Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi, new here. I just picked up a 66 450/12. It has a very simple, I assume stock, floating bridge. I say simple meaning no moving parts, though it does look carefully engineered. I'm wondering if a tunematic bridge might help with resonance and sustain. Anyone have thoughts on this? Probably will rarely string it as a 12, more often will be playing it as a 6 string, doing 70's hard rock kind of stuff. Inspired to get this by Fred 'Sonic' Smith!

One word:
NO!

NO!!.....but you may be able to swap it out for the current 6 or 12 saddle RIC bridge.

I agree with the "No" votes above.

The trick on getting the intonation right involves angling the bridge and moving it with the pick guard loosened in case the bridge has to move farther forward than the cut-out allows. I am able to intonate my 1981 460 BG and my 1999 450v63 JG with no problem.
FWIW, the model 430 used a similar bridge plate/tail piece, but the casting had dimples for the "4-post" Rickenbacker bridge that was factory standard on that model.
Winfield Vintage makes a replacement version of the latter style bridge plate/tail piece, so you could change yours out with that part and a standard RIC bridge which theoretically would give you more intonation control.

doctorwho wrote:I agree with the "No" votes above.

The trick on getting the intonation right involves angling the bridge and moving it with the pick guard loosened in case the bridge has to move farther forward than the cut-out allows. I am able to intonate my 1981 460 BG and my 1999 450v63 JG with no problem.

460bridge.JPG

FWIW, the model 430 used a similar bridge plate/tail piece, but the casting had dimples for the "4-post" Rickenbacker bridge that was factory standard on that model.

bridgecu.jpg

Winfield Vintage makes a replacement version of the latter style bridge plate/tail piece, so you could change yours out with that part and a standard RIC bridge which theoretically would give you more intonation control.

Also, make sure with the fixed bridge offsets, that you use a set of strings that has a wound third G string, like the RIC 12's set, or a D'Addario XL-115W 11-49, or the T-I set that is available from PotR.

Good point, Scott.

The strings on the 460 shown above are the D'Addario ECG24 Jazz Light Flat Wound Set (11-15-22w-30-40-50). I can't remember what strings are on the 450v63 ...

if 11's are too much tension... I use 10's, and just keep a stock of 18/20w's on hand to swap out. It's a shame, I throw away a lot of 17/18p's.

doctorwho wrote:Good point, Scott.

The strings on the 460 shown above are the D'Addario ECG24 Jazz Light Flat Wound Set (11-15-22w-30-40-50). I can't remember what strings are on the 450v63 ...

That'll work!

Hi Scott, I know this is a few years old now, I just came across your post!!! Did you ever sort out your bridge problem? I do know for a fact, that Sonic's had a TOM on his, he played with only 6 strings, & it was fine!!! A purist will say, NO!!! don't use one, but if you want it like Fred's, that's what he used. I have one on mine too, a 450/6. Do you have HB's in yours??? Take care.