Rickenbacker 450/12 12-String Guitar

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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The Rickenbacker 450/12 12-String Guitar is a striking member of the electric guitar family, known for its distinctive jangly sound and historical significance in rock and roll. Initially introduced in the 1960s, this guitar remains a favorite among musicians who seek a classic yet innovative instrument. The 450/12 features a solid body design that contributes to its robust sound projection, while maintaining a comfortable playability. The 12 strings are configured in six pairs, offering a lush, resonant tone that has been cherished by artists across genres.

Designed with dual single-coil pickups, the Rickenbacker 450/12 provides a versatile range of tones suitable for both rhythm and lead roles. The simple control layout includes a 3-way pickup selector switch, allowing musicians to easily toggle between different tonal options. With a bolt-on neck and a rosewood fingerboard, it delivers smooth playability and a comfortable feel, making it an ideal choice for both stage performances and studio sessions.

The guitar's body is crafted from solid maple, ensuring durability and enhancing its bright sonic character. Its vintage appeal is complemented by modern reliability, making it a perfect choice for players seeking a blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you're strumming through folk ballads or driving through rock anthems, the Rickenbacker 450/12 is designed to deliver a dynamic and immersive musical experience.

Key Features:

Solid maple body for enhanced brightness and durability
12 strings in six pairs for a rich, resonant sound
Dual single-coil pickups for versatile tonal options
3-way pickup selector for easy tone switching
Bolt-on neck with rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability

Videos

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garrettparkguitars

Garrett Park Guitars - 1966 Rickenbacker 450/12 Fireglo

garrettparkguitars

1965 Rickenbacker 450 12 String - Fireglo / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

1966 Rickenbacker 450 12 Mapleglo - RED HOT GUITARS!

James Hood Guitar

1967 Rickenbacker 450/12 twelve string | wurst.guitars demo

wurst.guitars

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 450/12 12-String Guitar.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend replacing the stock bridge with a Rickysounds 12 string nut to significantly improve playability.
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Rickysounds and Winfield Vintage are recommended for sourcing accurate reproduction parts like long bat switches and Kluson style tuners.
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String spacing can be improved by using a custom nut that moves E string pairs closer to the edge, addressing cramped feel.
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The DeArmond Model 55 pickup is considered for neck position, expected to deliver a P90-like sound.
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Setup and maintenance

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The original saddle bridge makes intonation difficult, prompting some to change the bridge and pickguard for better performance.
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Features and functionality

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The 450/12 model features modifications in the pickguard and bridge, deviating from the typical set saddle design.
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The 450/12’s neck carve is less deep than modern versions, providing more wrist leeway and easier playability despite a narrower width.
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The 450/12 places the octave string inside, unlike other 12-strings, leading to cramped string spacing, considered a design flaw by some.
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Comparisons

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Users note the 450/12’s wider neck as preferable compared to the narrower neck of the 360/12C63, enhancing playability.
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User experience

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After modding, one owner experienced a bridge pickup failure, hinting at potential reliability concerns post-upgrade.
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Build quality

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The 450/12 is noted for being surprisingly thin and light compared to heavier models like the 620, adding to its distinct playability.
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Artist usage

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Gem Archer

Guitarist

Oasis

Verified via YouTube

This guitar was the guitar he used for Beady Eye performances. As attached, this guitar was used to play "Wind Up Dream" at Casino Paris, which happened on March 13, 2011. This guitar was also used for "Sons Of The Stage", which was performed at Empress Ballroom, on November 11, 2011.

Gem Archer Gear writes :

Gem has said that his fondest guitar shopping memory is when his now deceased, loving uncle took him to get his first Rickenbacker. This smaller model, made from 1962-1984, might very well take him back to those days. He plays the pentatonic-lick intro to "Wind Up Dream" with a capo up high on the neck, always in the bridge position. On multiple occasions, Gem has had to hold off on the opening riff to re-tune this fickle guitar.

Greg Lake

Singer, Guitarist

King Crimson

Verified via Photo

In this photo, Lake can be seen with a Rickenbacker 450/12 in his live setup, to his right.

Jon Anderson

Guitarist, Singer

Yes

Verified via Pinterest

Anderson can be seen in this Pinterest page with a Rickenbacker 450/12.

Tony Hicks

Singer, Guitarist

The Hollies

Verified via Photo

In a promotional video for "The Air That I Breathe," Tony Hicks is seen playing a Rickenbacker 450/12 12-String Guitar in a natural finish. This appearance is unique to the video, as this specific guitar is not captured in other media featuring Hicks.

Fred Sonic Smith

Guitarist

MC5

Verified via Photo

Fred Sonic Smith is seen playing a Rickenbacker 450/12 12-String Guitar, notably used during his time with MC5.

Anthony Phillips

Guitarist

Genesis

Verified via Guitarplayer

As stated in this Guitar Player article: "Phillips also incorporated a Rickenbacker 450 electric 12-string into his rig, tuned to C-G, G-E, E-C, C-G, G-C, C-C (left to right), to invoke a largerthan- life sound."