Pete’s Gear: Rickenbacker 12-string (1980)

Pete Townshend used a JetGlo 12-string Rickenbacker of unknown model or vintage (appears to be a Rose, Morris, Co., Ltd., model 1993; dot neck, double body binding, all-black control knobs) on at least two occasions in 1980: at Grugahalle, Essen, German, 27 March, 1980, for Substitute and I Can’t Explain, and at Zurcher Hallenstadion, in Zürich, Switzerland, 28 March, 1980, likely for Substitute and I Can’t Explain. (It is confirmed that he did not use it on 26 March or 1 March, leaving 30 March and 31 March as possible other dates he used this guitar on the European tour.) As a stage guitar, it was likely a non-vintage model. (It is not the 1964 330S/12 that was used in the recording of Face Dances, which was originally Fireglo, but later refinished (note the truss rod cover).)

Resources and Information

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the following:

• Siege
• Many thanks to Dr. Jazz – A Historical Picture Gallery (drjazz.ch) for the use of these photos.

Additional info

• Björn Eriksson’s Rickenbacker Info: rickbeat.com.
• Vintage Guitars Info: guitarhq.com/rick.html.
• Rickenbacker Registration: rickresource.com.
• alt.guitar.rickenbacker FAQ: faqs.org/faqs/music/guitars/rickenbacker/