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1965 Rickenbacker 360/12 Vintage Semi-Hollow 12 String Guitar Fireglo w/ Toaster Pickups, Case

$7,499.99

+ shipping

Out Of Stock
Up for sale, a 1965 Rickenbacker 360/12 in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original silver tolex hardshell case. An early example of the "new style" 360 body with rounded edges on top and checkerboard binding framing the back, this vintage 12 string features all original electronics and hardware.

This particular 360/12 benefits from the one thing needed on nearly all 360/12s of this era, a professional neck reset. This work was performed by one of the best in the business, Davis Guitar Works, one of the few shops specializing in the unique process of a Rickenbacker neck set. As such, action is ideal, and the neck angle is viable for decades to come, with room for future adjustment on both sides of the bridge.

The 360/12's semi-hollow construction delivers a natural warmth and breadth, balanced by the articulation and treble detail of maple as a tonewood, These qualities are channeled faithfully via the alnico magnet Toaster Top pickups, and each pickup position has a distinct, chiming sound with Rickenbacker's unmistakable jangle. The guitar weighs 7lbs 8oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with low action and fresh strings.

The maple/walnut neck has a medium C-shaped profile carve with moderate shoulder and an easy-playing feel, measuring .845” at the 1st fret and .875" at the 12th. The thick slab rosewood fretboard has white binding, red side dots, and triangular crushed pearl inlays that extend all the way to the fretboard edges. The original slender frets have been leveled and crowned, still retaining a surprising amount of meat given their size and showing no wear, playing cleanly up the 24 3/4" scale with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rods. The 1 9/16" nut has the string courses evenly spaced for easy playability. The headstock features its original lucite truss rod cover and a full complement of Kluson Deluxe double line tuning machines which turn smoothly and hold pitch as they should.

All of the electronics work as intended, with Rickenbacker's traditional five knob layout and dual outputs. The original CTS pots date to the 7th week of '65, and the EG-prefix serialized jack plate conclusively dates production to July, 1965. Hardware includes the original six-saddle bridge and R tailpiece, both of which have plenty of shine. Stock plastics include the dual tiered pickguard and knobs, as well as a replacement switch tip which is shorter than the usual "baton."

The original Fireglo gloss finish is retained, a bit more diffused on top and particularly rich and ruddy on the back. There is light touchup both on top between the pickups (where a section is removed and reseated as part of the neck reset process, given Rickenbacker’s unique construction), and also adjacent to the neck heel. Cosmetic wear includes buckle rash on the back, particularly on the upper bout, and various additional minor marks and finish scuffs from consistent use. The neck profile also retains its gloss, with light chipping through the thin finish in a couple localized areas.

The original silver tolex hardshell case with blue plush interior is included.