Top notch discussion and great editing on this one! Mark is spot on when he said The Beatles were really locked in as a band during live performances, it's a raw energy that 1964 The Tribute really capture in their shows. It's crazy to think that Mark may be the longest continuous user of the 325 in the entire world! The 325 was always my fantasy guitar, especially that '58 one. It is capable of a surprising number of different rhythm sounds by adjusting the volume and tone knobs and is much more resonant than the '64 one due to the deeper body. I second Mark's comment to put thick flatwound strings on, it definitely improves the feel and tuning stability of the guitar to have something to dig into when strumming!
It was so nice to hear Mark's thoughts on the 325. I have seen him in 1964 the Tribute multiple times and I always come away impressed. This was an interesting and thoughtful discussion. Thanks all.
I hadn't had the chance to watch this episode in full, but it's definitely my favorite. The way they explore John Lennon's story with his iconic 325, enhanced by the insights from the great Mark, is simply spectacular
Yooo, this may be one of the best episodes in the podcast, the editing is so WELL-detailed and killer, I really love how you showed your 325s lads, great job!
Everything I hoped this would include it did. Mark delivered, Dom was fantastic, and everyone else I'm not too familiar with absolutely hit the nail on the head. Well done!
I don't know if they still have their warehouse in Santa Ana, but one advantage of buying a Rickenbacker guitar was that you could have strings replaced for life. All you had to do is register your guitar with Rickenbacker and if you brought it to their warehouse they looked up your number grab your guitar and said we'll be right back unable to put new strings on it and give it back. No charge
I have seen 1964 The Tribute many times since the late 80's and their attention to detail is meticulous only because they love the work. It's that attitude and passion for mimicking the ensemble style of The Beatles that makes everything magical. One other thought about John as a rhythm guitarist: What other rhythm guitarist is written or talked about as much as John? I can't think of one. I am so grateful to have grown up during The Beatles era, having become a musician (drummer) in the process thanks to Ringo and the band. And I'm just one of countless millions.
The Tribute hands down the best Beatle tribute band. Saw them several times near Philadelphia PA. If you closed your eyes, you would swear it was The Beatles on stage. Awesome !
Being a Brit, I've not really had the chance to see 1964 in person. However my brother had a VHS performance probably 15-20 years ago of them and I thought back then that Mark was the best 'John Lennon' I'd ever seen. Great episode.
Absolutely incredible episode lads! Really cool seeing Mark on the podcast, definitely enjoy his stuff with the 1964. Really enjoyed hearing about the 58 325, especially all the changes and mods.
I've seen Mark five times over 39 years and swear to God, he hasn't lost a step - still brilliant. One thing I've always thought and really haven't seen mentioned much is that if George and John had played a Strat and a Les Paul, none of that glorious, timeless music would sound remotely like it does.
Thank you for saying that ! I am soo tired of strat fanatics insisting that they would have sounded better with strats. witness George solo on All My Loving on that big Gretsch sound !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic video guys. Having spoken with Mark myself, I'm well aware of his wealth of knowledge and passion for the band and gear so it really made my day to see him featured on this podcast. You've inspired me to plug my '64 Ric Rose Morris 1996 into the Vox today and re-explore some early Beatles tones. Also on a side note, someone is editing these videos really really well. I first hand know how much effort it takes to insert photos/video/audio clips so for a 1h40 podcast this is no small task. Much appreciated. MRH
I’m 52 and got in to the Beatles as a kid. Taught myself how to play guitar playing along with those two big Beatle song books. So I guess I should say John, Paul and George taught me how to play guitars. I’ve always patterned my rhythm playing after John’s gritty style. He was extremely underrated! So glad I came across your channel! Loved this video!
Really interesting and well executed episode! I saw Mark and 1964 play at Carnegie Hall too. I was especially blown away by their vocals and how they really sounded like the voices of the Beatles! Mark really nails the Lennon vocal sound. It's very strange , when I watch some of these episodes I want to take out the guitar in question like a fanboy to feel like I'm virtually discussing it too! Great stuff as usual guys! Whoever did the editing on this one did a great job; you're hired!
An incredible presentation! I think I'm going to watch the entire thing again. The production is perfection. Many videos are put together by someone who only has a passing or interest or is already bored on the the subject where you want to shout, "don't just tell me about the music/photo/etc. but show and play it for me." Mike has done a fantastic job anticipating what I would want to see/hear before I can even think it. This episode with Mark Benson answers some of the questions I've always had about the music and tribute bands. I saw The Tribute just once and the setlist was just what I wanted - I wanted just the live music, the music I saw the Beatles perform when I was 50-60 years younger. I have never cared for the theatrical production of their later studio work, e.g.. Sgt. Pepper.
Excellent podcast that I just happened to run across. Great indepth history on the Rickenbacker 325. Mark's story about building his own guitars is amazing with the lack of resources and knowledge available to do so at the time.
Check out John's solo on Lucille from the BBC sessions to hear what a Bigsby on a 325 can do!😮 Mark would make a great addition to the crew, so cool that he built his own 325s!👍👍
I saw Mark Benson with The Fab Four in 1994 at The NY/ NE Beatles convention by Charles Rosenay. Amazing first Beatles Cover band that I ever saw play live.
