Skip to content

Questions about Rickenbacker 360/12

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Who designed the Rickenbacker 360/12 headstock and when was it submitted?

Employee Dick Burke submitted the unique design in 1963 during early development phases. The headstock combines slotted and solid elements to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.

When did George Harrison acquire his Rickenbacker 360/12 prototype and what event caused him to miss the initial display?

George Harrison acquired a Rickenbacker 360/12 prototype after missing the Savoy Hilton display in 1964. He missed the special display at the hotel due to illness despite being scheduled to play The Ed Sullivan Show that week.

What specific hardware changes occurred on the Rickenbacker 360/12 between 1982 and 1985?

The original prototypes used Kluson brand machines before switching to Grover Rotomatics after 1982. Schaller M6 Minis became the standard hardware by 1985.

How does the string configuration of the Rickenbacker 360/12 differ from other twelve-string guitars?

Most twelve-string guitars place the octave course on the bass side of the standard course but Rickenbacker reverses this convention to create its unique timbre. String courses are much closer together than they would normally be on most twelve string guitars.

When was the last Rickenbacker 360/12 OS produced and what serial number did it carry?

The last 360/12 OS was produced in Fireglo finish in December 1968 with serial number HL1725. Production models changed features from those of the prototype when manufacturing started in 1964.

Read the full story about Rickenbacker 360/12 →

Up Next

Höfner 500/1