Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

So just out of curiosity... Is it customary to tune ric 12 strings the same as a regular 6 string (In E), or is it intended to be tuned a whole step lower as how 12 string acoustics (I have heard) are supposed to be tuned?

The necks/truss rods of some cheaper 12-string electrics can't handle the string tension and need to be tuned down to keep the neck straight, but this is definitely not a problem with a Ric 360/12.

Matt, it just depends on who you want to believe. A Rickenbacker 12 is designed to withstand standard pitch tuning without damage to the guitar, although for the moment I tune my own Rick 12's to Eb and just capo up if I want standard pitch.

I have a Martin D-12-20 that I keep tuned to D, and I use light-gauge strings on it. I use 10's on the Rickenbackers(except the 325/12 which has 12's)......

I have never tuned ANY of my acoustic or electric twelve strings down. I've owned two acoustics: Framus Texan and a Martin DM12 - neither of which EVER had neck problems. Both of my RICs are also tuned to A440

I keep my 360/12 in standard tuning as well - no problems. (Pyramid flat 10's)

My 360/12V64 stays tuned to standard pitch; never had any problems. Using a custom gauge set of Thomastik-Infeld roundwound Power Brights.

On Roger McQuinn's instructional video, he suggests tuning down a half step. He shows how to do this on his Rick/12 and I presume that he does this on the Martin that he plays as well. In the late '60's, Gibson had problems with their B-25 and B-45 12 strings and suggested tuning down a whole step. I have my Pyramid .010 flatwound strung, '67 360/12 tuned down a half step - it plays great, sounds great, is great! I just think that 12 strings LIKE to be tuned down. A famous guitarist told me that he tuned his acoustic 12 string to C# - Leadbelly tuned his to B!!

Ricnvolved: How do you like the sound and feel of the Thomastik-Infeld roundwound Power Brights?

ahem...a stupid question...don't sets of 12 strings come in a lighter guage (9's, etc.)?

ERNIE BALL 2230 SLINKY 12-STRING ELECTRIC GUITAR SET
Roundwound nickel-plated steel, extra light gauge, 008/008 010/010 008/014 011/024W 017/32W 022W/040W
EB30.....list $13.00.....our price $5.85 buy

ERNIE BALL 2233 12-STRING ELECTRIC GUITAR SET
Roundwound nickel-plated steel, light gauge, 009/009 012/012 020W/009 026W/012 036W/020 046W/026W
EB33.....list $13.50.....our price $6.10 buy

Brilliant! I will be able to do my thrilling solos on twice as many strings! Once I get my 12 string, that is.

And thanks, I was too lazy to stop by GC and ask them!

There were 8's on my 360/12v64 when I got it and frankly they were terrible. I now have the RIC compressed round wound set on it (and on my 370/12) and I love them (they're 10's)

You'll need to do a good set-up to get your neck and intonation set with strings that light.

I am also using RIC compressed roundwounds 10's on my 620/12. It will take A440 tuning, but, I tune it down a half step just because it sounds somewhere between vintage jangle & "Beverly Hillbillies" twang.

I feel 8's are too light for 6 strings. I was just wondering the feasablility of string stretching solos and 10's paired up seems like a lot of excercise.

Jerry: Actually the RIC Compressed 10's are no problem for solos. Even paired, string stretching is not difficult.
Gary as another RIC 10's user do you agree?