Background
Rickenbacker are an historic American guitar company with a long history of innovation and unique features:- first electric guitar;
- neck through body designs;
- unique 12 string headstock design with 12 tuning keys but the same size as a regular six string headstock;
- sloping ramp for mounting the string tailpiece and increasing the break angle over the bridge;
- twin/replaceable truss rods.
- George Harrison, John Lennon & Paul McCartney (The Beatles);
- Pete Townshend (The Who);
- Roger McGuinn (The Byrds);
- Peter Buck (REM);
- Paul Weller (the Jam);
- Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles);
- Tom Petty;
- Robert Smith (The Cure) and
- Johnny Marr (The Smiths).
The first full-scale, semi-acoustic Capri models were introduced in 1958. Standard models (33x-34x) featured non-bound neck/body with dot fret markers while deluxe models (36x-37x) had a bound neck/body and triangular fret markers. Later in 1958 the split-level pick-guard was introduced and optional Rick-O-Sound double output jacks were available from summer 1960 (initially introduced on the 460 model). The Capri was significantly upgraded in 1961 with:
- reduced waist size by 2";
- changed headstock and body shapes;
- reduced body thickness from 2" to 1 ½";
- implementation of twin truss rods;
- added pickup mixer/blend pot was added to the control panel layout.
George Harrison's 360
On 8th February 1964 at the Savoy Hotel, F.C. Hall presented the Beatles (sans George, who remained in his hotel room with a throat infection) a number of Rickenbacker products. John said he'd like George Harrison to hear the 12 string guitar. So, F.C. Hall walked across Central Park with John to present the 2nd prototype 12 string guitar to George in his hotel room. George's 360/12 prototype differs from both the 1964 US production OS 360s and the UK Rose-Morris 1993 model (with dot-inlays and f-shaped sound hole):
- OS body with white plastic split-level pick-guard vs NS body;
- Dual mono outputs (rather than single mono or stereo Rick-O-Sound;
- KK knobs and;
- Older rectangle Trapeze tailpiece vs. R-Tailpieces.
Very few guitars were made with the features of George's guitar (Garry Marsden is one example with the same features). It's possible to re-configure a US OS 360 to match the features of George's guitar but that doesn't seem to be a popular option.
Rickenbacker Production Expansion
Riding the popularity of the Beatles, Rickenbacker decided to increase production and moved to a larger factory, expanding production to meet new demand. However, the times were really changing. Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix et. al. popularised a heavier guitar sound better played on Fender and Gibson guitars. The bright, jangly sound of the Rickenbacker was out of favour, somewhat mirroring the fall of electric 12 string popularity. While not the dominant guitar maker the early 60s popularity might have predicted, Rickenbacker went on to become a niche guitar for artists wanting that distinctive Rickenbacker sound. Rickenbacker still sell every guitar they make and maintain an orders 12 month advance orders for their guitars.
Reissues
In 1990, George's 12 string 360 prototype was released as a vintage re-issue, the 360/12v64 along with a 6 string variant, the 360/6v64, (presumably for guitars who like the 12 string features but in 6 string format, i.e. me). The 360/12v64 remains in production while the 6 string variant was dropped after the initial production run 1991-2000. A 12 string George Harrison reissue is now available as the 360c63 with 6 string variant available in small numbers from time to time.
Do I need a Rickenbacker?
Like all guitarists that remember the '60s, I'm aware of the unique Rickenbacker sound and famous musician associations. While I had little awareness of the brand's history or products, I did know when features I like:
- 6 string OS 360 body;
- Double edge bound body;
- Bound neck;
- FireGlo finish;
- Rick-O-Sound;
- Small push-thru style (rather than bolt on) Kluson™ tuners;
- R-tailpiece;
- Triangular fret markers.
Rickenbacker doesn't currently make production models with these features but the 360/6v64 is close. A friend was selling his 360/6v64 and I shouldn't have played his guitar. I couldn't help myself.
Observations
This 360/6v64 is serial number L84494 (December 1995) with these features:
- Body Type: Semi-Acoustic
- No. Frets: 21
- Scale Length: 62.9 cm (24 ¾”)
- Neck Width at Nut: 41.4 mm (1.63”)
- Neck Width at 12th Fret: 49.05 mm (1.931”)
- Crown Radius: 25.4 cm (10”)
- Body Wood: Maple
- Neck Wood: Maple & Walnut
- Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
- Weight: 3.259 kg (7.18 lbs.)
- Overall Length: 100.3 cm (39 ½”)
- Width (lower bout): 38.1 cm (15”)
- Width (upper bout): 30.1 cm (11.8”)
- Waist: 26 cm (10.2")
- Overall Depth: 38.1 mm (1 ½”)
- Neck Binding: Yes
- Fret Marker Style: Triangle
- Tailpiece: Trapeze
- Bridge: 6 Saddle
- Neck Type: Set-in
- No. of Pickups: 2
- Type of Pickups: Vintage Single Coil Toaster Top™
- Output Type: Parallel Mono
- Neck Position: 10,480 Ω
- Neck/Bridge Position: 5,560 Ω
- Bridge Position: 10,590 Ω
- Machine Heads: RIC Deluxe
Sounds
While, not really suited for aggressive blues or rock it's a good match for lighter material where the jangle really cuts through. The guitar goes well with most of my pedals (including a bit of overdrive).
