6 string... or 12 string RIC

[collin]

I just emailed Dave's.. .and they said.. it can be done..not common ( removing 6 strings ) .. they noted: the unused tuners might rattle..

Would the truss rod have to readjusted ? because of different tension on the neck.. when changing back and forth? or any other set up issues ?

Use the search function above-----there was a whole thread about this awhile back.

From my own experience-----no truss rod adjustment needed (the tension isn't really increased much from 6 to 12 strings, on the neck).

The tuners did not rattle.


As Jim said, a 12 string is a versatile guitar, but in my opinion....bending strings is neigh on impossible (unless you have robo-claws for fingers...)

[paologregorio]

I do bends on mine. Whaddya trying to say Collin?!

Actually, my hands could be called "robo-clawed"; they are rather Fred Flintstone-ish:

['70RS]

a 12 string is a versatile guitar, but in my opinion....bending strings is neigh on impossible (unless you have robo-claws for fingers...)

Do like I did.....play a Martin dread for a few years, pick up a Ric 12 and you'll be bending to your heart's desire.

[collin]

I do bends on mine. Whaddya trying to say Collin?!

Actually, my hands could be called "robo-clawed"; they are rather Fred Flintstone-ish:

fretboard shot.JPG

Well!


I guess I have girly little hands then.


ps....that is a six-string there, Paul.

[jimk]

Thanks for that post, Paul. I was beginning to feel like the lone voice crying in the wilderness. I just love the funky way the B pair of string goes slightly out of tune when you bend them.
JimK

[paologregorio]

Thanks for that post, Paul. I was beginning to feel like the lone voice crying in the wilderness. I just love the funky way the B pair of string goes slightly out of tune when you bend them.
JimK

Yep. Nice effect. I'm not sure why more players don't attempt bends on a 12. It just seems natural to me, and the tonal effect of pending pairs of strings together sounds really cool to my ear.

[8mileshigher]

Well, Mark ---- any progress to report on your deliberations on the 6-string or 12-string purchase ??

[scotty]

... the simple answer would be to have one of each! ...

Even better yet, have two of each!

Yup! even better

[Ric_MEL]

Well.. making tiny progress..

My process to date has been: went with a friend as he went to check out RICs.. and his intent is to buy a 12 string. He has about $1,800 in his guitar fund.. and is planning on an imminent purchase..

He played a 6 string.. and a 12 string.. and we both went: aha.. the 12 string is " THE " Ric sound.

I saw the 620/660 bodies. and really liked them.. Saw that .. gee.. a 620/6 can be had for a lot less than the $1,800- $2,000 that I thought was required to buy a Ric..

but I was bugged not knowing really how a 6 string would fit into my arsenal ( 3 Tele's.. a Strat.. an Epi Dot ).. or how versatile a 12 string would be ..

I'm getting the picture . that a real RIC complement to someones guitar collection.. is at least two. .a 6 string and a 12 string . ( regardless of if they are 330/360's .. or 620/660's ) At least Im comfortable: not trying to get a 12 string and convert it to 6. The advice I like is: get the right one ( for now ) . .and let it be ,, what it is.

So now I'm taking a step back. and rather than pay so much attention to trying to get the most affordable RIC ( a 620/6 ) .. planning on getting to Apple music in Portland Sat/Sun.. .. to really take some time to play 'em.. if I end up feeling my first RIC should be one that costs a bit more.. I'll wait.. and buy the right one when I can..

Next step.... time in the saddle.. play 'em.. .. I'm anxious to hear and feel a RIC in my hands...

[JakeK]

Once you hear a Ric, you want to play one. Once you play a Ric, you want to own one. Once you own one, RAS begins.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of RAS, the best bug to be bitten by. (a side note, I think the worst one is the tick)

[Ric_MEL]

I also really like .. that .. RIC's are special. If/once I find I bond with a RIC ( 6 or 12 ) .. learn how to get their sound out of them..

I like the history. I like that : Rickenbackers are special. Going all the way back to George Beauchamp..( & Adolf Rickenbacher and F.C. Hall )
G.Beauchamp created the pickup.. and really the first electric guitar..


and that the company to this day seems to genuinely retain - make a special instrument.. won't change or automate their ways to maximize sales and profit.. make a zillion models to try and cater to every facet of the market ( from cheap imports to gawdy )..

.. someday... I'll have a Gretsch.. and an LP.. and an SG. and others..

but as a guitarist: RIC is special. a piece of history... It's not just another guitar.. I'd be proud to have one.. ( .. or more than one ..

[Folkie]

Mark,

You can definitely do bends on a Rick 12 (listen to Roger McGuinn's solos on "I Know My Rider (I Know You, Rider)" or on "Why" and you'll hear him bending up in half-steps.) I generally avoid bending on my 330/12 because I despise changing strings and bending is an easy way to snap one.

If you want the classic Rickenbacker sound, I would advise you to go with the 12. I love the 6-string Ricks, but they just don't scream "Rickenbacker" the way the 12's do. And, as Jim K. and others have said, Rick 12's are much more versatile than people generally give them credit for. The only things to worry about are tuning and intonation issues, and with a good chromatic tuner and proper stringing (and maybe the addition of a 12-saddle bridge) you'll have no problems.

Robert

[Ric_MEL]

we went this weekend to our local retailer. .and the focus was: for my friend to really spend some time.. with 12 strings..

the 330/12.. the 620/12.. the 660/12... to get a feel for the necks.. in particular. .and somewhat: compare hi-gains to Toaster

We didn't spend much time .. on 6 strings.. although I did briefly play a 620/6..and a 620/12

1st impression: without a doubt.. " The " Rickenbacker sound... is the 12 string.. It just jumps out as unique.. and is " THE " RIC sound.

Since he is likely getting the 620/12 real soon now.. In a way it will cover my immediate jones.. as I will be able to play his... often.. ( which is nice... )

Back to my world: considering a 6 string RIC.. and again my impression was: sounded nice.. but did it give me something that I need in my arsenal.? . for $1400 ! I WANT a Ric.. I love the history of the instruments. and the company. and I want to be part of the RIC club per se.. I know I can always get my money back because of the unique place RIC has in the market..

If I were to bet.. I'll take the plunge on a RIC some day.. .. and am convinced I'd need to spend time with one to really appreciate what it can do.. but budget being a huge limitation: and me wanting to also spend time with all sorts of guitars.. Les Pauls.. SG's.. Gretsch.. and amps: Princeton Reverb ( whether a PRRI or some vintage amp )...

it's just a matter of timing when I can allocate and plunk $1500ish on my hobby.

The irrational part of me just wants to close my eyes and buy a 620/6 in Midnight.. and damn the torpedoes: spend some time with it and move it downstream if I don't bond...

but: dang it: can't find any!! Only ones I see in stock at online places are... FG.. and some MG.. maybe some JG.. but NO Midnight Blue... Prices I see are: about $1279 ( Wilcutts ) to $1299 ( Daves ).. I'd just a soon get one with full Mfr. warranty.. as long as price is so similar to what people want for a used one... I'll be watching to see what's available out there.. !

[billydlight]

Try Pick of the Ricks

http://www.pickofthericks.com/

[Ric_MEL]

Thanks billydlight,

I'll add pickofthericks to my search loop

nothing at this time: only: 660 FG and 660 JG in a solid body 6 string ( new or used )

M