Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Let me guess, Bob: Two outermost strings first?

Change the strings one at a time. Use a capo to hold each string at or around the 7th fret. Cut each string about two inches past the posts. Pass each string through the post "eye" and leave about 1/4" of string past the post and start winding using the taper of the peg to secure each winding. Do not overlap the windings.

I tune mine down to Spanish tuning simply because the tension is far less than concert pitch.

Cole

The second string (G and high E) kept breaking...it was suggested to me that I tune it down. Use a capo now, and everything works fine.

It appears that I SHOULD NOT do this with the 360-12.

RE: Tuning down.

OTHERS are the expert in this, not me. However, my opinion(s).

Naturally as the thinest strings there are, the high G and E are most likely to break. But "keep breaking?" Then something might be wrong. I'd have a tech look at it. (Some tiny thing in the bridge/saddle could be cutting into them.)

There are legitimate reasons to tune down. To match the key of a song ... on the DVD McGuinn says he plays TTT tuned down a half-step ... lots of Guns n' Roses songs are down a half-step, etc.

Most of the alternate tunings involve tuning down to another pitch.

And there is the old trick of tuning down and using a capo so that the strings are further apart.

I don't think anyone said you "SHOULD NOT" do it on a 360/12.

Appreciate the advice.

Paul: Yes, two outers first. Then, the "sideways" slots, and then the standards.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the trapeze tailpiece, the R is much more difficult, but it can be done. I've always had the best luck with either if I do it one pair at a time. This keeps me from getting too confused, as well as keeping the strings from flying all over the place. I think it's better for the neck too, as the string tension stays more constant on it.
With the trapeze, it's far far better to use the over/under method (ala Mark Arnquist), where the smaller gauge string is put through from front to back and the larger gauge is put from back to front behind it. That way you have the ball ends on opposite sides of the tailpiece. (I can send pics if anyone wants them.)
As far as the R goes, I just put the string in there and try to keep tension on it to keep it from falling out.

This was over on the Beatles thread, but its more appropriate for "Restringing the 360-12"

Chris, I'd like to see pictures if you have time to send them my way . I don't have a 12-string yet, and I think I follow what you're saying, but it would be cool to see a picture.

Thanks.

Kent, I love that picture of George. This one is pretty cool too