How To String A Rickenbacker 12 String (REAL TIME)

Rickenbacker 12 string guru Marty Willson-Piper changing strings ... in real-time :) Enjoy!
"At 00:32:12 I mean E, not G. You can also hear Dare mixing the new MOAT album Poison Stream in the background."

[@mycollie22]

Is this a dream? Marty restringing his 12?!? Thank you for being tangible MWP!!

[@karmicselling4252]

Marty, it has been an absolute privilege to listen to your wonderful playing over the decades. Flipping the strings around on your Rickenbacker has created a unique aural landscape. However, I often wonder how many of those Church songs would have sounded if you had stuck with the factory stringing. Alas we will never know. C'est la vie. By the way, the easiest way to string a 12 string Rickenbacker? .... Pay someone else to do it for you! Cheers from Melbourne town.

[@ptalley316]

I have an identical one (2021) and you are a braver man than I:) all the guitar techs take a hurried lunch break when they see me coming!

[@richardmason6640]

Blimey… I just got one of these guitars and thought I’d change the strings right away… Aw man so demoralizing but good to see everyone is in the same boat.

[@thomkopal1740]

Now we truly understand the sacrifices you've faced all these years ;-) Just a reminder to me why I sold my 330-12 back in the '90s (well, my hands were too big for it as well). Thank you for your endless dedication to music, MWP!!

[@geoffreycox9843]

Thanks for the play-by-play patience (and commentary) in sharing the reality of restringing a Rickenbacker 12, Marty. And for highlighting the potential pitfalls (string falling out of tailpiece, bent ends (!), stretching, etc). Thanks to others for the tips to keep the strings in the tailpiece (pencil, capo, foam, cardboard, painter's tape. I've even used (new) dental floss through the ball end to hold one particularly difficult string in the poorly cut tailpiece slot on occasion). It is one of the random rock n roll life skills and comes with the territory of playing one of these. For those of you watching at home, you can do it, too! Just be patient and it gets easier (and quicker) each time you do it. And have at least a spare set of strings on hand as something will always go wrong despite your best intentions. Happy playing and may your tailpieces never explode.

[@RobCrawford23]

After getting the string into the tail piece I always end up using a capo to keep the string in place when attending to getting the headstock business sorted. It tends to be an octave pair at a time just to save arsing about with the capo too often

[@indeepmusicarchive]

Good idea!

[@brianmcmurtry]

This is genius. Would upvote 3 times if I could.

[@rubikonic]

I always change them in octave pairs.

[@PageandPlant4Life]

He made it look twice as hard tho by not doing that. I find that half the complaints about rics could be solved with common sense

[@jamesachaplin]

That was a fun evening in the parlour , definitely not a job to do after a few beers !!! My second guitar was a Yamaha acoustic 12 , that cured me . Ive got a Rick 360. 6 string now and the pencil under the bridge is a hot tip . I stood side of stage at the Chevron Hotel in Kings Cross Sydney one night(1984??) watching the Church , and marvelled at the “Rack of Ricks” Beautiful sound and beautiful music Thank you for all of it James

[@gfm1496]

Ive use some of the tricks others have mentioned here, particularly the capo trick. I realise you would like to keep the tailpiece original but the trapezoid one is so much easier. But if wishing to keep the R tailpiece what I’ve done is simply use one of those little cosmetics foam wedges, slips right in easily, keeps the string in place until wound and easy to remove. No danger of scratching the body with something like pencil. Have you ever tried flatwounds on the 12s? I love them, they last much longer thus needing changing much less often, they are also what the original Rics were strung with like this one. The beauty of those old Rics were the cross bracing in the body, they almost resonate like a violin. Rickenbacker changed to a neck through body later that made them less fragile and a bit more heavy, I do think they feel different. The only recent Rics made with cross-braced bodies are the George Harrison reissues, 360/12c63. I still keep and eye out for your missing model 1993 Ric 12, I sincerely hope it can be reunited with the owner. :)

[@sadlsore]

I bend the ball and of the strings at a 45° angle so they seat in the TP slots more easily, and use a capo to keep tension on the string so it doesn’t fall out of the TP slot while I wind it on the peg head. Another fellow Rickenbacker player uses a slip on pencil eraser with the tapered tip wedged between the top of the guitar body in the bottom of the string slot to wedge the string in place in the TP slot.

