Rickenbacker ($2100) vs Danelectro ($450) 12-String Electric Guitars | Hi/Lo Pass EP2

We pit the high-end Rick against the budget-friendly Dano in this 24-string shootout. How do they really compare? Learn more on Reverb: bit.ly/Hi-Lo-Pass-Ep2
Find a Rickenbacker 12-String: bit.ly/3GjIvD0
Find a Danelectro 12-String: bit.ly/3uj4Uhu
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - Rickenbacker Overview
2:22 - Danelectro Overview
3:47 - Shootout into Amplifier
4:53 - Shootout with Compressor
5:58 - Differences
7:14 - Shootout with Overdrive
7:45 - Conclusion
Gear Used:
Rickenbacker 1993 Plus
Danelectro 59M 12-String
Fender Deluxe Reverb Amplifier (SM-57 & AEA Nuvo N22)
Keeley Compressor Pro
MXR Timmy

[@andrew6889-p5c]

This is easily the best way to compare the sound of instruments in a video - quick inter-splicing. No breaks. No need for long passages on each. Much respect and thanks. Keep it up.

[@admbrnk3665]

I listened to the comparison part without watching and then went back, and I was surprised that I liked the sound of the Danelectro better, especially with the compressor.

[@kimberlybaldwinwhitmire6679]

I’m glad to see someone say right off the bat that he prefers the Dano. I was thinking the same thing. I have a Dano Vintage 12 and have no regrets at all.

[@ccfmafia3301]

To me the Ric has more low-mids and bass. I bet that Danelectro would cut great

[@alexlasher2525]

Unless I’m crazy or there’s something wrong with my ears, the Dano is louder, which makes the comparison misleading. I do like the Dano though.

[@ccfmafia3301]

@@alexlasher2525 toasters are notoriously quiet. I don't know how they compare to lipsticks

[@alexlasher2525]

@@ccfmafia3301 yeah, but that basically doesn’t matter because you can normalize the volume in the recording

[@reginaldperiwinkle]

I like the format of having the comparison being continuous so that there is no break between the Rick and the Danelectro. You can really hear the difference that way. The Dano sounds great, I actually preferred it to the Rick.

[@jhowellkc]

Me too.

[@kimberlybaldwinwhitmire6679]

Me, too!

[@willwetherell7265]

@@kimberlybaldwinwhitmire6679 me three!

[@mjmooney]

Where it really showed up was in the use of the compressor, where (to my slight surprise) I thought the Dano sounded MUCH better! I actually own a Dano, and I absolutely love it, wouldn't swap for a Rick.

[@thirdgearband]

I love the neck on the Dano!

[@darwinsaye]

Surprised you didn't mention that the Rick 12 strings were pretty much the only 12 strings to place the larger of the doubled strings on the thumb side of the neck, so on a picking or strumming downstroke, you're striking the regular, larger size string first, and then the octave higher string. Might seem not worth mentioning, but it does affect the sound in exactly the same way as it sounds different when you strum a guitar downward or upward.

[@arcamusiclessons]

Wow that would make a huge difference

[@raf.raf.]

Hadn't noticed that! Thanks!

[@LexingtonDaniel]

On the model he's using they were switched back to the non-Ric string order. I prefer the Ric layout myself.

[@darwinsaye]

@@LexingtonDaniel Didn't know that, thanks.

[@alexschrodt]

Still a very good point to include- personally, I was completely unaware of the fact that there was any variation in octave-string placement on 12-strings, between different brands or otherwise… I obviously agree, It would absolutely have significant sonic impact

[@TravisHam]

I expected to like the pricier Rick but was surprised to find the Dano sounded much more full and open to my ear, whereas I felt Rick sounded a bit choked. Granted, the Rick has a very signature sound that I can imagine would help players absolutely nail the tones of certain classic recordings, but the Dano feels like something you could use to forge new ground and make something altogether new.

[@Ryan-wr8fx]

I agree, the Rickenbacker sounded thinner and not as precise.

[@user-xt7rs8md7p]

Agreed

[@DeadKoby]

The Ric Pickups are VERY OPPOSITE.... Bridge being Super Treble, and Neck being Super bassy. Blending them is the trick. The Hi-Gain Ric pickup is more middy.

[@JeremyHorn]

I've owned both several times. I kept the Dano. In a track you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. Especially compressed. Dano has a wider nut and is easier to play as well. The Ric is definitely not 2 grand better.

[@harveycan5820]

I'd have to disagree but the Dano is sweet for the price.

[@JeremyHorn]

@@harveycan5820 Isn't this great? Two people with different opinions. Both can be right.

[@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885]

“The Ric is definitely not 2 grand better.” It is if you have to sell it!

[@Rwtheking]

@@harveycan5820 I agree, I’m a Danelectro fiend but I find that the mids are much more noticeable on a Rickenbacker. They have slightly different tones that aren’t really better or worse. More of a preference. If you wanted something with scooped mids to highlight the highs even more then the Danelectro is better. If you still want a bit of punch with the same brightness albeit less dominant the Rickenbacker is better.

[@Rwtheking]

Saying that it’s not two grand better is not a great comparison. I love my danelectro but it’s a cheap guitar to make. Rickenbackers are much harder to make and require more costly building methods and materials. Labor costs a bit more likely with the neck through construction. And it requires normal tone wood to manufacture whereas Danelectros use pressboard.

