1989 Rickenbacker 370/12RM Roger McGuinn Signature 12 String Mapleglo Near Mint w/ Compressor, Case

Up for sale, a 1989 Rickenbacker 370/12RM Roger McGuinn signature model 12 string in near mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, boasting the on-board compressor option. One of the earliest and most celebrated Rickenbacker artist model instruments offered from 1988-89, the McGuinn model was limited to 1000 instruments (500 in Mapleglo, 250 in Fireglo, and 250 in Jetglo). Further narrowing production totals and increasing the rarity of this model, only some of the McGuinns were fitted with active on-board compression like the example seen here.The McGuinn model is one of the most feature-rich and purpose-built 12 strings ever offered, boasting a hand-shaped 1960s style “fast action” neck profile carve, full fretboard width triangular inlays, checkerboard binding, a trio of Toaster Top alnico magnet single coils, and a 12 saddle bridge for optimal intonation. The McGuinn was also offered with or without a built-in compressor, and this is one with the compressor effect, delivering a focus and balance that accentuates the chorusing chime and jangle of the string courses.Beyond the distinctive chime that the signature on the pickguard would imply, the McGuinn model delivers crystal clear tone, sparkling with top end sweetness and treble detail emblematic of both the quintessential Rickenbacker sound and also the sound of the Byrds. The hollow maple body with neck through construction gives the 370/12RM a sustain, immediate attack, and richness found with few 12 strings. Equipped with stereo "Rick-o-Sound" functionality, and a middle pickup exclusive to the 370 model, the 370/12 has more fullness and midrange heft than its brother the 360. Weighing 8lbs 1oz, this guitar is easy on the back, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with Thomastik flatwound strings, low action, and spot-on intonation.The hand-shaped '60s fast action neck has a slender C profile carve with just enough roundness in the shoulders (notably more slender than Ric's modern 370 profile), measuring .835" at the 1st fret and .910" at the 12th. The bound rosewood fretboard boasts triangular pearl inlays which extend all the way to the fretboard edges, and the slender vintage-style frets show only limited wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-4. The neck is straight, both truss rods are responsive and optimally adjusted, and the guitar plays easily in every register. The nut measures 1 5/8" in width. On the headstock, the Schaller Deluxe Kluson-style tuning machines work smoothly and hold pitch well, and the lucite Ric truss rod cover/logo is also intact.All of the electronics work as they should, and everything is exactly how it was when the guitar left the Rickenbacker factory with untouched solder joints on the large circuit board comprising the controls and active compressor (powered by a 9V battery). The chrome "R" tailpiece and 12 saddle bridge with original cover is intact and the chrome plating is positively gleaming. The stock knobs have minty caps, and the pickup covers are also practically perfect. Cosmetically, this is truly a near mint instrument and a particularly nice example of a rare and discontinued Rickenbacker model. There are a couple exceedingly faint and short finish scratches on the back, and a couple tiny finish chips and pinhead-sized nicks where the forearm crosses the top. The gloss on the neck profile is flawless, with a tiny bit of binding checking at the side dots and fret nibs.A reissue silver tolex Rickenbacker hardshell case with blue plush interior and black leather ends is included.