[@05645ci]

me too on the capo; I have a 360 6 string and it blows my mind every time I restring it that Rickenbacker has never tried to make restringing their guitars any easier. Owning one Rick is enough; I'd love to have a 4003 bass and a 12 string electric, but I have 13 guitars already and I can't handle the pain:)

[@weareyouthere]

Thank you! Using the capo to hold the string before winding it on the tuning post is a game changer for me. Saved me an hour!

[@noelwarn3366]

After many years of wanting one of these, I finally got one but I did have to get trained an octopus to help me do mine, plus I have put the Samaritans on speed dial! Maybe using the capo is the best idea

[@race4711]

Hi Marty, I use a '78 RIC 620/12 limited to 6 and it is very good because when we have a 12 strings verily are two guitars, it is a special way to use a guitar ... greets from Rome!

[@beanotraffini681]

Marty! I followed your band since The Church's very Earliest days here in the States… I saw you play in New York City at My Father's Place or The Bottom Line or Kenny's Castaways (one of those places when you first came here I believe). I've also seen you at Toad's Place in New Haven, CT a few times which was also fantastic. When I acquired The Blurred Crusade and heard "Field of Mars", that was it for me-I played a Rick 12 ever since. Thanks for this terrific video- Useful and entertaining!

[@michaellowe1867]

The pencil trick is definitely one I'll have to borrow from you, Marty...it'll sure make life easier....Ricks are real hassles to restring, but oh, what sweet rewards once we do!! Keep jammin' brother!!

[@Glicksman1]

That "R" tailpiece is the most devilish piece of guitar hardware ever desinged. One way is to remove all the strings, lift up the tailpiece, put all the ball ends in their proper places, tape them down so they can't fall out, and then go ahead with the rest, removing the tape when done. What a PITA! There are many tailpiece replacements available that make the Ricky 12 much easier to string, and when I need to replace my Rick 12's strings I'm gonna get one. I just cannot imagine Harrison ever doing this (Hey, Mal, I need you to do something for me.), but I can imagine McGuinn doing it and even liking the challenge.

[@guitaryst]

My first reaction (in the first 10 seconds): 1.2 hours to restring a Rick?!! Actually, that sounds about right. I will have to do this fun job in about 2 more weeks.

[@Kitmeister]

You can keep the strings tight (after inserting in the "R" tailpiece) by using a capo up toward the nut!

[@weareyouthere]

Thank you! I've had mine 20 yrs, and I always hated changing the strings, the capo works so well. Saved me so much frustration

[@rcd3481]

Thanks for sharing. There's no gain without some pain, great to be part of the exclusive Rick 12 re-string club. I believe the factory use masking tape across the R tailpiece in order to hold the strings. My brand new Rick 330/12 untouched by a retailer, had this still attached. Interesting you have your octave strings ordered reverse Rick. It definitely gives a more in your face attacking 12 string sound, especially on chords. Probably sits in the mix, better for that huge ex-band sound and easier to tame live. The Rickenbacker default string order has been described by many as a more subtle 12 string tone. I have considered changing the string order also, as up strokes to force highlights can get awkward. Great to hear about the details of brass nuts and the like...you've just got to love it. :)

[@pequalsa]

Thanks Marty! Looking forward to more videos!

[@lithium3952]

Holy shit I was just strumming to Under the Milky Way on my 12 yesterday

[@pabcrane]

This reminds me I have to change my 330/12 strings because I've been putting it off. I was putting off changing my Gretsch strings just because of the Bigsby (and I'm horribly lazy & no gigs!) but once I did the sound was fantastic and I was reminded why I love the guitar. Everyone, change yer strings!

