Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

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scoobster28
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Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by scoobster28 »

While reading the Tony Bacon 12-String guitar book, he mentioned a prototype for the Carl Wilson LE guitar. It was supposed to be in the 260 body shape, was black with lots of checkerboard binding, and some other non-vintage features (pickups, etc.). Apparently, when Carl Wilson became sick with cancer the plans for the guitar were changed and his sons worked with RIC to design a more vintage 1960s model that is the 360/12CW.

I had never heard about this before, and wondered if anyone had more information or pictures of the original prototype.
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jsm610
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by jsm610 »

I have pictures of it somewhere. Checkerboard headstock binding also.... Will look..
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by scoobster28 »

Thanks.
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by scoobster28 »

Did you ever find the pictures.
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sloop_john_b
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by sloop_john_b »

I could swear I saw it too but I can't find a photo of it now. It was maybe from a recent photo or video in the RIC museum?
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

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Was it the Fender inspired prototype designed by Roger Rossmeisl , of Rickenbacker fame in 1972?
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scoobster28
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by scoobster28 »

I just found this link online: http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/ ... 847.0.html

Perhaps this is where people saw the pictures?
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by admin »

Thanks for this. Very interesting. I am, however, glad they went with the 360 shape. :)
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by scoobster28 »

I bought a 360/12CW as my first Rickenbacker, and sadly traded it away. Seller's/trader's remorse. It was a fantastic guitar.
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by sloop_john_b »

Ah, thats it! Good find!
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electrofaro
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by electrofaro »

Thanks for that link! I think the one with binding and regular P/Us is not that bad. The front one is though :D
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electrofaro
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by electrofaro »

I only now noticed it has HBs and a black pickguard with the control on them!
cwr5.jpg
'67 Fender Coronado II CAB * '17 1963 ES-335 PB * currently rickless
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Re: Carl Wilson LE - 260 body shape

Post by electrofaro »

Just looking at those pictures again... both are bolt-on necks, too. Therefore basically not that far from a 200 series guitar, really, right?
'67 Fender Coronado II CAB * '17 1963 ES-335 PB * currently rickless
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