The Beach Boys

Latest about The Beach Boys

Musician Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys performs onstage during Day 4 of Bonnaroo 2012 on June 10, 2012 in Manchester, Tennessee.

Brian Wilson left his mark on the bass world through studio musicians, especially Carol Kaye, who he requested play his basslines note-for-note

By Chris Jisi published

In a rare interview, The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson reflected on bass playing, studio craft and his 2004 masterpiece, Smile

Bassists
Carol Kaye playing bass guitar in a Los Angeles recording studio, early 1960's

Carol Kaye on how she made Pet Sounds with the Beach Boys – and why good basslines don't come from scales

By Chris Jisi published

Kaye, the first lady of the electric bass, played her P-Bass through a Fender Super Reverb 4x10 combo on the iconic record

Bassists
Al Jardine

“Charles Manson actually stole one of my Martins years ago and I never, ever got it back”: The Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine on his musical regrets, favorite guitars, and the acoustic that got away

By Joe Matera published

Jardine on his custom-made Fender Strat, love of Super Reverbs and the joy of playing the late Carl Wilson’s solos on tour

Artists