For lovers of the 360/12 Carl Wilson

[kiramdear]

What's your experience with these signature models? What do you think accounts for the high regard that they have earned? Some even say they are the best sounding Rick 12 stringers ever.

I know that the thinner face is one aspect of it, and contributes to the CW's beautiful acoustic quality. But is this the whole story?

[wmthor]

I guess I'm spoiled as the 360/12 CW was my first twelve string.

[deaconblues]

For me:

-The 21 fret look trumps the modern models every time.
-The CW is the most affordable 21 fret reissue. A Roger McGuinn will set you back nearly as much as a vintage 360/12!
-Thin top, as mentioned.
-Scatterwound pickups
-Have you seen the grain on some of these?!?

I don't like the clunky headstocks on these, though. And it wasn't the best period for FG. But definitely in consideration to be my replacement 12-string for the 360/12MB I sold...whenever I get the money to do so.

[stringsncords]

I've never seen one that I didn't like; 6-string or 12-string.

And, I was recently lucky enough to acquire a 12-string to partner up with my 6-string.

If you're a 360 or 330 player, the thin top and lighter weight just make a CW feel really sleek, kinda like getting behind the wheel of a finely-tuned Mercedes sports car after just getting out of a Chevy SUV (not that there's anything wrong with that!)

The sound is superb (even when unplugged!), the necks feel amazing, and they're really beautiful to see up close. And, the fact that there is only 500 of them in the world just make them very special, indeed.

[sloop_john_b]

I had a 6'er for a while and it was an awesome guitar in every regard. Another plus is that the neck tenon is longer on these, which I'd imagine would keep the neck angle on the 12'ers in a good place for a long time.

My 6'er was a JG. I have never been a fan of the Fireglo finishes on these or the ultra-quilted/flamey wood.

[jps]

My 6'er was a JG. I have never been a fan of the Fireglo finishes on these or the ultra-quilted/flamey wood.

Then you definitely won't like the one my friend in Philly has, the former John Williams 12er.

[sloop_john_b]

Mmmhmm.

[JakeK]

Man, all these photos and talk about a CW has got me jonesin' for one. It is the ONLY guitar I would ever sell/trade my V64 for.

[scoobster28]

I owned one. It was, in one word, beautiful. Currently it is in the loving hands of Paul (JingleJangle), who can use her for what she was designed for. With me, she just sat in her case because I was too afraid to touch her, much less play her.

I bought it being a big Beach Boys fan, and at the time I graduated HS and had money there were several in the local guitar store. Tried several, along with regular 360/12s, got a fantastic deal on the CW, and she came home with me.

Someday, maybe I will get another, or buy her back. Still, I fear she would just sit in her case...

[JakeK]

Ben, I think the guitar for you would be the 360/12V64. It's like the CW, except with a thicker top, doublebound body and hotter pickups, but it can stand the use of everyday play and wear. Plus, they are easily replaceable compared to the CW.