Let’s talk Rickenbacker 360s

2manband

Kick Henry Jackassowski
As a man of a certain age, I’ve begun to experience jangle deficiency. I’ve talked to my doctor and he recommends a Rickenbacker 360 in fireglo finish, applied liberally to some Tom Petty and 90s pop rock. He said after a few weeks my low-J will be be a gushing torrent of jangle.

The only question is whether I should go for 6 strings or 12. I’m leaning toward 6, unless the 12 is actually serviceable with only 6 strings installed.

Help me decide.
 
I recommend following Dr's orders. If you don't already have a 12 string, then that would be a good way to go. If not get a 6 string. It's a win/win situation to me.
 
I recommend following Dr's orders. If you don't already have a 12 string, then that would be a good way to go. If not get a 6 string. It's a win/win situation to me.
I do have a 12 string but it’s an old Alvarez acoustic. I never really play it.
 
As I was reading the post, I was hoping you were talking about a 12. Ricks are reputed to be small (I don't think I've played one) so a 12 string might be a bit beefier and closer in size to fenders/Gibsons.
 
As I was reading the post, I was hoping you were talking about a 12. Ricks are reputed to be small (I don't think I've played one) so a 12 string might be a bit beefier and closer in size to fenders/Gibsons.

From my very limited experience of Ric 12s (I haven't played one in 2 decades) they crammed the 12 strings onto the regular 6-string width neck. Or at least they used to be like that. Maybe they've rectified it? I certainly hope they have!

I am watching this thread with interest, I also crave a Ric.
 
Ric 360s—6 and 12 stings—are pretty comfortable and easy to play in my experience. A good friend and sometimes bandmate of mine has a number of Rics and I’ve always enjoyed playing them. They are finicky instruments however—probably along the same level of fussiness as a Jazzmaster or Jaguar.

They have a pretty unique sound and feel and if you dig it, that’s rad. I highly recommend trying before you buy. You can get plenty of things to jangle if that alone is the goal. Jangle is very much a how you play vs the instrument you’re playing thing.

If you want an electric 12, I heartily recommend the Reverend Airwave. I’ve owned and played a number of 12s over the years and often play a lot of 12 string when recording. The Reverend Airwave is hands down the most comfortable, least annoying 12 string electric to play for long stretches and to play in a recording setting when you don’t wanna be plagued by tuning gremlins. And I’ve recorded with a vintage 330 twelve string.
 
If you don't have a Ric then a Telecaster on the bridge pickup, tamed with the tone knob, and a compressor can get you in the ballpark (e.g. The Smiths 'This Charming Man').

That's how I rationalize not buying a Ric. It's straight up cope.
 
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