Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello everyone -

This would be my first post and I was promted to
write after reading a quote from John Hall over on voxtalks. He said he'd considered dropping the
"R" tailpiece from production. I don't really believe this but to be honest, it wouldn't bother me.
I just joined the ric ranks about a month ago by
getting a 87' 330 jg. It's absolutely fab. The only thing I wasn't too apmed on was the "R" tailpiece. The first thing I did was order a vintage style trapeze to replace it. At first it
was just aesthetics driving me to do this mod.
No offense, but the "R" is a bit too much, it kind of looks like a fancy belt buckle...
I just dig the vintage look (Harrison's 12) but
after I completed the operation, I found that it
really improved the overall string tension and I'm convinced that it also improved the sustain somewhat. It just seems to play better and I swear
it's like a pound or two lighter.
Anybody with me out there?
I know this is a rather common mod.
What do you say - J.H.?

Love the forum and honored to be a part of it.
Another rabid ric fanatic has been born...

-Spencer

Go down to the Rickenbacker Guitars section of this forum and look for the whole Broken "R" Tailpiece thread.

Oh, and welcome!

Welcome to The Rickenbacker Forum.

The trapeze tailpiece is an easy modification and I am pleased with the result following its indtallation on my Model 350. The "R" tailipece has been an Icon for so long I cannot imagine Rickenbackers without it.

Dropping the "R" would be a change to the Rickenbacker line that I consider would not be well received by the majority of Rickenbacker enthusiasts. While pure speculation on my part, I suspect that it may be replaced eventually but not any time soon.

Yeah - I just went back and checked out the Broken "R" archives. Jeeze, I didn't realize it was such a vast subject. I don't want to give the impression that I'm completely anti-"R", I just personally like mine without it. It's a personal preference like strings, I guess.
And I definately agree with you Peter - it is an icon and I know people would freak if they dropped it.

Can I buy a coupla hundred R tailpieces? You know, just in case.

I'm with you Jerry - all this "phasing out the R" talk is a little distressing.

Welcome aboard, Spencer.

Do you plan to sell your R?
If yes, let me know.
I'll try to make a belt buckle out of it.

Hey Paul, cool idea!

Hi Spencer.
I know the R's have their fans but it doesnt grab me either. Neither my 360v64 and 660/12 have them. I think you summed up my feelings with the belt buckles comment.
For all that, I'd be very surprised if Mr Hall was too serious. Maybe if an R let go slashing the tendons of a recording star then Ric lawyers would suggest it but no-one else with a passion for Rickenbackers would, even those like me that prefer the trapeze.

Philip,
How do you like your 660/12? I've been trying to find one in a music store so's to try before I buy. The regular 12 necks are too thin for my hands. I assume it's quite easy to play? How's the tone? I tried out a 1992 620/12, and was surprised the tone went from Jingle jangle to a warm tone at the neck pup. I wasn't expecting the warm tone. But the neck...

The only thing about the 660's is that trapeze tailpiece looks so cheap...

Yeah, I've always thought the Trapeze looks like something I could have made in shop class - and the R looks more professionally done.

Um, you know, I don't think I'll sell my "R" anytime soon. I've been catching some really beautiful spanish mackeral on it. Using a wound third as a leader, of course.
I just found out something a little irritating last night, though. I ran my serial# on the ric site last night and found out that my 330 was manufactured in june of 97', not 87' as I was told. The discouraging thing about it is that I bought it from my step-dad who owns a vintage/used guitar store. He is the guitar guru in the area and I called him this morning to give him some **** about not being able to date a ric. Something about switched tags.
Anyone out there know him?
Kent Sonenberg - Legends Music?
Anyway - I quickly got over the fact that it's ten years younger than I thought. I mean I play the thing, ya know? I learned a long time ago that I don't want anymore guitars that I'm afraid to take out of the house, or knock over, or let other people play, etc...
It's a waste.

P.S. - Today is Macca's birthday!
Did you guys know?
Happy Birthday Paul!!!

Jerry
I love the 660/12. I had never played a 12 string before I bought it. Its easy to play and sounds beautiful. I have briefly tried two 360/12's recently in music shops unamplified and couldnt see how I would be able to play them as the neck was so narrow and strings close together. Technique I guess.
The chequer binding and full width inlays add a touch of class that can't be matched by a big shiny R
My Gear - http://www.hartal.co.nz/gear.jpg

Thanks Philip. Nice lava lamp.

Philip,

Did you try your 660/12 out before you bought?