[@joeygentile7829]

The Danelectro has a fuller sound, but for that Chime, it has to be a Rick. I have a 660/12 and I went with that model because the neck is wide and like a baseball bat. I traded a 330/12 for it because the 330 neck was so narrow, I was constantly looking where to place my fingers. Also, once you added the compressor and a little dirt from the Timmy, it makes that magical tone that really stands out in a mix.

[@harveycan5820]

Yes the compressor gives it the Byrds sound along with the toasters. To me the 330 has a wobbly neck, too. Also the 360 C63 has a narrow neck and is wobbly. The 360-12 V64 is the one to have. The other unique feature of the Ric is that the heavier string of the pairs is on the top, so that deeper sound is part of the attack and it gives a much more driven feel. Let's see if he mentions it. The DiPinto 12 string is very close to the Ric. The Fender Xll has a nice sound too. The ones from the 90s are not too expensive.

[@Jeffcatbuckeye]

This is the 1993 plus model. It is a 360 that uses a wider nut and a wider 660 style neck at Pete Townsend’s request.

[@mogmason6920]

Both are different in different ways. The Danelectro sounds great for most things, but the Rickenbacker bridge pickup is another level!

[@jimmyolsenschannel6263]

I'm happy to see that BOTH are different and on top of that in different ways. It would be kind of confusing if only one of them was different and maybe even different in the same way, but at the end of the day I suppose it's all down to the colour having a different sound.

[@chrispaine2265]

I thought the same about the Rickenbacker bridge pickup. It just slays. But the middle and neck pickups didn’t sounds that good to me. Whereas the Danelectro was serviceable in all three positions.

[@johanneshej4940]

Agreed, the Rickenbacker’s bridge sounded so much better than everything else in this video. Just classic sounds.

[@johndoe1633]

Compression seems to be the great equalizer that draws them more sonically closer.

[@AndyRayZed]

the reversed string order on Ric’s started as a mistaken assumption by someone on the production line and they just went with it rather than rework it. that came directly from someone who worked on that production line. i loved that about mine, but i sold it and am going to grab a Danelectro after this, sounds amazing. most dont believe that story so dont shoot the messenger :)

[@daveshepard9154]

Very good comparison. Honestly, I am blown away by the Danelectro. I expect magic from the Rick - at $3k a pop, you ought to - but for 4-6x LESS, the Dan is pretty nice. Sounds richer, too - IMHO. I saw them both at the NAMM show last year (the last one they had) and, of course, you could play all the Dans you wanted and could only look at the locked up, strapped to the rack Ricks.

[@KyTaundry]

Very much appreciated hearing What Difference Does It Make by The Smiths at the end there!

[@fngsrck]

The Rick sounds great, no question, but personally prefer the warmth of the Dano in these clips.

[@daerganguy7504]

I too was surprised that I found the Danelectro not unpleasant and for the price difference, kind of a no brainer. Thank you for the great vid

[@hifibrony]

The Dan-0 sounds really good but the Ric has the indefinable but unmistakable Rickenbacker magic.

[@Stevieboy130664]

I have the Dano 12 string. I could never justify paying for the Rickenbacker and those I have played have necks that are too narrow. Build quality is just about as good as it gets though with the Rickie - absolutely superb and I suspect that is most of what you're paying for. Sounds wise I like the sounds of both. You'll get nearer the Ricki sound on the Dano by using a good set of flatwounds, adjusting your amp for more mid and adjusting your playing style with more up picks while playing single note. A tiny bit of crunch from something like a tube screamer helps the jangle too. Also try not to tune the B pair and high E pair EXACTLY the same - very slightly off - close enough so you can't really tell the difference but far enough to give the wobbly sound rather than just a single string sound. The Dano plays very well by the way - comfortable.

[@Stevieboy130664]

@@DylanPank71 I agree with your first paragraph to a certain extent and 100% with your second. Rickenbacker's have a much more expensive build process, use much more expensive materials and are built in smaller quantities than the Dano which would contribute significantly to their higher cost even if built in the same country. A weird thing too about the Dano is the 12 string seems lighter than the late 90s U2 six string I own which wouldn't help neck balance with that long head and all those tuners. Love 'em both though.

[@kevinmcilvaine5847]

Glad to see a couple comments addressing how Rics are strung backwards from every other 12 on the planet. I had mine altered putting the bass string on the bottom where it belongs. It made a world of difference. I was always muting the treble octave string because the bass string kept my finger raised thereby negating the octave. It was much easier to play after the fix.

[@karmicselling4252]

Kevin, you should know that the first 12 string electric guitar Rickenbacker manufactured was a 360/12 strung in the traditional way. It was the first Prototype and was given to Suzi Arden.

[@pepettoni2730]

you are the first in the world or planet to do it...everyone else does the opposite

[@johncarli2810]

I have the Reverend Airwave 12 with a pair of P-90's, and while it doesn't have the history of a Rick or Dano, it is a wonderful instrument whose price falls in the mid-point between these two. I would highly recommend looking at one if you're in the market for a 12-string.

