Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi Guys, Please comment on your opinions on the tone difference between the solid and the semi hollow Ric 12 strings - 620 vs a 360 for example. I have never played a solid body Ric 12. Thanks.

Same strings (Thomastik flats), pickups (reissue 7.4k ohm scatterwound toasters), & amp (Vox AC-30 CC2):

John's videos are the best way to hear for yourself, but based on my own experiences...

The solid bodies are have smaller bodies making the tone have more attack. The neck-through-body construction helps with the sustain. The hollow bodies have a more open sound and is the classic series of Ric 12-string that most of our heroes go for. I personally prefer the hollow bodies, but the solids are good too.

Mike Campbell of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers gives his thoughts on his '63 625/12 versus his '65 360/12:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/video ... 6-20120703
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/video ... y-20120702

The comparison is done in the first link. A fun fact about the 620 is revealed in the second.

There's nothing wrong with the 620/12 or the 660/12, but I will admit that I prefer the 360/12, 330/12, and 381/12. I prefer the rounder sound - less attack, and a bit less treble to my ears. YMMV.