A Rickenbacker 12 string is the electric twelve string behind the bright, ringing chime you hear on records by the Beatles, the Byrds and Tom Petty. Three models matter most to buyers: the 360/12 with two pickups, the 330/12 with two pickups and a plainer body, and the 370/12 with three pickups.
What makes every Rickenbacker 12 string different from other twelves is the string order and the slotted headstock. Those two details shape the sound, the feel and what you need to check before you buy one.
I have handled a lot of these over the years, and I sell them direct, one instrument at a time. This Journal entry is the guide I wish every buyer read before they messaged me.
If you only have a few minutes today, start here:
- Decide whether you want two pickups (360/12 or 330/12) or three (370/12).
- Ask the seller for a photo of the back of the headstock and every tuner.
- Ask for the string height at the 12th fret, low and high side.
- Ask whether the frets, tuners and pickups are original.
- Ask what case comes with the guitar and whether it is original.
What Makes a Rickenbacker 12 String Different
Most electric twelves are a six string with extra strings added. A Rickenbacker 12 string is built around two ideas that change how it sounds and how it plays.
The Reversed Octave Order
On a standard twelve string, the octave string sits above the main string in each pair, so your pick hits the high octave first. Rickenbacker flips that.
As the Wikipedia entry on the Rickenbacker 360/12 puts it, most twelves have the octave course on the bass side, and “Rickenbacker reverses this convention.” Your pick strikes the main string first and the octave a split second later.
That tiny delay is a big part of the chime. The octave rings out on top of the note instead of leading it, so chords sound rich without getting harsh.
The Slotted Headstock
Twelve tuners on one headstock usually means a long, heavy peghead. Rickenbacker solved that with six tuners mounted the normal way and six mounted at a right angle, set into two routed slots in the face.
The result is a short headstock that does not pull the neck toward the floor. When you pick one up, it balances like a six string far more than you expect.
Why It Chimes the Way It Does
The string order, a bright maple build and Rickenbacker’s own pickups all stack together. The sound has a quick attack, a clear top end and a shimmer that sits nicely in a band mix.
That is why so many players use one for jangly rhythm parts and melodic riffs. It cuts through without needing a lot of volume.
The Main Rickenbacker 12 String Models
Rickenbacker has made several twelve string models over the years. For most buyers, the choice comes down to these four.
| Model | Pickups | Look | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 360/12 | Two | Bound body, triangle inlays | The classic Beatles era twelve string sound |
| 330/12 | Two | Unbound body, dot inlays | The same sound with a cleaner, simpler look |
| 370/12 | Three | Like the 360, with a third pickup | Roger McGuinn and the Byrds |
| 366/12 Convertible | Two | Comb device on the body | Switching between twelve and six strings |
The 360/12
The 360/12 is the one most people picture. Rickenbacker calls it “the world’s most popular twelve string electric guitar” on its official Model 360/12 page.
That page lists a maple body, a maple and walnut neck and a 24 3/4 inch scale. The shorter scale keeps string tension friendly, which matters when you are fretting twelve strings at once.
The 370/12
The 370/12 takes the 360/12 and adds a third pickup in the middle. You get more tonal choices, from a thin, glassy sound to a fuller blend.
The Byrd model is the version built to Roger McGuinn’s specification. I have a 1987 Rickenbacker 370/12 Byrd model available right now if you want to see one up close.
The 330/12
The 330/12 shares the same basic sound as the 360/12 in a plainer body. It skips the binding and uses dot inlays instead of triangles.
Some players prefer it because it feels a little more like a working tool. It is also a smart way into the sound if a 360/12 sits above your budget.
The 366/12 Convertible
The 366/12 Convertible is the oddball, and I love it. A comb device on the body can pull the six octave strings down out of the way. The guitar then plays as a six string until you release them.
Those comb and arm parts wear and go missing, and they are hard to find. I keep Rickenbacker parts and hardware for the 366/12, including the comb runner and the comb and arm assembly.
Which Model Should You Choose
Start with how you play. If you mostly strum chords and want the classic sound, a 360/12 or a 330/12 covers it beautifully.
If you like to shape your tone from the guitar, the third pickup on a 370/12 gives you more room to move. It is also the natural pick if the Byrds are your reason for wanting one.
- Choose a 360/12 for the classic look and the most familiar sound.
- Choose a 330/12 if you want that sound in a simpler, often more affordable guitar.
- Choose a 370/12 for extra tonal range and the McGuinn connection.
- Choose a 366/12 Convertible if you want twelve and six strings in one instrument.
Condition matters more than model number. A well kept 330/12 will make you happier than a tired 360/12 every time.
Who Made the Rickenbacker 12 String Famous
A few players turned this guitar from a curiosity into one of the most recognizable sounds in pop and rock. Knowing the history helps you understand why some versions command more attention.
George Harrison and the Beatles
George Harrison received an early 360/12 in 1964, during the Beatles’ first visit to New York. According to the history of the 360/12, his prominent use of it in the film A Hard Day’s Night “led to high demand.”
Almost overnight, every band wanted that ring. Rickenbacker had a hit on its hands.
Roger McGuinn and the Byrds
Roger McGuinn heard that sound and built the Byrds around it. His Rickenbacker twelve string playing became the signature of folk rock.
The three pickup 370/12 later became his favored instrument, which is why the Byrd model exists. If you are a McGuinn fan, have a look at the posters and T shirts page too.
