There is a reason why the Rick defines the sound of the electric 12-string. The only guitar I've played that comes close the sound was a Vox Teardrop XII. which had weak pickups,, but it did have pretty decent approximation to "that" sound. I've not played the Danelectro, but I've heard demos where it sounds a lot better than it does here. A piercing tone that is part of what you want from a 12. The Gretsch sounds pretty good for the price, but I wouldn't be seen dead with a guitar that looks like that. PS 1 The reason for the Rick headstock design is to stop it hitting the floor when you take your hand off the neck. A common problem with bighead twelves that are based on a six-string design. PS 2 The small knob on the Rick is a blend control when both pickups are selected. It enables you to produce a very wide range of sounds with a single knob. Try it with the neck pickup treble turned right down: Roger McGuinn to Joe Pass, with one twist. PS 3 Rickosound (aka stereo) is fantastic for rhythm playing. Put the neck pickup through a clean channel, and the bridge through your FX channel. Your lead guitarist will hate you!
My dream guitar has long been the Ric 360 12-string. But I am a basement player, who jams with buddies on occasion. While I am in the fortunate position to be able to afford the insane indulgence of the Ric (around $3700 Cdn for a new one), I couldn’t rationalize the cost even to myself, let alone my wife. I’ve considered the Danelectro in the past (primarily because of the price….around $750 Cdn new), but found it “tinny” sounding, and not pleasing to my ear. However September is “Fender month” at my favourite music chain, so I was there on the last day of September, after purposely avoiding the place all month. I went with my buddy who I jam with regularly, as we were each considering picking up a Bassbreaker amp. I came across this gorgeous gold top Gretsch 12-string, and after playing it for a bit, fell deeply in like. I jokingly said to my buddy, “Too bad Fender didn’t own Gretsch. I’d grab this in a minute”. He said “They are”. We confirmed it with one of the sales staff, and after somewhat begrudging getting “clearance from Clarence” (the wife), it was part of my aresenal. The look on my wife’s face when I got home made it clear she wasn’t very impressed with me. But once she saw, and more importantly, heard it, she understood. And I scratched the electric 12-string itch for about 1/3rd the price of the Ric. And your comparison test confirmed for me that I made the right decision, consider I’m not even in a bar band. Thanks for putting this together.
Check out the Guild Starfire 1-12. Mahogony body, so a bit fuller sound than a maple body, and the HB2 pickups allow coil spitting. For a bit north of a grand, you can get a Starfire IV 12 string, which is a very nice guitar. Still far less than a Ric, or a 6000 series Gretsch, but more versatility than the 5400 series Gretsch can manage. I do like my Gretsch 5422-12 for the exceptional clean sounds. But my Guild Starfire 1-12 has more versatility on the sound, and can take on a bit of grit, without mudding up.
One of the most thorough and helpful discussions and comparisons of these 3 12-string electrics. I've been watching reviews of the Gretsch Electromatic 12-string because it's in my price range, and this review offered me much more information about Gretsch buiild and tone, along with the reviewer's helpful opinions comparing the 3 guitars. Thanks much for this terrific review of these 12-string electrics!.
@@tuguybear930 The Gretsch and Guild guitars built in Korea and Indonesia are some very nice guitars, especially when you factor in the price paid for them. The quality far outstrips the price point.
I own the Gretsch, and I really like the sound of it. I'd say you're getting 90+ percent of the Ric sound... but you're paying 45 percent of the Ric money. You can buy a pretty nice amp (and a Jangle Box) with the 55 percent you're got left. The Gretsch is a great value; but nothing sounds like a Rickenbacker..
What a great video, man! Super useful for someone shopping for a 12 string. And showing the graphic EQ was also very helpful. I'm not in the market for a Rickenbacker because it's not cost effective for my use, and also -- I actually preferred the Gretsch sound. What you hear as muddiness, I hear as body. I've heard the Danelectro in other videos and they made it sound much better than the one you played -- but they set up the amp, etc., which you pointed out that you did not. But even in those other videos, it still doesn't sound as good as the other two, and it is certainly not as versatile. You helped me to decide on the Gretsch, and I'm ordering it now. Seriously, I wish other guitar reviewers followed your style of video making! You go right to the heart of the matter and the way you edit it makes it easier for the viewer to compare!!! Keep it up!
Great video. I'm lucky enough to stand by the motto, if you're shopping for something special like a guitar and there are cheaper alternatives described as 'being almost as good as X', just get the X. It might hurt in the moment, but then there's a lifetime of maximum enjoyment as opposed to feeling good with a low price but never really loving what you got. Obviously there are many exceptions, but guitars get their reputations for a reason, and I usually want the best, within reason. Thank you for the video, you just facilitated another Ricky purchase, though I'll go used to cut the price-pain down a bit.
Thanks for the great video. In Australia for new prices, Danelectro is around $750 to 850 AUD, the Gretsch is $1,600 to $2,000 AUD, the Rickenbacker anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000 AUD. The way I see it, if having the RIC is going to encourage you to play a 12 string three or four times as often as you would with the Danelectro, then the value equation is a no brainer. And it's further enhanced if you decide to sell the guitar later on. If you just want a knockabout 12 string that you are going to play every now and then, or you prefer the Danelectro sound, then that will work too. In Australia, you aren't going to lose much re-selling a Danelectro 12. The Gretsch is the middle ground. I imagine most players who buy a Gretsch are probably likely to keep it forever. But then, if you are going to keep the guitar forever, probably worth considering spending the extra money and buying a RIC. The difference in price will be ammortized over the years and the resale value would be better decades on from now. And the RIC is a RIC.
People buying a Mercedes or BMW don't try to justify it because they'll drive one three or four times as often as a Hyundai. Musicians however, tend to complain about the price of just about anything. Personally, I like the Ric. They're rare, the headstock design is the same size as a six string, not a foot long like the others, they have a distinctive sound and they're well made. I bought my 330/12 in Australia a long time ago, and when I look at how much they're selling for now, I smile. Their narrow neck width can be an issue for some, but you can get another nut made that closes up the spacings between the doubled strings and moves them all slightly outwards. The models without neck binding have slightly more room to play with. You could also reverse the stringing to the conventional arrangement as renowned Ric player Marty Willson-Piper does apparently, if that's an issue for you.
@@deaddoll1361 Alternatively, the Rickenbacker 1993Plus 12 and 660/12 both ship with wider necks. Indeed Marty Wilson-Piper has strung his Ric 12s with the conventional arrangement as per the original Rickenbacker 12 String OS electric prototype that was gifted to Suzi Arden by F.C. Hall way back in 1963. To this day, that RIC is the ONLY 12 string electric guitar Rickenbacker ever manufactured with conventional stringing.
The new version of the Danelectro is $549. Came back from the guitar shop all excited because, well, you know, I'm going to catch hell from the wife for buying the $1,000 Gretsch. Rickenbacker is out of the question because as you said, I only want a 12-string for a few songs (though I could change my mind on that). Listening to you play those, all the exact same licks and chords against band tracks (great job on that as well, btw), I came up EXACTLY with the same conclusions you made. And then blending in those audio graphs told the same story you were playing. What an awesome job of comparing these guitars! Completely unbiased, perfectly organized. I guess I'll just have to go through one of those rocky periods with the wife. I mean , really...I don't have a 12-string (and that's just unfair).
The video is very illustrative. I had wondered how each of these guitars stand against each other. Very well played, too! Thanks a lot. You gave me a good idea. From what you present, I am now considering a Rick. Thanks!
The little black knob on the Rick is a balance control for the center toggle position. This way you can accentuate one of the two pups in the blend. It’s essential because the neck pickup kind of obscures the 12 string sound, while the bridge pickup is so brittle it’s hard to use. I owned all 3 of these at one time, I gave up the Danelectro because it buzzed like crazy and was super thin as you hear in this demo. Both this Gretsch and Rick are giant guitars. The Rick 620/12 is far better if you want something smaller and solid. Also, the MIJ Gretsch has better electronics . Don’t fool around with budget Gretsch if you can avoid it.
Very nice job. It does sound like the Gretsch could be a replacement for the Rick for those who may not be able to afford one. But there is a recognizable difference in "definition of sound" between the Gretsch and Rick. Again, nice job.