[@charleshardy3460]

Nice trick with pencil, I used folded paper wedged under the tailpiece of my 366/12 which thankfully was successful. I need to change the octave G as it snapped while tuning it, many times my octave Gs do snap! , I'll try a 9 instead of the usual 8. Cheers Marty.

[@firsteerr]

i might be stupid ( im pretty sure i am stupid i have been tested ) but on my 370/12 i remove ALL the strings hinge up the tail put all the string ends in and then (here's my moment of clarity ) i use a strip of gaffer tape and hold all the ends in then go through the living hell of the head end

[@timlang7203]

Stumbled across this video from one of my favorite players after changing the strings for the first time on my 2022 620/12. I encountered all of the things he describes. Compared to Marty's guitar, Rickenbacker hasn't changed a damn thing in how their guitar hardware works. What I need to find out is how to intonate the 12-string. It seems like the octave strings need their own saddles in order to intonate them properly. The strings in each pair have different diameters, so it would be ideal if each string had its own saddle.

[@charlessiess2534]

Is that a brass 12-string nut from Ricky Sounds UK I see on your 330V12? I've the same guitar and imagine a brass trumps the original plastic black nut string resonance aka jangle. Plus do you find the re-orientation of the E strings to closer spacing to be nicer than the original black nut string spacing and play? Appreciate if you s4e this and find time to share your views on the nut and thanks for the video of our mutual chyallenge in re-stringing.. Former Cobham resident..All the best Charley

[@TheMilford]

I think you can get smaller buttons for those replacement tuners. Might make life a little easier. ALso, I love your work with Anekdoten!!!

[@OttoPaert]

You'd think that Mr Rickenbacker might have lengthened the headstock by an inch.

[@steveng.clinard1766]

Have you tried using a capo to hold the strings taut from the tailpiece while stringing onto the tuners?

[@dougberry7077]

My "Welcome to Hell" bit was one of the strings was stuck in the tailpiece. I had to remove the tailpiece to get it out, so 12 strings, bridge, and tailpiece are just staring at me saying, "Hurry up."

[@catones2868]

at around 9:05 - 9:15 there's a gap of time....that must've been when you cracked open your first bottle of whiskey (LOL!!!)...I need reading glasses too. It sucks having blurred reading glasses vision. I have to use gem magnifying glasses with light beam; only way I can see the detail of the string entering thru the right places.

[@sadlsore]

Marty, have you considered replacing the full-size Schallers with either mini Schallers or replacement vintage style Rickenbacker tuners similar to the originals? I think you can buy and insert for the tuning Peg holes if they have been in large to fit the shower tuning pegs.

[@SirSneakerPimp]

I use a Hagen Das ice cream stick instead of a pencil and as mentioned several times a capo to hold the string in place. BTW, why not get Rickenbacker to send you replacement tuners? I’m hunting for locking tuners made for Rickenbacker. Does anyone know if Schaller makes them?

[@wilburwokeii8298]

Best Rickenbacker for playing Chromium?

[@obdeisibcirrus993]

I play sitar and have strung them before but I’m still nervous to restring my Ric 330/12

[@BobboByrnes]

I just restrung mine about 3 days ago. I got my restringing of the 12 down to about 45 minutes. Is that a brass nut? And you're just using D'addario 12 string set?

[@a.battaglia4024]

The unguarded Moment brought me here

[@brianmcmurtry]

@Marty, is this the same guitar you're playing on the 1982 Blurred Crusade concert found elsewhere here on KZbin?

[@indeepmusicarchive]

It would be in that year, yes.

[@movitz]

Thanks so much for this great tutorial Marty! Im gonna have to do this myself in the next couple of weeks. I put flatwound strings on mine last time and theyve been on for 2 and a half years and up until recently still sustained. I use a janglebox compressor which helps. Lucky I have the trapeze tailpiece on mine that makes it a bit easier. Just wondered if you were familiar with Kate, the band Chris Gilbey was in in the late 60s's. I love their dreamy psychedelic song Strange Girl kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ3PepKvbcyhi6M and their later single Shout It with Viv Prince on drums. Cheers!

