360 12 Stringing tips

[Ephi82]

I have been searching high and low for a thread or a post that provides some tricks and tips for re stringing a 360 12.

I've been playing guitar for a long time, and have no problems with my six strings or bass.

However, looking at my first 360 12, there might be better ways to do it, than not, so I am hoping someone can provide some guidance and reduce the learning curve. (I prefer playing to learning !)

I have some TI flats on the way, and heard not to clip the wound strings until you know they are secure. Also understand that a capo is helpful to keep the ball end in the tail piece.

What else?

Thanks!

[jps]

There should be a few threads on doing it; try search for something to the effect of cases of beer.................

[Folkie]

Welcome aboard, Steven! Check out this link:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=410643

Although the title of the thread suggests otherwise, there is some detailed discussion here about how to string a Rick 12.

I'm sure there are many other relevant threads. I know you're new to the forum. Do you know how to use the search function?

Robert

[paologregorio]

I string one side of the peghead at a time, and string the slotted-course strings first. Saves some time.

[kennyhowes]

I've been meaning to do a how-to YouTube clip on this.

[jps]

I've been meaning to do a how-to YouTube clip on this.

Title: "How To Be Strung Up by Kenny"

[Ephi82]

Welcome aboard, Steven! Check out this link:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=410643

Although the title of the thread suggests otherwise, there is some detailed discussion here about how to string a Rick 12.

I'm sure there are many other relevant threads. I know you're new to the forum. Do you know how to use the search function?

Robert

Thanks! This is helpful. I'm pretty familiar with the Search function. JPS was right, I found some helpful posts using the term beer! (as in having some beer helps you get through changing strings)

I've been digging around, found a post by Mark Arnquist that was informative, and a couple of others.

Looks like I'm ready to dive in. The TI's should be delivered by Weds. Wish me luck.

[irishstratfan]

Here you go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZPoy11wCkc

[Folkie]

Thanks for the link, Edward, but that restringing lesson is all too brief and incomplete. No information whatsoever on how to deal with the headstock, which is the number one problem new Ric 12 owners encounter. I think the various posts here will help newbies much more than that clip. Hey, maybe Kenny Howes will go ahead and post his own lesson!

[kennyhowes]

Let's see...first, some strings...

[Ephi82]

Well, I just put on the new set of TI flats on my 360 12. I believe I took off Rick ground rounds or whatever they call them. I wouldn't say that it sounds "brighter", but there seems to be more harmonics present with the TI's. Sounds like the lower octave strings are more present and distinctive in the "mix". I like it!

It also seems to have a meatier low end.

As to the stringing process, it was a little easier than I though it would be, but it also took more time than I thought. These strings better last a while!

This guitar is a beauty, but its not engineered with any thought into the stringing process. The "R" tailpiece is simply a POS design. What would it take to change the design so that you thread the tip end through a hole that captures the ball end?

It was very helpful to remove some of the strings on the regular tuners at the same time as changing strings on the sideways ones so you have better access. I started in the middle and worked my way out, sometimes taking two strings off on one side.

I have three string winders and they all had problems bumping into adjacent tuners when turning them. Anyone know of a winder that works well with a 360 12?

[kennyhowes]

The whole thing takes me about 15 minutes.

[paologregorio]

It's a much faster process once you rout the headstock slots all the way through the back of the guitar.

. . . I'm kidding.

[Ephi82]

The whole thing takes me about 15 minutes.

As someone else suggested, please show how you do this? Really, 15 minutes? I challenge you to prove it. I'll but a pack of Ric strings. You go over 15, you reimburse me.

No question I have the failing vision of a 55 year old, and never had the fine motor control of a watchmaker!

(I had a doctor who told my mother when I was 5 that I could never be a musician because I had poor fine motor control. Ha! Proved him wrong!)

Interesting, after playing the Ric the last two weeks I picked up my Les Paul Std.

The strings seemed like they were miles apart and the fretboard was like the width of a football field!

[jdogric12]

The whole thing takes me about 15 minutes.

As someone else suggested, please show how you do this? Really, 15 minutes? I challenge you to prove it. I'll but a pack of Ric strings. You go over 15, you reimburse me.

No question I have the failing vision of a 55 year old, and never had the fine motor control of a watchmaker!

(I had a doctor who told my mother when I was 5 that I could never be a musician because I had poor fine motor control. Ha! Proved him wrong!)

Interesting, after playing the Ric the last two weeks I picked up my Les Paul Std.

The strings seemed like they were miles apart and the fretboard was like the width of a football field!

I am similarly dubious, but if Kenny says so, I don't doubt him. He did work at RIC for years. He probably strung up more Rick 12's than I've seen.