In the 1960s, the distinct sound of the Rickenbacker 12-string became a hallmark of rock and pop music. Bands like The Beatles, The Byrds, The Who, and later, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (as well as R.E.M) used Rickenbacker 12-strings to craft instantly-recognizable sounds. Rickenbacker continues to build 12-string models, borrowing from the best of the original '60s designs, while also introducing innovative new features that fit the needs of modern guitarists.
The 1993 Plus was the result of a collaboration with Pete Townsend who asked Rickenbacker to revitalize and revamp his beloved Model 1993. The result is a semi-hollow body with a 12-string neck that is 1/8" wider than previous Rickenbackers. That puts the nut width at 1-3/4," so there's plenty of room to stretch out on the fingerboard. For pickups, the 1993 Plus sports three vintage reissue Toaster Top single-coil pickups. In combination with the all-maple, semi-hollow construction, the 1993 Plus produces the classic, jangly Rickenbacker 12-string sound, but with wider range and improved playability.
This Mapleglo 1993 Plus was made in 2023, and it is about as clean as you could ask a used guitar to be. Inspired by his rock heroes, the previous owner purchased it brand new, but ultimately the 12-string just wasn't his thing. Because of that, this 2023 1993 Plus is a great opportunity to get into a gently-used Rickenbacker 12-string at a great price. It includes its original case, hang tag, and paperwork.
Unlike other 12-string guitars where the octave strings are placed above the main strings, Rickenbacker placed them below, which contributes to their distinctive sound. The best 12-strings of '60s all were made with Toaster pickups, and these overwound single coils provide the bright, jangly sound that became synonymous with Rickenbacker. A subtle nod to the early '60s originals, the 1993 Plus has a traditional f-hole, instead of the wild pointy triangle that came later.