Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi
I wanna change my 12 string rick to a 6 string, what's the best way to do it?
Are these the only parts I need to replace?

Saddle


Nut


Will I need to adjust the the truss rods?

Thanks

You don't technically need to change anything. Just take the octave strings off and try it out. Voila!

I did that and it plays fine, but the strings are not aligned like a 6 string guitar.



Do I only need to change the nut for that or also the saddles?

Thanks

I would get a new nut and a 6 string bridge. You will need a trussrod adjustment.

Thanks Peter

Can I change only the saddles and not the entire bridge?

You could but you may not be happy with the alignment of the strings. I would sell the 12 saddle bridge and purchase a 6 saddle one.

You might also consider to swap the 12 string R tailpiece with a trapeze, which has only 6 wholes for better string alignment than to choose one of the then out of center double slots of the 12 string R.

I respectfully disagree with the philosophy of changing it out, even though the mechanics are rather straightforward. This is how I got my 12-string (6-strings taken off, not done correctly, and it was nearly unplayable, hence a great deal) Do you ever think you will want the 12-string back? There are balance issues as well with the headstock and tuner arrangment.

12's are in demand. You could probably sell it for as much as you want to purchase a 6-string version.

iiipopes wrote: 12's are in demand. You could probably sell it for as much as you want to purchase a 6-string version.

+ 1 ! Best way, doing justice to the instrument.

The thing is I need it as a 6 string in the next half year, then I would probably be back for 12...

doog wrote:The thing is I need it as a 6 string in the next half year, then I would probably be back for 12...

You risk doing damage to the guitar by switching back and forth, if no more than chipping the finish when you change the nut out, and even though it won't necessarily hurt the guitar, constant tweaking of the truss rod is not recommended. My advice: save your $$ and get a 330 to go with the 330-12.

I've actually done it before with no issues whatsoever, no extra parts and turned it back to 12-strings without any side effects.

I didn't notice string alignment issues, though it would make sense. Sounds like there would be more room for bending, actually.

I say give it a try (it's free..) and see what you think.


Also, Alex - the 12-string R tailpiece used for six strings doesn't make much difference. Rickenbacker exclusively used 12-string tailpieces until mid-1966!

collin wrote: Also, Alex - the 12-string R tailpiece used for six strings doesn't make much difference. Rickenbacker exclusively used 12-string tailpieces until mid-1966!

Thanks for that info, Collin, didn't know that. ...and then there is the issue with different bracket screw holes.

doog wrote:Hi
I wanna change my 12 string rick to a 6 string

I have to ask...
Do you own the Suzi Arden 12 string?

Tommy wrote:

doog wrote:Hi
I wanna change my 12 string rick to a 6 string

I have to ask...
Do you own the Suzi Arden 12 string?