Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I am thinking a buying a 12 string Rick. My current only Rick is a 340. Are there any tonal differences between a 381v69(really pretty), 360, 330, 660 or 620. What about the difficulty or ease of playing a narrower neck with 12 strings. Also I have heard some models have a 6 string bridge which hurts intonation on a 12. Any suggestions. Love the Beatles/Byrds tone from the 60's.

Welcome to the Pandora's box that is the recurring discussion of "which Rick 12-string should I get?"

There are tonal differences, no question.

A narrow neck is easy, a narrow neck is hard. A narrow neck is impossible to play.

The 6 string bridge is impossible to intonate. The 6 string bridge can be acceptably intonated providing the proper strings are used. It sounds great that way. It sounds awful that way.

(Side note: the Beatles and Byrds used Rick 12s with 6 string bridges to make all that great music.)

I think what he's saying is, it's all personal preference! Go out an try one for yourself.

Yes, YMMV.

I bought a 360-12 FG (August 2005 manufacture date) five weeks ago.

Love it...can't stop playing it. Don't find a problem with the narrow neck, but as Nick says, it's all personal preference.

I've played a lot of them over the years but have never bought one. I'm on the waiting list for a 330/12 blueburst, and I'm getting that because I like the color a lot, but also because I like the shape of the 330. The 360 has more rounded horns. The V series had the pointy horns with binding and shark inlays, but they aren't made anymore. The 381's are PRETTY, but cost a lto more than the others. The 600 series are solid bodies. Best to play them all and figure out which you like better.

They are all great if you have needle fingers. I haven't so I play a Gibson 12 string, not through choice but simply because I can't fit my fingers on a Ric. 12 string neck! You MUST try before you buy!

ONce I got used to my 360 neck all other "regular neck" guitars felt too wide.... and the wide-nec guitars feel just silly.

Greg, If you are still waiting for a 330/12 BBR, here's one ready to go: http://www.classicaxe.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=inventory.showItemDetails&itemID=1351

Ron I am still waiting, and thanks for the link, but I got a very good price from North Coast Music, and I like dealing with Gary, so I'll wait for it to come in. I'm saiving up the money too, so a little time won't hurt!