Rickenbacker 360/12V64 Reissue

Wow! Finsh is perfect!!!! Tuners work good. The 360 12v64 was made in 1998 I bought it new... And got it on Ebay... Toaster pickups...Fireglow finish...Maple wood construction...

This guitar is a one trick pony... However, it's the real-deal!!! Beatles, Stones, Who, Birds, and modern etc.. I love to play this guitar with my Divided by 13 ERT-33 amp! It's a very good sounding amp for any guitar however, the Ric sounds amazing through it!!! I find I like the bridge and middle positions best the neck is a little to bass heavy for my style. The guitar makes the best 12 string sound in the world for an electric guitar bar none!!!! No dislikes!

The guitar was not set up very well however, the guitar was new when I got it but it had sat for 9 years in a music store storeroom.. The pickups were ajusted great! The build of the guitar was spot on!!! No flaws in the finsh it ws perfect!

Yes this guitar has played perfect on stage.. All hardware is sparkling.. The strap buttons are strong.. Yes I do depend on this guitar.. I use this guitar without backup with confidence!

Haven't tryed?

Been playin 43 years.. I have lot's of amps and I have lots of guitars... Yes I would buy it again because there is nothing quite like a Rickenbacker 12 nothing..

Beautiful Guitar....I love it.

Sounds UNREAL.........

No guitar made looks as beatuful........A classic!!!!!!!!!!

Well made. I do hate the headstock and tuning. It's a real pain

Great company

A+++++++++++++++++++++ Get one now!!!!!!!!!!
I am a Beatle nut and love it.......

1995 360/12v64: Fireglo finish - I can't imagine why they bothered with or why anyone would want any other finish.
The guy who sold it to me claimed that the bridge pick-up had come from a genuine '64 360, though I have no way of verifying this. In any case it works, which is good enough for me.
Other features are the same as all the others.
I'm giving it a 9 as an acknowledgement of the fact that this is a fairly faithful reproduction of a classic design and was never meant to address any of that model's design flaws.

I tend to use it with a compressor with the release up full and the tone set high so the chords ring out forever.
I mostly use the bridge pick-up, very occasionally set it to the middle with a tiny smidgeon of neck.
It sounds exactly like a 12-string Rickenbacker - a truly wondrous sound. Sounds unmistakable through every amp/amp simulator I've used it with - valve AND transistor - though I think a Marshall would be a poor pairing.
Suits my style to a tee - I play a lot of melodic rhythmy guitar lines and a bit of double-stopping and this is definitely THE guitar for that sound.

I bought it second-hand so I can't comment on the factory set-up. It seems to be a very well-made guitar, but, like many others, I consider the 6-saddle bridge and 6-hole tailpiece basic design flaws.
God only knows what they were thinking of with that headstock design - trying to wind the strings round and thread through the recessed machine heads nearly gave me an ulcer and I am dreading replacing them. Also the string routing is knocked off course by the high profile of the truss rod cover, which can't be right.
I have the same problem as many others playing in the first position; it feels like you have to approach the fretboard from a 90 degree angle - classical guitar-style - to play some chords (notably C) without damping half the strings. I find using a capo up the neck a bit solves the problem, but I think I'm going to have to learn how to play it sooner or later.
I'm somewhat heartened to learn that McGuinn had to re-learn guitar to play his, as I guess I am going to have to follow his lead (nothing new there, then) after having spent what for me is a small fortune on this guitar.
Another snag I've found is the finish on the back of the neck. It feels rough and sticky and no amount of cleaning and polishing seems to solve the problem. Not that I play much in the way of fast, flashy lead parts or anything, but it just doesn't feel as comfortable as I would like it to.
The jack mounting-plate has gone that speckly, flaky way that besets aged chrome already, which doesn't really inspire confidence, but maybe the previous owner played in airless Cavern-like venues a lot....
The 5 I've awarded it may be generous when all's said and done, but everything it lacks in practical terms it makes up for in other equally important ways.

The previous owner played in a Beatles tribute band, so I guess this guitar has been gigged a lot in its lifetime.
I've only played it live once (without back-up), but only because I don't play live much. I can't imagine wanting to go onstage without it.
The small strap buttons didn't give me any problems, but the tuning drifted a fair bit between sound-check and gig. If I could've afforded a second one as a back-up I would've taken it along, but I would'nt have needed it.

