10 Things I Did NOT Expect When Getting a DOUBLE-NECK Gibson Guitar Check out all my lesson vids at: www.the-art-of-... Facebook: / fansoftheartofguitar / theartofguitar Thanks!!!
The BC Rich 6/12 spread the necks radially just a couple of degrees instead of being parallel. It gives some welcome clearance for tuning up at the headstock.
The neck dive comes on the Bass over 6 models. I have 2 double necks, a 12 over 6 and a bass over 6. Unfortunately the bass over 6 has an offset body so the whole bass sits further to the left and makes the neck dive worse, along with creating a reach issue. I think I may make a short scale neck for the bass and see if that helps :)
I’ve always loved these guitars because of how cool they look and sound great, plus how legendary they are thanks to guys like Jimmy Page on Stairway (probably the most iconic example), Alex Lifeson on Xanadu, Don Felder on Hotel California and countless other players
Page used the double neck mostly because he had to switch quickly between "The Song Remains the Same" and "The Rain Song" which was in a different tuning. He felt the two songs had to be played just as the are on the album fading from one song to the other. If you watch him play it live you can see he plays the Song Remains The Same on the 12 string and Rain Song on the 6 w alternate tuning.
Which is why The Rain Song is played in a different key live from the studio version, it requires retuning fewer strings when both necks needed to be in standard tuning for Stairway.
The hardest part for me when I've performed with my double neck is making sure it's in tune. Temperature changes, and getting it in and out of the case etc, can really screw with those 18 strings. Unless you have a guitar tech, plan on a few minutes to fine tune the thing. It makes for an awkward pause in your show unless you really plan for it!
It’s funny, I played a Gibson double neck and never noticed it had 20 frets. Mine was terrible for neck dive and was a tank… I don’t remember the year but if I had to venture a guess I would say early 80’s? Maybe 70’s. I feel like it had standard Gibson tail pieces verses what the new models use. The coolest thing I remember is it being super resonant and sounding huge through a Marshall 50 watt! I use to tape a weight on the tail end of the strap to compensate for the neck dive tendency - Good memories!
I have a doubleneck BC Rich Bich. There was definitely a learning curve. You learn little shortcuts, like leaving both necks on until you are going to be on a single neck for the rest of the song, so you don't have to switch so much. Fade To Black comes to mind.. I just leave both necks on until I get to the last chorus riff before going into the solo section. You can also be a little creative and mute the 12-string with your arm while playing the 6 string neck.
Tip: Don't leave a Snark tuner on a guitar with nitro cellulose lacquer, The rubber pads on the tuner with eat into the lacquer. I had a double neck and it takes getting use to. I now use a a single 12 Reverend Airline as II play it on many more songs. Enjoy the double neck and have fun.
Same with that A frame stand! I have a few of those and the rubber caused finish damage on the back of my dc tribute lp I have some socks on it now to cover that rubber up and I never leave my snark on my guitar after I’m done tuning.
Congratulations on the new guitar! I have an Epiphone with upgraded pickups and switches, so I can definitely relate to all of your discoveries. In April, I will be playing for a high school edition of Rock of Ages. In the high school edition, some of the songs have been transposed down a step to accommodate the vocalists, including Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi. So I will probably end up tuning this whole thing down a step and playing the song like we're all used to playing it. Thanks, as always, for the information and inspiration!
I've owned my Alpine White/gold hardware EDS 1275 for at least 15 years, bought new from Musician's Friend for around $4,000. MSRP has since doubled. I bought it largely because I'd been such a RUSH fanboi for so long.. (Can't really call myself any kind of "boi" at my current age of 69.) I had fun playing Xanadu on it and a few other songs, but it became the most expensive (and coolest) wall hanging in my studio. As you point out, you have to find a happy medium between neck heights, with neither being ideal. String changing is a real PITA. There is no getting a string winder on either neck where the headstocks are on adjoining sides. Winding those thin 12-string wires by hand is a test of patience. It really isn't practical for playing anything that doesn't require changing between 6 and 12 strings on the fly. Even Lifeson only used one for a couple of songs per show... they're unwieldy. It's not practical to pick it up just to play a 12-string song. I bought a Danelectro for that. I think it's cool you're going to gig it, though. Definitely has a wow-factor, and it's not practical to own unless you intend using it on stage. I hope you enjoy the guitar and find lots of use in it. I'll take this opportunity to tell you how I appreciate your positive, honest and humble attitude. Great channel, nice guy. Peace!
I was watching a Crimson Guitar video several weeks ago and he featured a double neck. The really cool aspect of it was that the necks were off set from each other. If I remember correctly the 12 was two/three inches forward. He marveled at that. And remarked that Gibson had them lined up. Then I thought wow, why aren’t the Gibson’s like that.
It gives me a warm & fuzzy to see someone get a guitar/bass that they've wanted for a very long time. Congrats & I look forward to seeing more videos with it 👍.
I play in a Eagles tribute band. I bought my double neck about two years ago. I went through a learning curve to get it ready to play on stage. The guitar added to the sound and the look for a complete experience. Have fun with yours.
If I remember correctly, Ace Frehley did the thing with playing the 12 string, while only having the 6 string on for his instrumental Fractured Mirror from '78. Congrats with a very nice and different guitar!
