Ordered my Comstock today!

[shrimer]

Thank goodness I have an actual Gibson 12-string guitar to play....

One of the main reasons I really wanted to consider a Rick was due to the (purported) neck geometry -- 1 and 11/16" at the nut. Nice a guitar as my Gibson is (and it is very nice in terms of tone, looks, size, comfort), the neck is a bit bulkier than I can comfortably manage.

However, the dealer and I have basically given up on the Rick 12 order now. Can't sell what you can't deliver.

Fred

[longhouse]

If it arrives and you still don't want it, let me know, Fred!
I am hopeful and anxious for the arrival of my Comstock, as anyone would be.
I've not had the pleasure of playing a Ric 12 acoustic. I'm sure it's great.
So many high-end 12 strings don't have any ...er... bottom. Taylors especially. All sparkle, no arse. With Ric's stranglehold on the world's perception of the 12-string sound, I hope their acoustic 12s live up to their reputation.
I'm sure they do.
Would be interesting if they strung them in the traditional Ric fashion too.
Cheers, Noel

[shrimer]

I have first right/refusal on it, but sure, Noel -- no worries!

I am confident the 12s will be as good in build quality as Rickenbackers generally are. The two six-string 700 models I played were clean and well-constructed, as far as I could tell.

I'm certain that John Hall wants any product with the Rickenbacker name on it to be worthy of that name. No doubt that has contributed to the delay.

As to the octave arrangement on the acoustic 12s, I believe they were going with the "Standard" arrangement, unlike the electric Rick 12s.

I've played some might good acoustic 12s, "with arse". Guilds, Larrivees, and Gibsons, and a few made by "small builders". (Never really "got" the Martin 12 sound so much.)

Right now, I'm sort of thinking about looking for a Larrivee -03 or -05 12 string, and simply ordering a slimmer neck on it.

In the time since I placed my Rick 12 acoustic order, Larrivee has set up a whole new plant in California, got production underway, smoothed out production 'bumps' there, and have produced some new models yet too.

Fred

[grsnovi]

I had a Framus 12 that I kept for a really long time that I liked. I have also really liked picking up the big new Guild 12 strings. I'm quite impressed with the tone I'm getting out of the new arrival - which (based on the original quoted delivery time of three weeks) I assumed was simply a variation of their normal J200 made with different woods/inlays earning it the "Custom Shop" name. I never assumed I would wait for a specific guitar to be built.

G

[jwilli]

Fred, actually, the RIC acoustic 12s come strung the RIC way. My 700 Comstock ('95! model) has plenty o' bass. The newer ones are even better. Hopefully, ohn can staff the acoustic part of the factory soon. I WILL be ordering a 700/12 Comstock in FG..............

[wmthor]

"Hopefully, John can staff the acoustic part of the factory soon. I WILL be ordering a 700/12 Comstock in FG.............."

and maybe I'll be able to replace the order for a 730L LH FG that was cancelled.

[longhouse]

I must concur, Fred, the Larrivee 12 I played (a few years ago) did sound magnificent. It was a deadnaught even, as I recall. Very balanced, rich, lush sound. Still, Gibson, Martin, Guild, and Taylor have left me disappointed. Some of it may attest to the quality and gauge of strings they ship with. I did nearly buy a Gretsch Rancher 12 while on vacation. It sounded superb. Sadly it was a NAMM model complete with the attendant dings and nicks. I was able to see past the Hee Haw inlays.

I'm excited to hear the Ric acoustic 12s are strung in the traditional Ric way. Whoo! The Comstock I am patiently awaiting is a six string. Fireglo maple goodness.
Cheers, Noel