Here's the gem on the crown of Beatles guitars! George's first 12 string Rick, the guitar that would show the paths to 60's music, was given to him in february 1964, during the Beatles first US visit. The wonderful fireglo guitar (an exemplar of which I'm lucky enough to have) was used until late 1965 ("Ticket to ride" sessions), when George got a new model, but was kept in the collection until the end. This guitar has a special head, which holds the 12 string in such way that, when looking the instrument, one might think it only has 6 strings. It was a very important sound on the beatlemania sound, and is still often quoted as one of the Beatles trade marks. Whenever we hear a 12 string guitar, we know a beatlefan passed by. Roger McGuinn of The Byrds was heavily influenced by this instrument, and become a master on it himself. On a more amateurish level, I should mention myself... It wasn't easy at all, because it's not a very common nor cheap instrument, but I managed to get me one, just like George's. |
George and Paul tune their guitars together. |