1966 450/12 Bridge Replacement

[Throweasy03]

Hello, I lost the bridge on a 1966 450/12 (12 string) many years ago. It was a three piece assembly. I do have the bottom plate but I'm missing the two top pieces. I really want to get her playing again. I can't find a bridge. I tried Pickofthericks and Rickenbacker to no avail. I know the original did not have adjustable saddles so intonation could not be changed. I'd rather have a more modern bridge with adjustable saddles but I would take an original. Can anyone direct me to where I might find a bridge. I wish Rickenbacker sold these parts as a courtesy to customers. Thank you for any assistance.

[chronictown]

Welcome to the forum, Gary

Those old 450/460 bridges might be a little hard to come by....

IIRC, I think Peter has a more modern, adjustable bridge on his 450/12 - perhaps he can lend you his experience with with this retrofit.

[Throweasy03]

I think I would prefer a more modern adjustable bridge rather than the original. But who is this Peter you speak of and how can I contact him?

[deaconblues]

There is a website out there with originals or repros, can't remember...

[admin]

As one of the Peters, I can safely say that the Rickenbacker 12 saddle bridge will work very well on the 450/12.

In fact, outside of the pure vintage look, i would not recommend any other bridge for that guitar if you want good intonation.

The 12 saddle bridges seem to be hard to find at some dealers at present who indicate that they have no stock.

I see that North Coast Music seems to have them in.

I also see that Rhoads Music has this bridge advertised at the moment.

[jdogric12]

Did it require any modification or did it just sit on the baseplate nicely? I remember your 450/12 with that bridge from way back in the AGR days and always wanted to do that with a tulip.

[admin]

It sits on the baseplate/tailpiece nicely, Jason.

[rick_ovic]

There is a website out there with originals or repros, can't remember...

Try here:-

http://winfieldvintage.com/index.html

[Throweasy03]

Hello, This is for Peter who posted here. I just want to clarify. I don't want to drill or cut anything on my 450/12. I have a metal base plate intact where the birdge should sit. If I were to buy what you refer to as the Rickenbacker 12 Saddle would I just be able to sit it on top of the metal plate and string it up without any cutting or drilling? Does the 12 saddle just fit into place over what I have? I wouldn't want to spend $200 to find out I need a tech to modifly and install it. One more thing, is this bridge just called a Rickenbacker 12 Saddle or is there a specific one with a certain model number just for the 450/12. Sorry to be redundant but I just wanted to clarify what I've read before buying one. Thanks again. Gary

[jdogric12]

As Peter mentioned, it should just sit on there with no modifications. I still wonder if there are "dimples" like on current 300 and 600 series guitars, to hold the four adjusting screws of the bridge.

[grazioso]

it works very well without dimples... but you can always grab one with the dimples from winfileld, it is nice product.

[doctorwho]

The ones with dimples (where the four height adjusting screws rest) are actually like the ones that came on the Model 430:

1975 Model 430 bridge/tailpiece

[Throweasy03]

Hello,
This is an update . The Rick bridge I was advised to get and I was told would just lay down on the guitar and be a perfect fit is 3/4 " wide. The openings of the pick guard on my 1966 450/12 are 1/2" wide. Therefore I would need to shave off 1/4 " of the pick guard for a certain length to make that bridge fit. On a 450/12 these saddled bridges just do not fit in perfectly as I was advised here in this forum. I am now wondering if shaving off 1/4 " for a short length in two spots would mess up the value of the guitar? It may be the only way to get this guitar playing again.

[doctorwho]

Hello,
This is an update . The Rick bridge I was advised to get and I was told would just lay down on the guitar and be a perfect fit is 3/4 " wide. The openings of the pick guard on my 1966 450/12 are 1/2" wide. Therefore I would need to shave off 1/4 " of the pick guard for a certain length to make that bridge fit. On a 450/12 these saddled bridges just do not fit in perfectly as I was advised here in this forum. I am now wondering if shaving off 1/4 " for a short length in two spots would mess up the value of the guitar? It may be the only way to get this guitar playing again.

Of it's the original pickguard, I'd recommend getting a replacement made and do the modification on the replacement.

[admin]

There are several ways to go here. The following is my recommendation.

1. Use the existing guard, keeping it right where it is without adjustment. The new 12 saddle bridge will butt up against the guard comfortably and functions well. The resulting look is tolerable.

2. Get a bridgeplate replacement, this will allow you to put dimples in the steel to hold the bridge in place. This is desirable as it keeps the bridge from moving. You can put dimples in the original plate too of course.

3. Get a bridge plate cover as it finishes the look and hides the new bridge look to some extent.