Haven't dealt with them, and wouldn't want to by the sound of things.

I've been playing for about 25 years. I have a variety of guitars - I tend to favour certain guitars for certain sounds rather than look for an all rounder.
I have had a lifelong love affair with the 12-string Rickenbacker sound, being hugely influenced by George Harrison, Roger McGuinn and Johnny Marr, and finally owning one - particularly one just like George played - has been a real eye-opener: stringing this guitar up, trying to set the intonation and trying to play the damn thing have proven to be so much hassle I've seriously thought about cutting my losses and buying something cheaper but much less challenging.
Having said that, I always thought I was capturing THAT sound with the various other 12-strings I've used through the years, but playing this brings it home to me how wrong I was - I don't think anything else could really come close.
Unapologetic aesthete that I am, I've always considered a guitar's looks important and seeing this sitting in the corner usually puts a smile on my face.
Knowing what I do now, and figuring on the scarcity value pushing the price up even further, I think the insurance money would have to go on a custom-built 12-string semi using toaster-top pick-ups and similarly nice woods, while side-stepping all the quirks that make playing this one such a hard day's night....
But, boy, would I be sorry to see it go.

2000 360/12V64 in Turquoise. 21 frets, joins at the 21st fret. Dual toaster style single coils. Ric-o-Sound stereo wiring. This is the style of Ric 12 string used by George Harrison in the Hard Day's Night sessions.

Awseome vintage tones, that characteristic Ric 12-string trebly jangly sound is right there at your fingertips!

How well was it set up from the factory? Well, let's start by saying that this is a difficult guitar to play. It has a narrow neck which makes it rather difficult to play chords in the first position without your fretting fingers muting or partially muting adjacent strings. Kinda defeats the purpose of having a 12 string! Also, the frets are quite low and the neck lacquer quite thick which further detracts from the playing experience.

Fortunately, there is a CURE for these problems! Mark Arnquist in Everett, Washington, is a superb Ric Doctor!! He put on new frets which are slightly taller, narrower, and which extend over the binding to the edge of the fretboard. This allows for a wider string spacing at the nut. Also, he replaced the 6 saddle bridge with a custom tooled 12 saddle bridge. Other goodies include: replaced the aluminum truss rod cap with a brass one which is shaped to fit perfectly into the truss rod cavity on the headstock, reshaped the truss rod cover so the strings don't bid up against it, round off all the edges on the two-tier pickguard, replaced the stereo Ric-o-Sound wiring with two mono inputs -- one with the same voicing as the original mono input and the other with an added capacitor for a more vintage sound with less bass response.

After Mark's mods, THIS GUITAR PLAYS AND SOUNDS INCREDIBLE!!!! Perfect intonation of all 12 strings is possible, the guitar tunes up more smoothly, the guitar has a twangier sound with more sustain, and importantly, it is now possible to fret the guitar without bumping into adjacent strings because of the wider string spacing! Absolutley NIGHT AND DAY type difference after all of Mark's mods!!!

I've had the guitar for about 2 months now. Only time will tell how well it will hold up.

Chris at Pick of the Ricks was nice enough to work with. Haven't talked directly to Rickenbacker for anything.

I've been playing guitar music of all kinds for over 30 years. After this guitar was modded by Mark Arnquist, it is an absolute joy to play! Nails all those classic Ric 12-string sounds played thru the right amp. There is nothing else quite like it!!

I purchased a 360/12v64 MG in April of 2002. The guitar was made in 2000. It has the usual features of this model: trapeze tailpiece, binding on front and back edge, two vintage "toaster-style" pickups, maple semi-hollow body and maple neck with rosewood fretboard and the "shark's-tooth" pearliod inlays.

This model comes with a 6-saddle bridge. I purchased a 12-saddle bridge from Rickenbacker and had my local luthier install it. Note: this 12-saddle bridge has holes for the bridge cover screws, but they are not tapped. The biggest pain was tapping these to accept the screws.

The neck is slender on this model. This one came with the vintage silver case.