My word! I've seen Mark playing his Rickenbacker 325 recreations in videos of his performing with his Beatles tribute band. His model 325 recreations are outstanding! What Mark says is absolutely true about how a given guitar setup will sound so different when played by different players!
love the podcast. keep them coming! I currently own george's cousins friends banjo. Some say it was used while george was staying over on holiday to help get a neighbours cat stuck in a tree! ive checked the pictures of the cat and the banjo. The colors match and the cat is still sounding great.
Being a Beatle fan, but not a musician, I enjoyed the Rickenbacker discussion, I found this on YT days before I saw 1964 The Tribute in Huntington,NY. With this in mind, I paid special attention to all the guitars used. I now know which parts that John and George played that I could not distinguish from a record. His tribute band is a must see.
@@MichaelSokil There’s no one living or dead that would be a better authority on a 325 than Mark Benson. Emotionally got me by the end. Thinking we saw this guy play Carnegie Hall half a life time ago, he’s right. It’s Love.
I’ve always wanted a Rickenbacker 325 ever since I started playing guitar and as a huge Beatles fan, it has become one of my dream guitars ever since then.
Love this! An in depth analysis of the iconic Ric 325 Capri. Great to hear all contributors and learn some new things about an instrument we already knew pretty well. It's a quirky little rock n roll rhythm guitar that excels at rocking out.
I know a 70’s employee from Rickenbacker, his name is Dale Fortune and he is a current builder and Rickenbacker guru from Oregon, formerly of Santa Ana, CA. He says the fingerboard on the 58 is Padauk, body in Alder.
We saw 1964 at the Boathouse in Norfolk Va. in the early/middle 80s . We brought our girls who were around 6 and 9. They had by that time heard The Beatles for years at home. When Ringo did that classic wave the little one was jumping for joy because she thought Ringo was waving at only her. I am a lifelong Beatle maniac and was there when it all started so that show with 1964 was a special time for our young family . Thanks Mark ! Peace-n-love !
I'm certainly not a gear guy, but this was really interesting. Mark has been a friend for many years, but I happened upon this by accident. Glad I did. Great job all around, and props to the edits for keeping it light and funny. Cheers guys. I'm a fan.
@@MichaelSokil Thanks! Yeah it’s a late model that had a really shallow neck set, so I had Larry Davis reset/rebuild it and do the whole restoration. Plays great now, and definitely my dream Rickenbacker.
This video really gets me in the feels. I first saw Mark in Tulsa circa 1984 when they were 1964 as The Beatles. Seen them so many times over the years; Tom Work, Bob Miller, Jimmy Pou, et al. I bought my first Rickenbacker in 1981; a 320 model. It soon was apparent to me that my pickups (High Gains) did not match the ones on John’s 325….and my journey down the V81 B, C and V rabbit hole began. I ended up buying another 325, but this time adding the three “chrome bar” pickups, but wait! They’re not wound the same?!😒😆 I wanted to BE John Lennon…..but my Randy Bachman appearance was just one of many reality checks I had to face. Knowing, through the interwebs, that there are other geeks like me that obsess over all these small nuances is so cool. Not only do I feel vindicated, but I gleam so much knowledge and pleasure from watching the tribute bands and videos such as this. F**k; I miss Gary and his smile….. If I had a question for Mr. Benson; How did it feel to get close up to V81 at the RRHOF?
Nice job everyone. "It doesn't do a lot, but what it does it does really well." You can say the same thing about Rickenbacker's iconic RM1999/4001/4003/etc. bass.
Great episode. I have a 325 v64 and 350 and have coveted the 58 which are way too expensive. It's amazing how one strum and you instantly hear "the sound." Add overdrive, you're in Creedance Clearwater world.
Great episode! I was glued to it the full 141 minutes. I'm pretty sure the song Mark was talking about where John goes "that was perfect...." was Julia.
I love Rickenbacker's, they're such underrated guitars, they get put in a box (like Gretsch) that they're only suitable for one style but they're just as versatile as a Les Paul or a Strat!
Amazing episode guys! I’m besotted with the 58 325, and I don’t even have one and I can barely play a Spanish or Acoustic, but the volume of knowledge you put in during this episode made me realise (once again) that this is the undisputed No.1 guitar on the planet. All my loving from Argentina PS: check this Argentine fella Mr Javier Parisi and the impersonation he does of John (so so respectful), he will knock you off your seats: he IS John
Sold my C58 for $800 to a BGC buddy paid it forward. Harry White does a killer job on maid to Spec Rickybachers, best luthier around next to Mr B. Big hands, big gloves baby! Great video guys.
