Up for sale, a 1991 Rickenbacker 360/12 in 100% original condition and in perfect working order. This Ric features a White nitro lacquer finish and is also notable for the BT designation which stands for "Black Trim." The exceptional condition of this nearly 30 year old Rickenbacker is quite impressive, and the tuxedo good looks with a combination of factory black and chrome hardware is notably rare. Tonally, there's nothing that can match the iconic jangle, chime, and shimmer of the Rickenbacker 12 string design, and there's plenty of warmth and sonic variety available between the two original Hi-Gain pickups. Despite the Hi-Gain moniker, these pickups are actually very conservatively wound with modest output that keeps the top end snap and sparkle of the Rickenbacker sound very present in the mix. The guitar has a vibrant and clear acoustic voice as well, balancing well on a strap and weighing in at 3.5 kg.
The three-piece maple and walnut neck has a medium C shaped profile that borders on the slender side of things but still retains just enough shoulder to feel substantial. The stock frets are in great shape with their full factory height and only a touch of light, uniform wear on the crowns of frets 1-6 with virtually no wear further up the neck. The guitar plays cleanly in all positions without buzzing or dead spots, and the dual truss rod design keeps the neck arrow straight with ideal relief. The nut measures 1 5/8" in width. On the headstock, the original black Schaller tuning machines work as they should, turning smoothly and holding pitch well. Of course the original Rickenbacker logo/truss rod cover is present too.
All of the electronics work as they should, and the wiring harness features untouched solder joints and original CTS pots that date to the 38th week of 1990. The Rick-o-Sound jack plate has an "C4" prefix serial number which conclusively dates manufacture to March of 1991. All of the original hardware is intact, including the dual-tiered black pickguards, stock knobs, original baton switch tip, chrome "R" tailpiece, and the chrome bridge with black base.
Cosmetically, the guitar is a clean and well cared for example, and the White gloss finish has a lightly aged clear coat which gives it a very faint greenish tinge in certain lighting. There are only a few light finish scuffs and inconsequential nicks on the guitar as a whole along with a couple spots of heavier yellowing of the finish on the tip of the back of the headstock (from a capo) and around the strap buttons (from a strap).
The original black tolex hardshell case is included.
Condition: Some and minor imperfections around the body and headstock. Aged finish has given the white a greenish tint and yellowing around the strap buttons.
Playability: Straight neck, no buzzing, almost no fret wear, action is comfortable, no issues with electronics
Model: Rickenbacker 360/12
Made: USA
Finish: White
Body: Carved Maple
Neck: Maple / Walnut
Mods: n/a
Pickups: Original Rickenbacker
Case: Original case
