Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've only owned one Rickenbacker 12 string, a 340/12 in midblu. It had a great tone and the neck was fine, but I could never love the lighter version of that b

Had lots of Rics including 360V64, 650A/VT, 335, 1997SPC/VB (til death do us part), 340/6 DG, and the 340/12.

Having recently parted with my sole electric 12 I've been planning for its replacement and the one I *think* I want is a 620/12.

So... how does it stack up against its bigger cousins?

Any distinct difference in tone or playability?

Please weigh in if you have both instruments or have played both.

One of my only pictures of the 340/12 midblu:

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.c ... eID=181266

Personally, I like the bigger body of the hollowbodies. The 620/12 has a body size similar to that of a 325/350, so (body-wise) that'll be very small. The 600 series model people go for is the 660/12, so you could look into one of those, perhaps. Maybe a 360/12V64 or C63 would suit your needs.

Thanks Jake. I tend to migrate to bigger guitar as it is. My 1997 is one of my SMALLER ones. When I had a 650 I was put off a little by its diminutive size, but lately I've been unable to lust after 12 strings beyond the 620. No 660s for me, thanks; I prefer the narrow nut.

A Carl Wilson model would be tempting however. I should have nabbed the one which hung on the wall at Willcutt for what seemed like ages.

Guess I'll just have to A/B compare them at the shop.

If you can, try them both out before you decide. If you already know that you prefer the bigger bodies, then it sounds like you're going to prefer the 360 type model. But it's also nice to have some variety in your stable. For me it would have to come down to which one gave me a better feeling to play it.

longhouse wrote:A Carl Wilson model would be tempting however. I should have nabbed the one which hung on the wall at Willcutt for what seemed like ages.

I saw a couple on eBay...just sayin'

I own both and find them to be distinctly different, in tone and feel. Playability to me is about the same. Aside from the obvious size and
construction differences , the 620 has a sharp attack and ringing sustain , the 360 more of the classic Rick 12 sound , a bigger , rounder fuller sound , if you will IMHO. Both great , just different.

Thanks Frank!
Brighter attack and more sustain on the 620. Fuller tone and more resonance on the 360.

I suppose I'll want both in time.

This should help you hear the tonal difference. Both of these guitars have the same bridge pickup (7.4k scatterwound) and the same strings (TI flats) roughly of the same vintage.

Thanks John! I couldn't ask for better examples.

And they both sound so nice that I may ultimately just flip a coin.

ps: Your Blue Boy looks amazing.

longhouse wrote:ps: Your Blue Boy looks amazing.

Ex, but thanks. She sure was purdy.

Love these YouTube clips, which reinforce my decision to go semi-hollow, as I prefer the fuller roundness. I do wonder if I also need to go flatwound.

Gotta try the TI flatwounds on your RIC 12 string. I have them on my 370/12 RM, and they're the real deal! They not only sound great, they play great.

There's the decent priced 620-12 on L.A. Craigslist over on the other thread ....
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