Great episode; the Ric 325 Capri is a guitar that I've always been fascinated with, although it's one I've never owned. (I've owned a lot of guitars over the years, more than 100 for sure. I still have more than 20 now, and have been retired for over a decade.) I just want to mention luthier / guitar designer Roger Rossmeisl once more, here in the comments. If not for him, that guitar probably would not have existed. He contributed a lot of interesting guitars in the couple of decades he lived in the states and worked for the 'big three': He started in 1953 at Gibson, then moved to Rickenbacker where he worked for around 8 years, contributing the 'Thinline style' of hollowing out the body (first using Forstner bits, later with a router), then covering the open side with cap of solid wood, also the iconic 'German Carve' that many of Ric's higher end models sported, and which he taught to a teenaged Semie Moseley who later created Mosrite guitars, many of which featured that carve. Finally, in '62 Rossmeisl went to work for Fender for a few years, his main contribution there being the Thinline Telecaster, (which is my favorite Tele variant, because of the weight relief), and also, notably, the chambered all-rosewood Tele, one of which was given to George Harrison. In 1971 Rossmeisl moved back to Germany (apparently after a severe injury from a car crash) and he died in '79, aged 52. He contributed a lot of iconic guitars during his time, from what I've heard he was also very much involved in the design of the Ric bass and 12 string; anyway I'm glad at least you guys thought to mention him in your discussion. He has really been overlooked in most discussions of the luthiers who contributed the most famous guitar designs of the 1960s. The other aspect of the 325, specifically regarding its short scale, is how easy it is to do the style of 'Chuck Berry' chugging 'bluesey' rhythm where specifically the baby finger does a sort of 'walking bass line', and I think that is what that Lennon quote, about how easy he found it to play his parts, addresses. I've owned many short scale guitars over the years, I currently have a '63 Martin (5-16) Terz, (21.5" scale), a 66 Fender Musicmaster II, (22.5" scale), a '64 Mustang, a late 50s? Oahu/Supro, and have had many others. Playing certain styles on those diminutive guitars is really a pleasure. (Especially after I made my living playing 34" scale Fender Precision Bass for over 20 years!) Anyway, thanks for the interesting content; I think it's true that most Beatles fans don't really know (or care) much about what instruments they each played, and on what tracks. In addition to Andy Babiuk's most excellent "Beatles Gear" books, there is also a "Stones Gear" companion book which I haven't got my hands on yet, but I think I'll order a copy soon! It's mainly players like us who become fascinated with these details, especially when we try to replicate their sounds.
Brilliant, as always, and glad you featured a clip of Andrew doing 'Cry For A Shadow' (Ably House), because I think he often gets it right, too (although I differ with him about some things).
Lennon’s rhythm guitar is criminally underrated and rarely talked about as being one of THE major driving forces in the early Beatles sound. That run of hits defining Beatlemania and the Mersey sound is partly down to Lennon’s punk’ish rhythm - especially on the studio recordings. It’s the same with acoustic guitars - just listen to how hard he plays plays them
This was GREAT!! The Beatles ARE the reason I sat alone in my room with a 1937 Silvertone acoustic guitar (for an entire YEAR! in 1964/‘65) figuring out how to play this kind of music. And doing that opened up an entire new world for me, making me seek actual instruction on Tenor Sax and Baritone Sax at Redondo Union High School (hurray for MUSIC in PUBLIC Schools!), and gigging in that school's Big Band for several years. I went on to learn several instruments, and I own and play a lot of OLD saxes, guitars and keyboards now! If you take anything away from reading this note, please make it this… SUPPORT MUSIC IN YOUR LOCAL PUBLIC. SCHOOLS NOW! Your kindness will change the lives of kids you don’t even know!
Future episodes I would like to see (forgive if you've already done them). *Beatles keyboard history. Who played what, George Martin, etc. *History of Indian instruments used. *George's development as a guitarist. *Beatles as musicians. As Paul said, not virtuosos, but adequate to the task. Anyway, please keep up the great work. Love the show!
Loved it. Talking about hand, there’s a take (I think it’s 9) of the song on the internet somewhere where John strums for a couple of seconds before the take and says “I love that” to the tone of it. No doubt it was his 325 on the record.
Such a great discussion for musicians like myself for whom the Beatles are the North Star. How I wish Paul would do a video chat with u fellas to clear up and settle some of these questions for posterity. How truly amazing these four bright, creative, and extremely Clever young guys were thrown together by fate and happenstance to completely change the musical landscape for an entire generation of aspiring young musicians around the world. Peace and Love
I just wanna say I saw 1964 in Malvern PA, Mark was great but the others were awesome too. The late Gary Grimes was Paul and Jimmy Pou was George, Terri Manfredi was Ringo. Great night…❤
And then they got the sky blue Fenders from Brian , and that’s another interesting story how they were painted and adjusted by George & John , do a story on that please!
Not sure where the research generated from…but the j160 on twist and shout and 325 on all my loving according to the Beatles Bible. I checked my resources of complete recording sessions, Beatles songs and a hard days write and there is only rhythm guitar or lead guitar. I agree that all my loving sounds like the Ric but I was shocked that Twist and Shout could be the j160. I met Mark, Gary and the gang in 1989-1990 at Wittenberg University. They played damn near every live song from 1962-1966 back then! I think we were there almost three hours! I recorded that show and have misplaced the vhs and have been trying to sort it out forever. Saw them in Celina Ohio at the dinner theatre there which is now closed. The intimate locations were so amazing and personal. I saw them five or six shows and was never disappointed! Finally got all four autographs in Virginia Beach at the 4th of July music fest back in early 2000s! Thanks Mark!
great job, guys! another fun episode. i wonder how much we can really judge from some of those isolations, because so much of the tone, attack, etc. is altered by the process. anyway, Dom’s George impression was the highlight of the episode for me!