Well. If ever you wanted a video that explored every detail needed as to buy a specific guitar then this is it. Bloody brilliant job. I'm for the Ricky lol
Hello. I own a Ric 381-12V69. I must say that using the Ric-O-Sound box that splits the stereo sound into two separate outputs, makes all the difference in the world. It made the guitar sound like it was in a cathedral. The 330-12 differs from the 360-12 and the 381-12, in that it is mono output only. Great job on the video! If you want a good mix with an electric 12 string, I recommend a trebly bass. That’s how The Byrds were recorded.
Good to know, though I doubt I'll own a Rick $$$$ anytime soon. Using lots of compression (on the recording) could get you to that Byrds sound, but I kinda prefer this guitar (I have the Gretsch 12 in Walnut Satin finish) without a compression pedal in a band setting so that the dynamics can really shine through.
What a great video! Splicing the video to compare each song part side by side with each guitar is very helpful. I also appreciate your notes at the end, both your objective and subjective takes.
Absolutely excellent review, I’m looking to buy a 12 string and so pleased to come across this review. Clear, concise and very well put together. Thank you. Personally I’ve had Rickenbacker in the past and wasn’t really impressed with it, I ended up changing it. Based on this review I thing the Gretsch is really good value for money. The cheap guitar sounded really poor in comparison as you would expect for the price but I thought the Gretsch sounded better than the Rick which sounded too thin although that’s s what they are known for. Thanks for the very helpful review
Hm, that is intersting what you defined about the Gretsch, I heard a playing session of the Gretsch for the first time yesterday and it surprised me bigtime that it came out forward so prominently compared to what I was used to from the Rick. Another point on which I think the Gretsch is slowly winning on me over the Rickenbacker.
Good video and sound comparison. I have the same gretsch 5422tg in white. I made a new nut and switched the saddles around and strung it up like a Rickenbacker. Playing it through a vox ac10. It has it's own sound and different than any other 12 string I've ever heard.
Wonderful shootout! It was incredibly informative and useful! I can imagine all the work you had to do to produce the alternating brands chordal comparison segment, and all while continuously playing one song! It was so effective, in presenting the attributes of each model & brand! It powerfully demonstrated that special highly identifiable chime that is unique to the Rickenbacker. Also, those High-Output Rickenbacker pickups sounded really good! They still have the distinctive desirable Rickenbacker sound, but also sound a little fuller and stronger!
The Gretsch sounds the mellowest of the three on my puny mobile phone speaker, but it's not just about how they sound, it's about how they feel to play. I just picked up an acoustic Grand Auditorium Sigma acoustic 12 string over a D'Angelico principally because it gives me bags of confidence with its solid feel and resonant tone.
I have had all three of these Guitars. I have two big issues with the Rick 360. Which I still own . Jet Black like ( Lennons which he never used on stage ) . The narrow neck ( even Harrison said it was tough to one play cleanly) and the insane location of the tuning pegs. The Gretsch to me is the best of this group unless your a Pro RECORDING Artist . You play a 12 string live with all the noise in the band and you could play any decent 12 and you would sound great. Been there done that. I own 6 12 strings and I love the sound of the instrument. Great video .We all have different opinions on Guitars
Like I said , I have 4- 12 strings and the best sounding for the money is my Gretsch G5022-12 White Falcon acoustic. I have the low E strings switched around so the low E is on Top. Made all the differece in the world on sound.
@@dennyhess2296 Hey Denny thats the Guitar I am playing on my profile picture. Yes its a great sounding Guitar. Wow the idea of switching the Low E string around sounds great. I will give that a try. Thanks for the idea
The sound of the Rick is undeniable! However the neck is too narrow! It’s a 12string with a 6 string neck. I have long thick fingers and it’s a chore to play. The nut is only 41mm whereas others are around 48mm which is more comfortable
Super video thank you! Rickenbacker is the clear winner here. When you compare the price you should mention also diffences in looks: when you hold a Rickenbacker in your hands it feels very well made (and expensive). I tried a couple of Gretsch made in Asia: you can feel the diffence
Rickenbackers have incredible build quality and sound. A real Gretsch (MIJ) 12 rather than an Electromatic might offer a better comparison with the Ric..but there goes the mid price point.
Like the Gretsch, but I prefer the Ric. I love the sound and would use it often. If I wanted a 12 string to play occasionally I might choose differently. I think the hi gain pickups are highly underrated and to my ears sound similar but more full than toasters. Thanks for the video
one of the best guitar comparison vid's I've seen. Excellent! I'm currently trying to decide on a 12 string have been looking at all 3 of those guitars. Of course, you can spend the bigger $$ and just buy a Ric, and assuming you like or get used to that narrow neck, you'll have "that sound." I'm not keen on dropping 2-3K for a guitar that will get used only occasionally, so it was great to hear the Dan-O and Gretsch in mixes. Thanks for the time put in for that review.
I think the Ricky is the best, but Gretsch sounded great. The Danelecto was to shrill. I could see using it for some special effects, but not as your main 12. Great demo!
Agreed. The Danelectro was a non-starter. Maybe if you bought some RB pickups and then hollowed out room for them in the Danelectro, you would have a guitar that would sound good, but stock... the Danelectro is just unbearable.
Great video. For me, the 5422-12 string gets me close enough to be happy. My Country "Gentleman" Classic (62 model 6122) and a VOX amp get me close enough to those Early Beatle Sounds that I love. I am not a professional and I make compromises in my life that seem to work. BTW after playing the Gretsch 6122, I couldn't live with how small the Rickenbacker is; just my personal preference I guess. I paid $999.00 + tax for my 5422-12 with new guitar, case (not Gretsch), strap and tuner. All this made the covid lockdowns tollerable !
Great job on the video. I think it's the only way to compare them. The Gretsch and Ric sounded incredibly similar until you were playing single notes, and I think that may be due to the placement of the fundamental and octave strings.
1. The Gretsch sounds like a Gretsch, its tonal qualities are similar to my six string model. I would extrapolate from there how an Ibanez AS73-12 would sound in comparison since I have a 6 string model for that too. 2. The sounds of the Ric and the Gretsch are super close from this vantage point. 3. I can see why the Beatles could mix Gretsch and Rickenbacker tones. They match up well. 4. For studio, the Danelectro could be EQ'd, but for live performance I'd pick the $900 Gretsch. I'd worry about gigging a $2000-$3000 guitar. Excellent comparison.
I go for the Dano!!!!....I love the bite and the brightness!!!...(And I own the 59x12)...🤩..The Gretsch and the Ric sound quite similar. But no guitar sounds like a Danelectro!!!
Would like to see you match up the Guild Starfire 1-12 and Starfire IV-12 against the Ric. The SF 1-12 is less than the Gretsch, the SF IV-12 a bit more. Both well under the cost of the Ric, but also very good values for what you get. Nice demo for what you had available.
Same suggestion I wanted to make. I'm familiar with an older Guild Starfire 12 with the lovely LB-1 pickups that are exceptionally articulate and brilliant in sound. Guild continues to be largely ignored and I can't for the life of me understand why!
...and now I've had the Gretsch for a month..not disappointed, both the pickup settings are good in their own right and pickups work very well together, neck width a good size, (I have really big hands), the completely hollow body (to me) gives an air to the sound and although the pickups are humbuckers they don't cloud or dull the sound. I have saved £3k on buying the Gretsch instead of the Rickenbacker I would have bought, (the wider neck models) and much easier string changes. Couldn't be more pleased.
Sound is a key part. But so is playing feel. And looks and overall inspiring vibe and what turns you on. I have a Ric 330/12 but I did try the Dano and Gretsch both of which were fine guitars. But I WANTED the Ric so badly I raided the bank for it.
What a dilemma. Spend a lot more to get The Sound or spend a lot less to get real close to The Sound. If I were a pro no doubt the Rickenbacker. But being 73 with arthritic hands I may have to settle for the Gretsch. You did a great job with your demo. Thank you.
I think part of the difference in the sound between the Gretsch and the Ric can be attributed to the string placements and that the Gretsch is a hollowbody guitar and the Ric is semi-hallowbody. You could swap the string placement in the Gretsch to be like the Ric as long as you replace the Nut. The hollowbody is certainly going to give a slightly rounder-fuller bottom and low mids than the Ric. The Gretsch comes close to the Ric, and probably closer with a string/nut change and some EQ.
