Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

On a new 360 12 string, what is ideal string height at the first fret?

Thanks,

Glenn

larsongs wrote:On a new 360 12 string, what is ideal string height at the first fret?
Thanks,
Glenn

It's like a miniskirt: low enough to cover the subject, but high enough to be interesting. Seriously, high enough to get rid of buzzing for your style of playing, but low enough it is still reasonable to play. The occasional string slap or buzz is not the issue, but something continuous. If it happens even when the strings are raised unreasonably high, then it may be time to see a luthier about recrowing, or at the last resort, refretting.

I ask because when I'm barring an F it's not clean. No string buzz further up the neck, just the 1st Fret, nothing seems to be touching up & down the neck. But the Nut Slot's seem a bit high especially noticeable at the 1st fret.

I just had the Neck re-adjusted & they said the Action felt just right. Still Fretting a Barred F is difficult. I've got 14 other various 6 & 12 string Guitars & don't have this experience with any of them.

Is it just the nature of the Instrument?

Thanks,

Glenn

When pressing the string at the second fret there should be a slight clearance at the first fret. If the clearance it too great the nut slot should be lowered or it may play sharp at the first and possibly second fret. If there is no clearance the nut slot is too low and will most likely buzz on an open note. This applies to each string individually.

I left 2 messages at Rickenbacker over the last month and a half. Haven't heard from them as yet? I have Gibson's, Epi's, Fender's, Martin's & Gretsch and always get thru to their Rep's or a call back reasonably fast.

I have a couple Warranty Issue's & questions. One of them being Subject of this Thread. I thought there might a Factory Spec.? I can't seem to find it. Anyone know? I have a feeling the Nut Slot's are too high but don't want to mess with it without knowing for sure. I sure wish someone at Rickenbacker would call me back or email me.

Thanks,

Glenn

it is safer for RIC or any manufacturer for that matter to cut the nut slots a bit high, as they can be filed down to the desired height vs. the alternate scenario of them being too low.

Call RIC: 714/545-5574

jps wrote:it is safer for RIC or any manufacturer for that matter to cut the nut slots a bit high, as they can be filed down to the desired height vs. the alternate scenario of them being too low.

Call RIC: 714/545-5574

Thanks, I agree. I think that's the same number I've left messages. But will try again.

Glenn

As far as string height, a lot of that is subjective. I press the string down at the 3rd fret and file the slot so that the individual string barely clears the 1st fret. A 12 string guitar will have more pressure on the fretting hand simply because it has more string pressure due to the extra strings; the brand/model/tension/gauge of said strings also come into play, here.

larsongs wrote:I ask because when I'm barring an F it's not clean. No string buzz further up the neck, just the 1st Fret, nothing seems to be touching up & down the neck. But the Nut Slot's seem a bit high especially noticeable at the 1st fret.

Sounds to me like it's time to fine a new luthier. My 320 had buzzing problems as you describe, even when raising the nut slot with a small shim in front of the nut. My luthier recrowned the lower frets of the fretboard and now it plays fantastic - low, no buzzing, in tune, and can dig in when I need to without any fartout.

ken_j wrote:When pressing the string at the second fret there should be a slight clearance at the first fret. If the clearance it too great the nut slot should be lowered or it may play sharp at the first and possibly second fret. If there is no clearance the nut slot is too low and will most likely buzz on an open note. This applies to each string individually.

This should have read "When pressing the string at the third fret..." or "between the second and third fret". Sorry.

I spoke to Richard at Rickenbacker this morning. Very courteous & helpful. The Factory Spec. String height at 1st Fret is 1/32". It is of course a matter of Player preference, he said.

Also with regard to the fine buffer scratches it had, from the Factory, he recommends Meguiars Scratch X or Scratch X2. For polish he said Rickenbacker uses Brillianize. Recommended doing by hand. Rick said both product's are readily available to average Consumers.

I asked about the possibility of taking a Tour at Rickenbacker. He said, this being Rickenbackers 50th Anniv. They may have something this Summer but nothing is official at this time.

Thanks,

Glenn

larsongs wrote:......He said, this being Rickenbackers 50th Anniv.....

Um, 80th.

larsongs wrote:Also with regard to the fine buffer scratches it had, from the Factory, he recommends Meguiars Scratch X or Scratch X2. For polish he said Rickenbacker uses Brillianize. Recommended doing by hand. Rick said both product's are readily available to average Consumers.

But what about us exceptional customers???

cjj wrote:

larsongs wrote:Also with regard to the fine buffer scratches it had, from the Factory, he recommends Meguiars Scratch X or Scratch X2. For polish he said Rickenbacker uses Brillianize. Recommended doing by hand. Rick said both product's are readily available to average Consumers.

But what about us exceptional customers???

So true!

I thought he said 50th Anniv., but, it's gotta be like the 80th!

Glenn