[@jwhines2]

I agree 👍

[@moustachio334]

I love P90’s but they don’t come anywhere close to toaster pickups forbthat trebly sound

[@ryanlehr2643]

Both sound awesome in my opinion! The Rickenbacker looks and I’m sure feels way better but at those prices I have to go with the Danelectro. Great sound at an affordable cost. Cool comparison video and great playing as usual Joe👍👍

[@AaroTirronen]

My semi-hollow 12-string Dan is my absolute favourite guitar. When I bought it, I immediately knew that this is the sound I've been looking for as a fan of jinglejangle and 80's college rock. It also works great with distorted sounds and with fuzz you get nice natural octavey overtones. I also use it for ambient stuff. There's something very musical in the feedback howls the semi-hollow easily produces. The middle switch position sounds magical, melodic lines really jump out, especially with compressor (I use Keeley Compressor +) Highly recommend, eats Ricks for breakfast!

[@joegoesretro]

I re-did the wiring harness, installed higher output pickups and reversed the octave courses on my Danelectro 12 string. It sounds fantastic, but it still doesn’t sound like a Rickenbacker. I’ve played a 6 string 360 most of my guitar playing life, it’s such a different beast than other guitars, but then so is the Danelectro.

[@TimACroninMusic]

Well, hi, Joe! Guess I shouldn't be surprised to see you in the comments for this one. I'd be interested to hear what your Dano sounds like. It may not sound *exactly* like a Ric with your mods, but how close does it get?

[@franktaconelli9095]

I’ve owned both; a Rickenbacker is in a class all its own…one of the finest instruments I’ve ever had in my hands; the craftsmanship, neck & action are incredible; the Dano serves it’s purpose and stayed in tune pretty good plus I didn’t mind it bouncing around in the back of the van

[@andrewsrea]

The KZbin 'processed' sound is opposite: Dano = scooped and Ric = upper mids. The Ric is more percussive with a touch of hollow body 'echo' in its tone as well, where the Dano has fuller sustain. Both great instruments, depending on what you are after.

[@chrislong5392]

I have a red Danelectro 12 (one of the reissues) and love it. Got it maybe 15 years ago on sale for around $200 (floor sample). It's incredibly easy to play and stays in tune remarkably well. It even sounds pretty good unplugged!

[@Lalairu]

I've been considering one a long time but I was afraid abot tunning stability. Are you happy then? I hope I can find one for a nice price.

[@chrislong5392]

Yes! I was surprised how well it stays in tune. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.

[@Lalairu]

@@chrislong5392 thanks for the fast response :)

[@chrislong5392]

@@Lalairu You bet! Good luck!

[@Kdschaak]

@@Lalairu I put on a set of fresh strings a few weeks ago. After they stretched and settled they are good to go. I bang on mine once a day and they are fine. They may need a tweak or two before you play, just like any other guitar.. I use a Luthiers Knot when stringing all my guitars, and that may help.

[@a.battaglia4024]

I have a Rickenbacker 360/12 from 1987, I've never tried the Dano. I could tell that in this video the middle and neck position of the rick sounded muddy because the 5th knob was (probably) full open. Mine sounds chimier even if it has the hi gains pickups installed. Apart from that, they both sound good, honestly: basically, you might want a Rickenbacker to get a more bell-like sound, a more refined look, a massive cool factor. Of course, you're paying also a very different cost of labor.

[@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885]

Exactly. I was betting that Joe didn't adjust the 5th blend knob which is why it sounded a bit muddier than usual.

[@jeffanderson8384]

I've got a 59X12 - love it!! I have always found Dano 12s remarkably and consistently easy to play and it's hard to beat the price. The few times I've played Rickys I've found they are slightly more challenging to play. I typically keep the Dano tuned to some open tuning - sounds amazing!

[@edatkinson322]

Just bought a 59x12 off reverb used after watching way too many videos on electric 12 stringers; Harley Benton, Eastwood, Gretch and Reverend.

[@davidethridge5748]

Proud owner of the Redburst 59x12 Dano with the push pull pot in the bridge and I can't believe what we can get nowadays in terms of build quality and value.

[@LexingtonDaniel]

Would have been interesting to include one of Fender's Parallel Universe Electric XIIs (Was that last year or the year before? time is weird now!). I have a normal Ric 360/12 and the Fender and they're a great contrast to each-other.

[@raygehringer5926]

I really appreciate this comparison and Joe’s objective thoughts. I own an older MIK Dano 12 string and have played various Ricks over the years. Judging from Joe’s comparison the Dano sounds better to my ears but the electronic guts may have something different going on than my older model did. Mine was a treble machine so I had the guts of my Dano pulled out and left only the original lipstick tube pickups… had a master volume and tone added with 250K pots in place of the original stacked pots and a Tele/Strat tone stack added and now I can switch between my Tele and the Dano without changing settings and love it. Is the Rick really like $2,500 better? To me no but it’s all subjective.

[@walterhambrick8705]

Another option is to try the Gretsch G5400 12 string. It was about $999.00 and I own 2 - one for church and one for home. Very close to the early Beatles sound especially trough a VOX amplifyer.

[@JaxMusicSupply]

I owned a 360/12 (and still own a 330). I also own a Dano 12. Honestly, the Dano sounded good enough for most applications and I felt much more comfortable taking out the Dano vs the RIC. Biggest difference I noted owning these guitars was fit and finish. The tuning and wiring on the Dano was just not as good and required more maintenance. If I was a session or pro level, the RIC was the way to go. The Dano is better for the regular weekend warrior with less concern of getting banged up or stolen.

