Replacement tuners -advice for 366 (or 360-12)

Early years of Rickenbacker Guitars prior to and including 1972

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TR25
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Replacement tuners -advice for 366 (or 360-12)

Post by TR25 »

I have a 366, the 12-string with the converter comb, a vintage 60s model.
The tuners look vintage but are not original - they have a rather oversized, splayed-out appearance a bit like the Gibson Keystone type, and apart from looking 'wrong' also affect the balance of the guitar since they're that bit heavier. Only a bit bigger, but having 12 of them on the headstock is very noticeable.
I'd like to substitute these for more Ric-friendly spec tuners. What model would people recommend? Do I need to buy a set specifically for 12-strings, or would two regular sets of 6 do? I suppose some with mild relic'ing would be preferable.
Thanks for any tips!
John
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doctorwho
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Re: Replacement tuners -advice for 366 (or 360-12)

Post by doctorwho »

TR25 wrote: Tue Sep 30, 2025 6:59 pm ... Do I need to buy a set specifically for 12-strings, or would two regular sets of 6 do? ...
According to what's on the RIC website, you'll need two sets:

Excerpt from RIC Boutique page for standard keywinds - used for educational purposes only
Excerpt from RIC Boutique page for standard keywinds - used for educational purposes only
RIC_Boutique_excerpt.jpg (27.48 KiB) Viewed 3030 times


The corresponding Boutique page for the RIC vintage style replacements has a proviso that they may not work on pre-2011 instruments.

FWIW, I used a set of Allparts Kluson-style replacements on my 1966 365 (6-string), and they worked fine. I traded for them, so I don't know the part number, but these are probably the same:

From Allparts webpage on 3x3 tuners
From Allparts webpage on 3x3 tuners
Allparts_tuners.jpg (22.27 KiB) Viewed 3030 times
It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing. - Seneca
TR25
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Re: Replacement tuners -advice for 366 (or 360-12)

Post by TR25 »

Thanks, doctorwho, some helpful info there.
I did look at ordering parts from Ric in the US but I'm in the UK and shipping costs, and the problem of returning items if not suitable, sort of rules that out.
It's a valuable instrument (1968 vintage) so I'm wary of messing it up with a botched DIY job. I think I'll need to take it to a pro luthier for further investigation...
maxwell
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Re: Replacement tuners -advice for 366 (or 360-12)

Post by maxwell »

I’m not sure what you need or want, but have you checked with your UK-based Rickysounds? Lots of parts and advice that is making this source ever more popular as RIC continually seems to disappoint.

https://www.rickysounds.co.uk/
TR25
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Re: Replacement tuners -advice for 366 (or 360-12)

Post by TR25 »

maxwell wrote: Thu Oct 02, 2025 7:44 am I’m not sure what you need or want, but have you checked with your UK-based Rickysounds? Lots of parts and advice that is making this source ever more popular as RIC continually seems to disappoint.

https://www.rickysounds.co.uk/
Excellent tip-off - thank you maxwell. I'd heard of Rickysounds but never thought of approaching them. I'll drop them a line.
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