Rickenbacker 360/12 Fireglo 12 String Guitar

Often cited as the first known manufacturer of electric guitars, Rickenbacker has a long and illustrious history. Their guitars are known for fastidious construction, eye-wateringly beautiful finishes, show-stopping body shapes, and iconic tones, along with many other unique identifying characteristics. Their guitars have been turning heads since the late 1930’s! Their heyday though, the point at which they became particularly popular, was in the ‘60s, where their guitars were being used by almost all of the titans of that era. From Tom Petty to John Lennon, the list of notable Rickenbacker players reads like a veritable who’s who of music’s golden era.

1963, The Birth of an Icon

Societies journey out of the fifties and into the sixties was accompanied by a great number of fairly significant changes and new ideals. One of those new phenomena was the resurgence of the folk music scene. A fundamental ingredient of the folk music scene was the acoustic twelve-string guitar, which also saw a significant resurgence. While acoustic 12 string guitars were surging in popularity, however, 12 string electric guitars were still exceedingly rare and relatively unheard of.

Noticing its absence from the market, Rickenbacker set out to create an electric 12 string guitar to see if that would enjoy the same success as its acoustic brethren. In 1963, Rickenbacker created three prototypes and sent them out to specific people and establishments connected to the music industry of the day. One of those prototypes was placed in a display in the Savoy Hilton hotel in New York for the viewing pleasure of none other than the Beatles. John Lennon tried the guitar but thought it would be a much better fit for his band-mate, and thus, the guitar found its way into the hands of one Mr George Harrison. Mr Harrison was by all accounts totally smitten with the instrument using it prolifically ever since. It was his use of his prototype 360/12 on the film “A Hard Day’s Night” that lead to an explosion in its popularity.

1964, Production Begins

Rickenbacker began production of the 360/12 in 1964. The production model was subject to a few changes from the original prototypes that were sent out the previous year. Most noticeably, the front-facing edge of the guitar was rounded and the binding removed. This was accompanied by plastic binding being added to the inside face of the sound-hole. Later in the year, by late 1964 the prototype’s trapezoid tailpiece was also replaced by the signature “R” tailpiece that adorns the 360/12 today. But that is essentially it. It took Rickenbacker only one year to refine the prototype model down to the beautiful, timeless instrument that you can get your hands on today, over 55 years later!

The Guest-list

As previously alluded to, the 360/12 has been in the hands of a dizzying array of hugely important and influential guitarists. Some of the more notable examples are Roger McGuinn (of The Byrds), Tom Petty, Mike Campbell (of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Paul Kantner (of Jefferson Airplane), and Pete Townsend (of The Who). That’s not to mention the one and only George Harrison. 

The electric 12 string as a concept being as cutting edge and revolutionary as it was when it burst onto the scene in 1964, was no doubt part of the reason it was so ubiquitously seen in the hands of such behemoths of guitar playing. However, another key ingredient was the signature “jangle” that made Rickenbackers so identifiable. The 360/12 features this signature sound through its hi-gain pickups. It also adds to the classic allure by featuring a very modern feature in the way of an optional stereo output.

The Worlds Most Popular 12 String

It wouldn’t be overstating the facts to say that the Rickenbacker 360/12 is one of the most widely used and well-respected 12 string guitars on the face of the planet. Its iconic looks and sound have beguiled audiences and inspired some of the most valued artists in history. The guitar continues to turn heads and inspire to this day. It serves as living proof that you can hit the nail on the head unquestionably squarely and securely on the first try.

Available at Bonners Music online and in-store. This Rickenbacker 360/12 Fireglo 12 String Guitar includes free delivery, and setup before it is delivered to you. Call 01323 636141 and speak to our guitar staff, who will be delighted to advise and guide you.

Select Your New Guitar In Person at Our Store!
Bonners Guitar Store, located on the South coast in Eastbourne, has a large dedicated showroom full of Electric, Acoustic and Bass Guitars. Whether you're looking for your first instrument, or something prestigious, our showroom is the perfect environment to touch, play, and select from an extensive range of guitars. When you visit Bonners Guitar Store, you'll be given the space and time to test several instruments in a comfortable, private environment, allowing you to ensure that you're making the right purchase decision.

We're located just off the A27 main road with plenty of on-site parking. If the train is more convenient for you, we're just a 2-minute walk from Hampden Park railway station (linked directly to London Victoria). 

Trade-In Offer - Upgrade to a New Guitar Today
Do you own a guitar you are considering upgrading to a new instrument? Take advantage of the Bonners part-exchange scheme and save yourself the hassle of selling on the private market. We accept most major brands of guitars that are in good condition and in full working order. Complete our online trade-in form, and we'll get right back to you with a guide-price valuation.

Next, arrange to visit our store, where we can inspect your guitar to confirm it is in the expected condition. Once checked and the price is agreed, you're all set to trade it for your chosen new model! Call us on 01323 639335 if you would like to discuss trade-in options further.

Online guitar valuations are guide prices only. Confirmed valuations are subject to an instrument inspection by one of our team when you bring it to the store.

• Body Type: Semi-Acoustic
• No. Frets: 24
• Scale Length: 62.9 cm (24 3/4'')
• Neck Width at Nut: 41.4 mm (1.63''
• Neck Width at 12th: Fret 49.05 mm (1 .931'')
• Crown Radius: 25.4 cm (10'')
• Body Wood: Maple
• Neck Wood: Maple
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Weight: 3.6 kg (8.0 lbs.)
• Overall Length: 101.6 cm (40'')
• Overall Width: 38.1 cm (15'')
• Overall Depth: 38.1 mm (1 1/2'')
• Neck Binding: Yes
• Fret Marker Style: Triangle
• Tailpiece: ''R''
• Bridge: 6 Saddle
• Neck Type: Set-in
• No. of Pickups: 2
• Type of Pickups: Hi-gain
• Output Type: Mono and Stereo
• Machine Heads: Schaller>