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2000 Rickenbacker Model 360/12CW 'Carl Wilson'

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SN#: 0023896, stamped on jackplate. Build date: June, 2000.

Body size at lower bout: 15". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 10/16" Neck depth, 1st/12th frets: .89/.90

Materials: Solid maple body and neck; solid Pernambuco fingerboard with pearloid inlay.

Hardware: All-original chrome hardware includes twin Rickenbacker 'Toaster Top' single coil pickups; 'R' logo trapeze tailpiece; compensated adjustable 6 saddle bridge; Kluson Deluxe tuners; 3 way pickup selector switch; volume and tone controls; master EQ control. Additional metallic gold bi-level pickguard and truss rod cover installed, original CW autograph guard and cover included.

Notes: Rickenbacker's iconic 12 string electric was the defining sound of 60's folk rock. Roger McGuinn of the Byrds made it a legend. But for Carl Wilson, shaping the sound of the Beach Boys, it was his secret weapon.

Competing in a field of giants, California based Rickenbacker Guitars built their reputation on relentless innovation, always seeking a viable niche in a crowded musical industry. In an era when acoustic guitars reigned supreme, the scrappy startup put all their chips on a truly disruptive technology: amplified instruments. In 1932, their pioneering 'fry-pan' aluminum lap steels were the first commercially produced electric guitars, followed by instruments of Bakelite, along with electric bass viols and violins.

Battling Gibson and Fender's dominance in the market was an uphill fight, until Rickenbacker's renowned model 360/12 string electric finally hit the sweet spot, with a timely pitch to Beatle George Harrison in 1964. Within a matter of months both McGuinn and Wilson had adopted the 360/12 as well, with its inimitable jangly voice, perfectly designed to cut through a busy rhythm section. Wilson continued to play his Ricky on and off until his untimely passing in 1998, at which point Rickenbacker issued this commemorative model, as a tribute to this legendary performer. Christened the 360/12CW, the reissue was built in a limited edition of 500 examples, with a portion of the proceeds dedicated to supporting the work of the Carl Wilson Foundation.

Built with a specially thinned soundboard to enhance its acoustic response, the 360/12CW has a 21 fret neck, and scatter wound 'Toaster Top' single coil pickups, whose brilliant clear trebles have enhanced countless recordings for over half a century. Finished in Rickenbacker's signature 'Jetglo' ebony lacquer, the CW has vintage style touches including checkerboard binding, pearloid wedge fingerboard inlays, and a vintage reissue silver Tolex rectangular hardshell case.

Numbered #226 of the series, this gleaming example from the first year of production weighs in at just 6lb 11oz, nicely lightweight and well balanced on the lap or the strap. Rickenbacker innovations include twin truss rods for precise fingerboard relief, an adjustable height bi-level pickguard, and a unique fifth control knob that further refines the tonal and volume balance of the pickups.

The instrument has been maintained in brilliant condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a few incidental lacquer nicks, the instrument appears virtually unplayed, with all metal plating bright and shiny. The neck is slim and gently rounded in a C profile, playing effortlessly, with smooth low action over fine original medium frets, and a fresh high precision setup. (An additional graphite nut has been installed, with the original nut included in the case.) The instrument is supplied with its original Certificate Of Authenticity, and an additional truss rod cover and pickguard, stamped with Wilson's autograph are included as well.

Nothing can summon the sound of '60s California like a Ricky 12, and this brilliant example is a fitting tribute to the man who brought the jangle to the most creative harmony group in rock history. One only, call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge conditioned; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with light gauge nickel wound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with light neck relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

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