First posting and question.

[SimonP]

Hello all,

Last year I scored a Fireglo 360/12 off ebay and man, playing a 12 string takes some getting used to. The guitar came with papers and a cloth but not the tool needed to raise or lower the bridge. I'm dying for some lower action. Where can I pick one of these tools up?

[jimk]

Try the nearest hardware store. It's a pretty standard sized Allen wrench, is all. I forget which size.
JimK

[kiramdear]

Welcome, SImon.

I keep a cheap set of both US and metric hex wrenches in my kit box. I can't tell you which one turns the trick either, but one of 'em does it. A call to customer service will probably let you know the exact size if you just want to buy the one little wrench.

[xcoyle]

You can also loosen the strings and take the bridge off and just hand turn the screws. A bit of trial and error, but easy.

[jdogric12]

I have nothing to add that hasn't been said here already, but welcome anyways Simon!

[scotty]

Gotta love the 3rd sentence. Welcome Simon.

[zrob]

Glad you spoke up, Simon; welcome.

Make sure you understand the many causes of a high action as well as the nasty ramifications of choosing the wrong fix. I always start with a quick check of the neck with a straight edge. Try searching the "Vibrola" forum for Rickenbacker setup information.

Good luck, and remember, one trip to a good luthier is worth the price in both playability and string harmony (intonation), not to mention all that you'll learn.

-Bob

[jimk]

Gotta love the 3rd sentence. Welcome Simon.

Git yer mind oot the Flowers o' Edinburgh, mate.

JimK

[SimonP]

Thanks for the welcome and replies! I'm sure I have a set of Allen keys lying around somewhere.

I've recently picked up the Ric from getting set up (with TI flats and 7.k toasters I might add). Will lowering the strings bugger up the intonation at all?

Excuse my technical ignorance.

[doctorwho]

Welcome, Simon!

It appears from the RIC Boutique Accessories page:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/cart.asp?ca ... ccessories

that the bridge adjustment Allen wrench is 3/32" (Sku: 02900 WRENCH ALLEN 3/32' SHORT GTR B) and the intonation Allen wrench is 5/64" (Sku: 02901 WRENCH ALLEN 5/64' LONG GTR IN). I have bought these sizes at one of my local Ace Hardware stores.

[jdogric12]

Part of a proper setup is adjusting the saddles for correct intonation, so hopefully that was done. Play any single string's harmonic at the 12 fret, then play that string fretting at the 12th fret. The two tones should be indentical, on an electronic tuner. If the fretted note is flat, your saddle needs to come in. If the fretted is sharp, opposite.

[goofyfoot]

Hi Simon.......Welcome to the canteen and props to you on your recent acquisition. As you can see by the replies, there are a good number of folks who know a lot about Rickenbackers and guitars in general. Make yourself at home --- it's a comfy place to be. Best regards.......Goofyfoot.

[YukonCor55]

Simon,
As I spent last night setting up my 370/12 I can give yu a little insight. For raising and lowering the bridge you'll need a 3/32 allen. That should get your string height squared away. As for intonation, the individual saddles are adjusted with a 5/64 allen. Take your time and for God's sake put a cloth down to protect the finish...a slipped allen can dig a nice deep groove in a guitar top!
Best,
AJ