I used to think Rickenbacker was a UK company for years, I thought that. or at least til I started knowing other musicians or saw it in maybe Guitar Player magazine. Well they were GIVEN most of them when they toured here, and JOHN found the one in Germany pre Fame. George Blessed out on getting the Duo Jet from a Liverpool Dock Worker.
at around 1:24:00 I haven't played much of a bigsby but I'm convinced from each time I have played a guitar with one that Walking on Thin Ice could a Capri cause I've done a similar sound too that and Sam did. I have also made a Bigsby "explode," not as bad as you'd think to fix just the spring comes loose at worst but that sound is possibly to the oomph degree. It's great to see a new episode I loved the more scripted parts mentioning the history, the great questions by Michael, the edits showing Benson live, and some of the Beatles being goofy, live performances, etc etc. THE ACCENTS!!!
Awesome. Quick little note. I have read some quotes from tony Sheridan 48:00 saying that he lent The Beatles his Gibson Hollow body to record some of the songs on their first recording in Hamburg.
I’m sure you’ve watched my virtual friend Galeazzo Frudua . In respect to the minutiae of Beatles vocals,guitar,and bass Galeazzo is obsessed with, and really knows Beatles. He’s also a top tier luthier. If by chance you haven’t watched his channel, you’ll be in for a treat. Ps. I’m sure you’re the guy that posts Beatles tracks where you’re playing all the tracks. Very impressive. Kudos . Pps. This man making these Ricks really knows his stuff. On “ I want to hold your hand “ the rhythm Lennon plays is so impressive in a rather sloppy way that has the most unique sound I’ve ever heard . When isolated the Lennon track is hard to duplicate. The guitar sounds very compressed to me. When he played live he got this very bright sound. Possibly the high end boost on the AC 30 ie. Vox.
Amazing episode guys! Great to see Mark on the podcast. It’s crazy to think that one of John’s most famous guitars was only played on around 10 songs (1962-1970, not including live shows). It really is an amazing looking and sounding guitar. The thing I'm most surprised about is the fact that Dom's rick is built by a luthier. It looks exactly like a real c58. Whoever built that did an amazing job. Also Michael, how did you get the isolations so clean???? I've never heard a clean isolation that shows the acoustic on Twist and Shout. Same with John's rhythm guitar on the Ed Sullivan version of All My Loving. I've never heard a really good live isolation.
I think a large part of the '58's mystique is the fact that he used it in the very early Beatle years in Germany etc. It was also the first Ric used by any Beatle although in the drumming world Ringo's Premier kit is not sought after and they do not fetch a premium like his BOP kits. Remember, Ringo also used that kit on their first album too!
I agree with you that the 1964 Tribute are the best at playing the Beatles music I've seen them at Carnegie Hall, West point,and in Middle Town at the Paramount theater , and in my opinion they are the best at what they do. Hey Mark please come back to the Paramount and play again real soon. Thanks guys i really enjoyed this very much.
WELL THERE GOES MY FRIDAY NIGHT!
Saturday for me
Tuesday for me! Never thought I'd sit through more than five minutes, but here I am an hour and a half into it....
Golly it’s Wednesday morning and I’m watching this again!
december 31 for me
Mark's thoughts on the reasons we all love the Beatles are so very true.
Top notch discussion and great editing on this one! Mark is spot on when he said The Beatles were really locked in as a band during live performances, it's a raw energy that 1964 The Tribute really capture in their shows. It's crazy to think that Mark may be the longest continuous user of the 325 in the entire world! The 325 was always my fantasy guitar, especially that '58 one. It is capable of a surprising number of different rhythm sounds by adjusting the volume and tone knobs and is much more resonant than the '64 one due to the deeper body. I second Mark's comment to put thick flatwound strings on, it definitely improves the feel and tuning stability of the guitar to have something to dig into when strumming!
The black/gold combination is just so aesthetically pleasing. It’s very classy, but without being gaudy or ostentatious.
100%!
It was so nice to hear Mark's thoughts on the 325. I have seen him in 1964 the Tribute multiple times and I always come away impressed. This was an interesting and thoughtful discussion. Thanks all.
Mark is the man, genius on Beatles.
I hadn't had the chance to watch this episode in full, but it's definitely my favorite. The way they explore John Lennon's story with his iconic 325, enhanced by the insights from the great Mark, is simply spectacular
Yooo, this may be one of the best episodes in the podcast, the editing is so WELL-detailed and killer, I really love how you showed your 325s lads, great job!
Everything I hoped this would include it did. Mark delivered, Dom was fantastic, and everyone else I'm not too familiar with absolutely hit the nail on the head. Well done!
I don't know if they still have their warehouse in Santa Ana, but one advantage of buying a Rickenbacker guitar was that you could have strings replaced for life. All you had to do is register your guitar with Rickenbacker and if you brought it to their warehouse they looked up your number grab your guitar and said we'll be right back unable to put new strings on it and give it back. No charge
Why wouldnt they be able to string it? and since they were unable to, why would they possibly still justify charging you anything?
Must’ve been a long time ago. They don’t even honor their warranties anymore.
There must be typos, it makes no sense. Unable to restring the guitar.. and free of charge too.... eh?? Do wha?
