Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could direct me to a bridge/saddle for my 1978 Ric 450-12. The guitar has been modified with a 6 string bridge and I am trying to return it to its original condition. The pickguard is cut out in the shape of a "T" in the bridge area so I am assuming it will only fit a specific longer thinner bridge. Any help will be appreciated.

Well, here's what it should look like:

Len,
Get in touch with Mike at this url:
http://www.the-music-connection.com/ric.htm

He may be able to help you.

Nice axe Paul - that yours?

Len, not sure if they removed both pieces of the original bridge, but I have seen these removed and replaced with a Ric 360/330 style and Gibson Les Paul style bridge, When this is done the Pickguard has to be reshaped. If the base is original and they just replaced the bridge with a 6 string type, you could notch it for a twelve 12 string. The 450 bridges are hard to find and Ric does not make them anymore. Ric did make them again in 1999 for the reissue. Maybe next time Ric does a 425/450 reissue (1965 450/12 reissue, yah) they will make some extra bridges for sale (Please Mr. Hall). Here are a couple pictures: one is a 1965 450/12, which is a raw aluminum, the other is a 1980 450/6, which is a chrome.

David, Paul and Michael,

Many thanks for the info. The pickguard is as per the picture that Paul supplied. The part where the strings attach is still there as it has the serial number stamped into it but the saddle and bridge are missing. The replacement bridge is one piece as opposed to two pieces with 2 screws on either end - most likely a standard 6 string bridge. It is definitely wider than the picture David supplied and they had to remove a piece of the pickguard just under the bottom pickup to fit the bridge in. So I also need a pickguard replacement. I will contact the music connection to see what they may have and thanks very much to all. I can't wait to get it back to as close to original as possible. Thanks again, Len

Mike, nope. got it off the net.

Michael,

Thanks for your suggestion. Chris at Pick of The Rics located a used Ric 12 string bridge that should work just fine. Many thanks for your suggestion and thanks to Chris at Pick of the Rics