What's your favorite RIC 12-string model, and why?

[scotty]

the narrower neck just took a bit of time to learn. And I consider my fingers big (I barre with my fingertips). To each his own, but I don't feel the need for RIC to change the classic profile of the 3- series necks.
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+1 Jerry

[ozover50]

I don't think we've heard from any 381/12 owners. Doesn't anyone fancy the famous "German-carve" model?

How about the 360/12 V64?

I don't have either of those, Ron, but I don't think anybody's mentioned the 350/12v63 either:

I bought a 660/12 thinking I'd need the extra width but I find the 350/12v63 quite comfortable - not cramped at all and it has a nice 'non-clubby' neck!

[RonLovesRic12strings]

Howard,

Very nice Rickenbacker family!

Is the body on the 350/12 chambered or solid? The smaller body on this model looks like it would make for comfortable playing.

[janglebox]

My 360-12CW because of its light weight, gorgeous flame, and the best sounding pickups of any of the seven Ric 12s I've owned. If only it had the McGuinn radius neck, it would be even more of a dream instrument.

[shamustwin]

A C63 has been in my mind since it's intro, but first I'd probably get a bread and butter 360/12, cause I tend to fret (pun!) about taking special editions out to the sleazy dives I play.
The reason to get it is so that I won't take my '66 out. I worry, OK?

[RonLovesRic12strings]

It's a tough choice, but here's my favorite: "The Holy Grail". I prefer the overall tone that the onboard compressor provides. My 660/12 would be my second choice.

[ozover50]

Thanks, Ron. They have a 'semi-hollow' body. I really love the smaller bodied 350v63 Ricks..... very light and very comfortable.

[sharkboy]

I'm still a bit torn on this. I like the playability of the 660/12, but the sound and body feel of the 360/12 I prefer a little.

I generally always pick up the 660/12, but would like to start using my 360/12 more.

Owing to an imperfect early life, nothing to do with Rickenbacker, @ a merchant who should not be named and an experience with opening the case when the guitar had not warmed to room temp, my 360/12 red/black (did we call this ferariglow for a few weeks?) took some long checks. It isn't really fair to compare the finishes of the two. The 660/12 has an intoxicatingly perfect blueboy finish.

Whenever I play live with a Rick 12, if I am playing a 660 I am asked if I'm gonna play some Tom Petty; if I'm playing a 360 I am asked if I'm gonna do some Roger McGuinn. Petty is easier on either.

[JakeK]

Ron O'Brien, I was sure you'd pick your new CW!

[arbiter]

Thanks, Ron. They have a 'semi-hollow' body. I really love the smaller bodied 350v63 Ricks..... very light and very comfortable.

I'd have to say Howard's 350/12 is the best 12er i've played so far (out of 660/12, 360/12, 330/12, 350/12)

unless doublenecks count!

[RonLovesRic12strings]

Jake,

Yes, my CW- 12 is a very fine instrument, but I have a special place in my heart for my RM...it was my first RIC purchase (I bought it used in 1993), and it has many desirable qualities: great tone due to it's on-board compressor, super low action, dead-on intonation, and the ability to engage 3 pickups at once (each pickup has its own volume control). I like the on-board compressor tone better than the JangleBox.

I'm still tweaking the set-up my CW-12, and who knows, it may soon become my favorite. Being lighter in weight, it's very comfortable to play, and the tone is more open or "airy". Also, it's in dead-mint condition and was virtually unplayed by its previous owner...a great find.

regards...Ron

[lennon211]

Of the 3 Ric-12's that I have and the others that I've had the chance to play, my favorite would be my 360/12V64 with my 325/12v63 a close second. I have a regular production '05 360/12 that I play the most often though as it does seem to be the most versatile, though it sacrifices the vibe and some of the warmth of the toasters since it had hi-gains.

[drumbob]

Bob -- I think ALL of us want a hollowbody Ric 12-string with a wider neck!

Ron -- I also saw in the register you have two '65 360/12's in MG. Which one is the one you posted here?

Jake...Then why don't we petition John Hall to start making them with wider necks!? I wish I could make an Asus chord on mine comfortably-but I can't. So I don't.

[JakeK]

I need to get a hollowbody 12-string one of these days...!

[jimk]

Bob -- I think ALL of us want a hollowbody Ric 12-string with a wider neck!

Speak for yourself, Jake. I think I'll take the factory spec. Been there, done that. Barre chords are a real (literal) pain on a standard 12 string neck. (Whatever standard means) I owned a 12 string that was always difficult to play, and nearly impossible above the 7th fret. Most twelvers feel like tree trunks, or baseball bats when makers try to shape them "correctly" so to speak. If the 360/12 necks feel anything like the neck on the 370/6 guitar I played briefly Saturday, then I'm here to say RIC probably got it right. But then, who am I to judge? I'm the guy who puts down the guitar, and switches to mandolin in the same set.

JimK