I have seen 1964 The Tribute many times since the late 80's and their attention to detail is meticulous only because they love the work. It's that attitude and passion for mimicking the ensemble style of The Beatles that makes everything magical. One other thought about John as a rhythm guitarist: What other rhythm guitarist is written or talked about as much as John? I can't think of one. I am so grateful to have grown up during The Beatles era, having become a musician (drummer) in the process thanks to Ringo and the band. And I'm just one of countless millions.
You guys. Hats off to you for the invaluable work you do for all of us
The Tribute hands down the best Beatle tribute band. Saw them several times near Philadelphia PA. If you closed your eyes, you would swear it was The Beatles on stage. Awesome !
I saw a TV programme yesterday where Jimmy Pou (One of their George's) told how George Martin came to one of their gigs and said much the same thing.
Thanks guys. Great way to spend part of an evening. I think I'll go downstairs and play my Lennon-ized 325V59.
Mark was a great guest. And the excellent editing has to be acknowledged!
Being a Brit, I've not really had the chance to see 1964 in person. However my brother had a VHS performance probably 15-20 years ago of them and I thought back then that Mark was the best 'John Lennon' I'd ever seen. Great episode.
A FAT John and even fatter Ringo?? go away!
I’ve seen a lot of Beatles tributes including Beatlemania at the Wintergarden twice.
1964 are the best in my opinion
Mark is amazing
Absolutely incredible episode lads! Really cool seeing Mark on the podcast, definitely enjoy his stuff with the 1964. Really enjoyed hearing about the 58 325, especially all the changes and mods.
Best Beatles Podcast!
Mark is incredibly knowledgeable, talented, and, he’s also a great guy.
I’m privileged to know him.
You guys are really guitar nerds. I'm a 72 year old beginner and I wanna be like you when I grow up. I loved every minute of this. Thank you.
I've seen Mark five times over 39 years and swear to God, he hasn't lost a step - still brilliant. One thing I've always thought and really haven't seen mentioned much is that if George and John had played a Strat and a Les Paul, none of that glorious, timeless music would sound remotely like it does.
Thank you for saying that ! I am soo tired of strat fanatics insisting that they would have sounded better with strats. witness George solo on All My Loving on that big Gretsch sound !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic deep dive into guitar signature sound. Amazing! After all that, the John and George banter was my favorite bit. Epic
Fantastic video guys. Having spoken with Mark myself, I'm well aware of his wealth of knowledge and passion for the band and gear so it really made my day to see him featured on this podcast. You've inspired me to plug my '64 Ric Rose Morris 1996 into the Vox today and re-explore some early Beatles tones. Also on a side note, someone is editing these videos really really well. I first hand know how much effort it takes to insert photos/video/audio clips so for a 1h40 podcast this is no small task. Much appreciated. MRH
I’m 52 and got in to the Beatles as a kid. Taught myself how to play guitar playing along with those two big Beatle song books. So I guess I should say John, Paul and George taught me how to play guitars. I’ve always patterned my rhythm playing after John’s gritty style. He was extremely underrated! So glad I came across your channel! Loved this video!
Really interesting and well executed episode! I saw Mark and 1964 play at Carnegie Hall too. I was especially blown away by their vocals and how they really sounded like the voices of the Beatles! Mark really nails the Lennon vocal sound. It's very strange , when I watch some of these episodes I want to take out the guitar in question like a fanboy to feel like I'm virtually discussing it too! Great stuff as usual guys! Whoever did the editing on this one did a great job; you're hired!
Michael did the edit! He’s killing it
@@sampopkin Yes he is!
I would love it if Perry would consider being a regular on this podcast. He is a rich source of information.
An incredible presentation! I think I'm going to watch the entire thing again. The production is perfection. Many videos are put together by someone who only has a passing or interest or is already bored on the the subject where you want to shout, "don't just tell me about the music/photo/etc. but show and play it for me." Mike has done a fantastic job anticipating what I would want to see/hear before I can even think it. This episode with Mark Benson answers some of the questions I've always had about the music and tribute bands. I saw The Tribute just once and the setlist was just what I wanted - I wanted just the live music, the music I saw the Beatles perform when I was 50-60 years younger. I have never cared for the theatrical production of their later studio work, e.g.. Sgt. Pepper.
Excellent podcast that I just happened to run across. Great indepth history on the Rickenbacker 325. Mark's story about building his own guitars is amazing with the lack of resources and knowledge available to do so at the time.
Check out John's solo on Lucille from the BBC sessions to hear what a Bigsby on a 325 can do!😮 Mark would make a great addition to the crew, so cool that he built his own 325s!👍👍
I saw Mark Benson with The Fab Four in 1994 at The NY/ NE Beatles convention by Charles Rosenay. Amazing first Beatles Cover band that I ever saw play live.
My word! I've seen Mark playing his Rickenbacker 325 recreations in videos of his performing with his Beatles tribute band. His model 325 recreations are outstanding! What Mark says is absolutely true about how a given guitar setup will sound so different when played by different players!
love the podcast. keep them coming!
I currently own george's cousins friends banjo. Some say it was used while george was staying over on holiday to help get a neighbours cat stuck in a tree! ive checked the pictures of the cat and the banjo. The colors match and the cat is still sounding great.
My first look at your channel. It seems I’ve found your best episode first. Well done, gentlemen.
Learned a ton. Thanks to all of you.
