The Original Beach Boys |
Jan and Dean |
The instrumental surf bands were great, however the other part of surf music were the vocal bands. Most of these groups yielded only one hit wonders. Jan and Dean stand out as an exception and had sixteen hit records from 1959 to 1966. Both were singers, and did not play instruments in their concerts.
The Rip Chords |
Another surf band of this era was The Rip Chords. They had a hit with "Hey Little Cobra". Ironically Bruce Johnson, who would go on to become one of the Beach Boys, was a member of this group.
The Hondells |
The Hondells started out in the studio, as a fictitious band. They were later assembled with real perfomers after their version of Little Honda became a national hit. Studio musician Chuck Girard sang the vocals on the recording, and members of the Wrecking Crew provided the instrumental support. Girard later to become a well-known Christian singer-songwriter, and member of the Christian band, Love Song. The Hondells appeared in several of the surf based teen movies of the day.
The Beach Boys |
But by far the most famous vocal surf group was The Beach Boys. After five decades, their music still has a strong following with concert goers of all ages.
The Wilson brothers grew up in a Hawthorne California bungalow in the 1950’s.
Audree and Murray Wilson |
The father of the three Wilson brothers, Murray Wilson, was injured in an industrial accident and lost an eye. During his long recuperation he began writing music, and came out with a couple of popular songs. This launched his career in the music business.
The Wilson brothers at their home |
Brian also enjoyed listening to the popular music of the day, which included recordings by The Four Freshman, and the hit records by the Ronettes, the Crystals, and Darlene Love.
Brian had this amazing inherent ability to hear the different parts of each vocal, and each instrumental segment. This gave him the skill to dissect each musical line in his head. Some study at a music conservatory for years to develop this craft. Brian was blessed with this gift.
Brian shared a bedroom with his brothers Dennis, and Carl, and for fun he recruited them, neighbor David Marks, and the Wilson's cousin, Mike Love, as well as friend Alan Jardine, to sing harmonies on the songs that he loved. The Wilson boys would even sing in harmony for their family gatherings.
Later on Brian received a reel-to-reel tape recorder and learned how to overdub vocals. This lead to further recording adventures.
Beach Boys - Torrence High School 1962 |
Another version states that Al Jardine's mother financed the equipment rental. This may be more plausible, since an adult would have to sign a rental agreement.
As Dennis was the only surfer in the group, and we can thank him for prodding Brian to write this song. If not for him, the Beach Boys may have been a long forgotten Folk music group.
By the time the parents arrived home from their trip, the father, Murray, was furious that the boys had used all the food money to rent instruments, until he listened to the recording and realized that his sons were very talented.
The Pendletones |
The Beach Boys - Candix Records |
The company had changed the name to The Beach Boys by one of the companies promoters without telling the group. At first the members disliked the name, but it stuck and their fame grew.
The Beach Boys "Surfin' Safari 1962 |
Their first hit was Surfin', later followed up by Surfin' Safari.
The Beach Boys on the Ed Sullivan Show |
Brian did not like to tour and was having some emotional and health issues. In 1964 he had a traumatic panic attack during a chartered flight. After that experience, he told the group that he could no longer perform, and wanted to stay home and write music. Around this same time, Al Jardine was dissatisfied with undergraduate school, wanted back in the music business. He was invited back to play bass guitar and sing Brian's vocal parts.
David Marks |
Glen Campbell as a Beach Boy |
A new bass player was recruited. The job fell briefly to Glen Campbell, and later in 1965 Bruce Johnston, officially became a Beach Boy.
Murray looks on as the boys play music |
During a recording session at Capitol Records, while Murray was barking orders, Brian shoved his father against a wall, fired him as the groups manager and ordered him to leave.
Pet Sounds - Their first album not about surf music or cars |
This was actually turned out to be a great move and it accounted for the groups longevity.
The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary tour |
Mike Love's Beach Boys |
Al Jardine and Carl Wilson |
Al Jardine, and Carl Wilson never claimed to be great guitarists, but they were certainly good enough to play in concert. Dennis Wilson life was all about having a good time. He was never a great drummer, but he could sure keep the beat, and kept the eyes of the ladies. Dennis also wrote some wonderful songs.
The Wrecking Crew |
I believe Brian's desire to create huge orchestrated productions of his songs stemmed from a desire he had in the back of his mind for many years. Brian always had a huge admiration for Phil Spector's production technique, and showed up at his recording sessions, just to watch Spector create his "Wall of Sound". Brian and his brothers also had a friendship with John Maus of the Walker Brothers. The Walker Brothers songs had backing arrangements similar to those Brian was about to develop.