[@Kdschaak]

Absolutely this. The fit and finish is spartan. It sounds great, comes in black and is 500 dollars. If you go into it knowing you are getting a bare bones, 59 style groovy looking guitar, that's exactly what you get.. but to be honest, this is not a sexy feeling guitar to play. It's very light, feels cheap, the fret ends are pretty severe. Having said that, the fit and finish that is there is flawless. I could not find a single imperfection on mine. I am happy with the sound I can pull out of it in my mixes, it comes in black and was 500 dollars.

[@michaelfraser4767]

A major difference here is the reverse octave stringing on the Rick. This balances out the natural high end of the instrument, giving it a much more "open" jangle on the bridge PU which, to me, is the quintessential Rickenbacker 12 string sound. The Dano can't touch the Rick for that sound, but why would it? It's literally *the* Rickenbacker sound. Having said that, the middle and (especially) the neck pickup sounds on the Rick are a bit muddy and really need a suitable amp partner; no surprise, a Vox would do wonders here. The Dano has less difference in those positions (vs the bridge) but the tones are more useable on this set up. The Rick is clearly better built and the Dano does not accurately comp the classic Rick 12/bridge PU tone. But that doesn't mean the Dano is a bad instrument. It's absolutely useable and gives a nice tone in its own right. But it's not a Rick.

[@lp2091]

I wanted an electric 12 string just because ( covid boredom). I was very interested in the Reverend airwave but couldn't fine one in the color I wanted... 4 days ago I was on Craigslist and saw a Danelectro '59X12. It has a lipstick humbucker in the bridge that can be split and a P90 in the neck..sounds FANTASTIC.. It's an incredible value...I'd be interested to see/hear you do a comparison of this model with the Rick.

[@salc2383]

Great Video! One of the best at comparing the sound of two guitars with the back and forth playing the same thing. I wish they were all done like this.

[@Tiogan]

Hi, This was a very practical and useful review, but it missed one of the most important details of the Rickenbacker. It's the only 12 string where the main course of strings (the normal six string "big" strings) is on the "up side" of the guitar. Almost all other 12's have the little doubled strings on the up side. For me this makes a huge difference in the feel of the guitar and makes it easier to play because down strokes feel more solid like a 6 string. Conversely on the up stroke, hitting the small strings first feels more natural too. Another thing the review could have mention is that Rickenbacker 12's traditionally were shipped with flat wound strings. This probably changed sometime in the 80's, but it makes a subtle and important difference in the feel and sound produced. I guarantee all of those classic "Backer" sounds during the 60's were using the stock German made flats. I like Reverb and I've learned things from some of their reviews, but I've generally found their knowledge about actual vintage gear and how vintage sounds were made lacks depth. I appreciate the enthusiasm, but Reverb would benefit from having a deeply knowledgeable vintage expert (aka old dude) involved in or managing their content. Thanks....

[@TSSVillains]

Danelectro 12's are great if you have a compressor to pair with it.

[@allanflippin2453]

I owned a Rickenbacker 481V69/12. Sold it and got a Danelectro. Here are things I can point out: 1) 360/12 is very hard to play for folks with fatter fingers. I've seen video of McGuinn playing... his fingers are incredibly slender! The 660 models have wider necks. Probably a good option for most people. Looks like your Townshend special is also a better option. 2) The Rick headstock is both its greatest point and its worst. It is so compact that there's no headstock dive. The Danelectro has a lot of headstock dive. The bad side for Rickenbacker is what a pain it is to change the strings!! YEOW! 3) Rickenbacker does it's octave strings "backwards". I'm saying it's the opposite order to what is done on 12-string acoustics. I started playing 12-string acoustics as a teenager, so this change on Rickenbacker was a big problem for me when trying to emphasize the octave or non-octave string. 4) Rickenbacker controls and electronics are primitive and overly complicated at the same time. "Ric-o-sound" is a laugh. Basically, you can have two outputs with one taken from each pickup. And it takes an external "special" box for this? There are volume and tone knob separately for each pickup, plus a mystery "mix" knob which I could never figure out. 5) My Danelectro is a cheesy one from the 90's. Hopefully newer ones have better quality. Your comparison with compressors doesn't really hit the "classic" sound on either guitar. I'm sure the Keeley is a very good compressor, likely too subtle. 12-strings want a severe kind of compression to get "that sound". I'm using an MXR Dynacomp which seems to be the preferred one for 12-strings. 6-string players fault it for being extreme. But it's the right tool for this job.

[@Jeffcatbuckeye]

1: True. The 660 and 1993 Plus both have the wider 1-3/4 nut width. 2: Once you know how to properly change out the strings, it’s not hard. You just have to learn. 20 min job…max. 3: the reversed string orientation is part of the Rickenbacker sound. It’s all preferential but I prefer the feel of the Rickenbacker orientation. 4: it’s not really primitive. It’s just redundant. It’s just tone and volume controls like any other guitar. The blend knob is just a potentiometer knob that adds more or less of the neck pickup in when you are in the middle or up positions. Essentially, a 2nd neck volume control…redundant. You don’t need a Ric-O-Sound box. All you need is a $15 TRS cable that splits into a Y. Ric-O-Sound is very underrated. It’s very cool when you experiment with it as 2 channel stereo to different amps with different effects. You’re creativity becomes limitless. 5: I have a dano as well. Great guitar and good for that trebly sound like on stairway, but the rickenbacker is better and nails almost all 60s and 80s Rick sounds. Janglebox is the way to go on compression. It has compression with a treble booster. Recommended by Roger Mcguinn himself.

