Review Of New 12 String Headstock

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 4:10 am

I would be interested in hearing from those who have the new, routed through, 12 string headstock. How is its balance and ease of use compared to the traditional headstock? Do you like the look as well as its predecessor? Some photos posted here would be nice.

emjayw · Post by **emjayw** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 5:19 am

Peter, I've had the new head on my 360/12 since the Arlington show. I like the ease of installing and trimming the "inner" strings as compared to my 620/12 w/o the cut-throughs. The balance is great and after a few minutes, you don't even notice the slots. Mike

epitreture · Post by **epitreture** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 8:39 am

What about the wider spacing at the nut? What do the owners of the new headstock think about this?
I've got one on order. Thanks.

emjayw · Post by **emjayw** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 8:49 am

Mine came with the narrower nut and I just switched over to the "wider" spaced nut. BIG improvement in playability! That's the wider nut in my post above. Not a huge difference in width, just enough to keep you from muting adjoining strings. Mike

expomick · Post by **expomick** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 12:02 pm

I prefer the narrower nut; I like the strings being that close together. It makes for interesting chord possibilities, and it feels like a real Ric 12-string.

My 360-12 is from August 2005, and I like the headstock. Now, it's the only one I know, so take that for what it's worth.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 3:36 pm

Thanks Mick and Michael, for your comments.

valenti · Post by **valenti** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 6:26 pm

I have the new headstock on my 2005 360-12. Love it (though I despise the R tail piece...but that's for another post). I also had the original narrow nut replaced by MA in Seattle. Hard to believe a few millimeters can make such a HUGE difference. But all my guitars have different neck/nut personalities so there's always a moment of readjustment.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 12:24 am

Seth: You are so right. Each guitar, regardless of make, has a certain feel that requires familiarity with the instrument before we adjust to its uniqueness. In the tactile world, small changes are often very significant. I am always amazed at how well we adapt to new things.

firstbassman · Post by **firstbassman** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:58 am

There is a long thread about the new headstock over on RIC's site. Nothing earth-shattering there, just the typical some like it, some don't (including me).
Of course, I haven't changed strings yet and I'm sure I will be grateful for it when that time comes. But on strictly aesthetics, I prefer the old. Can't please everybody. Just my opinion.
On the nut issue, I have the wider one but I will admit I'm afraid to bring my (autographed) 360 over to the shop and have it done. I'm sure they will be careful. But what if . . .

valenti · Post by **valenti** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 5:29 pm

Mark
I hear you. I was quite worried about having someone work on my 360-12, considering how long I waited for it. But after talking to MA at length, I was confident that he'd do a good job. Can't imagine trying to play that thing now with the original nut...especially after also getting a 660-12 BBR.

shackleton · Post by **shackleton** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 9:19 pm

What is the part number for the new nut and can you install it your self?

emjayw · Post by **emjayw** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:52 am

#03327 is the part. It's the only 12-string nut offered at this time. The switch isn't too tricky if you're familiar with this type of work, but is much easier on the newer models which don't have a shiny finish over them as older ones do. If in doubt, take it to a competent luthier for the switch.

firstbassman · Post by **firstbassman** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:05 am

Seth, I know you're right.
I grumble and grumble about how I love the 360/12 but hate the narrow spacing. And I go out and order the new nut and just can't pull the trigger and bring the guitar over to the shop.
They're great guys, btw, this is no reflection on them. It's me. (I haven't brought the subject up with them yet. Maybe I should just to see what they would say.)