Carl Wilson Limited Edition

[wmthor]

From Wikipedia:

360/12CW - Carl Wilson limited edition. This was a replica of a 1965 rounded top 360/12. Unlike the standard 360/12, this limited edition featured a 21-fret neck, "toaster" pickups and full-width inlays. Unlike any 360/12, this guitar had a very special thin top for increased performance (acoustically or electrically). A .0049 treble cap was included as well. Limited edition of 500 guitars. There were 250 fireglo and jetglo 6 strings, 250 fireglo and jetglo 12-strings (500 guitars total). Produced throughout the year 2000.

Is this information regarding production correct? That is, were there exactly 250 6-strings and 250 12-strings? Also, I wonder how many were jetglos. I do know that John Hall posted some time ago over on the Rickenbacker Forum that 7 leftys were produced, three 6 strings and four 12 strings (one of which I have).

[lennon211]

That seems correct based on what I've heard. I'd add to that the facts that the tops were typically crafted from highly figured wood.

[krick]

I don't think that 250/250 "breakdown" is correct. I believe RIC produced these as their dealers ordered them with the only limit being the total of 500. IIRC. all were spoken for within about 3 weeks of being announced.

Based on what I have seen, Fireglo versions outnumber Jetglo ones by a wide margin. I would also say that a majority of the CW models have 12 strings.

The CW list on the "Register" reflects these theories. It currently shows a total of 57 listed of which 49 are FG and only 8 JG. 12 string version outnumber 6 strings 31 to 26 on the list.

[chronictown]

I tend to keep an eye on these models as they come up for sale, and as a very rough estimate I'd say out of any given 10, ~6-7 are 12-strings and ~8-9 are fireglos (although JG 12s seem to be the scarcest of the lot). Figuring among the FGs also varies considerably, from very plain to crazy swimming pool-like patterns as seen on those owned by the JWs (Joe Walsh and JWilli, that is )

[scoobster28]

The breakdown is not correct. I once asked John Hall many years ago for the actual breakdown of the 500 models, and he kindly replied to my request. He did specify in the email that the data was not public and that I should not reveal it myself, but that it was just for my own personal information. Perhaps he would like to comment on the breakdown himself, or someday Rickenbacker will officially release the data. I have the email at home (and I am at work now), but if memory serves me correct than the 250/250 is not accurate.

[chronictown]

Thanks for that info, Ben. My guess is that the FG/12 is the predominant model in the breakdown because of Carl's actual usage of this model (...and did he actually ever play a 6-string Rickenbacker, or even a jetglo Rick for that matter?).

I wish they'd made a few in mapleglo to take full advantage of that beautiful wood that was used. I bet there are more than a few jetglo CWs hiding some highly charactered maple.

[krick]

Chris, Re: Mapleglo CW models. I found this statement from John Hall on the RIC Forum:

"Further notes of possible interest: one each of the 6 and 12 string in Mapleglo still remain unsold in our inventory, and there are six guitars of the series remaining to be produced."

This was posted in 2006.

[chronictown]

Wow...I had no idea Thought the last ones rolled off the line in 2001. And a couple in mapleglo as well...anyone know what became of these?

[shamustwin]

Wow...I had no idea Thought the last ones rolled off the line in 2001. And a couple in mapleglo as well...anyone know what became of these?

Who wants to bet the wood on the MG CW's is probably very nice?