[@allanflippin2453]

@@JeffcatbuckeyeThanks for the tip on Janglebox. I knew about that many years ago, but forgot the name. I'll never be able to deal with the Rickenbacker string order due to decades of playing 12-string acoustics.

[@glendoggett9670]

Gretsch G5422-12 Electromatic is a good mid range budget option. Filter’Tron pickups are already chimey and work well on their 12 string. Very comfortable playing neck.

[@BruceHeffner]

I've finally gotten to give this well done video a look and listen. Frankly, having owned a 330, 370, 2 360's and currently a 620 all 12's, that Danelectro sounds fab. My current 620 with the newer style pick-ups does sound very different from the other Ricks and much more like the Dane. It has much more bite than the semi-hollows which I really like. Bearing in mind that the Rick has the lower octave string on the top and the Dane has it on the bottom may also contribute to the analysis.

[@BushidoPhoto]

One tip, G7th, the capo brand, makes a 12 string specific capo and it works great on 12 strings. Just thought I'd come back and share. It was fun to watch this video again!

[@EChapman]

Why does no one mention that they are strung completely different which is one of the reasons Rickenbacker has such a distinct sound. Rick 12s are strung with the low octave string on top. No other electric 12 that I am aware of does this.

[@abeautifulruin]

​@@DylanPank71 I find it can depend on picking technique. Not as much on strumming but you can emphasize it if you up or down stroke. I play acoustic and electric 12s and for me I do notice a difference.

[@moore2522]

I have both a Ric 360-12 and a Dano 12 which I have strung like the Ric. After reversing the Dano still sounds like a Dano. Similar but still different from the Ric.. Reversing the strings places a different emphasis on the low E set's tone mostly. It tends to make it sound "tighter", if that is any sort of a description because you hear the octave note first and louder.

[@EChapman]

@@moore2522 Restringing the reverse on the Dano could be a tough thing to do. The top nut would need to be replaced and bridge realigned. How successful was it? How much did the action change and what happened to pitch up on the neck?

[@DeadWhiteButterflies]

I actually think they're both great. It all depends on what you want from it, and the context of what you're making. They definitely have their uses in different areas.

[@thefourthwall6839]

i purchased the Danelectro 12 string and it sounds much more like a chorus effected guitar, wether thats good or bad. i think the middle position on the Danelectro sounds much better than the Rickenbacker's middle position. Personally, i love the Danelectro's tone and the price is quite a great deal (I got mine lightly used for around 600 dollars)

[@antonslayeranton6665]

Maybe I'm just salty because I can't afford a Rick, but I actually prefer the sound of the Danelectro

[@vidgamarr5126]

Start on cheaper equipment… as your skill progresses, spoil yourself with a lil’ splurge lol I’m about to drop $4K on a Rick easily

[@Holms]

And no word about the strings..? What strings are you using for Danelectro? Because stock one sounds the worst and if you noticed the 6th string is reversed. I've bought rickenbacker 12string set flat tops and for my danelectro and I have that chime somewhat. I've also actually bought very cheap 12string guitar where I've also placed rickenbacker flat top strings on it, and replaced all 3 pickups with original rick toaster pickup and even changed wiring. It surprisingly has that chime in it exactly as Rick. I've did this strictly for the recording sessions only and it works perfectly well for me. On the other hand I could buy some rick clone body from aliexpress lol, but I've discovered this too late. That cheap guitar cost me like 80$ + 3x150$ for the pickups and around 300$ of luthier work.

[@Kamikaze3557]

I loved my dan 12, same model shown here, light, jangly , easy to play. Never owned a Ric, out of my price range.

[@michaeld.mcclish]

Roger McGuinn got his signature sound by using an early Vox compressor(according to some interviews w. McGuinn) The Roger McGuinn model of Rick has it built in. The main complaint with Rick's is the thin neck. The Tom Petty model supposedly has a more standard 42/3 mm nut width. They always felt too small for my hooves.

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

I always wondered how the Dano would compare to the Rick. Dano sounds pretty damn good, and it’s a hell of a lot cheaper… If I were in the market for an electric 12 string today I’d probably go with the Dano. But I already own a mid 90s 360/12 Rick with a triple toasters, and I do actually prefer the Rick sound… A little cleaner on the high end. Plus, Rickenbackers just look way cooler in my opinion!

[@user-cv1so3tc8y]

Without discussing (and demonstrating) the 5th (blend) knob you miss a lot of the versatility of the sound color that's available in the RIC. I played one for 20 years and was able to get a lot of tones that didn't show up here. In those (old) days, I didn't have the benefit of a good compression pedal, so the brightness was a little harder to bring up, but I had a nice Ampeg Gemini with a 15" JBL that totally projected all the tones we needed. I'm quite partial to the reversed strings arrangement that the RICs use, because that particular sound is what I'm into.

[@lovroknezevic8555]

That Ricky is instant Smiths tone. Great video!

[@midfieldcrisis]

Thx for the great demo. I'm a guitar player, sound engineer and producer. I prefer the warmth of the Dan, but I worry whether it would stand out as well as the Rick in a mix. If it does, the Dan is a better choice for the money, classic or not.