The sound is why one buys this guitar. This is the distinctive Rickenbacker-12-string-sound. This instrument is a specialty guitar. Do not expect this give you a wide range/vvariety of sound. That's not what this is about.

TThe sound it makes is excellent and distinctive.

The action on this is fast and low, especially for a 12-string.

As mentioned earlier, I had a 12-saddle bridge installed. So the set-up on the guitar was done at that point. The factory set-up was OK but nothing special.

The fit and finish is excellent. This is my third Rickenbacker and my instruments all superb craftsmanship and finishing. I have read complaints, but have only experienced high quality.

This guitar is a studio instrument. t seems solid enough to stand up to live gigs. It is not made for shredding-heavy-metal mosh pit action, but is solid for use.

Strap-lock style buttons. Would I use it at a gig without backup?... Yes, but since it only does duty on selected songs ? why not?

The folks at Rickenbacker aren't the best or the worst at customer service. They did get me a 12-saddle bridge in good order. hey do not do a good job with their Web site or dealer network. I'm not sure they know who is a current dealer/distributor in many areas of the country.

I own a Rickenbacker 360 JG, Rickenbacker 660 MG, Fender Telecaster (1971), Koll TV Glide (custom-made 6-string electric), Fender P-Bass (Japanese-made 1992), Guild D-25 6-string acoustic and a Gretsch jumbo acoustic (shockingly good Korean-made acoustic).

I have been playing for more than 35 years (yikes).

I love the Rickenbacker 360/12v64. It sounds great, is comfortable to play. I used Roger McGinn's bridge set-up as the guide to intonation and the sound is superb. There is no other guitar to which this can be compared. This is the benchmark for 12-string electric guitars.

Would I replace if lost, stolen or damage. In a heartbeat.

I also got a pretty good deal on this because it unsold dealer stock and the Guitar Gallery seems to be out of the Rickenbacker business now. My good fortune, I guess.

This is one of the last 360/12V64's made, as the factory stopped taking orders on this guitar in 2000, and mine dates from August of 2001. It is typical of the 360/12V64 reissues -- made here at home in the USA, 21 frets with lovely triangle fret markers, 3-way pick-up selector with 5 control pods (volume and control for each pick-up and the 5th "blend" knob placed on Ric deluxe models), 2 vintage reissue 7.4 Ohm toaster-top pick-ups (b/c they actually look like mini-toasters) which are famous for the '60's Beatles/folk-rock jangle, 6-position bridge (granted a bit odd for a 12 string, but they've been doing it for years and it gives me no problem), semi-hollow body with the slash sound hole, Kluson-style rewinds, trapeze tailpiece, and the double bound body. The necks of these guitars is comfortably narrow for me, but I've heard that those with bigger hands have more difficulty with playability.

The sounds is great if you're looking for that jingle-jangle Beatles/Byrds sort of thing. I've found that it has nicer tones when on the middle position (both pick-ups on) or in the treble position. With only the base pick-up, it's a bit muddy. This was also George Harrison's opinion, I believe.

For a 12 string, the action is comfortably low. The finish is unlike any guitar I've owned. I've got a rare midnight blue (with sparkling undercoat), which has a feel like a piece of art. The finish gleams and is remarkably smooth to touch, like satin. It feels great in my hands. I've not had any difficulty with the electronics, the guitar has remained as it was set-up standard at the factory.

I've not gigged with it...yet, but I will say that I'm a bit concerned about it. It's not got a rough and tumble feel to it like my Telecaster, which I could (and have) dropped without any resulting problems. However, you shouldn't be dropping a guitar anyway! The strap buttons are narrow, and I use the plastic, wind-on strap locks when I play just to be certain. I've heard people complaining about warp in these guitars, but so far I've had no difficulties.

Typical warranty is 5 years, but because I'm out of California I think I'd just pay for repairs on my own. I've spoken with folks at the company on a few occasions, and my interactions were fine -- nothing remarkable one way or another.

I've been playing guitar for over 25 years, in and out of bands, but since I picked-up this guitar I'm dying to get back into a band and gig. It's got a great feel, it's a lot of fun to play, and although you're somewhat limited in the type of sounds you can produce, what it does, it does like nobody else. If it were lost or stolen, I'd get another.