The bridge pickup is the distinctive bright, jangly sound. Great with a mild overdrive. The middle position is a good place to for rhythm giving with a change up for brighter more aggressive sounds for song bridges or lead. The neck is good for more acoustic/jazz styles.
The four volume/tone controls are easy to understand but not in the same arrangement as on a Gibson. The mixer/blend control seems redundant as the same neck and middle position volume can be set using the neck volume but as usual Rickenbacker do it their unique way.
One surprising departure of the vintage reissue is the “hotter” (10k) toaster pickups introduced in the late 60s. I’m not familiar with original “scatter-wound” lower resistance pickups but believe the newer pickups are slightly hotter and maybe slightly less bright.
Action, Fit and Finish
The guitar was setup with heavier strings and higher action than I prefer, so some adjustments were needed. Many guitarists remark that Rickenbacker's are hard guitars to play due to the thin neck and small frets. However, I have found the neck not uncomfortable. The low frets make it easy to play chords but more difficult for string bends. The guitar is in excellent, although not mint condition for a 30 year old guitar.
Reliability/Durability
Hard to say but it's lasted over thirty years without issues, so, construction seems solid and the ability to change truss rods is to my knowledge unique in the guitar industry.
Customer Support
There are no official dealers in Australia however a few retailers in do offer Rickenbacker guitars. It's not clear where those retailers source guitars but the offical Rickenbacker web site notes Asian (which I guess includes Australia) sales are distributed by the Rickenbacker Asia Network in Japan. It's not clear how warranty or service repairs would be performed in Australia.
Overall
Everything about having a Rickenbacker and this guitar has been a learning experience with many features not found on other guitars:
- Twin truss rods that can be replaced without removing the fingerboard;
- Four screw bridge height adjustment;
- Routed maple body;
- Laminated maple neck;
- Two tier pick guard;
- “Toaster” pickups with more accurate appearance (although still hotter than an original 64 model 360 and;
- Blend control.
While the 360/6v64 preserves the 360/12v64 build features I would have preferred an R-tailpiece, bound sound hole and “Rick-o-sound” wiring. The Parallel Mono outputs add some redundancy but no utility. I guess this was wired to allow connect to multiple amplifiers.
I do like the distinctive sound of the guitar. It fits well with the kind of music I play. The guitar neck is thin and the frets small but is surprisingly easy to play.
Sale Description
Up for grabs is an exemplary Rickenbacker 360V64 in a stunning Fireglo finish. This beauty comes complete with its original grey rectangular hard-case, featuring a blue plush interior, along with the original paperwork and a Rickenbacker-branded Levy black leather strap.Rickenbacker, a family-run business based in Santa Ana, California, USA, is renowned for its exceptional quality, distinctive appearance, and, of course, its signature sound. The 330/12 model is a prime illustration of their craftsmanship and is a stunning example.
In terms of condition, our Rickenbacker is in excellent shape, maintaining a clean appearance with minimal wear for its age. The striking “Fireglo” lacquer finish displays only a few light surface scratches and some typical clouding commonly seen in nitrocellulose finishes. Overall, it remains exceptionally well-preserved with no breaks or repairs. The neck and fretboard are in outstanding condition, providing a smooth, uninterrupted playing experience with ample life remaining in the frets. All chrome and nickel hardware operates flawlessly, and the electronics function seamlessly as intended. Additionally, the “Made in America” foil sticker remains intact.
The “Toaster” pickups, wound hotter than the later reissues, provide an abundance of sparkle, articulation, and the signature chime, delivering that classic Rickenbacker jangle.
This one weighs in at 6.82 lbs. (I measure 7.12 lbs)
It’s been expertly cleaned and setup by Ben of Beej Guitar Repairs with a fresh set of 10-46 strings.
- Listed: 10 months ago
- Condition: Excellent (Used). Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.
- Brand: Rickenbacker
- Model: 360V64
- Finish: Fireglo
- Categories: Semi-Hollow
- Serial Number: L84494 (1987–1996 number scheme)
- Made In: United States
- Fretboard Material: Rosewood
- Body Material: Maple
- Pickup Configuration: SS
- Neck Construction: Set-Neck
- Body Shape: Double Cutaway
- Right/Left Handed: Right Handed
- Body Type: Semi-Hollow Body
- Number of Strings: 6-String
- Neck Material: Maple
- Offset Body: Non-Offset Body
- Finish Pattern: Sunburst
- Color Family: Red
- Model Sub-Family: Rickenbacker 360V64
- Model Family: Rickenbacker 360
- Finish Style: Gloss
- Series: Rickenbacker 300 Series
- Bridge/Tailpiece Type: Stop-Bar
- Finish Features: Matching Headstock
- Number of Frets: 21
Includes OHSC, Paperwork & Case Candy
