Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

No one would/could answer this at alt.rickenbacker, so here goes.

Why does the photo of Suzi Arden's first issue 360/12 sport the "R" tailpiece, when Georges #2 and numerous subsequent models sported the flat rectangular trapeze? Also, where can I find the history of these first two models and who own's #1? I understand that Harrison used # 2 on the 'Cloud Nine' CD but have not heard of a more recent use. Thanks all for the help!

Fred Meade
Montreal * Boston

Fred: I depends on when the photo of Suzi's instrument was taken. The photos in more recent times show the "R" tailpiece as this has been replaced over the years. A brief and by no means complete history of the Suzi Arden 12 string.

Although not at all as visually appealing as the "R" tailpiece, I can't imagine why anyone would replace the original. Unaware of it's uniqueness? Long term value? Seeing A Hard Day's Night in '64 would have been the red alert on that issue.

Was aware that Route 66 Guitars acquired it and sold it to a Japanese collector in '92 adding to dozens he already owned, but wondered if he still had it. Worth mentioning that while #2 is Harrison's, #3 and last fabricated in '63 is now in the hands of one of Tom Petty's bandmates.

That solid body 12 of Mike Campbells[the 625-12
on the cover of 1979s "Damn the Torpedos"] has been with him for quite a while. I think possibly since as early as the late 60s, and it was only a few hundred dollars when he got it.