[@ericbgordon1575]

It's especially fitting to hear Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers being played on both the Rickenbacker and the Danelectro. The Heartbreakers played guitars built by both manufacturers. I've got a question about the toaster pickups. How do they stack up against soapbar P90s? I ask because of a curiosity if the 6-string 370 could address an interest of mine. I've long wanted a model matching the specifications of the Brian May Red Special but not necessarily the Red Special itself. Instead of the burnt pickup that Brian had his original installed with, I would want the aforementioned P90s.

[@ericjmorgan]

Thanks for this side-by-side. They both sound good, but I dig the Ric tone more. Something more open and expansive about the high end on that one I prefer. Nice playing, too.

[@leftyjaysmith]

With the Danelectro, I can actually hear all the individual strings. The Rick, because of the scooped midrange, it's harder to hear the octave of every string in the clean sound. It all changed once you added the drive. Both really sound blah with drive. No reason to play distortion with a 12 string. I had both. Since the price difference, and both being one trick ponies, I ditched the Rick and kept the Dano after a couple months. I just don't use a 12 string enough to spend 3k and use it a couple songs a night. But, if you really want a Rick, I suggest you buy both the Rick and Dano and play them both and decide if a Rick is worth the extra $$$ and will you play it enough to justify the money spent.

[@barnabyjones8333]

Very good comparison! I'd like to add that the bridge differences and string anchor method also contribute to the difference in sound. But, I was hoping you'd compare the feel of the necks more. Great vid!

[@MrZootalores]

I've never been able to afford a Rick 12 string,who doesn't love their sound & yeah they are beautiful,solid & heavy guitars.I picked up a Danelectro 12 string a friend was selling, i love it(nobody will ever steal it or mess with it at gigs).They're flimsy compared to the Rick & the sound isn't as pronounced but hey! for the price & playability a good electric 12 string if you want to get started on doing 12 string stuff..good review of the guitars!

[@sdingeswho]

Nice comparison! It kind of depends on what you are trying to do - the Danelectro is good enough if you just want an electric-12 somewhere in the mix, or if you’re going to do harder distortion / compression, but for overall tone-palate, including the basic unaltered sound, the Rickenbacker wins hands-down, in my ears. Of course, my one real gripe with the Ric (other than the nosebleed pricetag) is that the first thing I’d have to do is take it to a competent luthier and put the strings in the “right” order. I guess the “reverse” order works if you’re playing with banjo thimbles like McGuinn, but I vastly prefer conventional 12-string order (higher strings first, going down).

[@MaxTovstyiMusic]

I own Danelectro, Harmony and SIlvertone (I am also an endorser of Silvertone) and let me tell you those guitar are so damn good despite being affordable. I also have few Fenders and Gibsons and an acoustic Martin, those guitar are made with better materials but when someone is asking me I will always recommend any of D/H/S and they will be alright!

[@Naminorite]

I think it was quite a nice comparison video (thanks) as for my take; I prefer the sound of the Rickenbacker (especially on the Smiths Outro track) however the price difference is quite large and would surely be a consideration for most. If you don’t normally play a 12 string And just want to have one use from time to time the Dano seems to be an affordable option

[@dirtylemon3379]

I took my Danelectro in to have a little work done. When I picked it up the tech wrote on the receipt; "This is by far the finest 12-string guitar I have ever had the pleasure to work on."

[@brucehartnell1475]

Great video. I’m a danelectro guy, and I even collect the silvertone Amp in case rigs. I find them just a more versatile rig. The Rick’s were great for the top end that studios needed to get for the fidelity for radio airplay back in the day; a lot of studios in those days had mock ups of a car dashboard so they could hear how the mix would sound on a car radio. If you had something that cut through a crappy car dashboard speaker, you won. As technologies advanced, you could get decent sounds out of cheaper guitars- ask Jimmy Page.

[@garyssimo]

My Mom had a 64 Pontiac Gran Prix with REVERB fm that was adjustable. Unfortunately.... her absent minded son parked at top of a hill, and forgot to use parking brake and... gravity doing what it does... brought it inside a homes kitchen at bottom of hill after becoming an air borne missle. I had no kids..

[@dgb1952]

I would select the Rick. I just prefer its tone and the "jangle" that is my idea of good 12 string sound. Too bad I can't afford the Rick!

[@podespault]

Best way to demo ❤ no jump in volume. Just tone. Thank you 😊 the Danelectro sounds much brighter on any position ❤

[@cleaningmyroom1000]

I think you can really tell on the middle and bridge, the Rick is just more defined. Same with the overdrive, the Rick sounds better (imo).

[@Shadowschmatt53]

Danelectros have the cool factor but that Rick 1993 plus is a work of art. I have this exact same guitar and almost always just admire and stare at it when I pick it up before playing it. With a Y cable through 2 amps the stereo Rick- o sound is absolutely awe inspiring and this video cannot capture its immensity. It also has the wide neck for easy playing. I measure a guitar’s bang for buck factor by how much it will appreciate in the time I own it rather than the initial price. Paid $2100 for it in as new condition in 2017, they were going for twice that until the factory’s recent run of production made it possible to get one again. Grab one while you can before it returns to back order for a year or longer.

[@kentGrey]

I have an almost terminal case of GAS and even I passed on the 360/12. For me the Reverend Airwave 12 is THE 12-string to get over a Rickenbacker. But honestly, I'd sooner buy a Danelectro and put locking tuners on it.

