Is a Rick 360/12 the right buy?

[Jason M Hancock]

Hi,

I'm thinking about picking up a Rickenbacker 360/12. Question is: would this be the right guitar for what I want to do?

My plan is for a band that would play original rock, somewhat acoustic in nature but hard driving and done in open/alternate tunings. The Rick seems like it would be good for this sort of thing, but I'm not sure how well a 12-string will be at churning out riff-based tunes. I spent many hours in a store this past Saturday and the double strings on the A and E seemed a bit too boomy for getting a clear heavy riff to stand out. But, maybe my playing just needs adjustment? I've never owned a 12-string before. So, anyway whatever guitar I get must be versatile enough to go from riffy, overdriven blues-based rock to a clean, chordy kind of powerpop.

Can anyone say how a Rick, especially, a 12-string will play, sound, or record in such an environment?

I'll appreciate any insight or experience on this one!

Thanks!

 

[j]

Not sure about the "overdriven blues based rock" with the 360. However, the 360-12 is a great guitar. No way you can use two different guitars? As far as 12 strings, I'd also check out the 620-12 if you have a local Ric dealer.

 

[foo]

Go listen to some Byrds (e.g. Mr. Tambourine Man I think - it's been a while) and some Pretenders (e.g. Back on the Chain Gang) for insight into how a Rick 12-string can sound in a band setting.

If you're looking for the really heavy modern metally soound, the Rick may not be the way to go.

foo

 

[TheGuitarMan]

Go listen to some Byrds (e.g. Mr. Tambourine Man I think - it's been a while) and some Pretenders (e.g. Back on the Chain Gang) for insight into how a Rick 12-string can sound in a band setting.


foo

coughthebeatlescough

 

[Jason M Hancock]

Thanks for the specific suggestions. Any specific Beatles tracks where either of them used a Rick 12-string? Hard Days Night seems like it might have been one?? Metal is not what I'd be going after.

 

[j]

I think the 360 is on 'Rain', 'She Said, She Said' and 'Ticket to Ride'...among others.

 

[hixmix]

Here's some good sites to check out re: Rickenbackers, Beatles, Byrds, '60's sounds and equipment, etc. :


http://forum.rickresource.com/

www.voxtalks.com

enjoy!

 

[Jason M Hancock]

Thanks for the websites hixmix!

 

[landwanr]

360

since your music is riff driven, the 360 six string is a better choice IMHO. you still get the rick chime but it is easier to play and will fit in better sonically in a band setting like i perceive yours to be. A good tangentially related example is recorded drums and bass. great solo kick sounds don't necessarily go well with great solo bass sounds (12 strings). Often something has to give to make the whole unit sound better (lose 6 strings).

 

[eddbud]

Rick

If your using different tunings you may have problems becuase of the 12 strings, i guess if you have backup guitars then it wont matter.

I have a 330 and love it totally!