1991 360/12v64; 2 toaster RI pickups, measuring at 11.4 and 11.7K ohms, respectively (bridge and neck; more on this later); .047 microfarads capacitors hooked up to TONE control from each p'up; trapeze 6-hole tailpiece. Fireglo. Gets an 8 for putting the thing out with non-reissue "reissue" pickups and capacitor. It's been said, "put these RI next to the old vintage and you'll hear the diff!"
Well....

Prior to mod, not bad. After mod, ALIVE. What you do (This is not for the faint of heart; having ophthalmic surgical instruments around, plus a certain degree of experience handling materials with the consistency of human hair helps): 1.unwind the pickups back from 11.4K ohms to 7-7.5K ohms. The real pain is the consistent monitoring throughout the procedure, as it can be difficult to place that little wire on the probe of the multimeter. 2. change the capacitor to a .0047 mF. 3. make sure you get flatwound strings (Pyramids seem to be the favorites of the guys that know). 4. If possible, get an ac-something. 15 or 30. Or some other Class A will work, I'm sure. I'm currently finshed with step 2, and just for purposes of comparison I'v not done the neck pickup yet. Using amp grilles as illustration, you're looking at two beautiful, say, all original super reverbs. One's dark and grungy with nicotine stain, the other. like it came out of the showroom. Excuse the hyperbole, but I think you get the point. Definitely an 11 after the mod.

action good. Fit seems OK. Finish not bad, although as I understand the V63 has more correct coloration of 'burst than does the V64 (shrug).

had it for about 6 months. It's very cool.

Axed them one question, they responded promptly with "check with your local dealer" which I did. The morons knew even less than I did.

If you have the means, I highly recommend it. I don't have a Vox yet, and already I'm darn close to the vibe.

It was made in May/June 2000 in USA. FIREGLO. 21 frets with pearloid triangle inlays on Rosewood fingerboard..highly laquered. Hand-made maple body carved out from back..and fantastic designed 12 keyed headstock.2 tone and 2 volume knobs,1 blend knob and a 3-way switch for pickup selection (all vintage re-issue). 2 single coil vintage toaster pickups,with 6 saddle bridge and Plain (beauty in simplicity ) trapeze tailpeice.Scratch-plate 2 tiered white plastic.Tuners Ric deluxe vintage re-issue (none locking ).Beautiful bound and very slim neck...bound body and deeply cut out horns.Nice and slim body but large breadth to it.Came with fantastic silver Ric re-issue case and tools(keys and allen-key)polish cloth.Plush blue velvet lining.

My musical tastes are 60s Beatles,Byrds,Folk-rock so the sound suits me perfectly.I also play it through Boss GT3 processor mainly with just compression and a little reverb and delay.My son plays it through new VOX Cambridge 30 R twin and it sounds amazing.A full rich sound and very jingly-jangly.It also distortes quite well but string-bending rock-solos are out of the question....But what 12 string can do this ?

I bought mine secondhand but in immaculate condition.The salesman (who is an ex-professional player ) set it up for me and the action is just fantastic...very low without buzz and no pressure needed to obtain great sound..even high up on neck.The intonation is ok but I have heard of problems because of 6 saddle bridge.I want mine just like 60s model but I know you can fit it with 12 saddle.
The actual finish is amazing.Mine is probably a little light in colouration compared to some I've seen.Very highly polished and deep sheen which changes in different lighting...Beautiful !!!

I only use this at home but I dont see a problem with it live at gigs.
I go every year to Liverpool Beatles festival and see this beauty perform hour after hour without any problems.It has a good solid finish that will last a lifetime if looked after properly.The strap buttons are very solid ..but small..as are all Ric...strap buttons.The hardware is very highly chromed and polished and should last.The control knobs are solid enough and well positioned not to knock accidentally.

Never had to deal with them yet over the guitar.But I have sent them several enquiry emails and they have always replied to them.

