Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi gang. I have a 360/12 whose neck, while straight, is pitched too far forward when brought up to pitch. I am told, reliably too, that it needs the back removed and neck reset. Before I go through all that, can I put some uber-light strings on it as a 'poor man's fix'? It currently has the regular RIC 12-string set. When no strings are on the guitar, the angle looks good. Your answer may save me several hundred dollars or more, so your opinions are appreciated! Thanks, THE DOG

Just get it back to straight with no strings, then because it seems to pivot when under tension, get a long drywall screw and run it through the body at the neck pocket so it won't pivot anymore - problem solved!

Well, JDog, you're in the right ballpark...But I wouldn't expect lighter gauge strings to do much...you're only talking about a small reduction in stress, especially with a 12er set. The reason I think you have not gotten many responses is because this is a tough one to judge by verbal descriptions along.

What, Paul, you didn't like my pearls of wisdom?!

Sorry I didn't acknowledge the wisdom of your words, John...I was out at the Home Depot buying more 3" drywall screws just now, in fact!

Thanks for the screw idea John; I've bent a half dozen nails fixin' my Martin's bridge.

Rob, you shouldn't use a drywall hammer; they slip on finish nails...

Uh, glad to be of service.... I think....

I've had 2 neck re-sets done here in the UK. The guy I use (Bob Barry) uses a heat method. No damage to the finish, no taking the back off. AND reasonably priced at around $250. My 370/12 and 4005 both gained over 5mm of bridge height, which I was very pleased with. I don't know the ins and outs of the process. All I know is he puts the guitar in a jig and heats the neck pocket, applies pressure to bring the neck back, a little each day. The whole process takes 6 weeks - so you can imagine how gradual the process is, but it works. I've had no problems with these instruments since they've been done. Hope that helps J Dog!

Thanks mate. I may take it to my local dude and see if he can do that. I know he specifically bought heat lamps for a certain Rick bass he tried to work on for me and couldn't fix, so he should be happy to get to use the gear, recoup some investment.

Took it to local dude, who looked at it and laughed. (It's okay, he's cool, and immune from the Dog's wrath) But while there, I noticed I had made some impressions in the paint while working on it a few weeks ago. So I think this will just sit for a year or so, then I'll have it reset from scratch, and repaint it myself. I'll use a roller and brush, it'll come out beautiful!

8mileshigh wrote:I've had 2 neck re-sets done here in the UK. The guy I use (Bob Barry) uses a heat method. No damage to the finish, no taking the back off. AND reasonably priced at around $250. My 370/12 and 4005 both gained over 5mm of bridge height, which I was very pleased with. I don't know the ins and outs of the process. All I know is he puts the guitar in a jig and heats the neck pocket, applies pressure to bring the neck back, a little each day. The whole process takes 6 weeks - so you can imagine how gradual the process is, but it works. I've had no problems with these instruments since they've been done. Hope that helps J Dog!

Thanks for that, Graham. I'm gonna try it soon. My neck's been a pain.

Let you know in 6 weeks if it's working...

jdogric12aolcom wrote: ... and repaint it myself. I'll use a roller and brush, it'll come out beautiful!

You may have better success with a toothbrush and a screen.

jdogric12aolcom wrote:So I think this will just sit for a year or so, then I'll have it reset from scratch, and repaint it myself. I'll use a roller and brush, it'll come out beautiful!

Yeah!! Make sure to use one of those nappy rollers like they use to paint ceilings - It'll give a nice texture to the finish.