Rickenbacker Company Beginnings
Adolph Rickenbacker established the Electro String Instrument Corporation in 1931, pioneering electric guitars with cast-aluminum bodies. The company later became Rickenbacker and focused on semi-hollow maple designs after World War II.
Launch of the 360/12 Model
Rickenbacker introduced the 360/12 in 1963 as a 12-string variant of the 360 model, featuring a 1.75-inch body depth, dual truss rods, and a 12-string bridge with individual saddles. The model gained instant visibility when George Harrison received a 360/12 in early 1964 and used it on Beatles recordings including "A Hard Day's Night."
Notable Artists and Evolution
Roger McGuinn of the Byrds adopted the 360/12 for its 12-string jangle on hits such as "Mr. Tambourine Man." Later variants added features like stereo outputs and vintage reissue specifications while retaining the original body shape and pickup placement.
