Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Whats the actual script with the slot through design on the vintage models being produced today.Ive noticed that the new 381s have the slot through headstock have the C63s got this also? If so does this mean that ALL 12 string models coming from RIC have the slot through headstock.

I noticed that as well on a recent MID 381/12. I like it!

If anyone has a new 381/12 with the slot through headstock design and is extremely unhappy with it, contact me; I have a `91 381/12 in really good shape wih the old headstock design I'd be happy to trade.

* Initially this was supposed to only be done on the new models, but there was either a change, or else someone in the woodshop didn't get the memo.

FYI: It obviously wasn't regular production, but I've seen at least two older Rick 12s (80s and earlier) that had slot through headstocks. I wondered at the time if this was a special order.

This is probably a good place to bring this up. I've been seeing people complaining about the slots going all the way through on the new Ricky 12-strings because it doesn't look "vintage". Well, I'm sorry, but looks be damned--stringing a Ricky 12 is an iffy job at best, and I'm in favor of anything that makes that job easier. John Hall has said that the guys at the factory who string up the guitars really appreciate having the slots go all the way through. Reminds me of the joke about the guy who joins the French Foreign Legion, goes AWOL and is hauled up before the firing squad. The commandant says, "M'sieu...what ees your last request?" "Uhh--let me restring my 12-string..."

jfine wrote: Reminds me of the joke about the guy who joins the French Foreign Legion, goes AWOL and is hauled up before the firing squad. The commandant says, "M'sieu...what ees your last request?" "Uhh--let me restring my 12-string..."

The roll of eyes from the firing squad as they look and find there are no slots through the headstock.....

I hadn't even thought of it with respect to the C series. I'd think they'd keep 'em as is, given the lengths to which they went to create very authentic replicas, down to the screws and whatnot. Bunch of ***********!

I seem to remember RIC announcing this change a few years ago, and that it would not be incorporated into the V or C series. If it does occur on a V or C series, it's likely an oversight. Those things happen. I have a 4001V63 with a position marker dot on the 19th fret. Was it Gary Clauson that has a 4001V63 with the Toaster in the 1" position?

I thought this was a fluke and they were going to go back to the closed design. Can't remember where I heard that... but it seems like I saw some new 330/12's with the slots closed.

And again, for you 381/12 owners who are beside yourselves with grief over the slot through headstock, I have one in the old style I'd. . . .