The Pet Sounds album was a huge musical turning point in the Beach Boys career.
Brian coaches bassist Lyle Ritz. Drummer Jim Gordon in the back |
At first the "Wrecking Crew" was a derogatory slur given to this group of players by the "suits" that usually did the background music for Capitol Records arrangements. They thought these musicians were going to wreck the industry by playing pop music, instead of contributing their talent to recordings like Montavani's 1000 strings. Years later members of the "Wrecking Crew" embraced the term. You hear them play on literally thousands of popular hit songs from the 1960's through the 1980's, that were made by thousands of artists. None of the members ever got credit for their work.
These musicians loved working for Brian. His sessions were long, and the players were paid by the hour. Pet Sounds wound up costing over $70,000 to make and it was not at all financially successful.
At the time the fan base may not have understood the direction that The Beach Boys had taken. But it yielded four of The Beach Boys best songs; Wouldn't It Be Nice, Sloop John B, God Only Knows, and the mournful Caroline No (which lyricist Tony Asher originally wrote as "Carol, I Know", but Brian misunderstood). In an effort to recoup their money, Capitol Records did not wait long after the release of Pet Sounds, to release a compilation album called The Beach Boys Greatest Hits.
Bruce, Brian, Al, and Dennis record vocals |
Brian working with Hal Blaine |
The Beach Boys (The Pendletones) |
We’d just have to get new ones, so I don’t have a clue where they are.. So through the Sixties we’d just keep recycling them.”
However we do know about some of the guitars that The Beach Boys used.
Carl took guitar lessons at an accordion studio near Hawthorne, and from a musician that lived in the area named John Maus. John was in a group called The Walker Brothers, and taught guitar out of his home which was a couple of blocks around the corner from the Wilson family home.
Carl with Rickenbacker model 360 |
1959 Carvin Electric guitar |
David Marks parents bought him a Sears Silvertone acoustic guitar in 1958. A year later he purchased a Carvin electric guitar from John Maus.
1959 Kay model K899OJC |
Carl acknowledged his first guitar was a Kay hollow body electric guitar that he received as a Christmas present. He played this guitar unplugged on the recording of Surfin’.
Carl '62 Stratocaster |
Once the record was released, the Beach Boys needed better equipment. Carl purchased a 1962 sunburst Fender Stratocaster, which he used briefly. Al Jardine was originally the bass player, and for a while played a stand-up string bass. This would figure, as Al was a fan of folk music. He is responsible for introducing the song, Sloop John B, which is properly titled, The John B. Sails. to Brian. If it was up to Al, the Beach Boys would have been a folk group.
We do not know what type of guitar Al used on early recordings, but due to the sound, we are fairly certain it was not a Fender.
Brian with his '62 Fender Precision Bass |
Brian’s first bass was a sunburst ‘62 Fender Precision Bass.
David Marks '62 Stratocaster |
When Al Jardine left the group to go to school and David Marks came back he was playing a Rickenbacker, before switching to a ‘62 Sunburst Fender Stratocaster.
The Beach Boys amplifiers |
Carl's '62 Jaguar and Al's '62 Stratocaster |
Later in 1962, Carl got his Olympic white Fender Jaguar. In 1963 Marks purchased a similar
instrument.
Carl with Rickenbacker 360/12 |
In 1964 Carl added a Fire Glow (red sunburst) Rickenbacker 360/12, that he used on some songs.
Beach Boys '63 Al with Gibson SG |
The Beach Boys 1964 Concert |
In 1964 both Carl and Al usually played through 1960-63 white tolex Fender Dual Showman amplifiers, and 1962 Fender stand-alone reverb units. They also used an Ampeg B-15 Portaflex bass amp.
At some concerts they used a Fender 1961-62 Bassman amp with a 1964 white Tolex cabinet.
Carl with Epiphone 12 |
Besides the 1963 white Jaguar and the fire glow Rickenbacker 360/12, Carl Wilson used some other guitars in concert. These include a sunburst Epiphone Rivera 12-string, that he used on Help Me Rhonda, and Sloop John B.
Carl Gibson ES-335 |
Carl also owned a Blonde Gibson ES-335, with a Bigsby that he purchased in 1970 from a friend for $300,
Carl - Gibson ES-335 12 string |
In addition to the Epiphone 12 string, Carl also owned a red-burst Gibson 12 string Es-335, both a black Les Paul, a sunburst Gibson ES-345, and a red Les Paul, and an Olympic white Fender Stratocaster.
