Most guitar books show production from 1981 - present. By the numbers this was made in Feb, 1980 - TB439.

Did they start making them in 1980 or is this a pre-production model?

It also has a full 12-string headstock with 6 in-line tuners on a side as opposed to the up/down Rickenbacker style.

It also appears to have the hi string first instead of below the major string as you strum down.

What do I have???

Thanks.

The 620/12 has been in production since the early 60's, in fact the third 12 string Rickenbacker ever produced was a 620/12 which is currently owned by Mike Cambell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

As for why yours is strung in the traditional manor is anybody's guess?

I could be incorrect but I do not remember Rickenbacker ever making a 12 string guitar strung in this manner or with a headstock that you describe. Can you post a picture? Maybe one of our fearless leaders will chime in on this one.
Steve

_________________
"A Splendid Time Is Guaranteed For All"

Either not a RIC or has been re-necked (or re-headed).

The guy who sold it to me said it was made for Al Jardine. Of course a guy at a guitar show can say anything he wants...LOL.

The truss rods are correct. I had one of the larger guitar dealers in the midwest look at it before I bought it and he didn't think it was a fake.

Could've had the headstock changed I suppose. Let's be honest, this one is much easier to restring. Whatever. I also picked up a 320-12 and for the price I got both of them I can sell the 320 and keep the 620 for a player.

Thanks all!!!!

That's funny. I was looking through a guitar book last night and it had a picture of an early Ric 12 string with a head stock exactly like mine. It had a different tuner setup but the headstock of the guitar on the Rickenbacker page - with other early Rickenbacker guitars - had the exact same shape as mine with 6 in-line tuners on a side.

I guess if Ric made at least one 12 string with my head stock they might've made another. I'm going to consider mine a special order until proven otherwise.

Thanks.

Would love to see some pics. I think some employees from the mid 70s until John Hall took over were making some unique instruments for themselves. I have seen quite a few 60's bodies that have all the hardware and wiring from the mid 70's. Mice will always play.

With regard to 620/12s there are only a few pre 1980. It does seem January 1980 was when they actually become a production guitar, rather than a prototype, special order, one-off.

http://www.rickresource.com/register/in ... strings=21

According to the factory records, TB439 was a bog standard 620/12 JG delivered to the warehouse on 2/11/1980. as I said before:

"Either not a RIC or has been re-necked (or re-headed)."

How about this 490ish? The neck appears to be made in the factory (woods, dot inlays, truss rods all seem right). It never had a full length Rickenbacker TRC.

I have always wondered if it was made by an employee who was helping on the 490?

another photo: