Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello, I just tried out a 1966 Rickenbacker 360 12 string. I was wondering, do modern 12 strings have a wider neck? I know the 1993 + has a wider neck. I was also wondering, is there any difference between a modern 330 and a modern 360 as far as neck width? Thanks

Neck width, or the profile (thickness)?

I believe the nut width is the same - or nearly identical - but the actual profile has changed many, many times over the years. Actually it's more consistent over the past decade (?) or so since CNC machines were introduced for cutting the initial neck blanks. Prior to that, it really came down to the year, or even batch of guitars produced since they were shaped by hand.

In general, the profile of the modern 330 neck is a bit larger than 60s era guitars, depending on the exact year.

Thanks for the reply, I meant the nut width. I actually learned guitar on a 6 string 90’s era 330 which was my only electric for a very long time. I sold it in 2008 and don’t remember it being that slim. I really want a 12 string but the one I tried today was so slim. The guitar store owner said that the truss rod needed to be adjusted and it would be easier to play once that was done. I think I could probably get used to it, but might wait out a 1993 model.

Ah, I see. Yeah the nut width has been fairly standard at 1 5/8" for a very long time. I'm sure there are really minute variations, but that's the normal spec. Same as most Fender guitars.

If you like a wider nut width for 12-strings, check out a 660/12 or a 1993 Plus - both are specifically designed to offer a wider neck.

Alternately, there's a lot that can be done with setting up a standard guitar and spacing the strings are far apart as possible on a normal nut so it uses up all the available real estate and feels wider.

I think in the 2000's they widened the string spacing on 360/12's to match 330/12's. Previously, 360/12 string spacing was fit inside the binding, so they stretched it out just a hair, pretending the binding was just an extension of the wood, so it would match the 330/12 width.