Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

This page has a photo of Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks during the 'SMiLE' recording (and songwriting?) sessions with Van Dyke playing what looks like it could be Carl's guitar ...

http://www.smileproductions.com/photos1.html

(You'll need to scroll down a bit ... unfortunately, the page is listing the photos as "for sale", so there's a big "SAMPLE" printed over them, partially obscuring the photos.)

I can't think of any actual use of 12-string guitar on any of the songs recorded for the ill-fated unreleased 'SMiLE' album, though. ... only the fuzz banjo on "Cabinessence".

There are a few pictures from the "Good Vibrations:BB 30th Anniversery" Box Set and from the back of "Pet Sounds" of the Beach Boys live. They are of Carl and Al . It seems that that guitar was played by everyone because the two of them switched instruments back and fourth for different songs, and Parks probably played around with the Rick as well. Unfourtunately, the guitar itself isn't heard on many of their recordings. Carl usually preferred to use a Fender 12 or a Gibson ES335-12 when he did use a 12 string guitar. However, I did get to see one of the BB performances (7/3/97) before Carl passed away and he played a MG 360/12 on their finale "Surfin' USA" . That was one awesome night!

Doug and Stephen: Here are a few photos of Carl Wilson and his Rickenbacker 360/12 and 330/12.