Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi Guys- I have a chance here to purchase one of the rare 360/12/V66's of which only 24 were made for the Japanese market. I'm continually hearing wonderful things about the C. Wilsons, with the carved out top etc. I'd like to get some more feedback on these instruments (Very little info out there on the V66) The seller Don, is being very patient with me regarding my decision, and I need to let him know soon whether I'm going to buy or not. I have a budget available of $2,000, and not a penny more, and I'd really like to get more feedback from folks. Also, did the '60's 360/12's have the same carved out top like the CW's? Adds alot to the resonance and sound, etc? This is a major "Guitar for the rest of life" purchase, and I want to make sure to get the closest & best thing to a vintage Ricky that I can. Any input here would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Christian

Christian, The new-style bodied 360-12 was introduced in 1965 and featured the rounded, smooth-edged top with the checkered binding on the rear of the body. Construction of the body continued with the semi-hollow 'carved out' method from the rear, with a maple back affixed to it. I can't offer much info about the 360-12V66, however here's a photo of my vintage 1966 360-12FG for you to compare:-

Wow! That's the guitar I want!! Beautiful Darren. I had '67 366/12 Convertible from 1980-2003, and loved her dearly. Mainly trying to find out how a V66 measures up to a Carl Wilson. Many thanks for the nice pic! Christian

The 360/12 CW is a bit more common (500 units...).
If the v66 was made prior to 98, it will have the better looking
upper cut away. The thin top of the CW is very nice, but since
the guitar is BRACED very differently from the Original, It still lacks the transparency of the orig.

This guitar was made in 2003, if that tells you anything. Thanks! Christian

Personally, I think that the CW and the V65 or V66 were built the same way. Why? Because the ones that went to Japan were built after the CWs were. $2000. is a good price, go for it. RIC made 370/12s also........

John Fay, you are the only person who I have EVER seen mention the upper cutaway difference. I prefer the old "rounder" horn myself, even though I know it was a by product of the wearing of the pattern over the years. I am just used to it and the sharper one has never grown on me.

The sharper one took a while to grow on me too.
When I ordered my 360/12 BBR, it not only has the sharper horn, but the new headstock as well.
It is what it is; Rickenbacker's current refinement on their art.
For that ,I truly respect it(that and I'm a sucker for BBR!)

The older cutaway was fairly round from the start; my 65, 66,
and 68s were quite round in fact.

Boy I love these though!!!!!

Here's a 360/12V66 from a Japanese collector's site. I gathered from the rather sketchy translation that it is number 1 of 24. He saw it at a show in 2003 and was able to purchase it in August 2004.

Thanks for the pic Joe, PRETTY GUITAR! Could you send a link to his actual site? Thanks, Christian

Very Purdy!
Just remember that with the CW, the wood can be flamey or dull...
Usually, the ones under #200 are more figured, some devastatingly so....

Carl Wilson LE #43 6 string:

Wow, that's on fire, Kevin!

Yep-
That's the ticket!

Here's mine, #147 and do not adjust your browser, it's really a lefty.


Also, it's not as dark as it appears, as the lighting was bad.