Can you convert a 330/6 to a 330/12?

Rickendaz66 · Post by **Rickendaz66** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:07 am

Hi all

Just wondering semi-seriously.... what is the main structural difference (if any) between a 330/6 and a 330/12 and is it possible to convert a 330/6 to a 330/12? Obviously you'd need a new nut and tail piece which can be found online ... would it be possible to do or would the tension in the 12 strings mangle the stock '6' body?

cheers

Rickendaz

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:47 am

Darryl welcome to the RRF.
This has been done before by Dale Fortune. I believe the only issue is that a 12 string headstock is a bit longer than a 6.
From April 2006:

dale_fortune wrote:Justin, if your 360 is not a collectors piece and you want a 12 more than a 6 string then go for it. I do this modification for about $200.00 plus parts. You will need 1 set of tuning machines, a 12 way Rick Bridge and a set of strings. You may want to seek out a local shop that has experience in this type of modification since the shipping is so expensive going 2 ways. I have over 35 years experience at this and worked in the Rickenbacker Factory during the early 70's, although I don't know much about 2 headed Volkswagens, I do know Rickenbackers.

Rickissippi · Post by **Rickissippi** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 11:41 pm

If re-sale's an issue, this may not be advisable.

Looks like you'll have to go without Dale Fortune's help (aside from his archived posts) as he hasn't logged in in 4 years: memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=1820

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 12:37 am

Resale value seems to be more important here than functionality. That said, to convert a 6 to a 12 requires the headstock wings to be cut off and replaced with wider ones. Then the new routing and drilling can begin. You'll also need to have the headstock refinished. It's better to just sell your 6 and buy a 12 since the difference in cost is less than a conversion.

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:21 am

In my unabashed opinion this would not at all be worth it. Dane's right, sell and buy.

Clint · Post by **Clint** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:35 am

Besides, I'm pretty sure finding a 330/12, at a reasonable price, would be a lot easier than the conversion.

frickengruvin · Post by **frickengruvin** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:04 am

Rickissippi wrote:If re-sale's an issue, this may not be advisable.

Looks like you'll have to go without Dale Fortune's help (aside from his archived posts) as he hasn't logged in in 4 years: memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=1820

Dale is fine, and still working on instruments. Mark Arnquist also can do this type of update, and is around and well. Both of these guys are on Facebook, so if you want to try and contact them to discuss if they would do the work, it's as easy as that...Maybe Paul W (JingleJangle on this forum) would do the work.
I can attest to both Dale and Mark's work. Dale built a Fender Esquire for me which is a fantastic instrument, and Mark reworked my 360-12v64, and made it into a fatastic player, correcting many issues in his rework process....
I haven't worked with Paul W., but if you do a search, I'm sure you would be able to find out much information about his work.

Whichever choice you make, best of luck!

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:08 am

Rickissippi wrote:Looks like you'll have to go without Dale Fortune's help (aside from his archived posts) as he hasn't logged in in 4 years: memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=1820

Many excellent Rick techs have not logged into this forum in years.

8mileshigh · Post by **8mileshigh** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:30 am

What are your opinions on a 331 to 331/12 conversion?

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:06 pm

8mileshigh wrote:What are your opinions on a 331 to 331/12 conversion?

Do it!

Hotzenplotz · Post by **Hotzenplotz** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:20 pm

And: Doubled strings need doubled lights!!!

It has to look the way it sounds and vice versa.

Rickendaz66 · Post by **Rickendaz66** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:27 am

Hello again...

Very interesting to read your responses... like I said, it was only semi-serious ... I'd like to someday get a 12 but there's no way my 330/6 would end up on the chopping block. I was looking at a rather nice 330/12 online which I think looks better than a 360/12 (yikes!!!!! ... no offense to you 360 brothers out there) ... sorta-kinda got to wondering...

anyway, great to finally be part of the forum ... I've been reading for ages but I'm a bit hopeless at joining things ....

plenty more questions to come now I'm here

thanks again

rickendaz

collin · Post by **collin** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 5:44 pm

Just sell your 330, get a 330/12 and remove the octave strings when you want to play 6-string. That simple!

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Wed Jul 18, 2012 8:42 pm

Welcome aboard the RRF, Darryl.

I echo the comments from several members --- just sell the six if you want a 12-string.
But better yet, my advice is to have at least one of each !

jps · Post by **jps** » Wed Jul 18, 2012 8:55 pm

8mileshigher wrote:But better yet, my advice is to have at least one of each !

That's the best advice I have read on this thread, so far.

Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum