Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just came into possession of this Ric. I'm told it's from the mid-late '60s. Was a 12 string, and was Fireglo.

The guy removed half the tuners and tossed them, and sanded off the color and covered it in lacquer.

Any idea of the model and year?

Is it worth my buying new hardware and plastics (and possibly a refinish) to get it 'running' again?

Any and all opinions appreciated - I'm a novice at this

(Sorry for the photos - a lot of trouble resizing them for the upload)

Can you post a close up of the bridge plate?

There will be some numbers and letters there that will date it.

The guitar is a 450/12. Fireglo originally before being sanded down to the maple.

It is possible the neck could no longer take the tension of the 12 strings. It is important to use the correct gauge strings on these.

Looks like it could be restored. Kluson style tuners are still available that will fit it.

It is missing half the tuners and the Rickenbacker Truss Rodd Cover. (TRC as we call them here).

Hope these help -

EK 611. Made November 1965, So built within the first year or so of production.

This one was made the same day likely. http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... 6order%3D5

Worth trying to fix up a bit and make playable?

Arthur Dent wrote:Worth trying to fix up a bit and make playable?

Guitars are meant to be played so I would think so. First step is getting it playable, and then think about a proper restoration as funds are available.

You are looking at about $250 to $300 USD in parts. Grab a pack of RICS 12 string set as they are the correct gauge.

Are you looking to play it yourself? Or just restore it in order to sell?

Compared to the set neck semi-hollow 300 series, those 450's are little tanks, thanks to their neck-thru design. I'd be surprised if you couldn't get it back to being a fully functional 12, in every way. Try new truss rods before you junk it. And if you want rid of it, let me know! I need a junker 450/12 for a Genesis Lamb era doubleneck to get closer to completing my Rutherford doubleneck collection!

I would want to set it back up as a 12 string and keep it to play. No interest in turning it over at this point.

It's an interesting bridge, BTW.

Any idea as to the reputation on them?

Arthur Dent wrote:It's an interesting bridge, BTW.

Any idea as to the reputation on them?

That is the standard bridge on these in this era. And it is also why you must use the correct gauge strings on it. It won't intonate otherwise.

As to reputation - the guy from The Rembrandts used one from 1967 on the FRIENDS Theme.

This will give you some idea of what it will sound like.

Nice clip! I hadn't seen that before.

and what would the correct string gauge be?

I also seem to remember hearing somewhere that the tuning is different than a regular 12 string tuning on the bass strings. This true?

Arthur Dent wrote:and what would the correct string gauge be?

I also seem to remember hearing somewhere that the tuning is different than a regular 12 string tuning on the bass strings. This true?

Just the order of the strings. (if the nut is original it will be set up correctly). The thicker string goes before the ocatave string. (On all other 12 strings the reverse is true).

Pick of the Ricks in NJ is a well respected dealer. And comes highly recommended.

RIC strings are here.
http://www.pickofthericks.com/categorie ... r-Strings/

They also make a custom set in the correct gauge.
http://www.pickofthericks.com/categorie ... rt-Mangan/

They will sell the parts you need as well.

Tuners
http://www.pickofthericks.com/rickenbac ... ind-00565/
RIC sells them too - but their shipping can be expensive
http://boutique.rickenbacker.com/Keywinds_c_10.html

A standard 12 string has a combination of long and short tuners I think. (Others who have restored 12 strings will hopefully chime in with more knowledge on this then I have) Chris at Pick of the Ricks will know for sure.

The tuners on your 450/12 look a tad battered. While I always say keep a vintage guitar as original as you can - a whole new set of 12 tuners might be cosmetically an improvement.

And knobs
http://www.pickofthericks.com/categorie ... d-Bass%29/

Set 03570 are the correct ones. Some folks prefer the vintage style black ones set 03571

What you won't find sadly is the TRC. They can only be found on Ebay - it will be the most expensive part for you to find - expect to pay at least $170 to $230 for one. Last one I bought - for a 1967 Fg 625 I was restoring - cost me $199.

Posting an advert here in the wanted section may help you find one cheaper. You are looking for a 1960s era (pre 1974) clear plexi TRC.

Here are a few from eBay to give you an idea of what you need.

This one is perfect - but is a bit more then I would pay for one myself.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1966-Ri ... Sw3ydVuUjZ

These are completed items at a fairer price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Rickenb ... SwYaFWfCQv

The raised letter version (which is from post 1976 instruments) are often a bit cheaper - but they would not be correct for a RIC from 1965. But it would be an improvement over the black thing you have on it now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rickenbacker-Wh ... XQ4uJR-WYZ

A warning though. Often on Ebay you will see fake TRCs. The listings usually get taken down quickly - but not always.
If in doubt ask for advice before you hit "buy it now".

Good luck and keep us in the loop at how it goes..

That is an incredible wealth of information - thank you very much for posting!

Again, it's a side project so I'm not in a rush, but think it would be nice to have a 12 string. Since it didn't cost me anything, I have no problem putting some money into it. The TRC issue is amazing.

One last bit of info to know about.

Your RIC has the "Old Style" Truss rod system. They do NOT work like Gibson or Fender guitars.

The rods are loosened and the neck is manually moved into position. The rods are then tightened to hold the neck in place.

Turning the nuts will not move the neck. Guitar techs who don't understand this have often cracked the neck or popped the fingerboard off the guitar. (It is a common thing you see on vintage RICS and can be easily avoided if whoever is working on the guitar knows this before hand). RIC changed the truss rods to be like everyone else's in the 1980s.

So there are some folks - who have worked on lots of RICS all made post 1985 - who don't know how the old style rods work. Make sure you discuss this before you hand it in to anyone to do any work on the guitar.