Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I say yes. I got a video of the Beatles on the Ready Steady Go show in 1964. It's the show where they do "Shout". Although they are lip-syncing they are doing it to a "live" tape that they probably did in that very studio before the audience came in and they did the show. George is playing his 36O and he does some 6-string guitar solos like "Roll Over Beethoven" and I'd say it's unlikely that he would have brought a different guitar for the music taping than for playing on the show. Who knows for sure? Did he use it on the formal recordings as a 6-string?

My understanding was that the whole thing was mimed- George could have used a tennis racket on that show! In answer to your question, I believe his 12's always remained as 12's.

How about the 325/12? Did John ever used it a recording?

According to many sources John never did use it to record (received in the summer of 1964) although it served as a back-up guitar for the tours of that period.

I don't think it is conclusive that John never recorded with it. There are photographs of it in the studio and he did use it on tour.

I strongly doubt that George ever used either of his as six strings. Why would he? He had a pile of six strings and taking half the strings off the Ric would have just meant they were going to have to go back on again - not particularly fun.