[@OmicronTauKappaClassicDaddy]

I've always found the neck pickup on Rickenbackers to be very dark. I wonder if that is deliberate and part of the middle position sound or if it is just how they always made them? I tried the high pass filter mod which helped a little but not enough to my ears so I swapped out their standard high output pup in the neck with a much weaker aftermarket pickup. That really took the blanket off and its way more fun to play on the neck pickup by itself.

[@davidcudlip6587]

Have you played Rics with Toasters? I just bought a 2022 360 and switched out the pickups for Toasters. Wound by Gemini pickups. Love the sound clean or overdriven.

[@OmicronTauKappaClassicDaddy]

@@davidcudlip6587 I have not but I hear that to get the vintage Rick sound toasters are the way to go. I've never heard of Gemini pickups so will need to check them out thanks!

[@BushidoPhoto]

I was going to make this video. I have owned the Ric 12C63 and currently own the Danelectro 12. You don't need a Ric to get the sound IMHO. Especially for the price, just get a Dano.

[@joermnyc]

Wonder if the lack of f-hole on the Dano makes a difference (they do have some models with one.) I had a Charvel Surfcaster 12 for a while, and I loved the tone, the Rick-style headstock, and the phase/out of phase option on the lipstick tubes. Sad I had to sell it when my wife was out of work, and now they’re even more rare and expensive… (I know Eastwood sells clones of this, but I miss my real Charvel). Tried a Reverend Airwave 12 with the soapbars, and while it sounded great (the bass contour is a killer feature), the combination of semi-hollow body and headstock full of heavy locking tuners meant it had tons of neck dive.

[@kevinwlyons_music_production]

Just found this vid. I have been interested in a Rick to compare to my current Danelectro. I have a 59x12 with p90 neck and paired splittable lipstick bridge pups. I love my Danelectro. This comparison set me straight that the Rick is great, but not so night and day that I would lay down the bucks for one. My Danelectro loves pedals. Through a honey pot fuzz, it's incredible.

[@FilipPandrc]

4:54 That's the sound

[@dmyers9230]

Needed to compare it to the Dano 59x12 with the humbucking lipstick in the bridge and P90 in the neck. Talk about a sweet sound!! And even closer to the Rick with better bass response. The Rick is great, but you need to be able to afford it and then there’s which one would you gig with and risk? Dano 59x12 for the win. Please redo the comparison with that version of the Dano 12.

[@derabsolutebruehler]

Damn, I need to check that one out. I absolutely love a Humbucker/P-90 setup and been looking into getting an electric 12-string for a while now.

[@ebeep]

That Dano model is all over Jorge Elbrecht’s Presentable Corpse LP. Sounds amazing.

[@ebeep]

Never mind, Jorge says “choose both” kzbin.info/www/bejne/g36XXqaNhL6gkNk

[@dmyers9230]

@@ebeep Had a listen and I have to totally agree!!

[@1mespud]

Currently, I have the Korean Danelectro double neck 6/12 version. The 6 side is strung as a baritone and it's all fun!

[@stevelussie]

I’ve got both. One difference is the new bridge on the Danelectro that has intonation adjustments for all 12 strings. I usually string the dano with flats and the 360/12 with rounds.

[@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885]

You can buy a replacement 12-saddle bridge (why Rick doesn't ship their guitars with them is a mystery). I put one on my Jetglo 360v64 12-string and it made all the difference (in addition to getting Joe Glaser to cut me a new, better spaced nut).

[@pobinr]

Great way to compare. Straight from one to the other with no talking. Rickenbacker a little more chime & jangle. Danelecro surprisingly close sound for so little money. If money no object has to be the Rickenbacker. Plus something to cherish, beautiful

[@dog61]

Rose Morris was the Rickenbacker distributor in the U.K. The RM guitars had different model numbers and had an F Hole instead of the slash style found on most Rickenbackers

[@stevensnyder1133]

If you want to close the gap a little more between these two, string the Danelectro like the Rick with the pairings reversed. I did this and while I found it a little trickier to play, it does sound closer.

[@DeadKoby]

Most Rics have the higher output pickups, which sound thicker and more punchy. I like both of the guitars fine. I own a Ric 330/12 that has the higher output pickups.

[@moore2522]

Funny that you should do this comparison. I have the "mirror" of this- a Ric 360-12 (with 2 hi-gain p/u's) and a Danelectro Hodad 12 (3 lipstick p/u's). The scoped mids are a characteristic of the Ric but with the Hodad's 6 position selector you can get close. Playing the guitars unplugged produces surprisingly different tones which I feel affects the overall sound of each. The Ric construction is much more solid whereas the Dano body vibrates more and even without an F hole seems louder. The Dano is lighter and bit easier for me to play because I have larger hands. The Ric is still my go-to 12, even if it's for nostalgic reasons but the Dano is the one to use for a gig.

[@neebinmakwah349]

You never mentioned the difference in string placement. Rickenbacher 12's are all heavy/light. All others are light/heavy, effecting the sound differently, no matter your picking style. Thought the Dan sounded weaker.

[@weaselsuit]

I have that Danelectro ‘59 twelve string. I like it a lot. I had an Orange Squeezer Compressor built in, inspired by the Roger Mcguinn Rickenbacker 12 string model.

[@multisplace3783]

I fully expected the Byrds when it came to the Rick, and you delivered. Thank you.