Carl with yellow Stratocaster |
He also owned the a tobacco-burst Epiphone 12 string pictured above and, a yellow Fender Stratocaster, that he named Old Yeller, and a yellow Fender Telecaster.
Carl's red Baldwin 12 string |
He also owned a blonde Fender Stratocaster, a red Baldwin 12 string, and a Les Paul Jr.
Carl with Yamaha APX700 |
As for acoustic guitars, Carl owned a Martin D-41, a Gibson J-200, and a Yamaha APX700 acoustic-electric.
Carl with Fender XII and Dual Showman amp |
Over the years a few guitars were stolen that include a Fender XII 12 string, and a Martin D-76 Bicentennial model.
Carl with a white Fender Telecaster |
There are a few unusual guitar that he also played which included a white Fender Telecaster with a Bigsby unit. Fender did not offer those until 1967.
Carl and Al Jardine may of received that gratis from Fender, since the Beach Boys did start endorsing Fender products in 1962.
A music dealer once offered Carl a Mosrite, like the ones The Ventures played, in exchanged for endorsements, but he turned that down.
Carl with custom Fender Lucite guitar |
Fender also built Carl a special one-of-a-kind Lucite guitar. This guitar was a prototype model that never went on the market. It was hand built by Roger Rossmeisl. The body was somewhat similar in shape to a Stratocaster.
Fender custom Lucite guitar |
The guitar also had a vibrato unit, similar to the Fender Mustang vibrato.
Al Jardine with '62 Fender Stratocaster |
Al Jardine is usually seen playing his stock Olympic White Stratocaster.
Al Jardine with a black Stratocaster |
Though at some venues, he used a black Fender Stratocaster.
Al Jardine - white Fender Jaguar |
However Al also played a Fender Jaguar on some songs.
The 1967 white Telecaster with the Bigsby unit, that Carl is playing in a few videos may have actually belonged to Al. Al has a relationship with Fender Musical Instruments and Senior VP Richard McDonald. They still ship him equipment if he needs it.
Al Jardine with Martin D-45 |
During the 1980's and 1990's, Al usually plays a white or red 1962 replica Stratocaster, with a rosewood neck, through a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier. He also owns some Martin acoustic guitars.
Fender Twin Reverb amplifier |
The Fender Twin Reverb was designed to be a combo version of the Dual Showman, although it has two 12” speakers with 85 watts of RMS power.
Through the later years the Beach Boys generally relied on Fender Twin Reverb amps in concert, I’ve also read that at one point they used Dumble amplifiers.
Mitchell Pro-100 amplifier |
Carl owned a Mitchell amplifier the he really liked.
Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour |
Carl was the usually the only Beach Boy to play guitar or bass on their recordings, although some of their first albums featured the members of the band doing the instrumentals.These were the albums done before the Wrecking Crew stepped in to do the instrumental parts.
Carl playing bass in the studio |
In an interview Carl stated that most of the guitar parts were recorded using a direct box to the mixing console unless Brian wanted an over driven sound and then they cranked up the amplifier.
David Marks at a guitar clinic |
David Marks and the Marksmen |
As for David Marks, he left the Beach Boys after the first five albums, but he maintained a career in music; first with his band, David Marks and the Marksmen, and later as a studio player. He is seen in this picture with a 1960's era Epiphone Crestwood guitar.
David Marks with Dennis Wilson |
Marks studied classical and modern music with Warren Zevon, and Robert Kraft. Marks also worked and recorded with composer Mike Curb, who wrote a lot of television theme music, and in the 1960’s put together a group called The MIke Curb Congregation.
Marks came back to The Beach Boys in the 1990’s when Carl became ill. It was only supposed to be a temporary gig. Sadly Carl passed away, and Marks stayed on and was prominently featured in the 50th Anniversary concert.
Early concert with Al on bass and David Marks |
As the years have passed, there have been a lot of legal feuds between the band members. Money talks.
Beach Boys 50th Anniversary |
After the 50th Anniversary tour ended Mike Love, through legal maneuvering took possession of the legal name; The Beach Boys, from Brother Record Incorporated. That keeps the money flow going.
Mike Love |
Prior to that, Mike Love was touring as America’s Band along with Bruce Johnson and David Marks.
Al Jardine and the Endless Summer Band |
Lawsuits and counter suits resulted. The 50th Anniversary Concert was a truce, and the band rallied to record one more Brian Wilson song called That’s Why God Made The Radio.
