Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Has anyone had their Rickenbacker R tail piece explode while under string tension?

romo1950 wrote:Has anyone had their Rickenbacker R tail piece explode while under string tension?

Was it with a 12-string? Yes, I have had it happen not while playing it but in the case. In my situation the piece of metal that the TP bracket hooks onto broke. It was also a vintage piece -- the "R" TP was from the 60's.

If your guitar is under warranty, it should be replaced free. If not, I believe you can send the damaged "R" TP to RIC (along with some $$$) and get a new one.

Or you may want to switch to a trapeze TP. There is an outfit that makes a trapeze bracket that has the same screw-hole placement as the "R" bracket. The RIC trapeze TP bracket will not match up with the "R" TP bracket holes.

I had a black R tailpiece bust on me. The powder coated R's have been known to have this problem, which is likely why RIC no longer makes any with black hardware.
At the time, RIC customer service directed me to Pick of the Ricks for a replacement. You send in your broken piece, a few bucks and they will replace it .

libratune wrote:

romo1950 wrote:Has anyone had their Rickenbacker R tail piece explode while under string tension?

Was it with a 12-string? Yes, I have had it happen not while playing it but in the case. In my situation the piece of metal that the TP bracket hooks onto broke. It was also a vintage piece -- the "R" TP was from the 60's.

If your guitar is under warranty, it should be replaced free. If not, I believe you can send the damaged "R" TP to RIC (along with some $$$) and get a new one.

Or you may want to switch to a trapeze TP. There is an outfit that makes a trapeze bracket that has the same screw-hole placement as the "R" bracket. The RIC trapeze TP bracket will not match up with the "R" TP bracket holes.

Yes mine was a 12 string chrome , on a 92 610-12, Cindalee at Rickenbacker very kindly replaced it for me , mine also was in the case.
Do you detune your Ric when not in use?

Yes. A black one on a 12 string whilst in storage in its case.

'a few bucks' = $165

I had it happen with my `91 381/12 four years ago. I replaced the piece and have had no incidents since. I also switched to a lighter gauge string. The newer tailpieces are supposed to be stronger IIRC. I know it's not a popular viewpoint, but I don't think it's a good idea to use heavier gauges on the RIC 12 string for a couple of reasons; neck tension, and potential failure of the tailpiece.

romo1950 wrote: Do you detune your Ric when not in use?

I keep a 12-string tuned down 1/2 step if I won't be playing it for awhile.

romo1950 wrote:

libratune wrote:

romo1950 wrote:Has anyone had their Rickenbacker R tail piece explode while under string tension?

Was it with a 12-string? Yes, I have had it happen not while playing it but in the case. In my situation the piece of metal that the TP bracket hooks onto broke. It was also a vintage piece -- the "R" TP was from the 60's.

If your guitar is under warranty, it should be replaced free. If not, I believe you can send the damaged "R" TP to RIC (along with some $$$) and get a new one.

Or you may want to switch to a trapeze TP. There is an outfit that makes a trapeze bracket that has the same screw-hole placement as the "R" bracket. The RIC trapeze TP bracket will not match up with the "R" TP bracket holes.

Yes mine was a 12 string chrome , on a 92 610-12, Cindalee at Rickenbacker very kindly replaced it for me , mine also was in the case.
Do you detune your Ric when not in use?

It's recommended not to loosen the string tension. Ricks are designed to be under tension at all times at full pitch.

I hear it happens more frequently with the black versions because the powder coating process weakens the die-cast zinc that they're cast from.

Thanks for the replies, its good to get lots of independant feedback. I had heard that Rics like to be kept under tension.
Does anyone want to express their opinion on string gauge for Rickenbacker 6 and 12 string models, I usually play 10 gauge on my Strats and Tele,s , but prefer 9,s on my Les paul,s