The Players Who Kept It Going
Tom Petty, Pete Townshend and Johnny Marr all leaned on Rickenbacker twelves. Each one used it in a different way, from big open chords to tight, chiming arpeggios.
That range is the real lesson. A Rickenbacker 12 string is not a one song guitar.
Buying a Vintage Rickenbacker 12 String: What I Check
Twelve strings ask more of a guitar than six do. Doubled tension works on the neck every day. The condition of a used one tells you a lot about how it was kept.
These are the points I check before anything goes up for sale. They are the same points I walk buyers through before they commit.
The Neck and the Truss Rods
Rickenbacker used a dual truss rod system for decades. Rods that will not adjust, or a neck with a twist, is the most expensive problem you can inherit.
- Sight down the neck from the headstock end.
- Look for even relief and no twist from bass side to treble side.
- Ask whether the rods have been adjusted recently and how they responded.
Frets
Twelve strings wear frets faster than six strings, mostly in the first five positions. Deep grooves under the strings mean buzzing and a fret job in your future.
Ask for a close photo of the first few frets with the strings slack or removed. A little wear is normal on a guitar that has been played.
Tuners and the Headstock
Those right angle tuners in the slots are part of the design, so you want them all present and turning smoothly. Check that each one holds pitch under tension.
Look closely at the headstock for cracks around the slots. Ask for a photo of the back of the headstock in good light.
Bridge, Tailpiece and Electronics
Check that the bridge sits properly and that the tailpiece is not lifting. On a twelve string, a tired tailpiece shows up fast.
Then plug it in and try every pickup and switch position. Some older Rickenbackers have a stereo output, and some players like a modern tone tweak such as the Rick filter bypass mod.
Originality, Case and Paperwork
Collectors care about original parts, and so does resale value. A replaced pickup or tuner set is not a deal breaker, but it should be disclosed and reflected in the price.
An original case adds value and protects the guitar in shipping. Ask what case comes with it before you agree on anything.
| What to Check | Why It Matters | What to Ask For |
|---|---|---|
| Neck relief and twist | Repairs are costly | A photo sighting down the neck |
| Truss rods | Adjustment keeps it playable | When they were last adjusted |
| Frets | Wear causes buzzing | Close photos of frets one to five |
| Tuners and headstock | Tuning stability and cracks | Back of headstock in good light |
| Electronics | Noisy pots and dead pickups | A short clip of each pickup |
| Originality and case | Value and safe shipping | A list of any replaced parts |
Living With a Rickenbacker 12 String
Owning one is a joy, but it rewards a little care. A few habits make a big difference.
Strings and Tuning
Most players use a light gauge set on a Rickenbacker 12 string. Lighter strings keep tension in check and make chords easier to hold down.
Tune the main string of each pair first, then match the octave string to it. A good clip on tuner and a little patience go a long way.
Setup Expectations
These guitars play best with a careful setup. The action, the relief and the intonation all interact more than they do on a six string.
If yours feels stiff or buzzes, it usually needs adjustment rather than repair. Change strings and check the setup when the seasons change.
Storage and Humidity
Keep it in its case when you are not playing it. Big swings in heat and humidity move the neck, and a twelve string feels every change.
A steady room and a closed case protect the neck, the finish and your setup. Your guitar will stay in tune longer too.
How Buying a Guitar From Me Works
There is no shopping cart on this site, and that is deliberate. Guitars at this level deserve a real conversation before money changes hands.
A Real Conversation First
You message me, and I answer you personally with condition details and extra photos. I will tell you what I found when I went over the guitar, good and bad.
The How to Buy page walks through the full process, from your first question to a shipping quote. The returns policy explains where you stand after it arrives.
Parts, Selling and Trading
Looking for a hard to find Rickenbacker part? Tell me what you need on the Part Finder page, and I will tell you straight whether I can find it.
Have a Rickenbacker 12 string of your own to sell? The Sell or Trade page is the place to start.
See What Is Available Now
Browse the Rickenbacker guitars I have right now. Stock changes as instruments sell, so check back often.
You can also see the vintage and collectible guitars for other makes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Rickenbacker 360/12 and 370/12?
The 360/12 has two pickups and the 370/12 has three. The extra middle pickup on the 370/12 gives you more blend options, and the Byrd model is built to Roger McGuinn’s specification.
Why does a Rickenbacker 12 string sound different from other twelve strings?
Rickenbacker reverses the usual string order, so the main string sits above its octave string. Your pick hits the main note first, which gives the guitar its smooth, ringing chime.
Is a Rickenbacker 12 string hard to play?
It takes a little getting used to, like any twelve string. A good setup and light strings make it far easier, and the slim neck and short scale help too.
What is the Rickenbacker 366/12 Convertible?
It is a twelve string with a comb device that pulls the octave strings down so it plays as a six string. Those comb and arm parts are hard to find, and I keep replacement parts for them.
What should I check before buying a used Rickenbacker 12 string?
Check the neck relief and truss rods, the frets, the tuners and headstock, and the electronics. Ask which parts are original and what case comes with it.
Which guitar did George Harrison play on A Hard Day’s Night?
George Harrison played a Rickenbacker 360/12 that he received in 1964. His use of it in the film made the model one of the most wanted guitars of the decade.
Ask Me About a Rickenbacker 12 String
Thinking about a Rickenbacker 12 string, or need a part for the one you already own? Send me a message through the contact form and you will hear back from me, not an autoresponder.
You can also email me directly at rickosteve9@gmail.com. Tell me what you play and what you are looking for, and we will take it from there.