Basics of Maintaining 360-12

[majortom58]

I have a few questions or requests for guidance on my New 360-12.

1. I am not going to scrimp on hydration. What are your suggestions as to the best humidifier/hygrometer set-up for this semi-hollow 360-12 [if any]. Brand new, always in case when not played. Dry oil heat in the house, Northeast US.

2, Strap locks--I am not going to scrimp on these either. I want something that will not impair the looks or value. Trim is chrome. I've seem a guitar drop out of a strap, and I'm not going to let that happen with this one.

3. "Official" Rick Blonde Leather straps--are they the way to go, or should I just go with whatever I feel is best? I'm not going to get a "python" strap. Suggestions or ideas?

4. What good does a "Rick-o-sound box" do, if I could get one? If I just use a stereo amp, or split the signal, will there really be any difference?

5. Compression and Jangle Boxes I respect the fact that Roger McGuinn uses and recommends the Jangle Box. But, will anything produce essentially the same result. I've heard recommendations of the kind of compressor that Brad Paisley uses--I forget the name. I want to make this _simple_, and I suspect there are folks out there who have messed with this a bit.

6. I live in the Philadelphia, PA, area. Where would you recommend going to for Rick maintenance?

Thanks, Tom

[jps]

6. Pick Of The Ricks

[deaconblues]

2, Strap locks--I am not going to scrimp on these either. I want something that will not impair the looks or value. Trim is chrome. I've seem a guitar drop out of a strap, and I'm not going to let that happen with this one.

If it's new, it came with strap buttons that will accept Schaller straplocks - no modding necessary.

3. "Official" Rick Blonde Leather straps--are they the way to go, or should I just go with whatever I feel is best? I'm not going to get a "python" strap. Suggestions or ideas?

Go with what you feel is most comfortable. Hollowbody Ricks can feel heavy after a while.

[chuck_king]

I have a few questions or requests for guidance on my New 360-12.

* * *

4. What good does a "Rick-o-sound box" do, if I could get one? If I just use a stereo amp, or split the signal, will there really be any difference?

* * *

Thanks, Tom

The Rick-O-Sound circuit sends each pickup to a separate output when a stereo plug is plugged in to the R-O-S jack. You can get that effect with a number of other splitter cables or easily-home-made analogs to the official Rick-O-Sound box, which is out of production and ridiculously expensive if you get a used one off eBay. So you can send each pickup to its own channel, or even amp. The sound of the two pickups separately amplified is different from the sound of both selected through a mono output. Whether that difference is worth the effort and extra paraphernalia is of course up to each player. It is one of the things that differentiates Ricks from other guitars.

I'm not sure what you have in mind for a stereo amp or how that would be implemented, but the effect is certainly different than simply splitting a mono signal.

[tmossman]

2) Schaller 445 strap locks attach directly to the existing buttons. Chris at Pick of the Ricks over the bridge in Jersey carries these.

4) Chris at Pick of the Ricks has just released a new custom made stereo cable. Details below

Pick of the Ricks Custom 20' Stereo Cable

Proudly Made in the USA
Mogami 2528 Stereo Cable
Neutrik NP3RX Right Angle 1/4" Stereo Plug
2-Neutrik NP2X 1/4" Mono Plugs
Adjustable Separation of Mono Outputs
Mono Outputs are Indentified as:
Bass/Neck Pickup
Treble/Bridge Pickup
http://www.pickofthericks.com/

6) Chris at Pick of the Ricks

[majortom58]

Thank you. Pick of the Ricks isn't too far!

[beatlefreak]

I have a few questions or requests for guidance on my New 360-12.

1. I am not going to scrimp on hydration. What are your suggestions as to the best humidifier/hygrometer set-up for this semi-hollow 360-12 [if any].

Inexpensive humidifiers and hygrometers can be found at any cigar store, or ordered online from places like http://www.cigarsintl.com

2, Strap locks--I am not going to scrimp on these either. I want something that will not impair the looks or value.

New Ricks come with Schaller strap lock buttons. Buy a set of Schaller strap locks, and you'll have an extra set of buttons to put on a non-Rick guitar.

3. "Official" Rick Blonde Leather straps--are they the way to go, or should I just go with whatever I feel is best?

Buy a strap that you find comfortable. You're the one who will be wearing it.

4. What good does a "Rick-o-sound box" do, if I could get one? If I just use a stereo amp, or split the signal, will there really be any difference?

Just split the signal. In addition to the cable offered by POTR, here's another one you can use:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IPBQ2Q20/

5. Compression and Jangle Boxes I respect the fact that Roger McGuinn uses and recommends the Jangle Box. But, will anything produce essentially the same result.

Any decent compressor will enhance that jangle that Ricks are known for. Try several out at a guitar store, and pick one you like.

6. I live in the Philadelphia, PA, area. Where would you recommend going to for Rick maintenance?

Without a doubt, Chris Clayton at Pick Of The Ricks is your best option. Can't say enough good things about him.

Thanks, Tom

[Ric-O-Buc]

5. "Compression and Jangle Boxes I respect the fact that Roger McGuinn uses and recommends the Jangle Box. But, will anything produce essentially the same result. I've heard recommendations of the kind of compressor that Brad Paisley uses--I forget the name. I want to make this _simple_, and I suspect there are folks out there who have messed with this a bit."


Brad Paisley uses a Keeley Compressor. I have one and love it. I've used many different units - this is one of the very best, and its USA made.

[jdogric12]

Dang, everyone beat me to my own answers.

[beatlefreak]

Er - You guys were a little late to the party.

[jdogric12]

Oh, the thread's old as s***. Dang it Steve!!!