[@inyourfaceguitar5454]

Some say that Beauty Is Only Skin Deep but Ugly Is To The Bone. That Rickenbacher is so Gorgeous. The Dan Electro looks very cool. BTW, They both sound awesome.

[@miahconnell23]

Thank you for creating this and up-loading. Thanks to your editing, you’ve created a comparison video that ….effectively aids in comparison 🙌 I don’t see individual intonation saddles, but I DID become aware that Rivolta makes a twelve-string equipped such a bridge. When the time comes for me to purchase a 12-string, I’ll be needing that ability to adjust both string in the double-courses. Two short guitar solos exist in The Who’s “Can’t explain” And I ADORE that sound wherein Pete Townshend plays single-line stuff on his double-course guitar… 🙏🙌

[@FilipPandrc]

I wonder which one sounds better in the mix

[@bernsense]

To me, the Rick feels less open in the upper register, more midrange-y. The Dano is brighter, but still pleasant. Nobody is probably going to shred on these guitars in a Vai-like fashion, so I think the cheaper feel of the Dano wouldn’t be a deal breaker. Resale value might be a different story…

[@chuckhammond8266]

59X12 by Danelectro has a "P-90" at the neck and stacked "lipstick" pickups aty the bridge. Hence the coil-tap feature...

[@johncrace911]

Wow ! I always wanted a plywood guitar. Does that tonewood come from the wood library.

[@roscoechance5155]

I love how they cram all 12 tuners into a 6 post headstock on the Ricky, such a cool design

[@SwingingCreeper]

But a pain to restring.

[@riogrande163]

@@SwingingCreeper True, but once it's all said and done, it should be better balanced, right?

[@mrbigg7255]

@@riogrande163 I have 2 Ric 360/12 string and a 12 string Stratocaster. I’ve never noticed the Strat to be neck heavy. The Rics seem pretty balanced. I will say that the Strat does not jangle like the Rics do.

[@markmcgettrick2532]

Liked just for the Smiths riff at the end! :-)

[@boombust]

But which song by the Smiths?

[@michaelmcdonald8877]

The Danelectro certainly doen't mangle the jangle does it? Maybe its my desktop speakers but I like the Dan better than the Ric....and lest one suspects that I am a Ric hater, please note that I have a Fireglo 330 and a Mapleglo 620. Great video, thanks and best wishes.

[@JBevan85]

Unfortunately that three pick up model isn’t the best to compare. Sounds like the blend knob was not in the best spot for the neck and middle positions. Middle position for the ric is all three pickups. In the neck, it’s neck and middle. The blend knob could have pulled some of the muddiness out in my opinion.

[@Jeffcatbuckeye]

The up neck selector is the neck and middle pickup together on the 3 pickup models. They are hard wired together. Middle selector is all 3 pickups. Down is bridge pickup by itself.

[@GG-jw8pt]

Compaired to the Danelectro, the Rickenbaker sounds like its being played in another room! Danelectro all day long! 👍🇬🇧

[@dragongoff]

Did the Rick in this clip have the vintage wiring or the modern? Although the Dano had a presence, that you played lead lines to known hits using the guitar brand that was used on the track the Rick sounded more accurate in spots. Now if we're listening for which guitar sounded best in your clip, the louder Dano under the Fletcher-Munson effect would come off as the lead in this shootout.

[@Jeffcatbuckeye]

The 1993 Plus was released in 2015. All Ricks have had modern wiring for decades. If you want the 0.0047uF bridge capacitor added, it’s an easy splice and solder.

[@DocSolstice]

Great comparison! I always dreamt of having a 12-String Rickenbacker but it is extremely expensive and rare, especially as a lefthanded model (which I need). So I bought this Danelectro instead... and after this video I am not sure if it makes sense to me to pay this much for a Rick...

[@drewarmstrong2333]

I was super close to buying one of those Dano 12’s but ended up getting a D’Angelico premier 12. Sounds a lot closer to the Ric with some filtertron pickups installed!

[@JohnPlunkett-t2x]

is the Ricky really worth the price? I am a huge tom petty fan and coveted this guitar until I picked it up and played it. Hated the string action and the very very narrow fretboard. Yes it looks badass, but not $3800 badass! it better make my coffee in the morning for that price (sadly it doesn't). Carvin and Danelectro make a more comfortable body style at a fraction of the price! Carvin at $1300 and Danelectro at $450. Now comparing Ricky vs Danelectro, do you justify nearly a 9x price difference?

[@chuckhammond8266]

I finally wised up and sold my 1993 plus and bought a Danelectro. It's great, at a quarter (or less) of the price of a Rickenbacker. AND has a 12 saddle bridge. The Ric has 6 !

[@heftosprod]

Excellent demos all round. However, PT did not have any custom Ric made for him back in the day. The Rose Morris distributed Rics had F holes as it was thought the traditional look might sell better in the European market. This model is however a PT model as he requested one with a wider neck, rather than the diminuative dimensions of a standard Ric 12.

[@anthonypernice1140]

I own both a Rickenbacker 360/12C 63 & Danelectro 12. I enjoy paying the Dano because of the wider neck. The Ric definitely sounds more chimyer than the Dano. If you use a Jangle Box pedal the Dano can sound like a Ric! I love both!!

[@maryannkarlvalois7597]

Does a SEMI-HOLLOW body Danelectro sound even janglier? how does that differ from the SOLID BODY you are playing?