Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey. I have a couple of short scale Rics, one strung with flats and the other with a round-wound jazz set. Both guitars have 12s on them. I hear repeatedly on the forum of guys using 13s rather than 12s. What's the benefit of the heavier set? Thicker tone? How does the heavier set affect the action & feel while playing?

Thanks in advance for responses!

Sometimes it's a case of people repeating what they've read elsewhere online for fear of not fitting into the 'vintage guitar' scene. You will repeatedly read that you must use 13's and you must use Flatwound strings. Personally I have several 325's and I wouldn't think of using 13's on any of them. I prefer a guitar that I can comfortably play and that doesn't doesn't sound dry & dull. Rickenbacker's own short scale Compression set of 12 - 54 is a good compromise. Having the mechanical benefits of flats (less fret wear) but not dull in tone. I did recently get a set of Thomastick 12-53's as a gift, and am going to give them a try though. Was not impressed with the other brand that people seem to rave about.

Short scale models 310 - 325 will intone correctly with 12's or 13's.