Keeping Your 12-String In Tune

[gregga41]

Thanks Paul, and Matthew,... as i'm a 12-string novice,i wasn't sure! I've got 10-46's on both my 6 strings,....A micrometer Paul?....way too technical for me! Shane will be watching with interest for his 360/12 as well!

[drumbob]

You look like a thoughtful guy, Bob...

Well, thanks. Actually, that's my "Mel Torme" pose. Mel had a well-circulated publicity shot that looked like that. I'll give Chris a call at Pick O Ricks.

[longboard_ric]

Hi Greg

You're right, I am watching with interest. My 360/12 came with 10's, and after playing yours I'm guessing it has 9's on it, but it appears to have a much better setup. I've been going through all the setup info kindly forwarded to me, but it looks like its gonna be a job for someone who knows 12's a lot better than I do. Brian has volunteered to help.

Paul, for $8 or $10 those Chinese micrometers sound like a lot of fun.......I think I'll grab one just to satisfy my curiosity

[melibreits]

Chinese micrometers? I use one all the time to measure coins, but I've never measured guitar strings with one! If I ever have any spare time (what's that?) on my hands, I'll have to go and check all of my string gauges.... Nah, I think I'd rather "waste" it here!

[jingle_jangle]

Melissa, you don't know what you're missing! A thrill like no other awaits you as you take micrometer in hand, and...

(I have to stop; the excitement is too much for my nerves.)

[36012c63]

I've also tried the TI Jazz flatwounds that Todd Bradshaw mentions. Though I like the Rick sets, I will stay with the TI's. As Todd states, there is more of the octave strings that ring out. I really like the results.

[fatcat]

As regards my 370-12RM, I have never had any problem with it holding a tune,with any of the string types it's worn,which include a Kaman .10 set, Pyramids,Ric compressewd rounds, and now it has a mixed set of Rics and a TI JS110 which I got before the current interest in them.(on over 2 years) The Pyramids felt too stiff, and more tension, than using the TI flats.
The guitar has been in the case for month at a time, and comes out tuned and ready.
I hope my "new" 660-12 MB will be as good.

[drumbob]

I just now did an A/B test-my Rick vs. my Danelectro 12-string, which cost me a paltry $269 and has heavier strings on it. By far, the Dano played better and stayed in tune through a few Dylan/Byrds tunes; "The Times They Are A-Changin," "Mr. Tambourine Man," "It's All Over Now Baby Blue," and some serious bashing through "I Can't Explain" by The Who.

The Rick goes back into the shop for new strings and a setup from another tech ASAP, not my usual guy, who has told me flat out that he hates working on Rick 12-strings. I can't believe I even took it to him in the first place. He's great with Strats, Les Pauls, etc., but the Rick goes elsewhere from now on.

Has anyone tried those custom 12-string sets Chris sells at Pick Of The Ricks?

[wmthor]

I've always used Rickenbacker strings on my 360/12 CW and see no need to change. I've been using flatwound Pyramids on my 6 string Rics. However, I recently switched back to Rickenbacker strings on my HB equipped 360/6. At the same time I restrung the 360/6, I put a set of Pyramid nickel roundwounds (.10 to .46) on my Strat. I have another set of those Pyramid nickel roundwounds and may try those on my 1997.

[jingle_jangle]

Bob, I'm sure that if you asked your "tech" why he hates to work on Ricks you'll get an enlightening answer: either an anecdote about one that defied his best efforts to get it to play, or a disparaging comment of a general nature.

Lots of so-called "techs" hate working on Ricks because they are spooked by the exotic reputation of these guitars, and also by their intolerance for hamfisted efforts to "sort them" in traditional ways. Yet most of what a tech needs to know about servicing and setting up a Rickenbacker properly, can be covered in a dozen typewritten pages, single-spaced.

I'm not feeling too good about the state of the whole guitar tech thing...are they getting like mechanics, who generally like to replace parts and assemblies, and shun anything that takes some analytical effort and careful tweaking? Well, it's true--you wouldn't bring your Lusso to a Toyota dealer for a tune-up.

