kit. Do you need stereo out? Do you want double bound or the beveled edge?
User avatar
8mileshigher
Senior Member
Posts: 4871
Joined: Tue May 23, 2006 12:34 pm

360/12 vs. 360/12c63?

Post by 8mileshigher »

Hi Matt - It depends if you prefer the Double Bound Body and pointed horn style of the C63 or the Rounded over, softer horns "New Style" of the standard 360-12. The C63 has the 8) vintage Toaster Pickups with Alnico magnets and the 360-12 comes with the High Gain Ceramic Magnet style pickups. So your Toasters are going to give you more "Jangle" than the High Gains. The 360-12 has the R Tailpiece and the C63 has the Trapeze tailpiece .... there are folks who prefer one over the other. The C63 has the 7 1/4 inch radius freeboard with 21 frets and the 360-12 has the standard 10" crown radius with 24 frets. The 360-12 has both Mono and Rick-o-sound Stereo output jacks while the C63 has the Dual Mono Output jacks. The C63 models have Cross Braced tops which many feel gives nicer tone than standard 360-12 CNC machine routed top piece.

With the 21 frets, Toasters and Cross Bracing, your C63 will likely have more "vintage" sound then your standard New Style 360-12. And nothing beats the 8) look of a Double Bound Rickenbacker ! Its going to come down to a matter of your preferences.

And to confuse the options even more -- there is the wider neck 1993+ 12 string, Double Bound model as a consideration .... choice, choices ! :)
mhedge
New member
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2018 12:04 pm

Re: 360/12 vs. 360/12c63?

Post by mhedge »

Thanks! Very helpful. I'm leaning towards a double-bound, and have no real need for stereo output too. The more I look at it, the closer I get to the 12c63

But the 1993+ is a good rec, and quite honestly I had forgotten about. Early on I was a bit distracted by the middle pickup, I.e. Thinking I would hit it with my pick but I think I could practice that away. The neck width is appealing there too. You're right about options! The plot thickens... :D
mhedge
New member
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2018 12:04 pm

Re: 360/12 vs. 360/12c63?

Post by mhedge »

Ok, so after more deliberation and even playing them, I went with the 1993 Plus! The wider neck just really sealed the deal at the end of the day and I like the sound with that 3rd middle pickup.

I got one brand new and haven't put it down yet. It needs a setup as I'm getting some buzzing on the low E/A strings but other than that, looks and plays great. I'll wait until the strings get a little older and get it setup, probably replacing with the Winfield TOM bridge too. Thanks for the help and recommendations.
Post Reply

Return to “Rickenbacker Guitars: by John Simmons”