Due to discontent and legal bickering between the members, and the deaths of the two Wilson brothers, it is unlikely we will ever see the original Beach Boys perform together again. But it was such a good run while it lasted. And we still have all those great recordings.
The Beach Boys in the U.K. |
Click on the links under the photos for sources. Click on the links in the text for further information.
©UniqueGuitar Publications (text only)
very nice writing about Beach boys and their guitars. I really like it. I would also like to add more information for readers related to rcub result. They can check it online. Also, the students can check ignou bshf 101 question papers online as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, nice post!
ReplyDeleteGiaonhan247 chuyên dịch vụ order hàng mỹ và nhận ship hàng mỹ hay dịch vụ chuyên ship hàng từ mỹ về Việt Nam uy tín, tìm hiểu ebay là gì, mua hàng trên amazon vietnam hay mua hàng trên pandora úc như thế nào.
Hey there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I'm using the same post platform as yours and I'm having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot! music shop australia
ReplyDeleteHey Mark,
ReplyDeleteIts ben a while since you posted. I hope all is well. I miss your posts!
its very suprb post... thnks for sharing...
ReplyDeletemusic classes in gurgaon
guitar classes in gurgaon
guitar teacher in gurgaon
Vocal classes in gurgaon
tabla classes in gurgaon
drums classes in gurgaon
drums teacher in gurgaon
keyboard classes in gurgaon
drums academy in gutrgaon
vocal academy in gurgaon
dance classes in gurgaon
Thanks for asking Glenn. There have been a lot of changes going on in my life this past year, but I am still hangin' in there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading,
Marc
A lot of thanks for your own efforts on this post. Betty loves carrying out investigations and it's really obvious why. A number of us hear all concerning the powerful manner you produce valuable secrets by means of the website and as well as strongly encourage participation from other ones on this concern plus our own child is certainly becoming educated a lot. Take pleasure in the remaining portion of the new year. Your doing a very good job. used guitars for sale near me
ReplyDeleteI am very happy to discover your post as it will become on top in my collection of favorite blogs to visit. Best Acoustic Guitar for Kids
ReplyDeleteGreat things put in this blog, thank you so much for sharing with us this informative blog. Visit Ogen Infosystem to get creative and responsive website designing services.
ReplyDeleteWebsite Designing Company in Delhi
Nice Blog, Visit for the daily lifestyle activities and about Health, Wealth and Lifestyle Events by Lifestyle Magazine in India.
ReplyDeleteLifestyle Magazine
Visit for the Commercial Vehicle Wrap and Vinyl Signage Printing Services by Kalakutir Pvt Ltd.
ReplyDeleteCommercial Vehicle Wrap
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo know more about Roku device you can search on Roku.com/link. Roku streaming players are a more convenient and cost effective way to watch TV. You ought to get a blazing green light on the head of the remote, and it should combine with your Roku. In the event that this doesn't work, attempt again and restart the Roku.
ReplyDeleteGet free notification of all India Government Jobs in India and its job vacancies across sectors in India like Railways, Banking Employment in India, Universities, College Govt Jobs, Teaching, Schools in India, Financial Institutions 2020, Defence, SSC, Agriculture and many more India Government Jobs.Visit:https://www.governmentjobseeker.com/
ReplyDeleteGovt Engineering Jobs
Police Defence Job
Excellent Blog with so much useful information, thank you so much for your work. www.hairsalonues.com
ReplyDeleteGreat work did by you. Informative and problem-solving content that users can easily digest can work for all types of blogs. When a user finds something informative on a blog, he/she is more likely to come back from your side. do you want to know more about packers and movers
ReplyDeletevisit - Moving company
Signing up for Fubo is an ordinary procedure. You want to go thru a guided step to whole activation. If you are a new subscriber, go to fubotv signal up; if your postal zip code does not get routinely detected, please enter it manually. It will lead you to a web page the place you will have to put an electronic mail identification and robust Fubotv Connect Code as your password. how can i get fubotv for free
ReplyDeleteFubo TVs channel lineup is huge. The greatest amongst the higher-priced streaming channels, FuboTV consists of nearly all of the neighborhood networks as properly as pinnacle cable brands. In festival season 2021, they introduced Disney-owned channels like ABC and ESPN, however took away Turned-owned channels like NFL MLS and more other. Fubotv with sign in code
ReplyDeleteGenerally I don’t read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post. Best of luck for the next!
ReplyDeleteclick here
Visit now
click here
Visit now
click here
Visit now
click here
General contractor Great Falls VA
ReplyDelete