The Rickenbacker 360 was one of the first electric twelve-string guitars, yet was also one that has lasted throughout the ages. Developed by the Rickenbacker Company beginning in 1963, originally only three prototypes were created and strategically given out, one of them even going to the Beatles. Finally, in 1964 Rickenbacker began production on this fine line of guitars and from then on they were met with widespread success. They are even still sold today with a few slight modifications. The typical Rickenbacker 360 features a maple body and neck, a Rosewood fingerboard, semi-Christic body, 24 frets, and two “toaster” pickups.
The Rickenbacker 360 comes in both a 6 string 360 and a 12 string version. One of the most impressive things about the Rickenbacker 360 is its amazing ease-of-use. From right out of the box the guitar is ready to go and setting it up to sound it's best is a very simple task. Even changing a string is a simple task with the Rickenbacker 360 and barely requires any skill or work at all. George Harrison, the leaders for the Beatles is even quoted as saying that the Rickenbacker 360 was the “the only 12 string you can change a string on when you're drunk...”
The sound of the Rickenbacker 360 is another important aspect to it, primarily because it is so unique and characteristic of this guitar alone. However, there is a drawback to the Rickenbacker 360. The sound of the Rickenbacker 360, although suitable and well fit to several styles of music, can not be easily adjusted to match many other types of music or styles and therefore is generally only good for a few different genres. In general, the guitar is best suited for classical rock or punk because of its slightly clunky sound and its frequent “twangs”.
One of the reasons why the sound of the Rickenbacker 360 is so easily identified is because of its widespread use among famous musicians. Extremely well known and highly regarded musicians such as George Harrison of the Beatles, John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie, The Edge of U2, Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys, and even Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones have all used the Rickenbacker 360 and some even use it as their primary instrument of choice!
Although the Rickenbacker 360 isn't as versatile as some other guitars, it is definitely worth a consideration in your guitar collection due to its simplicity in usage, unique sound, and its contribution to musical history.
 Rickenbacker 360/12 US $641.00 |
 mint 2005 Rickenbacker 360/12 Jetglo W/ohsc US $1,700.00 |
 Rickenbacker 360-12 V64 Electric 12 String Double Bound Guitar From 1990 US $2,750.00 |
