Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I recently bought a 360 JetGlo and have put D'Addario Chromes .011-.050 flat wounds on the guitar. I love the way they feel. sound and play. My question is---is it safe to have this gauge on a Ric 360? Will the Ric neck safely take that much more tension than the smaller gauge strings that Ric installs on these? It seems to be fine---I had to adjust the truss rods a tad, but no big deal.
Thanks--
Bob

1OUfan wrote:I recently bought a 360 JetGlo and have put D'Addario Chromes .011-.050 flat wounds on the guitar. I love the way they feel. sound and play. My question is---is it safe to have this gauge on a Ric 360? Will the Ric neck safely take that much more tension than the smaller gauge strings that Ric installs on these? It seems to be fine---I had to adjust the truss rods a tad, but no big deal.
Thanks--
Bob

As long as you adjusted the truss rod correctly, you are golden! enjoy your gobs of tone!

Bob, it depends on the truss rod settings. On my new 360, it was buzzing some with the factory strings, as it seemed there was not much relief in the neck. However, once I put the TI flats (12-50) on there, it seems perfect to me, and I have no concerns whatsoever. There is additional tension, but it really is only an incremental increase. Fret the first fret and last fret simultaneously (use a capo if you need to), and look to see if there some space between the 12th fret and both the low and high E strings. There should be some space, but not alot. If the neck is bent like a banana with the new strings, then, yes, you do need to adjust the truss rods.

You've got to remember that RIC produces twelve string models of the 360, which has a LOT more tension on the neck than a set of six 11 gauge strings.

Ricks are designed to function properly--and set up with the very lowest action--with no relief on the neck. The geometry of the neck and body is such that (especially with new, unmolested guitars) the bridge carries 100% of the action adjustment.

Players coming from other brands which have higher-tension strings and/or normally "relieved" neck setups, will be comfortable with slightly higher action, and though relief is theoretically not necessary, may prefer to add a bit.

I prefer the elegance of the intended geometry, and a properly-set-up Rick with a flat neck is incredible to play; it's one of the major factors in their legendary playability.