After a 6 month period when I didn't have a Rickenbacker to play, I ended my drought on Monday by picking up a new 330/12 FG. I've probably owned 10 Rickenbackers over the years and had a real love/hate relationship with them - especially the 12-string models. I had gone so far as to tell my friend that owns my favourite local guitar store that he wasn't allowed to sell me any more 12-string guitars. Then he got this one in and there was just something about it. I stared at it every time I went in the store for months - you all know how that is. I signed it out from him about a month ago and took it home for a week and I just loved playing it. Unfortunately I couldn't afford the price tag, but after thinking about the guitars I have that basically all do the same thing, I decided to do some trading and I was able to pick it up with a very small cash top-up.
Am I happy? I'm super happy!!! Of the four Rickenbacker 12-string models I've owned, this is the most playable one yet. I also never liked the Hi-Gain sound on 12-string models because I never found it bright or jangly enough, but this one has a nice balance between the darker, more powerful Hi-Gain sound and the clear, crisp Toaster sound. Maybe my ears have changed over the years, but I really like the sound of these Hi-Gains. The slotted headstock is still throwing me off a bit, especially when I catch glimpse of it in a mirror while I'm playing it and I can see daylight through the slots but I know it will make restringing it much easier than the previous models I've owned.
Its nice to be back in the saddle(s) again!