Being a Beatle fan, but not a musician, I enjoyed the Rickenbacker discussion, I found this on YT days before I saw 1964 The Tribute in Huntington,NY. With this in mind, I paid special attention to all the guitars used. I now know which parts that John and George played that I could not distinguish from a record. His tribute band is a must see.
It’s the 325 “all my loving” ❤😂🎉 didn’t think the tenny episode could be outdone. Good lord guys.
I couldn't in good conscience record a 325 episode without a Clay Blair cameo. And yes, I believe you're right on "All My Loving"!
@@MichaelSokil There’s no one living or dead that would be a better authority on a 325 than Mark Benson. Emotionally got me by the end. Thinking we saw this guy play Carnegie Hall half a life time ago, he’s right. It’s Love.
Love the channel! Have seen 1964 the Tribute and enjoyed the in depth discussions of all things Beatles.
I’ve always wanted a Rickenbacker 325 ever since I started playing guitar and as a huge Beatles fan, it has become one of my dream guitars ever since then.
I love the way these things are edited now
The 325 is the reason I wanted to play guitar
This was so much fun to watch! And I am so grateful there are other people like me who geak-out on stuff like this.
Love this! An in depth analysis of the iconic Ric 325 Capri. Great to hear all contributors and learn some new things about an instrument we already knew pretty well. It's a quirky little rock n roll rhythm guitar that excels at rocking out.
Great discussion guys! Lots of great informative observations. I'd love to get a copy of that Rick headstock photo behind Mark!
Incredible! Thank you all, funniest are the portrayal of the voices of John and George. A true belly shaker!!!
Lots of interesting minutia for us Fabnuts! I feel blessed to own my '58 325 V91!
I know a 70’s employee from Rickenbacker, his name is Dale Fortune and he is a current builder and Rickenbacker guru from Oregon, formerly of Santa Ana, CA.
He says the fingerboard on the 58 is Padauk, body in Alder.
You keep topping yourselves with every episode! Great show guys, I always look forward to watching!
Great work guys! I have a 325C58 and a 325v64.
We saw 1964 at the Boathouse in Norfolk Va. in the early/middle 80s . We brought our girls who were around 6 and 9. They had by that time heard The Beatles for years at home. When Ringo did that classic wave the little one was jumping for joy because she thought Ringo was waving at only her. I am a lifelong Beatle maniac and was there when it all started so that show with 1964 was a special time for our young family . Thanks Mark ! Peace-n-love !
What an incredible video. Well done guys.
I usually avoid gear discussions, but this was quite good.
I'm certainly not a gear guy, but this was really interesting. Mark has been a friend for many years, but I happened upon this by accident. Glad I did. Great job all around, and props to the edits for keeping it light and funny. Cheers guys. I'm a fan.
Loved the video! Thanks for the jazz 325 shout out!
Love YOUR channel! I watched all your 325 videos just last night. Are those the same 325c58 in those videos? Beautiful customization!
@@MichaelSokil Thanks! Yeah it’s a late model that had a really shallow neck set, so I had Larry Davis reset/rebuild it and do the whole restoration. Plays great now, and definitely my dream Rickenbacker.
Yessss, fab stuff from Mark here. What a legend. ✌️❤
This video really gets me in the feels. I first saw Mark in Tulsa circa 1984 when they were 1964 as The Beatles. Seen them so many times over the years; Tom Work, Bob Miller, Jimmy Pou, et al. I bought my first Rickenbacker in 1981; a 320 model. It soon was apparent to me that my pickups (High Gains) did not match the ones on John’s 325….and my journey down the V81 B, C and V rabbit hole began. I ended up buying another 325, but this time adding the three “chrome bar” pickups, but wait! They’re not wound the same?!😒😆
I wanted to BE John Lennon…..but my Randy Bachman appearance was just one of many reality checks I had to face. Knowing, through the interwebs, that there are other geeks like me that obsess over all these small nuances is so cool. Not only do I feel vindicated, but I gleam so much knowledge and pleasure from watching the tribute bands and videos such as this.
F**k; I miss Gary and his smile…..
If I had a question for Mr. Benson; How did it feel to get close up to V81 at the RRHOF?
Nice job everyone. "It doesn't do a lot, but what it does it does really well." You can say the same thing about Rickenbacker's iconic RM1999/4001/4003/etc. bass.
Love the rick 325 I have one 1997 n I could never seen myself without any other guitar !!! Grew up listening to t beatles so big fan
Great episode. I have a 325 v64 and 350 and have coveted the 58 which are way too expensive. It's amazing how one strum and you instantly hear "the sound." Add overdrive, you're in Creedance Clearwater world.
Great episode! I was glued to it the full 141 minutes. I'm pretty sure the song Mark was talking about where John goes "that was perfect...." was Julia.
I'm seeing this now I'm really really enjoying ❤❤❤ my love of the Beatles in John Lennon but also for the love of Rickenbacker s
Another wonderful episode fellas. My personal highlight was when Dom pulled off the George Harrison accent - bang on.
This was excellent… thank you ! 🌟
Great video, lots of info given, plus the history. my husband has made #3 - 325's, also working on a 360 - 12 string as well.
What an epic episode!
Epic nerdout ! Thanks so much!
I love Rickenbacker's, they're such underrated guitars, they get put in a box (like Gretsch) that they're only suitable for one style but they're just as versatile as a Les Paul or a Strat!
luv luv LUV this vid!!!!
