Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Someone I know (who is a big Beatles fan) tells me that George's 12 string was strung Lo-hi, Lo- hi instead of the usual Rick way of Hi-lo Hi-lo. Is he right?

No I do not think he is right Peter. I believe Suzi Arden's Rickenbacker 12 was strung hi-lo, as you say, followed by Harrison's lo-hi.

Peter has it right. George's was the first to have what they then termed, 'reverse' stringing.

I'm confused now Peter, you have said that he is wrong but written the same as I wrote.

Sorry Peter, I don't blame you for being confused. The traditional Rickenbacker 12 string stringing is main string followed by the harmonic string for the E, A D and G string pairs or, if you like, lo-hi. George Harrison had his 12 string strung this way.

Sorted now! thanks for clarifying it Peter. I will set him right tonight (He is our guitarist and we have a night off tonight so we are going to see an excellent Pink Floyd tribute band).

The Aussie Pink Floyd Show, Peter?

I know it's a stupid question, but... is this "reverse" stringing unique for RIC?..

I've seen a couple of Danelectro "Bellzouki's" strung the Rickenbacker way; don't know if that was standard on those instruments or not. Thanks! Christian

I've also seen the Vox Mando-Guitar strung this way as well; I think George used one on "Girl", and I think Brian Jones played it on "Mother's Little Helper" Thanks! Christian

Thanks go to you, Christian!
In fact, all the 12-strings (acoustic) i've seen in flesh or held in my hands were strung hi-lo... that's why i'm asking...

Howard, no not the Aussie one (although they are playing here soon), they are a local band, who are really good.

I play this one now for live work and recording (nice wide neck). Tuned Hi-lo, Hi-lo.

Sheena: for the most part, I think it is fair to say that this stringing is a hallmark of the Rickenbacker 12.

Peter L., where you recently in Houston?