Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Ive been saveing up for another 12-string guitar with vintage specs my only Ric 12 is a basic 360/12.
My favorite Rics are the short scale ones so ive been thinking about a short scale 12 is it really hard to play ?
I keep reading mixed reviews about them I dont play lead so would it be easyier for me to play ?
Some info I read considers it to be more of a decoration then a guitar to play.
Any info would be great.

Thank you
Billy

A frustrating novelty guitar, IMO.

Without a doubt they are wicked cool, but I don't consider them a real functional guitar.

Think mandolin....

I played Paul W's 325/12. It was fun and hardly a toy. Sounded cool, too. If you're OK with short ricks, try and find one to play for yourself.

I didn't find anything non-functional about it. Capo your 360/12 at the third fret and tune down to E. This will give you an idea of what to expect.

kiramdear wrote:I played Paul W's 325/12.

Paul Weller's???????

Does he even have one?

No, silly, I mean jingle_jangle. But you knew that.

kiramdear wrote:
I didn't find anything non-functional about it. Capo your 360/12 at the third fret and tune down to E. This will give you an idea of what to expect.

Great idea Kira! Heck, that could even replace the need for one (and save thousands of dollars.)

I suppose if you had a large Rickenbacker collection, it would be a great addition, but they just seemed really cramped and "busy" to me. I believe a certain Mr. Lennon felt the same way....his is still in mint condition.

Might work out for Billy. The lower string tension makes 'em easier to fret and barre, and as he's not a lead player, he might not get way up the neck often and feel cramped. The first few frets are roomy enough. A good setup and some acclimating could make a big difference too.

Thank you for the replyies I put the capo on my 3rd fret no problum I just play Rhythm I still cant figure out lead after all these years.I have the most fun playing my short scales guitars.

One other thing ive been wondering their where two runs of the 325/12 one in the 80's and the other in the 90's what is the diffrence between the two and Is the 90's one more accurate to Johns ?

Thanks
Billy

Billy, look here:

viewtopic.php?p=744757#p744757

Thanks Kevin I forgot about that one.

I had a 325/12V63 from 1999 and if it were Fireglo, I would have kept it.

I believe the key to playability on these short-scale 12s is in your choice of strings. I made up a custom set of Thomastik Infeld flats for my Fireglo 310/12 and it made a big difference.

I was too late on that one so I put up a wtb in the marketplace add just in case.

So the short scale 12 would have to have custom string set up ?

Good luck on your search for a 325/12.

I have heard of guys using the standard RIC 12 string set on the short-scale models with good results but I wanted to try something different and the T-I flats worked well for me.

Thanks Kevin I hope ill find I have so much fun with the short scales so this one would require extra attention with the strings.

jps wrote:

kiramdear wrote:I played Paul W's 325/12.

Paul Weller's???????

Does he even have one?

No, no, it was Peter Weller's!

Eden.