450/12 Question

[sloop_john_b]

Hi guys - do 450/12s typically suffer from the same neck angle problems that the 21-fret 330 & 360 12-strings do?

Thanks!

[collin]

Not really and definitely not to the same degree as 300-models. A bad neck angle is (usually) the result of the neck set coming loose inside the neck pocket. Mostly due to a poor fitting pocket, plus the type of glue and the fact that people out heavy gauge strings on these things and exposed them to humid conditions.

It also doesn't help that there is no backwards angle on a a rickenbacker neck set (unlike a Gibson-type where the actual neck is set at an angle away from the body. A Rickenbacker neck is set flat, parallel to the body surface, so it doesn't take much movement to affect the playability and action.

The neck-through models (like the 450) do not have a neck pocket and don't suffer the angle issues nearly as often. I've seen a few that have pulled forward slightly, but not to the point where they were unplayable.

[antipodean]

Weren't there some set-neck 450s?

[jdogric12]

Collin's right. Any 450's I've touched have been awesome. Great players. Perfect for super-straight, super-low action. ALAPWOB as the kids say.

[sloop_john_b]

Thanks guys! Now to find one.

[collin]

Weren't there some set-neck 450s?

Possibly some 450s, but most of the set neck 400s were 425 models and specially Electro\Ryder models.

I don't think many (if any) 12-string 450 models were made. If so, they'd be subject to the same neck set issues as the hollow body guitars.

[collin]

Thanks guys! Now to find one.

Will keep an eye out! They're about the best deal going in 12-strings - especially vintage!

[redamber]

Thanks guys! Now to find one.

Like this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1965-Ri ... SwHnFVggUj

Or, on this side of the pond (cheaper, but neck repair may need fixed properly):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1965-RICKENBA ... SwZQxW6We6

[sloop_john_b]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1965-Ri ... SwHnFVggUj

Like that one, but half the price.

[chronictown]

Many 400-series guitars, including models 450/12 and 460, had set necks in 1966...not sure if they have the same issues as their 300-series cousins but Collin's right, they're probably just as much at risk.

Love these guitars! I had a '77 450/12 BG that was a wonderful player...would like to pick up another 450/12 some day. My choice for RIC's next reissue-that-never-was: a 460/12.

Good luck John!

[sloop_john_b]

My choice for RIC's next reissue-that-never-was: a 460/12.

Yes! I was thinking the same thing yesterday.

[jdogric12]

Step 1 - get 450/12
Step 2 - send to Larry Davis for binding/inlays/refin
Step 3 - post pics on RRF

[chronictown]

Step 1 - get 450/12
Step 2 - send to Larry Davis for binding/inlays/refin
Step 3 - post pics on RRF

I've often thought about that .

You'd need new body wings, or have a 460 to dismember as well, to get the necessary top binding. Unfortunately.

[jdogric12]

Step 1 - get 450/12
Step 2 - send to Larry Davis for binding/inlays/refin
Step 3 - post pics on RRF

I've often thought about that .

You'd need new body wings, or have a 460 to dismember as well, to get the necessary top binding. Unfortunately.

You and your damn facts.

[chronictown]

Yeah, sorry . Just imagine how I felt when I realized the conversion can't be easily done .