Great job on clearly showing the differnces between these three - very well thought out and presented. Like the way you cut between each - gives an obvious comparison (to someone like me with a poor working memory!). The Rick sounded like one expects (lovely), the Gretsch was nice too but the Dano was horrible - way too thin and trebly. It might be useful and have it's place somewhere but not for me. I had toyed with the idea of giving a DC59-12 a go but not now. Thanks!
The Rickenbacker has that “Rickenbacker jangle” that the Gretsch doesn’t quite reach, but the Gretsch still sounds really great. What takes the Gretsch over the top for me is the 45mm nut width, which is much more comfortable for me than the Rickenbacker’s 41.4. I never have been able to fathom why Rickenbacker makes their necks so narrow.
With a skinny neck you can play complex chords more easily up to the higher part of the neck, you don't need to stretch you fingers too much. Having closer pairs of strings make quick arpeggios more agile with the right hand (less space to cover). All of this require more precision and practice
Not sure how you eq'd the Dano, but I've heard other demos where it sounded great. Good enough for me to look into getting one. I play Rics, Teles and Strats into an AC15 with a Jangle Box compressor.
@@RecordingFreaks Pretty sure there's something wrong with yours... I have the same DC59-12 and an AC15, AND I have a 5420 6-string. If they sounded as far apart, eq-wise, as the two in your video, I'd never be able to swap between the two during a gig without some MAJOR EQ changes.... but I do, without any changes at all. Go look at other videos of this guitar (even comparing it to Ric's) and you'll see. You should have someone look at yours.
I would have liked to have also seen in comparison, the Eastwood 12-string and the re-issued Fender 12-string as well. The Fender "Electric XII" is also quite familiar in late-'60's pop records- "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" by the Kinks, The "Pinball Wizard" strum in "Tommy," the 12-string on "Stairway to Heaven", and the 12-string work by Lou Reed on Velvet Underground albums, for instance.
Nice comparisons here with and without backing tracks. The Danelectro almost sounded like an unplugged electric. Very tinny, not much character. The Gretsch was cool, bit seemed too muddy. The Ric is definitely the ticket here. All you needed was that slight high-end boost and the magic was there. Thanks for posting this.
In this order, Rickenbacker wins! 2nd place is the Gretsch and the Dan Electro. On the Electro, the pickups were too low output! A liitle disappointed since I was going to buy it. I'll save up my pennies and get the Rickenbacker 360-12. I guess it's that old adage, you get what you pay for! Thank you for posting this. Good insight and detail.
Thank you for this. Probably the best video of its kind I’ve ever come across. Would you mind saying what video editing software you used? Thanks again.
If you can afford, the Ric easily! One under communicated bonus with Ric 12s is that due to the 6+6 tuner layout, you can use it as a 6 without looking too weird. I actually use mine as a 6 for the moment. Great vid by the way, thanks!
Hi great shootout, I've own several brand 12 strings, i now have a ric 360 mapleglo 12 and its definitely the best sounding 12 I've had, the Gretsch did sound fantastic though, wasn't impressed with the Daneolectro
I'm pretty sure this Danelectro has a wiring issue... I own one (and an AC15) and it's nowhere NEAR as thin as illustrated here. Mine IS bright, but also full and rich in the mids and lows.
Nice comparison, but I will say they aren’t going to sell many Danelectros after hearing your video. I thought the Gretsch was pretty close to the Ric at less than half the cost. I am partial to the Ric as I own a 620-12 and have small hands so the neck on the Ric is a joy to play for me. PS: I like the Focusrite VU meter in your intro.
Great vid & fair comparison. Love that Ric tone; more than worth paying the extra $s for the superior instrument. Logical conclusion. Thanks for posting. Greetings from Down Under.
I grew up pronouncing it Rick-en-bach-ur too, pretty sure that's the way Lennon, Harrison and Roger McQuinn said it. My wife bought me a 330-12 when I retired in 2020, and the narrower neck is a challenge after playing my Tele or SG Jr. I was surprised at just how good the Gretsch sounded in your shootout. Mike Nesmith was on to something all those years ago.. The Fender Squire Jazzmaster 12, and the Ibanez Artcore 12 beat the street price of the Dane handily, and I suspect they have way more rounded tone options. Nice review.
Excellent review! The Ric sounded incredible of course but I personally couldn't justify the price. I loved the Gretsch though. To me not much difference between the two. But I'm a Gretsch fan. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.
Nicely done! Like many, agree with most conclusions. Dano was very shrill indeed. Know the Gretsch well, the blacktop pickups are "OK" but not great, the build quality of the Gretsch, for the money is excellent however the electrics aren't the best. For a few hundred bucks adding a better bridge (Faber or Tone-Pros for example) with un-filed saddles then file yourself or get a Good luthier to do it, one is if uncertain. Tuner upgrade, the Graphtech Ratio Tuners with tulip buttons are fantastic for one of these, will help tuning stability as well as doing any alternate tunings. Then the biggy, Replace pots & wiring and the Blacktops with TV Jones Classics. Yes it's around $400 in upgrades but at the end of the day will make the Gretsch hard to beat. Rickenbacker will always be known as the standard of the Electric 12 and have certainly built that reputation. Like the old saying "you get what you pay for" certainly could be Rick's motto. There are a couple of Guitars out now that would make this a harder competition. The Eastwood Classic 12 (sort of a Gretsch type knock off) supposed to be well built and Eastwood is getting quite the following. The the brand new player in the game with a hefty price, the Pinter SB2. The Pinter doesn't look like anything else, solid Alder body, Quarter Sawn Maple neck with Birdseye Maple Fretboard. Strings pass through the nut almost perfectly straight to avoid getting caught up on the nut (tuning stability is the best I've ever seen with a twelve string). Pickups are also quite different for a twelve, they use three Mini Humbuckers.( Righteous Sound built to Pinter's specs) and sound fantastic. Was skeptical about the Pinter, it's price and looks, then after having hands on it was extremely impressed. Would be fantastic to see one of these in a shoot-out with the Rick, both built so different, one a new kid on the block vs the the 'Original'. Appreciate the video and hard work put into it. Cheers
I have been stressing out over 12 string electrics for the past few weeks. I didn’t think I could afford the Rickenbacker, so I’ve looked at the Gretch and the Guild Starfire which is what Pat Metheny plays. However, listening to your video, I think there is is a reason that Petty, McGuin, and Harrison all played the Rick. It’s got a tone that cannot be matched. You did save me some money though, because I was looking at 360’s and I know now that the cheaper 330 will do. Thanks!
Hi, There were comments about how much EQ in the signal chain/amplification affects the resulting sound of a given brand and model of instrument. This is absolutely true. Whether it's EQ or some other part of the signal chain/amplification, there are a number of things that can affect the sound of an instrument being amplified. However, in audio amplification, things that color the sound of a musical instrument generally have altered the instrument's music signal waveform. EQing smears, alters, part of that music signal waveform, to achieve that end result. There is nothing wrong with working your signal chain, to achieve results you prefer. But, when doing a shootout between different brands and models of 12 string electrics, it is best done with as little alteration as possible to each guitar's natural music signal. That way, it puts the instruments on a level playing field, where you can best compare their natural attributes, strengths, & weaknesses. The choice of a Vox A/C 15 amp was very good for this shootout, because it is a Class A amp, noted for very accurate reproduction.
I might has missed something, but did you use any compressor? This is seen as essential in getting "the sound". For instance, when McGuinn had his signature Rickenbacker made, a compressor wa built into it.
How often are you really going to play an electric 12 string? I have a Cozart on which I had to finish the neck (Tung Oil) and replace the tuners (found some on sale at StewMac). It's now very playable and cost less than the Dano. The Dano sounded thin and tinny compared to the Gretsch and Ric. To me, those 2 sounded quite similar. Rics are beautiful guitars (I used to own a 620) but rather pricey. For the money, I'd go with the Gretsch, knowing that it was only going to get occasional playing time...
By the end of the video, I just wanted to hear him play the Gretsch. The arch back and top seemed to really make a difference even though the Rickenbacker is considered better.
