Pete Townshend asked for an update of his beloved Model 1993 guitar and Rickenbacker was happy to oblige. The result is the 1993Plus, enhanced with a 1/8" (3.1 mm) wider neck, Caribbean rosewood fingerboard and more stable two-piece neck design fitted with a round heel for comfort.
This classic 12-string design comes standard with three vintage reissue pickups, stereo output, trapeze tailpiece, vintage knobs and f-hole. Double body binding and pearlescent inlays add a refined touch. X-bracing in the body helps to bring out the full, rich and warm sounds these instruments are known for. The 1993Plus also features Rickenbacker's master variable tone control. This fifth knob allows you to fine tune the EQ between the bass and treble pickups, in a variety of ways and with some unique characteristics.
The haunting, melodic chorus characteristics of Rickenbacker 12-strings continue to benefit from evolution. The original 1993 design was once exclusive to the British distributor Rose Morris in the sixties.
Add this fantastic-sounding guitar to your sonic arsenal. Order today.
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
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I have a natural finish 381/12V69 which I bought new in1991. Back in 1991 the list price for that guitar was $1999. plus the cost of the case, from the list price the dealer I bought it from discounted between 30 and 35% off the price of the guitar so I got a very good deal compared to what this model costs now. Though the neck of the 381/12 is slim and comfortable I've often thought " If only the neck were a little wider", because the string spacing is so close it's easy to accidentally deaden neighboring strings when playing chords especially by the nut . Back in the early 90s when Rickenbacker was doing a lot of limited edition signature models they got together with Tom Petty and he asked for a 600 series 12 string with a wider neck which became the model 660/12TP which is still available today without the signature as model 660/12. Maybe Pete Townsend played one of these 660 models and asked for Rickenbacker to put that neck on a 300 series guitar as it is a 2 piece neck as found on 600 series guitars not the 3 piece neck found on 300 series guitars or Pete Townsend just asked for a wider neck and Rickenbacker used a neck they were all ready making for production reasons, either way I applaud Rickenbacker for putting this model in production. This neck is wider while remaining slim and comfortable. Even George Harrison after not playing his 1963 360/12 for over 20 years took it out of retirement to do some recording for the Cloud 9 album said it sounded terrific but was surprised at how narrow the neck was. If George were still around he would love the 1993 Plus as would anyone who loves the sound of a Rickenbacker 300 series 12 string but feels the string spacing is a little too close. On the down side the 1993 Plus costs a lot more than a standard 360/12. Finish and workmanship are excellent. It sounds just as you would expect a Rickenbacker 300 series 12 string with toaster top pick ups to sound.Rickenbacker 1993Plus 12-String Electric Guitar Fireglo
.I wanted that Byrds, Beatles, Tom Petty, etc. "jangley" sound and this guitar delivers. Most Rick 12 strings have 1.63" (1 5/8") wide (at the nut) necks and it's not comfortable and hard to play (at least for me). However the Rick 660/12 and 1993 Plus have 1.75" (1 3/4") wide necks, so that was for me. Great online/customer service when buying the guitar through MF's "Private Reserve" section. MF had several "Fireglo" models to pick from with accurate photos you can enlarge so I could pick one with a wood grain pattern (that came through the transparent part of the "Fireglo finish) that I absolutely loved. Guitar came in PERFECT shape - set up perfect and ready to go. VERY satisfied with my purchase and my experience with Custom Guitar's Friend during the selection and purchase of this guitar.
Rickenbacker 1993Plus 12-String Electric Guitar Fireglo
.I've had 5 Rics. Still have 3 of them. My 330-12 and 370-12 were just too narrow at the nut. I'm not a little guy..!! Rickenbacker got this one Perfect...!! The tone, the power, the balance, the playability are all perfect....and all that Rickenbacker ring....Woo.....
Rickenbacker 1993Plus 12-String Electric Guitar Fireglo
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Absolutely beautiful guitar. I could not put it down for a week and my wife was getting annoyed. I tried a few other Rickenbacker 360 model 12 strings with the thinner neck and decided that the 1993 model was right for me. Even though I don't have big hands and would probably get used to the standard 360, I like the extra space between the strings as I use it mainly for finger picking style. The neck is a bit smaller than my Taylor 12 string but I can transition between the two with minimal trouble. The fit and finish are excellent. It has that classic tone that I was looking for but can be tweaked to make your own sound. The electronics seem very nice with no noise. They took a little getting used to as they were a bit unconventional compared to what I am used to. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that for a guitar in this price range, I think they could have used a 12 way adjustable bridge instead of 6 so all 12 strings could be intonated perfectly. This probably won't bother some folks but I like to hear it sound its very best.Overall, I would buy this guitar again in a heartbeat. If you like that 60's jangle sound, this is a great option and I applaud Rickenbacker for making the 1993 model with the wider neck into a production model. The price is steep but its a joy to play and the quality is admirable!
Rickenbacker 1993Plus 12-String Electric Guitar Fireglo
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