Rickenbacker 370/12 McGuinn Limited Edition

New Rick 370/12, with 3 single coil "toaster" vintage pick ups (not the high gain), maple glow, 6 saddle bridge, "R"tailpiece, 3 way pick-up switch (neck&middle; all 3 ; bridge only); 2 volume knobs, 2 tone controls and a separate tone blender between the pick-ups. This is the traditional Rick set up. Maple body (slightly birdeye), single white binding on the back of the body and fretboard; rosewood fret board, with triangle inlays. Vintage style tuners (made in Germany). 21 frets. One Mono and one Stereo (Ric-O-Sound) output. Neck appears slightly wider and deeper than on my vintage 360/12, but still quite confortable; this is not the wider neck as found on the Tom Petty 12 strings. Came with deluxe Rick silver vintage reissue case, blue velvet interior, tool, cloth, manual.

This guitar plays well and resonates well when unplugged. When plugged in an amp, the toaster pick ups are incredible. Sound is full, deep, while subtle and bright if required. The Tone, Volume and Blender controls allow you to choose many combinations. I use a Music Man all tube, with two 10", 130 watts, through a Carl martin compressor. Incredible sounds and volume. Also, for studio like work I use a Tweed Deluxe, with or without the compressor. No other guitar can sound like a Rick 12 strings.

Low action; I did not buy the 12 saddle bridge (an option). Guitar came directly from the dealer (Daves Guitar in Wisconsin; great service and courtesy. Many guitars dealers should learn what customer service and accurate product description really means !).
No flaws. Great set-up. Nut well cut; strings alignment was OK. Just a perfect guitar.

The 370/12 appears very well built. I have a vintage 360/12, which does not hold intonation.

I have never have to deal with the Rick company. Therefore I have no opinion.

Been playing since the late 60s. This is a GREAT guitar, which plays much better than the vintage 12 strings. I love the sound, or rainbow of sounds, that can be obtained witht he 3 vintage pick-ups. I would immediately buy another one if lost or damaged. I dont think any other makes of 12 strings can compare to a Rick, less to a 370/12. I have not played on a 381/12 or some of the Rick reissues; but from talking with other players, the 370/12 is as close as the famous 370/12 Roger Mc Guinn as one can get.
I'd like a checkerboard binding, and to have a separate 3rd volume knob for the middle pick-up. I dont use the Ric-o-Sound (stereo ) output.

Made in 88, this is a limited run guitar of which 1000 were made. Made in Santa Ana California. 21 fret semi hollow body with checkered binding. On board compressor with treble boost. Rickenbacker vintage "toaster" top pickups Maple body with Ric's laminated neck (somewhat of a trademark with Ric's) This adds strength and a wonderful look. 12 saddle bridge and the trademark "R" tailpiece Vintage reissue tunners

There is only one thing you can say about the sound of this guitar.
B Y R D S !!!!!
When played through any good amp you can hear The Byrds.
I use no effects with this guitar. There is no need to.
Every time someone hears this guitar they drool. With the compressor all the way up and on treble boost setting, you can almost break glass. Set it down to just compression and the sound floats around the room.
There is a tendency for the compressor to hum at certain angles to the amp. A little copper sheilding added to the control cavity took care of that.
The battery is under the pick guard, so it's a bit of a hassle to change. But I use the Radio Shack extra life Lithium 9 volt battery. I can usually get 6 months or more from one, so it's not that bad.

It's a Rickenbacker ..... nuff said. The action is every bit as good as most high end 6 strings. The neck is also narrower than any 6 string I have ever played. That is why I play Rics. Intonation is perfect all the way up the neck.

Again.... It's a Rickenbacker. It should last 30+ years easily. I have even taken it camping.
This is also a great investment guitar. If I were to sell it I could easily make a $1500 profit from what I paid for it just 2 years ago.
When I gig, I take one electric and one acoustic. This is the electric I take.

I have delt with the company. But I have never had to get warranty work done. I don't think I will ever need it. John Hall is very gracious and friendly, as are all of the staff at Rickenbacker.
So since I have never had any problems with it or any other Ric I have owned, I'm going to have to give a "No opinion" on this one.

I have been playing Rics for 35 years. I own 5 Rickenbackers at this time.(four 12 strings and a bass) There is no variation in quality. If you want a 12 string there is only one choice, Rickenbaker.