What makes the C63 model different from a standard 360/12?

The C63 is built to exact 1963 vintage specifications, including a double-bound body, 'Toaster Top' pickups, and a specific headstock shape. Standard models often feature more modern appointments such as 'Hi-Gain' pickups and rounded body edges.

What is the scale length of the Rickenbacker 360/12 C63?

The guitar features a 24.75-inch scale length. This compact scale contributes to a more comfortable playing experience compared to longer-scale 12-string guitars.

Which pickups are used in the Rickenbacker 360/12 C63?

It is equipped with a pair of vintage-style 'Toaster Top' single-coil pickups. These are designed to replicate the low-output, high-clarity sound of the 1960s originals.

Is the body of the 360/12 C63 solid or hollow?

The guitar features a semi-hollow body construction. This design improves resonance and reduces the overall weight of the instrument.

What type of wood is used for the body?

The body is constructed primarily from Maple. This hardwood contributes to the bright, articulate, and punchy 'jangle' for which Rickenbacker guitars are known.

What finish is available for the C63 model?

This specific model is finished in 'Fireglo', which is Rickenbacker's traditional vibrant red-to-amber sunburst.

How is the 12-string headstock designed on this model?

It uses a unique slotted headstock design that combines side-mounted and back-mounted tuners. This allows the headstock to remain compact, roughly the same size as a 6-string headstock.

Who is the most famous player associated with this guitar model?

George Harrison of The Beatles is the most prominent user of the 1963 360/12. This C63 model is specifically designed to replicate the specifications of his iconic instrument.

What is the typical price for a Rickenbacker 360/12 C63 in the UK?

The instrument typically retails for approximately £4,549. This price reflects its status as a premium, vintage-accurate reissue manufactured in the USA.

Does the 360/12 C63 have a slim neck?

Yes, it features a slim neck profile. This is intended to make the 12-string configuration more approachable and easier to play for those used to 6-string guitars.

What genres of music are best suited for this guitar?

It is most famous for its use in British Invasion pop, 60s folk-rock, and jangle-pop. It is highly regarded for its ability to cut through a mix with chiming rhythm and lead parts.

How does the sound character differ from other 12-strings?

The combination of semi-hollow maple body and Toaster Top pickups creates a bright, shimmering 'jangle' with high articulation. It is generally less bass-heavy and more mid-focused than many acoustic-electric 12-strings.

Gear article

Rickenbacker 360/12 C63

The Rickenbacker 360/12 C63 is a high-end 12-string semi-hollow electric guitar built to the exact 1963 specifications of the instrument famously used by George Harrison. Renowned for its distinctive 'jangle', it features a Fireglo finish and vintage-correct hardware, representing a faithful reproduction of a cornerstone of the British Invasion sound.

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Historical Context

The Rickenbacker 360/12 C63 is a tribute to one of the most influential instruments in electric guitar history. Originally popularised by George Harrison of The Beatles during the mid-1960s, this specific model recreates his first 12-string Rickenbacker. This guitar played a pivotal role in defining the sonic landscape of the British Invasion and subsequent folk-rock movements, such as the sound of The Byrds. By adhering to the 1963 specifications, the C63 reissue allows modern players to access the exact tonal character and ergonomics found on the earliest 12-string models produced by the Rickenbacker factory.

Construction and Design

The instrument is constructed with a semi-hollow maple body, which provides natural resonance while maintaining a manageable weight for the player. Its 'C-Series' designation ensures that the appointments are period-correct. The double-bound body features the classic squared-off heel and the iconic Fireglo sunburst finish.

A standout design feature is the 24.75-inch scale length combined with a slim neck profile. Unlike many 12-string guitars that can feel cumbersome, the 360/12 C63 is designed for a more approachable playing experience. The headstock utilizes the patented Rickenbacker design which alternatingly positions the tuners to keep the headstock compact, similar in size to a standard 6-string guitar.

Electronics and Sound

The sound of the 360/12 C63 is driven by a pair of 'Toaster Top' single-coil pickups. These vintage-accurate components are essential for achieving the 'chime' and 'shimmer' associated with the brand. These pickups offer high levels of articulation, ensuring that each of the twelve strings is heard clearly in a dense mix.

The controls allow for a wide variety of tonal shaping, suitable for everything from bright, jangly lead lines to rich, textured rhythm parts. The semi-hollow construction complements the single coils by adding a woody resonance that prevents the high frequencies from sounding overly harsh.

Target Audience and Use Cases

This guitar is primarily aimed at professional musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts of 1960s rock and pop. Due to its specific tonal profile, it is a staple for those performing 12-string-heavy genres like folk-rock, power pop, and psychedelic rock. Its high price point of approximately £4549 reflects its status as a premium, vintage-reissue instrument suited for recording and serious live performance where authentic period tones are required.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes the C63 model different from a standard 360/12?: The C63 is built to exact 1963 vintage specifications, including a double-bound body, 'Toaster Top' pickups, and a specific headstock shape. Standard models often feature more modern appointments such as 'Hi-Gain' pickups and rounded body edges.
What is the scale length of the Rickenbacker 360/12 C63?: The guitar features a 24.75-inch scale length. This compact scale contributes to a more comfortable playing experience compared to longer-scale 12-string guitars.
Which pickups are used in the Rickenbacker 360/12 C63?: It is equipped with a pair of vintage-style 'Toaster Top' single-coil pickups. These are designed to replicate the low-output, high-clarity sound of the 1960s originals.
Is the body of the 360/12 C63 solid or hollow?: The guitar features a semi-hollow body construction. This design improves resonance and reduces the overall weight of the instrument.
What type of wood is used for the body?: The body is constructed primarily from Maple. This hardwood contributes to the bright, articulate, and punchy 'jangle' for which Rickenbacker guitars are known.
What finish is available for the C63 model?: This specific model is finished in 'Fireglo', which is Rickenbacker's traditional vibrant red-to-amber sunburst.
How is the 12-string headstock designed on this model?: It uses a unique slotted headstock design that combines side-mounted and back-mounted tuners. This allows the headstock to remain compact, roughly the same size as a 6-string headstock.
Who is the most famous player associated with this guitar model?: George Harrison of The Beatles is the most prominent user of the 1963 360/12. This C63 model is specifically designed to replicate the specifications of his iconic instrument.
What is the typical price for a Rickenbacker 360/12 C63 in the UK?: The instrument typically retails for approximately £4,549. This price reflects its status as a premium, vintage-accurate reissue manufactured in the USA.
Does the 360/12 C63 have a slim neck?: Yes, it features a slim neck profile. This is intended to make the 12-string configuration more approachable and easier to play for those used to 6-string guitars.
What genres of music are best suited for this guitar?: It is most famous for its use in British Invasion pop, 60s folk-rock, and jangle-pop. It is highly regarded for its ability to cut through a mix with chiming rhythm and lead parts.
How does the sound character differ from other 12-strings?: The combination of semi-hollow maple body and Toaster Top pickups creates a bright, shimmering 'jangle' with high articulation. It is generally less bass-heavy and more mid-focused than many acoustic-electric 12-strings.