Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I am new to Rickenbacker and new to this forum so forgive me if this posting is not appropriate. I am looking to acquire a 12 string hollowbody for a Beatles Tribute Band in the UK. It seems that the 12 saddle bridge is recommended (I saw a bad review of the six saddle bridge) which pushes me towards a 381 or a modified 360. Has anyone compared either of these with the 360/12C1963 (kind of the obvious choice) which seems to have a hybrid six saddle bridge. Does it actually matter which one goes for? Last, but not least, does anyone have a view on the best Y Stero cable to get for the Ric-o-sound. Can't find one on the Rick web site so assume they don't sell them. Oh lastly (really) has anyone used the stereo lead on a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp. If so is it good bad indifferent? Thanks.

Welcome David.

I can respond to the 12-saddle bridge portion of your post.

That's something they came up with around the time of the McGuinn model in the late 80's for better intonation. Until then, every Rick 12 had a 6-saddle bridge. Unless you play a lot of lead lines above the 7th fret, you shouldn't have any problems. Plus, a 6-saddle would be historically accurate for the Beatles era. Either a 360/12v64 (a discontinued reissue series, not hard to find) or the current, more accurate reissue, the 360/12C63 should suit your needs just fine.

I use the discontinued Ric-O-Sound box for stereo, but search around here a little bit and you'll find answers to your questions.

A 381 does not have a 12-saddle bridge, as it is a reissue of a 1969 instrument. A 660 does, however - as per Tom Petty's specifications.

The vast majority of twelve string Ricks will set up and intone correctly using the six saddle bridge and the recommended string gauges. The very small percentage that don't are the only ones that need the twelve saddle bridge. Note that using the twelve saddle bridge can change the tone of your instrument.

Don't base your choice of an instrument on the bridge...these can be easily swapped out. Since it's a Beatles tribute band, the obvious choice would be the 360/12C63. And, if it was good enough for Mr. Harrison, it'll be fine for you! And, don't worry about the intonation issue. It's part of the Jangle, in the case of vintage Invasion tunes.

What is it they say, close enough for rock and roll?

I don't remember seeing 12-string saddles before they invented cheap electronic tuners. Ignorance was bliss.

dpowell wrote:A 381 does not have a 12-saddle bridge, as it is a reissue of a 1969 instrument. A 660 does, however - as per Tom Petty's specifications.

My 381/12 came with one.

If you go with a 360C63 or a 360V64 you won't need a stereo cord. These models have dual mono outputs. If you buy a model with Rick-O-Sound any quality stereo guitar cord will work fine. I have a C63 with a six saddle bridge. It has no issues with intonation.

paologregorio wrote:

dpowell wrote:A 381 does not have a 12-saddle bridge, as it is a reissue of a 1969 instrument. A 660 does, however - as per Tom Petty's specifications.

My 381/12 came with one.

Huh...I guess it's because the 12-string version is not *technically* a reissue??? Thanks.

dpowell wrote:

paologregorio wrote:

dpowell wrote:A 381 does not have a 12-saddle bridge, as it is a reissue of a 1969 instrument. A 660 does, however - as per Tom Petty's specifications.

My 381/12 came with one.

Huh...I guess it's because the 12-string version is not *technically* a reissue??? Thanks.

And it would be quite ridiculous for a 6 string to have a 12 saddle bridge anyways!

tennis_nick wrote: And it would be quite ridiculous for a 6 string to have a 12 saddle bridge anyways!

Talking about the 12er here.

dpowell wrote:

tennis_nick wrote: And it would be quite ridiculous for a 6 string to have a 12 saddle bridge anyways!

Talking about the 12er here.

And I'M just talking about irrelevant useless comments that I make that don't move the conversation along at all, but hey, posting here keeps me out of my chemistry book!

As for Ric-O-Sound, here is a good alternative if you want a box:
http://www.bayoucables.com/bayouosound-box-p-222.html

Great cables from them also.

tennis_nick wrote: And I'M just talking about irrelevant useless comments that I make that don't move the conversation along at all, but hey, posting here keeps me out of my chemistry book!

I hear that!

People people people, please......

http://www.rickenbacker.com/model.asp?model=381/12V69