Among my Ricks, I have both a 350v63 and a 350/12v63 and I dearly love them.❤
Amazing episode guys! I’m besotted with the 58 325, and I don’t even have one and I can barely play a Spanish or Acoustic, but the volume of knowledge you put in during this episode made me realise (once again) that this is the undisputed No.1 guitar on the planet.
All my loving from Argentina
PS: check this Argentine fella Mr Javier Parisi and the impersonation he does of John (so so respectful), he will knock you off your seats: he IS John
Sold my C58 for $800 to a BGC buddy paid it forward. Harry White does a killer job on maid to Spec Rickybachers, best luthier around next to Mr B. Big hands, big gloves baby! Great video guys.
Outstanding!!! Thank you!
I met Mark Benson when he played in the beatles tribute band REVOLVER in Cleveland, Ohio.
Great episode; the Ric 325 Capri is a guitar that I've always been fascinated with, although it's one I've never owned. (I've owned a lot of guitars over the years, more than 100 for sure. I still have more than 20 now, and have been retired for over a decade.)
I just want to mention luthier / guitar designer Roger Rossmeisl once more, here in the comments. If not for him, that guitar probably would not have existed. He contributed a lot of interesting guitars in the couple of decades he lived in the states and worked for the 'big three': He started in 1953 at Gibson, then moved to Rickenbacker where he worked for around 8 years, contributing the 'Thinline style' of hollowing out the body (first using Forstner bits, later with a router), then covering the open side with cap of solid wood, also the iconic 'German Carve' that many of Ric's higher end models sported, and which he taught to a teenaged Semie Moseley who later created Mosrite guitars, many of which featured that carve. Finally, in '62 Rossmeisl went to work for Fender for a few years, his main contribution there being the Thinline Telecaster, (which is my favorite Tele variant, because of the weight relief), and also, notably, the chambered all-rosewood Tele, one of which was given to George Harrison. In 1971 Rossmeisl moved back to Germany (apparently after a severe injury from a car crash) and he died in '79, aged 52. He contributed a lot of iconic guitars during his time, from what I've heard he was also very much involved in the design of the Ric bass and 12 string; anyway I'm glad at least you guys thought to mention him in your discussion. He has really been overlooked in most discussions of the luthiers who contributed the most famous guitar designs of the 1960s.
The other aspect of the 325, specifically regarding its short scale, is how easy it is to do the style of 'Chuck Berry' chugging 'bluesey' rhythm where specifically the baby finger does a sort of 'walking bass line', and I think that is what that Lennon quote, about how easy he found it to play his parts, addresses. I've owned many short scale guitars over the years, I currently have a '63 Martin (5-16) Terz, (21.5" scale), a 66 Fender Musicmaster II, (22.5" scale), a '64 Mustang, a late 50s? Oahu/Supro, and have had many others. Playing certain styles on those diminutive guitars is really a pleasure. (Especially after I made my living playing 34" scale Fender Precision Bass for over 20 years!)
Anyway, thanks for the interesting content; I think it's true that most Beatles fans don't really know (or care) much about what instruments they each played, and on what tracks. In addition to Andy Babiuk's most excellent "Beatles Gear" books, there is also a "Stones Gear" companion book which I haven't got my hands on yet, but I think I'll order a copy soon! It's mainly players like us who become fascinated with these details, especially when we try to replicate their sounds.
Amazing episode..
Brilliant, as always, and glad you featured a clip of Andrew doing 'Cry For A Shadow' (Ably House), because I think he often gets it right, too (although I differ with him about some things).
Lennon’s rhythm guitar is criminally underrated and rarely talked about as being one of THE major driving forces in the early Beatles sound. That run of hits defining Beatlemania and the Mersey sound is partly down to Lennon’s punk’ish rhythm - especially on the studio recordings. It’s the same with acoustic guitars - just listen to how hard he plays plays them
Fav episode
This was GREAT!! The Beatles ARE the reason I sat alone in my room with a 1937 Silvertone acoustic guitar (for an entire YEAR! in 1964/‘65) figuring out how to play this kind of music. And doing that opened up an entire new world for me, making me seek actual instruction on Tenor Sax and Baritone Sax at Redondo Union High School (hurray for MUSIC in PUBLIC Schools!), and gigging in that school's Big Band for several years. I went on to learn several instruments, and I own and play a lot of OLD saxes, guitars and keyboards now! If you take anything away from reading this note, please make it this… SUPPORT MUSIC IN YOUR LOCAL PUBLIC. SCHOOLS NOW! Your kindness will change the lives of kids you don’t even know!
Absolute greatness
Future episodes I would like to see (forgive if you've already done them).
*Beatles keyboard history. Who played what, George Martin, etc.
*History of Indian instruments used.
*George's development as a guitarist.
*Beatles as musicians. As Paul said, not virtuosos, but adequate to the task.
Anyway, please keep up the great work. Love the show!
Loved it. Talking about hand, there’s a take (I think it’s 9) of the song on the internet somewhere where John strums for a couple of seconds before the take and says “I love that” to the tone of it. No doubt it was his 325 on the record.
I had one of these 325's bought new in black back in 1993. It had a gold pick guard and toaster knobs. Now I have a 360 12C63 12 string.
