381/12v69 conversion

[lazerdriver]

I want to convert a 381 12-string to a 6-string. According to the parts diagram it would need a 03326 nut and a 0811 bridge, the same as the parts listed for either a 381 or a 360 Ric.

The Boutique has a the 6-string bridge, 0811 part number, but the description says it does not work for 350 or 380 series. Is the description mistaken?

Also, the Boutique has the 6-string ‘standard’ nut, but the part number is 03325 and they do not have the 03326. I have read elsewhere that the 03325 would be too narrow because it is for unbound necks. Is that true, or will the 03325 nut work for my conversion?

[jdogric12]

What year? Some time around.. hmm, very rough guess, 2010? they switched to having the same nut on bound and unbound necks. Make sure to watch your neck as the tension relaxes over the coming weeks and adjust the rods accordingly.

[lazerdriver]

It is a 2008

[jdogric12]

I would just email RIC from their website and see what they say. Although, if you plan to switch infrequently enough to warrant these changes, why not sell the 12 and buy a 6?

[iiipopes]

I would just email RIC from their website and see what they say. Although, if you plan to switch infrequently enough to warrant these changes, why not sell the 12 and buy a 6?

This ^ Please don't convert a good 12-string. There is a good market for these guitars. The only reason I have my 360-12WB FG Ckbd is because the former owner took six strings off, then decided he didn't like the tone. A local used dealer traded even to him for a beat up Les Paul, immediately called me, and sold it to me for what he had in the Les Paul. I got it for a song - pun intended - compared to what it was and currently is worth.

[lazerdriver]

I would just email RIC from their website and see what they say. Although, if you plan to switch infrequently enough to warrant these changes, why not sell the 12 and buy a 6?

Mainly for three reasons:

1. This one is absolutely mint condition and I bought it used for way less than people are selling them for on Reverb. Minimum $1000 to $2000 more than what I paid.
2. I have found in buying online used, or even new sometimes, that sellers don’t understand the condition guidelines. New means sold by an authorized dealer, not you bought it a month ago and decided to sell it. Mint means condition is as if it is brand new, except pre-owned, not it is mint except it has several scratches, dents, chips, cracks, etc. That always makes the buying experience a pain.
3. Converting is not irreversible. I am keeping the original bridge, tuners, tailpiece and nut (if it can be salvaged). So it can easily be reversed.

I have removed the octave strings and tuners, replaced the bridge and the tailpiece and am waiting for the nut, and I love it already. No regrets. I have a 360/12, a 660/12, and a Danelectro 66/12, so I am not hurting for 12-string electrics. To sell it, then turn around and buy the 6-string version seemed like a lot more work than converting.