This is a project I have need to do since the 2.0 - coming up with fixes for the numerous issues with my used Rick 360 12 string guitar. Unquestioned legendary tone - and equally legendary pain in the ass to set up, keep in tune, and play. People will undoubtedly complain that I stringed the guitar aaaall wrooong but sorry dudes, I don't live by your rules. I like to hit the heavy strings first on the downstroke, so I do it my way. Live with it. Enjoy!
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By Fran

16 thoughts on “Rickenbacker 360 has design issues”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jah Rastafari says:

    When you play that guitar you should wear a David Crosby/George Harrison '65-era bowl-cut wig and those little rectangular shades. (If you have time…)

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Harris says:

    The peg holes can be linned with an insert guide, too remove all the play… Maybe You Could Desingn A New Head Stock Fran… ?
    It Would Make A Great Project At The Bench… 😉👍

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Watthe Heck says:

    Whew!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Muggeridge says:

    Saw off the wings from headstock and make a bigger heavier one

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Muggeridge says:

    Bone nut will make it sound much better

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jon jones says:

    For such an awesome guitar I never understood why Rick 12's are just refit/drilled out 6 string bodies and necks.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Phil Dem says:

    Prince also agreed with the ricks being improvable. Wendy Melvoin had famously a cool modded one: pickups changed to a pair of Seymour Duncan telecaster hot stack, the red ones, toggle-vol-tone controls, tunomatic + stopbar and purple finish. A cool gutar to say the least! Strange nobody makes clone of this 🤔
    Check the purple rain live footage out

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Phil Dem says:

    For the loose tuners, pluging with a wood dowel and precise redrilling might do the trick 🤔
    Also, might be chalenging, recessing a bit the 90° tunner inthe head might help with tuner interference.
    Another idea for the tuner interference is to apply a kind of bevel to the key heads, not easy and affects the look a bit.
    Hard choice…Keep us tuned with the improvement of this cool instrument 😜

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clay says:

    You are correct about the tuners, in the 60s Rickenbacker were using Kluson Deluxe tuners with both longer pegs and smaller keys than the Schaller tuners they use now. Those tuners couldn't interfere with each other on the 12-string headstock like the Schallers can.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cuda426hemi says:

    You really shouldn't have a Rick. You should let me rescue it from your disdain. You deserve better, Not only do you not get why they are strung the way they are but you whine. Tuning? Really? Seems a bunch of stars found ways to play them in tune with zero complaints. I've owned a 360-12 – you either get it or you don't. I sold mine after a couple years for a profit because beautiful as the sound is it is a one trick pony like a banjo or sitar. But every thing you are crying about is exactly why they are great guitars – hand made funk and if strung correctly ONLY (i.e. backwards from normal 12's) it's "THE" sound – but of course you bought USED so who knows what mods and abuse it already had too. I'm cereal, I'll take from you. 🎸

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Moore says:

    A thing of beauty, a joy forever.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Bikeguy says:

    In 1966 I saw The Byrds in concert. Jim/Roger Mcguinn was playing a black Ric 360-12. It was love at first sight (I mean the Guitar, not Jim/Roger). A few weeks later I bought a brand new Ric 360-12 in fireglo with a hardshell case for $400! I fell out of love rather quickly for some of the reasons you mentioned and bought a Gibson 335. Awhile later I sold both of them proving that teenagers (or at least this teenager) are idiots! I can only guess what those guitars would be worth today. Anyway, I enjoyed the video.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff & Kristina Beloso-Hester says:

    You obviously know your way around a guitar, but ALL vintage and period-correct modern versions of classic guitars have design flaws. People don’t use them because of their design but because of their TONE. If you don’t like the design, mod it – or buy a modern guitar instead.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steven Edwards says:

    I thought you might source or craft 6 little metal sleeves with lips to sheath those internal tuners. I've seen you make more complicated stuff than that. 🙄
    Is there low friction cnc material for that type of application?

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars terry Olsson says:

    What is your favorite guitar.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars terry Olsson says:

    Have to say it…..I dig your channel so much. Thanks again Fran.

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