I love this channel so much!!!
1:21:14
Was rewatching this, and this part gave me whiplash.
That's my video me and my buddy colorized ages ago.
Such a great discussion for musicians like myself for whom the Beatles are the North Star. How I wish Paul would do a video chat with u fellas to clear up and settle some of these questions for posterity. How truly amazing these four bright, creative, and extremely Clever young guys were thrown together by fate and happenstance to completely change the musical landscape for an entire generation of aspiring young musicians around the world.
Peace and Love
Always loved that ryth on. Hand
I just wanna say I saw 1964 in Malvern PA, Mark was great but the others were awesome too.
The late Gary Grimes was Paul and Jimmy Pou was George, Terri Manfredi was Ringo.
Great night…❤
And then they got the sky blue Fenders from Brian , and that’s another interesting story how they were painted and adjusted by George & John , do a story on that please!
Well done, good guitar iso camera shots
Not sure where the research generated from…but the j160 on twist and shout and 325 on all my loving according to the Beatles Bible. I checked my resources of complete recording sessions, Beatles songs and a hard days write and there is only rhythm guitar or lead guitar. I agree that all my loving sounds like the Ric but I was shocked that Twist and Shout could be the j160. I met Mark, Gary and the gang in 1989-1990 at Wittenberg University. They played damn near every live song from 1962-1966 back then! I think we were there almost three hours! I recorded that show and have misplaced the vhs and have been trying to sort it out forever. Saw them in Celina Ohio at the dinner theatre there which is now closed. The intimate locations were so amazing and personal. I saw them five or six shows and was never disappointed! Finally got all four autographs in Virginia Beach at the 4th of July music fest back in early 2000s! Thanks Mark!
great job, guys! another fun episode. i wonder how much we can really judge from some of those isolations, because so much of the tone, attack, etc. is altered by the process.
anyway, Dom’s George impression was the highlight of the episode for me!
Great episode! Johnny Marr has a signature short scale Jaguar
Great show!.
I'm currently obsessed with John's black '64 Strat with the matching head stock, I've already built a replica.
It amazes me how many British bands played guitars made in Santa Ana, CA
I used to think Rickenbacker was a UK company for years, I thought that. or at least til I started knowing other musicians or saw it in maybe Guitar Player magazine. Well they were GIVEN most of them when they toured here, and JOHN found the one in Germany pre Fame. George Blessed out on getting the Duo Jet from a Liverpool Dock Worker.
Great episode (Y)
at around 1:24:00 I haven't played much of a bigsby but I'm convinced from each time I have played a guitar with one that Walking on Thin Ice could a Capri cause I've done a similar sound too that and Sam did. I have also made a Bigsby "explode," not as bad as you'd think to fix just the spring comes loose at worst but that sound is possibly to the oomph degree. It's great to see a new episode I loved the more scripted parts mentioning the history, the great questions by Michael, the edits showing Benson live, and some of the Beatles being goofy, live performances, etc etc.
THE ACCENTS!!!
Awesome. Quick little note. I have read some quotes from tony Sheridan 48:00 saying that he lent The Beatles his Gibson Hollow body to record some of the songs on their first recording in Hamburg.
I’m sure you’ve watched my virtual friend Galeazzo Frudua . In respect to the minutiae of Beatles vocals,guitar,and bass Galeazzo is obsessed with, and really knows Beatles. He’s also a top tier luthier. If by chance you haven’t watched his channel, you’ll be in for a treat. Ps. I’m sure you’re the guy that posts Beatles tracks where you’re playing all the tracks. Very impressive. Kudos . Pps. This man making these Ricks really knows his stuff. On “ I want to hold your hand “ the rhythm Lennon plays is so impressive in a rather sloppy way that has the most unique sound I’ve ever heard . When isolated the Lennon track is hard to duplicate. The guitar sounds very compressed to me. When he played live he got this very bright sound. Possibly the high end boost on the AC 30 ie. Vox.
Finally 👍🏻 A new Episode😃
Amazing episode guys! Great to see Mark on the podcast. It’s crazy to think that one of John’s most famous guitars was only played on around 10 songs (1962-1970, not including live shows). It really is an amazing looking and sounding guitar. The thing I'm most surprised about is the fact that Dom's rick is built by a luthier. It looks exactly like a real c58. Whoever built that did an amazing job. Also Michael, how did you get the isolations so clean???? I've never heard a clean isolation that shows the acoustic on Twist and Shout. Same with John's rhythm guitar on the Ed Sullivan version of All My Loving. I've never heard a really good live isolation.
I think a large part of the '58's mystique is the fact that he used it in the very early Beatle years in Germany etc. It was also the first Ric used by any Beatle although in the drumming world Ringo's Premier kit is not sought after and they do not fetch a premium like his BOP kits. Remember, Ringo also used that kit on their first album too!
Sweet Heaven above, it’s finally here
Rickenbacker alway has the best iconic lineup of their guitars. ❤🎸
I love this stuff.... What a cool channel.
I agree with you that the 1964 Tribute are the best at playing the Beatles music I've seen them at Carnegie Hall, West point,and in Middle Town at the Paramount theater , and in my opinion they are the best at what they do. Hey Mark please come back to the Paramount and play again real soon. Thanks guys i really enjoyed this very much.