I have both a Dano and a Ric 12 string., albeit a Chinese Dano and a 330 Ric. I liked the Dano a good deal for the price (less than $200). It has a different but not terribly inferior sound. However I found that it had 4 issues. As noted here the lipsticks are fearsome in the treble area, which with the 12 string overloads and needs backing off the tone a to get any balance. However using flatwounds helped a huge amount. Secondly it was a bit of a neck-diver, but a fairly wide strap mitigated the worst of it. I found it has tuning stability issues. I think the bolt on neck and the plywood and MFD construction are a little unstable with all that tension coming from 12 strings, because I found a light gauge (9-42) actually improved tuning stability which is not my usual experience with guitars. Replacing the pot metal bridge and the tuners (which aren't great though are probably better on the newer Korean Danos) might help, but then I'm spending nearly as much as the guitar cost in the first place! Finally, mine came with jumbo frets, and I feel this causes serious issues with intonation, especially on the octaved strings. The Ric has tiny mandolin style frets and while shredders and bluesy-benders might hate them (aiding Rics' reputations as rhythm guitars) I think they're vital for a 12 string. The Ric certainly stands head and shoulders above it really, as it should for the price, the build quality is fantastic and it gets that sound right out of the box, even with the modern "hi gain" pickups. It takes flats or rounds pretty well and holds tuning pretty good. Other than the price (though I paid well below 2 grand for mine) the main drawback is the super thin neck, it does take some getting used to, but if you're into arpeggios and cross-picking, the relatively close spacing at the bridge makes that sort of style a little easier. The swapping of the string positions on the Rick doesn't really make that much difference as far as I can tell - a lot of debate is had over the difference, but going back and forth between the Ric and the Dano (which is strung traditionally) it seems a minor thing - pickups, playing style, and control settings and amp make a much bigger difference in terms of sound. The other disadvantage for the Ric is the 6 saddle bridge as opposed to the 12 saddle on the Dano, which is a big deal for some but I've found careful matching of the gauges between the bass and octave can smooth this out pretty well anyway, and as I noted, in my experience the frets on the Dano cause more intonation issues than the bridge on the Ric anyhow.
Good job-I have that Rick and Danelectro and the Epiphone Riviera 12- I think the Rick is not versatile but has The Sound- the Dan is as u described - the Epi is somewhat like your Gretsch.
I just bought a used Eastwood Classic 12; I like the tone and it's priced like the Danelectro, but the build has a few cosmetic rough spots. I'll keep an eye out for a used Gretsch. I love my 5410.
I also bought the Gretch, and very pleased indeed I am with it, it comes very close to the Rikenbacker sound, and that is good enough for me, also the guy didn't try them without being amped up,, and I have to tell you that the Grerch is fantastic, on its own, without being amped up, enjoy, if you do decide on the Grerch...peace out ❤❤😂🎉😮
The Gretsch might benefit from HS Filtertrons to cut the mids. They’re pretty close to TV Jones classics. I’d like to hear that Dano through a Deluxe reverb. The Ric? I am not worthy! Thanks for this comprehensive review.
I wonder how the Dano would sound if there was a nut and bridge available where you could switch around the order of the strings? And the mystery knob on the Rick. Harrison mentioned it somewhere and he said he never figured out what it was for. Fast forward decades, and Tom Petty explained it to him. Why he never called the factory is a mystery.
The Dano sounds paper-thin while the other two sound pretty darn close to each other, with the Rick sounding slightly better than the Gretsch, but they both have depth and warmth. I've had a Gretsch 12'er for a few years and really like it. It cost $700 used in like-new condition (Still had the factory strings on it). I'm mostly a Tele guy, but I love that Byrds and West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band '60s psych stuff with 12-string jangle. The Gretsch sounds good for overdubs if it needs that spacey fairy-dust sound. I've found that the 12-String sounds really good through a Twin Reverb, which gives it the clarity it needs to really shine. With a smaller lower wattage amp (10-40 watts) it almost distorts too much and you hear more amp than guitar. I'd probably like a Rick, but for the small percentage of time I play 12-string guitar I'll stick with the Gretsch. I also love the feel of a hollow-body archtop. It's kind of neck-heavy, so I used an adapter from Martin to put the strap around the headstock Johnny Cash style and problem solved. I'd also be interested in hearing the Fender XII, and more recently they came out with a Squire Jazzmaster 12. The Beach Boys and The Smiths also used a lot of 12-string guitars on their recordings but maybe not so much on stage. But remember Rickenbacker gave the first two 12-string electrics ever made to The Beatles, who started it all.
Really useful video. These are the 3 that matter to me. I think the Gretsch will do . Little muddy below, picking single notes is more difficult, but it sounds good enough. I don't expect the perfect sound , because of the price of it. But the Danelectro is just not the sound I'm looking for. I'll save some more money and wait.
This specific Danelectro doesn't sound at ALL like mine... I believe there is a wiring issue with it, as mine is bright but much fuller than this one. I also have a Gretsch 5420 with these pickups (but just 6 strings) and My Dan DC59-12 has as much low end as it does.
@@garystackhouse5787 Thanks. In the meanwhile I changed my view. Danelectros seem to be great for the price. Half price of the Gretsch. Dano vintage 12 looks promising.
Nice review but I don't think the comparison was totally fair. I have a Dano 12 and I've had some other 12s (not a Ricky though) and one thing I've found is that EQ on the amp is critically important to dialing in the best sound for each guitar. With a little more EQ that Dano could have sounded way better. I know mine does. Although the Ricky does a better job of sounding like a Harrison or McGuinn recording, I think if you gave McGuinn a Dano or Gretsch, and EQed it properly, you would be hard pressed to tell the difference, especially in a band mix. Recording is another story altogether, but live the Dano is the best choice in my opinion. No offense to you, because I think you did a great job with this video, but I have a bone to pick with all these guitar comparisons on RUclips which think they're doing the most "scientific" comparison by keeping the amp on the same settings for all the guitars. The reason we have EQ, and different amps, and pedals is that every guitar has unique needs to make them sound their best. I give you credit for at least trying to use EQ to shape each guitar. But I know from my own experience that the Dano has a very good sound if you pair it with the right amp and at the right settings.
![Mick Buys His First Ever 12-String Guitar [But Now What?!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jpJwGlXGSKA/mqdefault.jpg)
Closed my eyes during the playing part and knew immediately which guitar was what. The Ricky blows everything else away. Unmistakable sound!!
There is a reason why the Rick defines the sound of the electric 12-string. The only guitar I've played that comes close the sound was a Vox Teardrop XII. which had weak pickups,, but it did have pretty decent approximation to "that" sound. I've not played the Danelectro, but I've heard demos where it sounds a lot better than it does here. A piercing tone that is part of what you want from a 12. The Gretsch sounds pretty good for the price, but I wouldn't be seen dead with a guitar that looks like that.
PS 1 The reason for the Rick headstock design is to stop it hitting the floor when you take your hand off the neck. A common problem with bighead twelves that are based on a six-string design.
PS 2 The small knob on the Rick is a blend control when both pickups are selected. It enables you to produce a very wide range of sounds with a single knob. Try it with the neck pickup treble turned right down: Roger McGuinn to Joe Pass, with one twist.
PS 3 Rickosound (aka stereo) is fantastic for rhythm playing. Put the neck pickup through a clean channel, and the bridge through your FX channel. Your lead guitarist will hate you!
My dream guitar has long been the Ric 360 12-string. But I am a basement player, who jams with buddies on occasion. While I am in the fortunate position to be able to afford the insane indulgence of the Ric (around $3700 Cdn for a new one), I couldn’t rationalize the cost even to myself, let alone my wife. I’ve considered the Danelectro in the past (primarily because of the price….around $750 Cdn new), but found it “tinny” sounding, and not pleasing to my ear. However September is “Fender month” at my favourite music chain, so I was there on the last day of September, after purposely avoiding the place all month. I went with my buddy who I jam with regularly, as we were each considering picking up a Bassbreaker amp. I came across this gorgeous gold top Gretsch 12-string, and after playing it for a bit, fell deeply in like. I jokingly said to my buddy, “Too bad Fender didn’t own Gretsch. I’d grab this in a minute”. He said “They are”. We confirmed it with one of the sales staff, and after somewhat begrudging getting “clearance from Clarence” (the wife), it was part of my aresenal. The look on my wife’s face when I got home made it clear she wasn’t very impressed with me. But once she saw, and more importantly, heard it, she understood. And I scratched the electric 12-string itch for about 1/3rd the price of the Ric. And your comparison test confirmed for me that I made the right decision, consider I’m not even in a bar band. Thanks for putting this together.
This guy does a great job at guitar comparisons. Keep up that great work, thanks!
Man, that Gretsch has a great sound with just a bit more low tones added and for $900, I'd be seriously going for it!!!!!!!!!
Check out the Guild Starfire 1-12. Mahogony body, so a bit fuller sound than a maple body, and the HB2 pickups allow coil spitting. For a bit north of a grand, you can get a Starfire IV 12 string, which is a very nice guitar. Still far less than a Ric, or a 6000 series Gretsch, but more versatility than the 5400 series Gretsch can manage. I do like my Gretsch 5422-12 for the exceptional clean sounds. But my Guild Starfire 1-12 has more versatility on the sound, and can take on a bit of grit, without mudding up.
One of the most thorough and helpful discussions and comparisons of these 3 12-string electrics. I've been watching reviews of the Gretsch Electromatic 12-string because it's in my price range, and this review offered me much more information about Gretsch buiild and tone, along with the reviewer's helpful opinions comparing the 3 guitars. Thanks much for this terrific review of these 12-string electrics!.
I had a Gretsch 12 Electromatic. Awesome sounding guitar and played great. Don't be put off by made in Korea. The build quality is outstanding.
@@tuguybear930 The Gretsch and Guild guitars built in Korea and Indonesia are some very nice guitars, especially when you factor in the price paid for them. The quality far outstrips the price point.
I haven't bought a new guitar for many years now.I just ordered a Gretsch today thanks to you. So thanks, you made my mind up.
Great review, truthful and clearly stated. Agree or not, this is simply honest which is a wonderful thing. Nice job Brian.
I own the Gretsch, and I really like the sound of it. I'd say you're getting 90+ percent of the Ric sound... but you're paying 45 percent of the Ric money. You can buy a pretty nice amp (and a Jangle Box) with the 55 percent you're got left. The Gretsch is a great value; but nothing sounds like a Rickenbacker..
Maybe try what I did to see how you like it.
What a great video, man! Super useful for someone shopping for a 12 string. And showing the graphic EQ was also very helpful. I'm not in the market for a Rickenbacker because it's not cost effective for my use, and also -- I actually preferred the Gretsch sound. What you hear as muddiness, I hear as body.
I've heard the Danelectro in other videos and they made it sound much better than the one you played -- but they set up the amp, etc., which you pointed out that you did not. But even in those other videos, it still doesn't sound as good as the other two, and it is certainly not as versatile.
You helped me to decide on the Gretsch, and I'm ordering it now.
Seriously, I wish other guitar reviewers followed your style of video making! You go right to the heart of the matter and the way you edit it makes it easier for the viewer to compare!!! Keep it up!
Great video. I'm lucky enough to stand by the motto, if you're shopping for something special like a guitar and there are cheaper alternatives described as 'being almost as good as X', just get the X. It might hurt in the moment, but then there's a lifetime of maximum enjoyment as opposed to feeling good with a low price but never really loving what you got. Obviously there are many exceptions, but guitars get their reputations for a reason, and I usually want the best, within reason. Thank you for the video, you just facilitated another Ricky purchase, though I'll go used to cut the price-pain down a bit.
Thanks for the great video. In Australia for new prices, Danelectro is around $750 to 850 AUD, the Gretsch is $1,600 to $2,000 AUD, the Rickenbacker anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000 AUD. The way I see it, if having the RIC is going to encourage you to play a 12 string three or four times as often as you would with the Danelectro, then the value equation is a no brainer. And it's further enhanced if you decide to sell the guitar later on. If you just want a knockabout 12 string that you are going to play every now and then, or you prefer the Danelectro sound, then that will work too. In Australia, you aren't going to lose much re-selling a Danelectro 12. The Gretsch is the middle ground. I imagine most players who buy a Gretsch are probably likely to keep it forever. But then, if you are going to keep the guitar forever, probably worth considering spending the extra money and buying a RIC. The difference in price will be ammortized over the years and the resale value would be better decades on from now. And the RIC is a RIC.
People buying a Mercedes or BMW don't try to justify it because they'll drive one three or four times as often as a Hyundai. Musicians however, tend to complain about the price of just about anything. Personally, I like the Ric. They're rare, the headstock design is the same size as a six string, not a foot long like the others, they have a distinctive sound and they're well made. I bought my 330/12 in Australia a long time ago, and when I look at how much they're selling for now, I smile.
Their narrow neck width can be an issue for some, but you can get another nut made that closes up the spacings between the doubled strings and moves them all slightly outwards. The models without neck binding have slightly more room to play with. You could also reverse the stringing to the conventional arrangement as renowned Ric player Marty Willson-Piper does apparently, if that's an issue for you.
@@deaddoll1361 Alternatively, the Rickenbacker 1993Plus 12 and 660/12 both ship with wider necks. Indeed Marty Wilson-Piper has strung his Ric 12s with the conventional arrangement as per the original Rickenbacker 12 String OS electric prototype that was gifted to Suzi Arden by F.C. Hall way back in 1963. To this day, that RIC is the ONLY 12 string electric guitar Rickenbacker ever manufactured with conventional stringing.
The new version of the Danelectro is $549. Came back from the guitar shop all excited because, well, you know, I'm going to catch hell from the wife for buying the $1,000 Gretsch. Rickenbacker is out of the question because as you said, I only want a 12-string for a few songs (though I could change my mind on that). Listening to you play those, all the exact same licks and chords against band tracks (great job on that as well, btw), I came up EXACTLY with the same conclusions you made. And then blending in those audio graphs told the same story you were playing. What an awesome job of comparing these guitars! Completely unbiased, perfectly organized. I guess I'll just have to go through one of those rocky periods with the wife. I mean , really...I don't have a 12-string (and that's just unfair).
The video is very illustrative. I had wondered how each of these guitars stand against each other. Very well played, too! Thanks a lot. You gave me a good idea. From what you present, I am now considering a Rick. Thanks!
The little black knob on the Rick is a balance control for the center toggle position. This way you can accentuate one of the two pups in the blend. It’s essential because the neck pickup kind of obscures the 12 string sound, while the bridge pickup is so brittle it’s hard to use. I owned all 3 of these at one time, I gave up the Danelectro because it buzzed like crazy and was super thin as you hear in this demo. Both this Gretsch and Rick are giant guitars. The Rick 620/12 is far better if you want something smaller and solid. Also, the MIJ Gretsch has better electronics . Don’t fool around with budget Gretsch if you can avoid it.
Very nice job. It does sound like the Gretsch could be a replacement for the Rick for those who may not be able to afford one. But there is a recognizable difference in "definition of sound" between the Gretsch and Rick. Again, nice job.
12-string electrics are so awesome. Love the opening chords, especially in the mix. Great playing and demo!
Well. If ever you wanted a video that explored every detail needed as to buy a specific guitar then this is it. Bloody brilliant job. I'm for the Ricky lol
I agree! Well done video...now send me that Ric now!
Your the first person I know to play in the mix ( band) I’ve wondered why other people don’t do this? Good review.
Hello. I own a Ric 381-12V69. I must say that using the Ric-O-Sound box that splits the stereo sound into two separate outputs, makes all the difference in the world. It made the guitar sound like it was in a cathedral. The 330-12 differs from the 360-12 and the 381-12, in that it is mono output only. Great job on the video! If you want a good mix with an electric 12 string, I recommend a trebly bass. That’s how The Byrds were recorded.
Good to know, though I doubt I'll own a Rick $$$$ anytime soon. Using lots of compression (on the recording) could get you to that Byrds sound, but I kinda prefer this guitar (I have the Gretsch 12 in Walnut Satin finish) without a compression pedal in a band setting so that the dynamics can really shine through.
What a great video! Splicing the video to compare each song part side by side with each guitar is very helpful. I also appreciate your notes at the end, both your objective and subjective takes.
Absolutely excellent review, I’m looking to buy a 12 string and so pleased to come across this review. Clear, concise and very well put together. Thank you. Personally I’ve had Rickenbacker in the past and wasn’t really impressed with it, I ended up changing it. Based on this review I thing the Gretsch is really good value for money. The cheap guitar sounded really poor in comparison as you would expect for the price but I thought the Gretsch sounded better than the Rick which sounded too thin although that’s s what they are known for. Thanks for the very helpful review
Hm, that is intersting what you defined about the Gretsch, I heard a playing session of the Gretsch for the first time yesterday and it surprised me bigtime that it came out forward so prominently compared to what I was used to from the Rick. Another point on which I think the Gretsch is slowly winning on me over the Rickenbacker.
Good video and sound comparison. I have the same gretsch 5422tg in white. I made a new nut and switched the saddles around and strung it up like a Rickenbacker.
Playing it through a vox ac10. It has it's own sound and different than any other 12 string I've ever heard.
Wonderful shootout! It was incredibly informative and useful! I can imagine all the work you had to do to produce the alternating brands chordal comparison segment, and all while continuously playing one song! It was so effective, in presenting the attributes of each model & brand! It powerfully demonstrated that special highly identifiable chime that is unique to the Rickenbacker. Also, those High-Output Rickenbacker pickups sounded really good! They still have the distinctive desirable Rickenbacker sound, but also sound a little fuller and stronger!
Just ordered one of the Gretsch G5422g-12's cant wait to get my hands on it.
One nice feature is the master volume, as it allows you to get the pup balance where you want it, then separately control the overall volume.
Excellent review and comparison. Thanks!
The Gretsch sounds the mellowest of the three on my puny mobile phone speaker, but it's not just about how they sound, it's about how they feel to play. I just picked up an acoustic Grand Auditorium Sigma acoustic 12 string over a D'Angelico principally because it gives me bags of confidence with its solid feel and resonant tone.
I have had all three of these Guitars. I have two big issues with the Rick 360. Which I still own . Jet Black like ( Lennons which he never used on stage ) . The narrow neck ( even Harrison said it was tough to one play cleanly) and the insane location of the tuning pegs. The Gretsch to me is the best of this group unless your a Pro RECORDING Artist . You play a 12 string live with all the noise in the band and you could play any decent 12 and you would sound great. Been there done that. I own 6 12 strings and I love the sound of the instrument. Great video .We all have different opinions on Guitars
Like I said , I have 4- 12 strings and the best sounding for the money is my Gretsch G5022-12 White Falcon acoustic. I have the low E strings switched around so the low E is on Top. Made all the differece in the world on sound.
@@dennyhess2296 Hey Denny thats the Guitar I am playing on my profile picture. Yes its a great sounding Guitar. Wow the idea of switching the Low E string around sounds great. I will give that a try. Thanks for the idea
The sound of the Rick is undeniable! However the neck is too narrow! It’s a 12string with a 6 string neck. I have long thick fingers and it’s a chore to play. The nut is only 41mm whereas others are around 48mm which is more comfortable
Would love to see an update with a Paranormal Squier Jazzmaster 12
Great idea!
Super video thank you! Rickenbacker is the clear winner here. When you compare the price you should mention also diffences in looks: when you hold a Rickenbacker in your hands it feels very well made (and expensive). I tried a couple of Gretsch made in Asia: you can feel the diffence
Rickenbackers have incredible build quality and sound. A real Gretsch (MIJ) 12 rather than an Electromatic might offer a better comparison with the Ric..but there goes the mid price point.
Like the Gretsch, but I prefer the Ric. I love the sound and would use it often. If I wanted a 12 string to play occasionally I might choose differently. I think the hi gain pickups are highly underrated and to my ears sound similar but more full than toasters. Thanks for the video
one of the best guitar comparison vid's I've seen. Excellent! I'm currently trying to decide on a 12 string have been looking at all 3 of those guitars. Of course, you can spend the bigger $$ and just buy a Ric, and assuming you like or get used to that narrow neck, you'll have "that sound." I'm not keen on dropping 2-3K for a guitar that will get used only occasionally, so it was great to hear the Dan-O and Gretsch in mixes. Thanks for the time put in for that review.
I think the Ricky is the best, but Gretsch sounded great. The Danelecto was to shrill. I could see using it for some special effects, but not as your main 12. Great demo!
Agreed. The Danelectro was a non-starter. Maybe if you bought some RB pickups and then hollowed out room for them in the Danelectro, you would have a guitar that would sound good, but stock... the Danelectro is just unbearable.
Great video. For me, the 5422-12 string gets me close enough to be happy. My Country "Gentleman" Classic (62 model 6122) and a VOX amp get me close enough to those Early Beatle Sounds that I love. I am not a professional and I make compromises in my life that seem to work. BTW after playing the Gretsch 6122, I couldn't live with how small the Rickenbacker is; just my personal preference I guess. I paid $999.00 + tax for my 5422-12 with new guitar, case (not Gretsch), strap and tuner. All this made the covid lockdowns tollerable !
Nice backing tracks. That Ric really shines.
Great job on the video. I think it's the only way to compare them. The Gretsch and Ric sounded incredibly similar until you were playing single notes, and I think that may be due to the placement of the fundamental and octave strings.
1. The Gretsch sounds like a Gretsch, its tonal qualities are similar to my six string model. I would extrapolate from there how an Ibanez AS73-12 would sound in comparison since I have a 6 string model for that too.
2. The sounds of the Ric and the Gretsch are super close from this vantage point.
3. I can see why the Beatles could mix Gretsch and Rickenbacker tones. They match up well.
4. For studio, the Danelectro could be EQ'd, but for live performance I'd pick the $900 Gretsch. I'd worry about gigging a $2000-$3000 guitar.
Excellent comparison.
This is a very useful comparison. Thanks alot.
I go for the Dano!!!!....I love the bite and the brightness!!!...(And I own the 59x12)...🤩..The Gretsch and the Ric sound quite similar. But no guitar sounds like a Danelectro!!!
My Dano sounds nothing like the tinny sound he's getting. Yuck!
@@66fredo99 I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking this... super glad my Dano 12 sounds nothing like this.
Thanks, really nice job on the editing. Very useful comparison.
Thanks for the comparison. It reinforced my appreciation for the Gretsch.
Nice comparisson m8! Thank you, keep it up!
Would like to see you match up the Guild Starfire 1-12 and Starfire IV-12 against the Ric. The SF 1-12 is less than the Gretsch, the SF IV-12 a bit more. Both well under the cost of the Ric, but also very good values for what you get. Nice demo for what you had available.
I wish I had one to try that.
Same suggestion I wanted to make. I'm familiar with an older Guild Starfire 12 with the lovely LB-1 pickups that are exceptionally articulate and brilliant in sound. Guild continues to be largely ignored and I can't for the life of me understand why!
I have the Gretsch. It is a Korean model built in 2018. Very nice.
...and now I've had the Gretsch for a month..not disappointed, both the pickup settings are good in their own right and pickups work very well together, neck width a good size, (I have really big hands), the completely hollow body (to me) gives an air to the sound and although the pickups are humbuckers they don't cloud or dull the sound. I have saved £3k on buying the Gretsch instead of the Rickenbacker I would have bought, (the wider neck models) and much easier string changes. Couldn't be more pleased.
Sound is a key part. But so is playing feel. And looks and overall inspiring vibe and what turns you on. I have a Ric 330/12 but I did try the Dano and Gretsch both of which were fine guitars. But I WANTED the Ric so badly I raided the bank for it.
Thanks for your test on these.
What a dilemma. Spend a lot more to get The Sound or spend a lot less to get real close to The Sound. If I were a pro no doubt the Rickenbacker. But being 73 with arthritic hands I may have to settle for the Gretsch. You did a great job with your demo. Thank you.
I think part of the difference in the sound between the Gretsch and the Ric can be attributed to the string placements and that the Gretsch is a hollowbody guitar and the Ric is semi-hallowbody. You could swap the string placement in the Gretsch to be like the Ric as long as you replace the Nut. The hollowbody is certainly going to give a slightly rounder-fuller bottom and low mids than the Ric. The Gretsch comes close to the Ric, and probably closer with a string/nut change and some EQ.
at least switch the low E around , makes a world of difference.
The Gretsch holds up very well against the Ric at a fraction of the cost.
Great job on clearly showing the differnces between these three - very well thought out and presented. Like the way you cut between each - gives an obvious comparison (to someone like me with a poor working memory!). The Rick sounded like one expects (lovely), the Gretsch was nice too but the Dano was horrible - way too thin and trebly. It might be useful and have it's place somewhere but not for me. I had toyed with the idea of giving a DC59-12 a go but not now. Thanks!
I was unimpressed with the Dano.
The Rickenbacker has that “Rickenbacker jangle” that the Gretsch doesn’t quite reach, but the Gretsch still sounds really great. What takes the Gretsch over the top for me is the 45mm nut width, which is much more comfortable for me than the Rickenbacker’s 41.4. I never have been able to fathom why Rickenbacker makes their necks so narrow.
That's why I have the Rickenbacker 660/12. Even though it's a solid body, it has a 44.5mm nut and still has that Ric sound.
With a skinny neck you can play complex chords more easily up to the higher part of the neck, you don't need to stretch you fingers too much. Having closer pairs of strings make quick arpeggios more agile with the right hand (less space to cover). All of this require more precision and practice
Not sure how you eq'd the Dano, but I've heard other demos where it sounded great. Good enough for me to look into getting one. I play Rics, Teles and Strats into an AC15 with a Jangle Box compressor.
The Dano has no EQ, unless shown in video. Amp EQ is the same for all guitars and is also shown.
@@RecordingFreaks Pretty sure there's something wrong with yours... I have the same DC59-12 and an AC15, AND I have a 5420 6-string. If they sounded as far apart, eq-wise, as the two in your video, I'd never be able to swap between the two during a gig without some MAJOR EQ changes.... but I do, without any changes at all. Go look at other videos of this guitar (even comparing it to Ric's) and you'll see. You should have someone look at yours.
There is absolutely something wrong with that Dano. Every other demo I have seen, the Dano did not sound as egregious as this one does here.
That particular Dano has a real electronics issue...as many have said, they usually sound much better.
Great review! I'm getting the Gretsch.
I would have liked to have also seen in comparison, the Eastwood 12-string and the re-issued Fender 12-string as well. The Fender "Electric XII" is also quite familiar in late-'60's pop records- "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" by the Kinks, The "Pinball Wizard" strum in "Tommy," the 12-string on "Stairway to Heaven", and the 12-string work by Lou Reed on Velvet Underground albums, for instance.
This was very very well done. Thanks!!
They all sounded good. Got to admit, twelve strings are certainly inspiring 👍🏻
That was extremely helpful many thanks.
I would go for the Gretch
I bet that gretsch with a Janglebox compressor would sound phenomenal!
Nice comparisons here with and without backing tracks. The Danelectro almost sounded like an unplugged electric. Very tinny, not much character. The Gretsch was cool, bit seemed too muddy. The Ric is definitely the ticket here. All you needed was that slight high-end boost and the magic was there.
Thanks for posting this.
In this order, Rickenbacker wins! 2nd place is the Gretsch and the Dan Electro. On the Electro, the pickups were too low output! A liitle disappointed since I was going to buy it. I'll save up my pennies and get the Rickenbacker 360-12. I guess it's that old adage, you get what you pay for! Thank you for posting this. Good insight and detail.
Thank you for this. Probably the best video of its kind I’ve ever come across. Would you mind saying what video editing software you used? Thanks again.
Thanks Ekendra! I use Nero Video.
That Ricky sits so well in the mix, I wouldn't buy the others
If you can afford, the Ric easily! One under communicated bonus with Ric 12s is that due to the 6+6 tuner layout, you can use it as a 6 without looking too weird. I actually use mine as a 6 for the moment. Great vid by the way, thanks!
Hi great shootout, I've own several brand 12 strings, i now have a ric 360 mapleglo 12 and its definitely the best sounding 12 I've had, the Gretsch did sound fantastic though, wasn't impressed with the Daneolectro
I agree Steve
I'm pretty sure this Danelectro has a wiring issue... I own one (and an AC15) and it's nowhere NEAR as thin as illustrated here. Mine IS bright, but also full and rich in the mids and lows.
Nice comparison, but I will say they aren’t going to sell many Danelectros after hearing your video. I thought the Gretsch was pretty close to the Ric at less than half the cost. I am partial to the Ric as I own a 620-12 and have small hands so the neck on the Ric is a joy to play for me.
PS: I like the Focusrite VU meter in your intro.
Love that Gretsch.
Great vid & fair comparison. Love that Ric tone; more than worth paying the extra $s for the superior instrument. Logical conclusion. Thanks for posting. Greetings from Down Under.
Great job mate.
I grew up pronouncing it Rick-en-bach-ur too, pretty sure that's the way Lennon, Harrison and Roger McQuinn said it. My wife bought me a 330-12 when I retired in 2020, and the narrower neck is a challenge after playing my Tele or SG Jr. I was surprised at just how good the Gretsch sounded in your shootout. Mike Nesmith was on to something all those years ago.. The Fender Squire Jazzmaster 12, and the Ibanez Artcore 12 beat the street price of the Dane handily, and I suspect they have way more rounded tone options. Nice review.
Excellent review! The Ric sounded incredible of course but I personally couldn't justify the price. I loved the Gretsch though. To me not much difference between the two. But I'm a Gretsch fan. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.
Nicely done! Like many, agree with most conclusions. Dano was very shrill indeed. Know the Gretsch well, the blacktop pickups are "OK" but not great, the build quality of the Gretsch, for the money is excellent however the electrics aren't the best. For a few hundred bucks adding a better bridge (Faber or Tone-Pros for example) with un-filed saddles then file yourself or get a Good luthier to do it, one is if uncertain. Tuner upgrade, the Graphtech Ratio Tuners with tulip buttons are fantastic for one of these, will help tuning stability as well as doing any alternate tunings. Then the biggy, Replace pots & wiring and the Blacktops with TV Jones Classics. Yes it's around $400 in upgrades but at the end of the day will make the Gretsch hard to beat. Rickenbacker will always be known as the standard of the Electric 12 and have certainly built that reputation. Like the old saying "you get what you pay for" certainly could be Rick's motto.
There are a couple of Guitars out now that would make this a harder competition. The Eastwood Classic 12 (sort of a Gretsch type knock off) supposed to be well built and Eastwood is getting quite the following. The the brand new player in the game with a hefty price, the Pinter SB2. The Pinter doesn't look like anything else, solid Alder body, Quarter Sawn Maple neck with Birdseye Maple Fretboard. Strings pass through the nut almost perfectly straight to avoid getting caught up on the nut (tuning stability is the best I've ever seen with a twelve string). Pickups are also quite different for a twelve, they use three Mini Humbuckers.( Righteous Sound built to Pinter's specs) and sound fantastic. Was skeptical about the Pinter, it's price and looks, then after having hands on it was extremely impressed. Would be fantastic to see one of these in a shoot-out with the Rick, both built so different, one a new kid on the block vs the the 'Original'.
Appreciate the video and hard work put into it. Cheers
I have been stressing out over 12 string electrics for the past few weeks. I didn’t think I could afford the Rickenbacker, so I’ve looked at the Gretch and the Guild Starfire which is what Pat Metheny plays. However, listening to your video, I think there is is a reason that Petty, McGuin, and Harrison all played the Rick. It’s got a tone that cannot be matched. You did save me some money though, because I was looking at 360’s and I know now that the cheaper 330 will do. Thanks!
Hi, There were comments about how much EQ in the signal chain/amplification affects the resulting sound of a given brand and model of instrument. This is absolutely true. Whether it's EQ or some other part of the signal chain/amplification, there are a number of things that can affect the sound of an instrument being amplified. However, in audio amplification, things that color the sound of a musical instrument generally have altered the instrument's music signal waveform. EQing smears, alters, part of that music signal waveform, to achieve that end result. There is nothing wrong with working your signal chain, to achieve results you prefer. But, when doing a shootout between different brands and models of 12 string electrics, it is best done with as little alteration as possible to each guitar's natural music signal. That way, it puts the instruments on a level playing field, where you can best compare their natural attributes, strengths, & weaknesses. The choice of a Vox A/C 15 amp was very good for this shootout, because it is a Class A amp, noted for very accurate reproduction.
All guitars used the same EQ settings on the amp. No EQ was used at first. The video shows when post-recording EQ was added and what it was.
Gretsch G5422G-12 is my fav and had a chance to play it......butter on toast!!🤩
The small knob is a pan control which only functions when the bat switch has both pickups engaged, the middle position.
I might has missed something, but did you use any compressor? This is seen as essential in getting "the sound". For instance, when McGuinn had his signature Rickenbacker made, a compressor wa built into it.
I didn’t. Maybe I should have!! Lol
How often are you really going to play an electric 12 string? I have a Cozart on which I had to finish the neck (Tung Oil) and replace the tuners (found some on sale at StewMac). It's now very playable and cost less than the Dano. The Dano sounded thin and tinny compared to the Gretsch and Ric. To me, those 2 sounded quite similar. Rics are beautiful guitars (I used to own a 620) but rather pricey. For the money, I'd go with the Gretsch, knowing that it was only going to get occasional playing time...
I wish you'd included Guild, & perhaps a Chinese knockoff...
...great review though. Love the way you spliced the demo's directly together rocks! 👏🏼👏🏼
Great presentation. I got a used 360 12 for not a lot more than the Gretsch. Just add a AC15 & a Janglebox & your in 12 string heaven.
you've got a 360-12 and an AC 15, do you even need the Janglebox? Just curious.
@@TvProf53 don’t need it, but it brings the sound closer to those 60’s records.
Jangle a-plenty!
By the end of the video, I just wanted to hear him play the Gretsch. The arch back and top seemed to really make a difference even though the Rickenbacker is considered better.
Curious why you didn't include a Reverend Airwave 12 in this review. That's the electric 12-string I'm looking for.
I wish I would have had one to try!
I have both a Dano and a Ric 12 string., albeit a Chinese Dano and a 330 Ric. I liked the Dano a good deal for the price (less than $200). It has a different but not terribly inferior sound. However I found that it had 4 issues.
As noted here the lipsticks are fearsome in the treble area, which with the 12 string overloads and needs backing off the tone a to get any balance. However using flatwounds helped a huge amount.
Secondly it was a bit of a neck-diver, but a fairly wide strap mitigated the worst of it.
I found it has tuning stability issues. I think the bolt on neck and the plywood and MFD construction are a little unstable with all that tension coming from 12 strings, because I found a light gauge (9-42) actually improved tuning stability which is not my usual experience with guitars. Replacing the pot metal bridge and the tuners (which aren't great though are probably better on the newer Korean Danos) might help, but then I'm spending nearly as much as the guitar cost in the first place!
Finally, mine came with jumbo frets, and I feel this causes serious issues with intonation, especially on the octaved strings. The Ric has tiny mandolin style frets and while shredders and bluesy-benders might hate them (aiding Rics' reputations as rhythm guitars) I think they're vital for a 12 string.
The Ric certainly stands head and shoulders above it really, as it should for the price, the build quality is fantastic and it gets that sound right out of the box, even with the modern "hi gain" pickups. It takes flats or rounds pretty well and holds tuning pretty good.
Other than the price (though I paid well below 2 grand for mine) the main drawback is the super thin neck, it does take some getting used to, but if you're into arpeggios and cross-picking, the relatively close spacing at the bridge makes that sort of style a little easier. The swapping of the string positions on the Rick doesn't really make that much difference as far as I can tell - a lot of debate is had over the difference, but going back and forth between the Ric and the Dano (which is strung traditionally) it seems a minor thing - pickups, playing style, and control settings and amp make a much bigger difference in terms of sound. The other disadvantage for the Ric is the 6 saddle bridge as opposed to the 12 saddle on the Dano, which is a big deal for some but I've found careful matching of the gauges between the bass and octave can smooth this out pretty well anyway, and as I noted, in my experience the frets on the Dano cause more intonation issues than the bridge on the Ric anyhow.
I have the Gretsch Walnut Stain and I love it. Great video! The Ric did sound the best.
If you are considering these 3 also take a look at the Reverend Airwave 12.
Good job-I have that Rick and Danelectro and the Epiphone Riviera 12- I think the Rick is not versatile but has The Sound- the Dan is as u described - the Epi is somewhat like your Gretsch.
You CAN intonate all 12 strings separately on the Rickenbacker IF you purchase the 12-saddle bridge.
I just bought a used Eastwood Classic 12; I like the tone and it's priced like the Danelectro, but the build has a few cosmetic rough spots. I'll keep an eye out for a used Gretsch. I love my 5410.
I also bought the Gretch, and very pleased indeed I am with it, it comes very close to the Rikenbacker sound, and that is good enough for me, also the guy didn't try them without being amped up,, and I have to tell you that the Grerch is fantastic, on its own, without being amped up, enjoy, if you do decide on the Grerch...peace out ❤❤😂🎉😮
Surprised you didn't include the REVEREND AIRWAVE as its price point is between the Gretch and the Rick.
What about GUILD, DEAN, FENDER and VOX?
The Gretsch might benefit from HS Filtertrons to cut the mids. They’re pretty close to TV Jones classics. I’d like to hear that Dano through a Deluxe reverb. The Ric? I am not worthy! Thanks for this comprehensive review.
The Dano 12-string sounds much better than the demo in this video. I’ve owned both.
I wonder how the Dano would sound if there was a nut and bridge available where you could switch around the order of the strings? And the mystery knob on the Rick. Harrison mentioned it somewhere and he said he never figured out what it was for. Fast forward decades, and Tom Petty explained it to him. Why he never called the factory is a mystery.
The Dano sounds paper-thin while the other two sound pretty darn close to each other, with the Rick sounding slightly better than the Gretsch, but they both have depth and warmth. I've had a Gretsch 12'er for a few years and really like it. It cost $700 used in like-new condition (Still had the factory strings on it). I'm mostly a Tele guy, but I love that Byrds and West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band '60s psych stuff with 12-string jangle. The Gretsch sounds good for overdubs if it needs that spacey fairy-dust sound. I've found that the 12-String sounds really good through a Twin Reverb, which gives it the clarity it needs to really shine. With a smaller lower wattage amp (10-40 watts) it almost distorts too much and you hear more amp than guitar. I'd probably like a Rick, but for the small percentage of time I play 12-string guitar I'll stick with the Gretsch. I also love the feel of a hollow-body archtop. It's kind of neck-heavy, so I used an adapter from Martin to put the strap around the headstock Johnny Cash style and problem solved. I'd also be interested in hearing the Fender XII, and more recently they came out with a Squire Jazzmaster 12. The Beach Boys and The Smiths also used a lot of 12-string guitars on their recordings but maybe not so much on stage. But remember Rickenbacker gave the first two 12-string electrics ever made to The Beatles, who started it all.
Really useful video. These are the 3 that matter to me. I think the Gretsch will do . Little muddy below, picking single notes is more difficult, but it sounds good enough. I don't expect the perfect sound , because of the price of it. But the Danelectro is just not the sound I'm looking for. I'll save some more money and wait.
This specific Danelectro doesn't sound at ALL like mine... I believe there is a wiring issue with it, as mine is bright but much fuller than this one. I also have a Gretsch 5420 with these pickups (but just 6 strings) and My Dan DC59-12 has as much low end as it does.
@@garystackhouse5787 Thanks. In the meanwhile I changed my view. Danelectros seem to be great for the price. Half price of the Gretsch. Dano vintage 12 looks promising.
Great Video Gretsch to me was the best sound and best looking so I bought one
Thank you. Great presentation 🙂👍🏻
Nice review but I don't think the comparison was totally fair. I have a Dano 12 and I've had some other 12s (not a Ricky though) and one thing I've found is that EQ on the amp is critically important to dialing in the best sound for each guitar. With a little more EQ that Dano could have sounded way better. I know mine does. Although the Ricky does a better job of sounding like a Harrison or McGuinn recording, I think if you gave McGuinn a Dano or Gretsch, and EQed it properly, you would be hard pressed to tell the difference, especially in a band mix. Recording is another story altogether, but live the Dano is the best choice in my opinion.
No offense to you, because I think you did a great job with this video, but I have a bone to pick with all these guitar comparisons on RUclips which think they're doing the most "scientific" comparison by keeping the amp on the same settings for all the guitars. The reason we have EQ, and different amps, and pedals is that every guitar has unique needs to make them sound their best. I give you credit for at least trying to use EQ to shape each guitar. But I know from my own experience that the Dano has a very good sound if you pair it with the right amp and at the right settings.
A little compression does wonders on a 12-string.