John Lennon's usage of his 325s during "Beatles for Sale"

[JakeK]

We all know that John had fours 325s: his '58, his '64 325/6, a 325/12 and a RM1996. As we've discussed elsewhere, sightings are confused with actual usage.

I've seen John spotted in the studio with his 325/12 during the "Beatles for Sale" sessions. Which song could he have possibly used the guitar on? I'm thinking "Every Little Thing", as it doesn't sound like George's 360/12OS, but I maybe wrong. I don't think he used his 325/6 that much either during "Beatles for Sale", as most of the songs are featured with his Gibson J-160E. "She's a Woman" and "Kansas City" are the only ones I think the 325/6 made it on.

I remember when I was younger, I read on a forum this HUGE debate on weither John played and the feedback was caused by either his 325/6 or his J-160E. Obviously it was the J-160E, as Paul remembers that one as the guitar that caused the feedback and the guitar he played on the song.

I'm also wondering if the RM1996 may have made it onto any recordings. It would have had to have made an appearance on "Help!" which I doubt it did, as I'm sure John was breaking in his new Strat.

[lyle_from_minneapolis]

Hmm. Was the intro/outro to "Eight Days a Week" definitively George?...

[lennon211]

This seems like something for the Beatles forum.

I'm gonna say that, to me, there's some pretty clear usage of both the 325/12 and the 325, in addition to the heavy use of the J160E. I'll have to go back through song by song for more specifics.

[deaconblues]

Isn't there a doubling of twelves on Words of Love?

[JakeK]

George probably double-tracked his 360/12OS

[ric325v63]

I'm pretty sure there are no 12 strings on Words Of Love. There's been much discussion and most people say no 12. You can't hear the octaves that should be there.

I vote (with my ears) that John used the 325/12 on Every Little Thing. The timbre is quite different from George's 360s and it seems to be not in tune all the time.

Jon

[tennis_nick]

I'm pretty sure there are no 12 strings on Words Of Love. There's been much discussion and most people say no 12. You can't hear the octaves that should be there.

I vote (with my ears) that John used the 325/12 on Every Little Thing. The timbre is quite different from George's 360s and it seems to be not in tune all the time.

Jon

You don't think Words of Love is a 12? I can't imagine it being anything but, I will have another listen just to check it out, but to me it sounds like the definitive sound of his 12 string... maybe he's just using more downstrokes than upstrokes? When I borrowed my buddies 12 string acoustic I amused myself changing between a 12 string sound to playing lead lines using only the fundamental strings, thus giving the listener the aural illusion of me playing a 6 string!

[Scastles]

It's not a 12. It's either the Gretsch or Fender double tracked. I was under the misconception is was a 12 myself.

[ric325v63]

I would say it's the Gretsch Tenny double tracked. Try to find the octaves - they are not there.

Jon

[Scastles]

Good point, Jon, the missing ocataves. Just by listening to WOL and then give a listen to "What You're Doing", which is a dominate 12, you can tell the difference.

[ric325v63]

Thanks. I've been in quite a few good discussions about WOL. By the way, even though "What You're Doing" is not everyone's favorite song, I just love it to death because the 12 is totally in your face and just slaps you around - especially the solo, I love it! Jon

[Scastles]

WYD is a pretty typical McCartney penned song for the period, but the 12 opening/sustaining riff and lead do wonders for it, (and also the kettle drums. )

[JakeK]

It's not a 12. It's either the Gretsch or Fender double tracked. I was under the misconception is was a 12 myself.

George did not own his Fender until February 1965. Words of Love was recorded on 18 October, 1964. It was the Tenny, now that I've had another listen.

[Scastles]

Right, Jake, my goof on the Fender. '64 and '65 are a blur to me.

[tennis_nick]

I had a listen to it again, it is indeed missing octaves! funny how I never noticed that!

It would sound particularly good on a 12 though!