I have been playing guitars for 20 years and nothing gives me more pleasure than this Rick...If it was stolen I would have to buy another one...I dont know how ,but I would find the money somehow.I just love the whole appearance and sound of it and the neck is just beautiful...my favourite part of the guitar.The neck is narrow at nut-end,but persevere and you will be rewarded with magical sounds.
Before I bought it I tried an Epiphone Supernova 12 string and it was ok..but nothing compared to this.The only thing I HATE about it is I have to polish it after every play...because it is such a beautiful looking guitar.I will never part with it and one day in the future it will pass on to my son..who is a huge Beatles fan and also loves the guitar.RICKENBACKER 360/12 V64 ...THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GUITAR EVER MADE...BUY ONE !!!!

This one was born in 1993. I say that because I swear it's alive. It has all the goodies too. The 5th tone control is a bit hard to get used to but it gives you much more variables in tone. A beautiful finish too. I freak out because I noticed that mine didn't have the "R" tailpiece. I called Ricenbacker. None of these did. I did notice that the pick-up switch was kind of cheesy but other than that the features on this guitar are awesome.

This is where the Ric shines. It does take a LONG time to get to where you feel comfortable. But once you master it. There's nothing that can compare. The beautiful chimey tones. The sustain is AWESOME. Contrary to other reports here I find it very easy to play. It just takes time. I'm playing thru a Vox AC30 and just touching or brushing the strings can send chills thru me.

I took mine to a luthier and he started laughing. His laugh slowly turned into comments like "That's cool" etc. Anyway, I guess the truss rods are hard to get right. I'm not that into this aspect of guitars but it did take him a while to get it right. The finish is absolutely beautiful. The toaster pick-ups are very strange looking but the sound that comes out make up for their looks.

I am afraid to play it a some bar gig's just because I love it so much and don't want it to get hurt. But it is totally dependable. I'm not afraid of something going wrong. Even though it feels delicate you can tell it's very sturdy. The workmanship is top notch. I have played it at mellower gig's like weddings. I had a smile of my face the whole night.

I've called them twice and had great service. One time I asked them if I could take 6 of the strings off and play it as a six-string. Take my advice don't ask them that. They gave me a lecture and a half. They either want me to "buy" a six string or as I took it were very proud of their work. The other time was to order Rickenbacker strings. Overall I would say they have really good service. They didn't make me feel like I was bothering them or anything and took their time explaining stuff about the guitar that I didn't know.

This guitar is a beauty. It must be treated with respect. You can't just open the case strap the guitar on and have it mastered. It takes time and patience. But when that time is up and you feel comfortable with it there's nothing like it.

I had a 2000 Model year. I say had because I unloaded this peice of crap. This guitar is impossible. Please read on.
Features. 12 strings, two pickups, two tone, two volume, one master volume, two input jacks.

The sound is there if you want the frustration of dealing with the guitar. It sounds just like every other Ric 12 string.

Action on these suck. They are hard to setup. Two truss rods and you have to screw with them all the time. The necks are too thin and everytime you leave the house the temp is different the neck is out of adjustment. I have had two Rics and this has been a problem with both of them. They make them in California and are setup there so by the time they reach any other climate you have to adjust them. It is impossible to intonate this guiatr because you have six saddles and twelve strings.

If you are going to play this guitar out then you have to leave the truss rod cover off because when you get to the gig the neck will be out of adjustment. If you have a guitar tech that travels with you then you won't care about this. Most players don't.

Customer support is the worst that I have experienced in the business. The won't help you at all. If you are not a dealer then they won't even listen to you. You will be blown off and told you have to see a dealer about anything. Most dealers have dropped them because service sucks so bad. They were also very insulting. I knew this before when I had my first Ric but I still got his one. I will never have another.

The only reason this guitar gets a rating of 2 is because of the sound. It does sound like it should. The playability is not there though. Even when the neck is adjusted proper and the strings are where they should be in relation to the fretboard, the guitar is hard to play. The neck is really narrow and the strings are really, really close together. I have average sized hands and a C chord was almost impossible to play without thumping. It's not worth paying that kind of money for a guitar that is hard to deal with and they should have the best Customer Service for such a premium price. I sold this guitar and I'll NEVER have another Ric. I have had two and trouble with both, I'm done. Like most of the dealers that have parted with Rickenbacker I could not be happier.