[@indeepmusicarchive]

Hey Steve, ah no, I wasn't aware, thanks for the tip.

[@movitz]

@@indeepmusicarchive Check out the drum roll at 1.58 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ2npHqbatZsbpo

[@riknbkr330]

It is a welcome to hell. I found the best way,when my Ric had an R tailpiece, was to remove all the strings. Then place all the strings in the tailpiece, use 3M blue painters tape to tape down the strings in the tailpiece. Then string up the two E strings on either side to hold the tension of the tailpiece. Then finally string all the strings up. Still took about an hour. All of this went away when my R tailpiece exploded, and then switched to a Windfield tailpiece. Works better.

[@deanboca12]

Use a capo to hold tension.

[@charleshuguley9323]

Think I'll stick to six strings.

[@jdtorian]

Oh, it is just the worst. I pray this helps.

[@OttoPaert]

I always wanted to witness brain surgery.

[@jimfraser647]

Sounds like some of the problems have been created by you. Why not simply get machine heads with smaller buttons. Also return the strings back to their original arrangement with the low strings on the top. That's part of what makes the unique Rickenbacker 12 string sound. Take the R tailpiece off and insert all of the strings. Then place a piece of masking tape over the strings. Replace the tailpiece and then wind the strings onto the machine heads. The masking tape and easily be pulled off once the strings are installed. You're making this a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Or doing it your way, use a capo to hold the string in place so that you have two hands to wind and cut the string. Another thing I would recommend would be to replace that R tailpiece with a trapeze tailpiece.

[@indeepmusicarchive]

Thank you Jim, Yes I could have replaced the machine heads, but it's actually a minor issue. Tailpiece, original I'd like to keep it despite the obvious replacement of the machine heads made at some point not being original. As far as the classic Rickenbacker sound, ok brother whatever you say, this doesn't alter the issue of putting the strings on, whichever way round they are. The way I do it works for me and as I've done it that way for 40 years, you might realise it's actually quite easy for me to do it this way as I'm used to it. I wonder, do you have any of my records where you can distinguish between the traditional Rickenbacker way of stringing the guitar and my way - the way that other 12 strings generally are? I think it feels better this way, isn't that enough of a reason? So lighten up, this is a family video.

[@movitz]

From the Rickenbacker website: Those of us who enjoy genuine artistry and fine musicianship were treated to a performance by Marty Willson-Piper and the Church, a group who literally brought down the "Coach House" when they played a gig in Orange County, California on a previous summer's eve. This was a performance of passion and one could not help being caught up in the flow of intense emotion generated by the easy agility of WiIlson-Piper as he massaged, caressed and energized the strings of his RIC 360/12. His great feeling for the guitar was evident and it was clear to this observer that because of this feeling, Marty Willson-Piper had crossed the line from musician to genius long ago. This was not the coefficient of some supersonic, electrified or computerized din that so often masquerades as music in this age of -give them anything, they won't care as long as its loud - mentality. The performance Marty Willson- Piper gave was artistry pure and simple. As soon as those sweet bell tones of his RIC 360/12 hit the ear it was obvious that the guitar was in the hands of a master. There is no better form of music than this, a fine guitar in the hands of a great musician. Or in other words Rickenbacker and Marty Willson-Piper. Please have some respect. This isn't a man on some "gear head" forum it's Marty Willson-Piper! Showing us how he strings the guitar he used since the Blurred Crusade album! He's taken this guitar places no one has. More than Harrison or McGuinn or Buck or Petty ever did. Go find a live version of Tantalised for example

[@OttoPaert]

49:36

[@tonymcgeachin9906]

@@indeepmusicarchive Love it.

[@RobCrawford23]

Well if working across the strings in that manner is wrong then you had best enlighten Roger McGuinn and Dave Gregory as well. The octave string order within a course is personal preference and I know of quite a few players who prefer the traditional order for E, A & G courses. Harralison & McGuinn always said it was the G octave pair that gave Ric's their sound anyway.