You're right in Chris Clayton's state, Bob, and NJ is kinda small, so it would be worth a phone call to him and possibly a visit...

[fatcat]

String changes and adjustments can be done by most owners themselves.The owners manual covers nearly everything that needs doing.Armed with that I do all my own tweaking now.But, it's not something that needs doing very often as the settings hold well.
The string set from POTR is essentially the same as the mutt set I made from JS 110s and it works very well on my 370-12 RM.(That guitar requires flats to sound right to me)
I would use that set for my next string change except that I'm going to use some gauges that Mr.Hall stated were used back in the old days.I'm in no hurry to do that as even though I change my own strings, I don't care for the task.And the ones on it are just fine.
If your tech doesn't like doing Rics, then he may not care to do a quality job on it.And it deserves being done right.

[jps]

--you wouldn't bring your Lusso to a Toyota dealer for a tune-up.

I sure don't. Now where did I park that nice ex-Steve McQueen Lusso?

[tmossman]

Chris did a setup, nut modification (wide and tight), and TI's on my Ruby 360/12 WB last month. It sounds and plays (insert largest number you can imagine here) ____% better than before. Very pleased with the strings and POTR.

[beatle_bry]

If you freely switch out Ric's factory strings on your 12 String, and switch to any other, without considering your setup, you will have less than optimal results. This statement is true in any guitar setup but is especially relevant in a 12 String.

I'm the Canadian Distributor of Pyramid Strings, and I'll tell you straight what the issue is: The Pyramid Light Set (0.010 - .046) will not properly fit the standard factory nut that Ric uses. By design, Rickenbacker has cut that nut for its lighter factory set (0.010 - 0.042). This is beyond the point that a lot of people complain about the standard spacings that are used, and worry about string tensions (etc...).

Whatever you choose outside of Ric's factory string set for your 12, I strongly suggest the following:

• 1. Install your string of choice.
  2. Let them sit for about 3 days while they stretch out, going back and re-tuning to pitch several times during that time.
  3. Adjust your truss rods on day 3.
  4. Do either of the following - a) Check nut depth/width, making sure the strings are sitting proper in the slots. I guarantee you that if you've never checked the nut depth alone, even if you are using factory strings, they are too shallow on some strings causing your first fret to play sharp, and throwing off intonation, not to mention playability. b) Re-Space and cut a new nut, if you find the spacing cramped (esp in first position).
  5. Set intonation on your saddle.

Check out this on nut spacing if you're interested: http://thestringguy.com/PhotoAlbums/album_1193062942

Specifically addressing the gauge issue of Pyramid's standard light 12 set, I've offered a custom extra-light set matching the Ric spec on gauge. However, once people see the potential that a proper setup gives them, using a lighter set as a compromise is not a popular option.

I do not recommend that you expect your local guitar shop to be versed in how to set up a Rickenbacker. Many of them do not know how to use double truss rods alone. I've taken truss rod covers off Rics that had just been "serviced" finding one truss cranked right over with the plate crooked, and the other rod loose! After a week is there any guess why the guitar is starting to have a twist in it? Take light of some of the fine articles here, and on other forums, and find a good tech that specializes in Rics in your area. Whatever your choice in strings, it is your guitar, and your sound that counts! Treat it right, and start with a good setup - That will ensure great tuning stability every time.

[beatle_bry]

I just caught this:

...Lots of so-called "techs" hate working on Ricks because they are spooked by the exotic reputation of these guitars, and also by their intolerance for hamfisted efforts to "sort them" in traditional ways. Yet most of what a tech needs to know about servicing and setting up a Rickenbacker properly, can be covered in a dozen typewritten pages, single-spaced....

Truer words were never said!

I'll add this - While most guitar retailers are great at selling gear, the five steps I mention above are not typically done in three days. The average back room "tech" has your guitar on a bench for about 15 minutes. A twelve string just increased that time automatically, so he's already feeling pinched by the boss. Stay away from shops that suffer this type of mentality!!!!