Rickenbacker 360/12CW Carl Wilson Limited Edition

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Rickenbacker  
 360/12CW Carl Wilson Limited Edition
84%
Overall
Features9
Sounds9
Finish8
Reliability8
Overall8
Taken from 1 review
Submitted by: Jason on 15 February 2005
PricePaid: 1600 USD (S/H)
Purchased From: N/A
Model Year: 2000

Features: [9]
This is the Rickenbacker Carl Wilson signature model - it was available in 6 and 12 string versions. This is the 12 string one. Mine is the Fireglow finish although it was also available as jetglow.

Very similar to the 360 model as produced in 1965. It has the thinner top for better acoustic sound.

As you'd expect from a vintage spec it's got the square heel and two scatter wound vintage-style Toaster Top pickups with 7.4K ohm coils. It has dual mono parallel output.

It also comes with a vintage reissue silver tolex guitar case.

There was a limited run of these guitars - 500 in total. That's 250 6 string and 250 12 string. They came with individually numbered certificates of authenticity.

Carl Wilson's signature reproduced on the upper pickguard and it has checked body binding.

Sounds: [9]
I was looking for that Rickenbacker jangle and this is it!

The Byrds, Beatles - Beach Boys (obviously), etc - this guitar has that sound.

With the blend knob you can get the sound that's just right for you.

Action, Fit & Finish: [8]
Fireglow is an excellent finish that just says "RICKENBACKER". I must admit I prefer it over the Jetglow.

The body of this is a lovely flamed maple. It's a little more understated than some I've seen but suits me just fine. The back contains the most flame and looks stunning.

The action was set up quite low (with no buzz) - as it is second hand I can't tell if this left the factory like this or has been set up by a tech.

Reliability & Durability: [8]
There are a few minor marks on the back as I did buy this guitar used. It's a semi so you need to take a little more care with it but it is well built.

They probably look more fragile than they really are.

One thing worth noting is they are a bit top heavy - obviously ue to the amount of harware (tuners).

Overall Rating: [8]
A 12 string was a bit of a luxury for me as I don't use them that often. But if I was going to get one it had to be right. I am very pleased with this guitar.

I'd recommend this guitar to anyone looking for a good 12 string. That's if you can find one anymore. If mine were lost/stolen I'd probably have a hell of a job finding another.

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