Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Any string changing tips? I bough a used 360/12 v64 and I broke one string and it was a pain to get it through that primitive looking plate at the end. Can't imagine when i have to change all 12. And it doesn't seem like a good idea to take all 12 strings off (my guess is it could damage the neck) which would then make easy to get the strings trough. Also I find that there isn't much space between the strings and I Read somewhere that buying a 12 string bridge might alleviate this. Any opinions or tips would be appreciated. thanks, Frank.

Change only 1 or two strings at a time. Keeps the tailpiece in place. The neck tension thing isn't an issue unless you leave it at the wrong tension for a long time.

Don't buy a 12-string "R" tailpiece. Not necessary.

The quirks of this tailpiece (and all Rick tailpieces ) are part of the charm of the guitar.

BTW, if you think changing the strings on the trapeze is tough, doing it on a 12-string "R" tailpiece would really try your patience!

I haven't changed strings yet, however, if the strings are too close, you would consider changing the nut, not the bridge.

Yeah, you for sure don't want to change more than one string at a time, for a number of reasons. There isn't a simple or real quick way to change the strings on a trapeze tail until you get the hang of it and the trapeze is much easier than the slotted R tail. Are the strings closer at one point on the neck as opposed to another? Or does it run the same (in closeness) the length of the neck to the bridge?

I should make a video. I can change a RIC 12 set in about 15-20 minutes.

I remember putting on a new set of 12 strings....1986 I think it was (lol)

...speaking of string changing; which way do you guys wind the channel strings, toward the TRC or the outside? I think they come from RIC wound toward the TRC but I think someone here said it's better to wind outwards because it doesn't get hung up on the TRC.

Cole

15-20 minutes? Truly, you are a master. It takes me two hours and lots of swearing.

Mark, it's not that bad. The secret is two strips of masking tape (one on the tailpiece "hinge", one on the tailpiece to hold the strings in place), and a cloth pad under the tailpiece to prevent marring the body's finish.

That's if you remove 'em all, to clean the fingerboard or dress the frets. Otherwise, it will take longer, but you can do them one at a time.

Then there's the compromise solution, where you leave the two outermost strings, in place, change all the rest, and then replace those two.

There are also some tricks to string the channeled tuners, but the above should get you down into the 1/2 hour range. McGuinn's video goes through this process thoroughly.

The 'R' tail is easy do string once you get the hang of it.

I can string up a RIC 12 in about 15 mins.

Start with the outer E strings first, just don't tighten to much.

Install all the INNER strings next.

Now install the OUTER strings.

Tune up to 440.

First, stretch all heavy TOP strings at the 12th fret one at at a time tuning each back to 440.

Second, stretch the lighter BOTTOM strings the same way.

The most important thing to do is stretch the high octive G string LAST!!!!

Check tuning once more.

ENJOY!!

Karl is right on the money with the order of string installation. That's exactly how I do it.

I change them pretty regularly & with the aid of a capo & a string winder, it only takes about 15 minutes.
I wind my inner strings away from the TRC Cole.

Thanks for the tips! I still will probably put off changing strings for the longest time possible tough. Any toughts on the bridge thing? I'm getting used to how close the strings feel by now but would like to know what you guys think!

Can you post a picture of the string spacing at the nut ?

i'll try to post a picture later on, i'm sort of technologically challenged regarding pictures. One more newbie question...are the g strings tuned in unison or an octave apart?