Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm currently using the Ernie Ball # 2230 sets on my 660-12 MB and 370-12 RM. Quite happy with the results.

admin wrote:Scott, I have owned two Rickenbacker 12 strings and the findings that you have reported are consistent with mine. A good setup with high quality strings works!

Peter, thanks. Since I prefer the light gauge strings on a 12-string, I assemble my own set from singles to get the intonation and feel to my liking for each pair. Here's the kicker: I even ordered a set of stamped-nickel mandolin bushings from Stew Mac, trimmed the collars to fit so they aren't visible, and installed them on the lateral tuners of my 360-12 to provide smoother tuning and eliminate any binding of the tuner posts; and then I ordered a bridge saddle blank from RIC and custom-filed an offset saddle so the unison and octave low E strings, being different core diameters with different stretch and offset characteristics, would intonate properly.

fatcat wrote:I'm currently using the Ernie Ball # 2230 sets on my 660-12 MB and 370-12 RM. Quite happy with the results.

Those are super light strings! 8-8, 10-10, 14-8, 24w-11, 32-17, 40-22w Glad to hear they work for you!

iiipopes wrote:Since I prefer the light gauge strings on a 12-string, I assemble my own set from singles to get the intonation and feel to my liking for each pair. Here's the kicker: I even ordered a set of stamped-nickel mandolin bushings from Stew Mac, trimmed the collars to fit so they aren't visible, and installed them on the lateral tuners of my 360-12 to provide smoother tuning and eliminate any binding of the tuner posts; and then I ordered a bridge saddle blank from RIC and custom-filed an offset saddle so the unison and octave low E strings, being different core diameters with different stretch and offset characteristics, would intonate properly.

That's taking things to a whole new level! Can you share the string gauges of your custom set? Thanks.

stsang wrote:

iiipopes wrote:Since I prefer the light gauge strings on a 12-string, I assemble my own set from singles to get the intonation and feel to my liking for each pair. Here's the kicker: I even ordered a set of stamped-nickel mandolin bushings from Stew Mac, trimmed the collars to fit so they aren't visible, and installed them on the lateral tuners of my 360-12 to provide smoother tuning and eliminate any binding of the tuner posts; and then I ordered a bridge saddle blank from RIC and custom-filed an offset saddle so the unison and octave low E strings, being different core diameters with different stretch and offset characteristics, would intonate properly.

That's taking things to a whole new level! Can you share the string gauges of your custom set? Thanks.

Sure!
My custom set of D'Addario XL:
9-9 11 1/2-11 1/2 17w-8 22w-10 30w-13 40w-20w.

Occasionally, if I'm playing a lot, I'll change the D A E pairs to:
24w-10 32w-14 42w-22w (the unisons are a standard electric 9-gauge set);
and if I can't get a 17w, I'll use an 18w for the unison G.

Here's the kicker: the unison half of this set, 9 11 1/2 17w 22w 30w 40w when tuned up four frets to G#-D#-B-F#-C#-G# on my 320 make it into a great "terz" guitar: bright, light, but a different flavor of jangle.

Thanks Scott! Lots of great information to digest.

jingle_jangle wrote:A setup makes ALL the difference between, "What's so special about Rickenbacker 12s?", and "Holy Cow! Now I get it!". Ask Kira, John Ashfield, et al...

Mine plays as easily as my sixers. Easy action and I can even get away with some moderate bending. I could play it all night. Many thanks to Paul for this setup.

Yea, me too. I get the old "12-strings are only good for some songs" but I think they're great for rhythm on most rock, folk and even blues songs. Nice, full background sound works well with a good, driving bass and insane drummer. And with nice, low RIC action in a proper set-up, you can launch into some very unique solos. Get your RIC the way you want it and the sky is the limit.

manta wrote:Yea, me too. I get the old "12-strings are only good for some songs" but I think they're great for rhythm on most rock, folk and even blues songs.

I did exactly that for a year or so,with the 370-12 RM.Leads on the 12 string songs, and rhythm on all the rest.Only took one guitar to the jobs.

As to bending ,the 2230's allow that without pain. I can make"What's Happening " sounds like the record, and no sore finners.

The D'Addario 12-string set comes in these gauges:

10-10
13-13
17-08
26-12
36-18
46-26

The 17 "low G" and 18 "high A" are not wound strings.

I was getting some really sour sounding chords, and just kept retuning.

After replacing these two strings with wound 18s, the problem is solved.

I love this guitar and the noise it makes.

Thanks guys for all of the advice!

The thomastic invelds custom set flatwownds from pick of the rics is the only way to fly. These strings sound great,stay in tune.and the intonation is right on. I tried every brand on the market for my 360/12 and these are it for me. Talk to Chris at pick of the rics and he will b glad to answer any questions you may have. Believe me its worth it.Gary

bowser2533 wrote:The thomastic invelds custom set flatwownds from pick of the rics is the only way to fly. These strings sound great,stay in tune.and the intonation is right on. I tried every brand on the market for my 360/12 and these are it for me. Talk to Chris at pick of the rics and he will b glad to answer any questions you may have. Believe me its worth it.Gary

+ 1!!!

Folkie wrote:

bowser2533 wrote:The thomastic invelds custom set flatwownds from pick of the rics is the only way to fly. These strings sound great,stay in tune.and the intonation is right on. I tried every brand on the market for my 360/12 and these are it for me. Talk to Chris at pick of the rics and he will b glad to answer any questions you may have. Believe me its worth it.Gary

+ 1!!!

+2

Yes, use your 12 for more than the stereotypical!

Back when I had a 660/12 I experimented a lot with it. With a moderate amount of crunch, it sounded more in-your-face than any guitar I have ever heard. The tone was H_U_G_E. I honestly believe a good player could use them for metal leads with good results. Blues-based "hard rock" is actually harder because of bending issues.

First and foremost, greetings to everybody on the forum as this is my first post!

I've had the unique privilege to acquire my first Rickenbacker 12 from a veteran member of the forum and all the information concerning strings and set-up has been very informative.

I'm actually considering sending her up to Chris at Pick of the Ricks for set-up with their custom TI strings. I usually have no problem setting up my own guitars but since its my first, I really want it to be done properly. Your first should always be special right?

Hello again to everybody and if you would like to take a peak at my very first 12, its on the register. Turquoise 660-12 serial 0236144. I've fallen in love with my first and see a wonderful musical union ahead...

Cheers,

Eric