Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Which Rickenbacker 12 string electric model is considered to be the top of the line?

The 381/12 I believe. It has the most elaborate body carving/sculpting & binding of the current models.

The cool thing is, the quality is consistently excellent from the most inexpensive 330 all the way up to the pricier models like the 381. So really, they're all "top of the line".

They really are.... I've never played a Ric I didn't like, as long as they are set up right.

Thanks, guys. I agree about the consistent quality throughout, but when you factor in the elaborate carving, binding, etc. I guess the 381v69/12 really is the top model.

The question arose when I was reading a book on 12 string guitars and it showed a picture of a 381/12, but the caption read "360/12WB Rickenbacker's Top of the Line 12 String."

I agree. Here is one from 1987.

Beautiful. The one I have ordered is MB.

I agree that the 381/12 is the top of the line but the 660/12 is the easiest to play because of the wider neck. The vintage pickups will also give you that classic Rick sound. I'd post a couple of pictures but I don't know how to shrink them.

The problem with the picture above is that anyone holding this guitar will look very unattractive, in comparison. I don't want a guitar so beautiful that it makes me feel ugly.

Here's mine Brian:



For me, the 660 is the best 12 string they make. It's got all the deluxe features you could want plus the wide neck.

Wow John! That's a beauty. Blue boy with the gold pickguards is a great combination! Mine is a left handed Montezuma Brown. I put a white TRC and white pearloid pickguards on it. Those oven knobs look cool!

The problem with the picture above is that anyone holding this guitar will look very unattractive, in comparison.

Or - another possible variant - anybody can look attractive with this guitar in their hands... Definitely a lovely color (my favorite after GreenGlo...)

Wow John! That's a beauty. Blue boy with the gold pickguards is a great combination! Mine is a left handed Montezuma Brown. I put a white TRC and white pearloid pickguards on it. Those oven knobs look cool!

Thanks a lot Brian! I never thought a 12 string could possibly be my favorite guitar, but it really is. These 660's are incredible.

You can email me a picture or two of your 660/12 and i'd be happy to resize and post them for you.

jbiscuti AT mac DOT com

Thanks John, there on the way!

Brian's 660/12 LH MB: