The Rickenbacker 370/12RM Roger McGuinn Limited Edition is based on the classic model used on a number of influential recordings. This FireGlo example is number 283 of 1,000 built, and the included Certificate of Authenticity signed by Roger McGuinn and dated to September 14, 1998. This limited run was launched in December 1997, and ended at the 1,000th guitar.

Starting with the stock three-pickup, thinline hollowbody 370/12 with 22 frets, the Rickenbacker 370/12RM Roger McGuinn Limited Edition has the added ‘E1’ option which adds a six-position active tone and compression switch in place of the tone controls. The controls include a three-way pickup selector, a master volume, three individual volume controls, and the six-position selector. The tone / compressor circuit is active, powered by a standard 9v battery under the pickguard and switched on by the ‘Standard’ or mono jack. This model also comes stock with a 12-saddle bridge, which includes the cover.

The six-position E1 switch has the following settings:

• Low Tone
• Medium Tone
• Normal Tone
• Dark Compression
• Normal Compression
• Bright Boost with Compression

This example is in very good clean and original condition with no significant wear. It plays well and the tone / compressor circuit sounds quite good.

The original Rickenbacker hard shell case by G&G – not the modern Ric Molded model – is included and contains the original manuals and COA.

Here’s the original announcement of the Rickenbacker 370/12RM Roger McGuinn Limited Edition:

“Santa Ana, California (December 1, 1987)

Rickenbacker International Corporation announces the acceptance of orders for the Rickenbacker 370/12RM Roger McGuinn Limited Edition. The instrument is similar to the twelve string guitar Roger McGuinn used during his days with the quintessential rock group the Byrds, which helped mold the sound of the 1960’s. The company has introduced its newest limited edition as the “Secret Weapon on the 60’s” because it contains customized electronics and circuitry which Roger developed and installed in his original instruments to produce the distinctive sound which set a standard for twelve string guitars and survives in today’s music. The customized electronics is being offered for the first time by Rickenbacker.

The handmade instrument offers a number of features which make it stand out in the Rickenbacker product line including a hand shaped 1960’s style “fast action” neck; 21 fret full inlaid rosewood fingerboard; three vintage Toaster Top™pickups; semi hollow body and neck made from solid maple; Rickenbacker’s exclusive dual truss rod system; the revolutionary 12 string bridge; checker board binding; plus, Roger’s customized electronics and circuitry. The instrument is available in Mapleglo, Fireglo and Jetglo.

Roger McGuinn has authorized the Company to manufacture 1000 of these unique instruments world wide. The guitars will be individually numbered and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Origin hand signed by Rickenbacker President, Mr. John Hall. [Now Chairman and Chief Executive Officer] The first 250 certificates will be signed by Roger McGuinn.

“I haven’t been so excited about a guitar in years. This guitar is hand made in America and incorporates some features that I’ve always wanted but haven’t been able to find until now. The active circuit faithfully reproduces the sound that we used to take hours to perfect in the studio. The 12 saddle bridge allows for perfect intonation up the neck. I hope you enjoy playing it as much I do.”

-Roger McGuinn

The Company will officially introduce the instrument at the 1988 Winter NAMM show in January. The list price is $1,399, with a custom hardshell case at $129. An optional version without enhanced electronics is available at $1,299. Instrument numbers will be assigned as orders are received.”