Check your volume for consistency and roll off the tone on the 12 just a bit. Once the 6 is dialed in, the 12 is WAY too bright. You can adjust it a bit with the pups and poles, but I've never been able to get mine dialed in equally. Also, if you get a chance, power chords on a palm muted 12, with a bit of drive, with a tiny bit of drive, is the best rhythmic element no one talks about. Rock. Break a leg. Get a wide strap and it'll be great fun!
You can hear it in the song remains the same during stairway did it often playing stairway. fractured mirror by ace frehley. Really cool sound the notes really ring out
That is a KILLER guitar. I love Double Neck SGs. What a beautiful and creative instrument! It keeps guitar playing and songwriting interesting and WIDE OPEN.
No surprises here. I play a 1966 Mostrite Joe Maphis 12 over 6 since 1966. Yes, tuning especially after new strings is a chore. Yes, it is heavier and as I am almost 70, your lower back will let you know about it. I have 22 frets on both necks, and the action is exceptional. I use a regular guitar stand and have never had an issue. I can also play it behind my head like Hendrix. Takes some practice. I use Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings on the 6 string and their standard 12 string set above. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine.
Congratulations! That's my ultimate dream guitar too. I recently bought an inexpensive double neck to scratch that itch, and immediately realized a lot of the issues you have. 1. Seven tuners are blocking each other, so it's difficult to tune and really difficult to change those strings. 2. 20 frets is a good thing...probably helps the physics on the otherwise wicked neck dive. 3. Only issue with both necks on is that (like the middle position of a 2-pup guitar) you get an overall weaker signal. Would be really cool to set the 12 in an open tuning, then let it drone over some single note stuff on the 6. 4. Mine has the full stop tailpieces and they just add weight to a heavy guitar; Gibson has the right idea. 5. 18 strings is a LOT to change. I did that, a setup, and a pickup swap (x4!) at the same time. Took a few hours. 6. Yes, the too high/too low effect is real. 7. My impression of weight was the same. Heaviest I own, but getting essentially a second guitar for just a few more pounds is cool. 8/9. No comment. LOL 10. Yeah, I was a bit surprised about the stand thing too...I was expecting to use two wall hangers to display it, but didn't consider that I'd need a new floor stand too. Mine is irregularly shaped as well, so it doesn't want to rest on the floor w/o leaning hard. I did find an interesting hack...Do NOT try this with your Gibby though (my double-neck was $400, not $8k). It will hang on a single wall hanger (with the hanger between the necks), resting on the inner points of the two headstocks. Looks perilous af, and probably is, but it was surprisingly stable and the necks are particularly resistant to any outward pressure in that direction. I never intended to keep it that way, but posted a pic in a facebook group and nearly broke the internet with people worrying about my guitar. One final note from me... the neck dive is so hard on the one I have that playing lead stuff on the 6 is nearly impossible; you have to truly hold the neck end up with your fretting hand, so it loses a lot of mobility. Playing the guitar sitting isn't bad, but standing with it is a major challenge. I do believe that's why the iconic images in our heads of Page or Felder playing leads has them holding it with the necks pointed at the ceiling...that's the only way to really free up your fretting hand. Hopefully your 20-fret (i.e., shorter) neck offsets some of that. As for stage performance...my buddy (a wickedly good player) has a double-neck that he places on a stand for live performance. Seems to work fine for him. Super jelly about your Gibson...that is an inspiring thing of beauty. Enjoy! Summary for all others considering a double-neck splurge: if you aren't familiar with how it feels to hold/play one, try one first; doesn't have to even be the exact one you're going to purchase. But at least get a feel for the weight, girth, and playability quirks before spending your money, especially if you're spending more than a lot of peeps' cars are worth.
That's what Ive always loved about guitar. Even after dozens of years playing it, you can still find new and exciting ways of challenging yourself. You can always learn something new
If you don't want the sympathetic tones you can use fret wraps as an easy way to stop that while leaving both necks on. That's that I do on my double neck Ovation acoustic.
The double neck Ovation acoustic models were the standard for years. I love the sound of them. I own an Ovation Celebrity 6 string acoustic, which has the best neck of my collection.
As far as string changes go, its a period of peace for me. I can go through and actually spend the afternoon changing out the strings in all my guitars. 18 strings would be fun imho. As far as switching during a live performance, the only thing you should consider is the placement of the toggle. Have your amp righr at that sweet spot where the 12 is ringing clear at 1/3 volume and the 6 is breaking at 5/8 volume to shred nasty at full. Or keep them both clean....its up to you. Distort pedal for the crunch. Gotta remember leads can switch pick-ups and hit pedals to nail those bridges for lead tones. The toggle is up high or on the other side for LPs or Strats. On yours its out there in the field between two rivers. Reaching back and sweeping down while hitting your pedal...(or having the 6 ready for lead as mentioned above) will keep the flow natural.
I’m a wish kid, and I got one of the slash signature series double necks that Gibson replicated a few years ago. Once I finally got it, I played it for hours amongst hours once I got home. (I even got to miss school the next day). The thing sounds so sweet and crisp, but the really disappointing part about it all was/is how difficult it it to reach that 20th fret! I can only reach it when I (vertically) lower my wrist, and very uncomfortably reach my finger around the thick neck it has. Another thing on that: I believe they modeled the EDS model the way they did because of the guitar body being too light in comparison to the chunky necks and the headstocks. Like you said, it’s only around 11-12lbs, likely 65% of that or so, coming from the neck and headstocks. I did not expect it to be that top-heavy! Especially while standing- it’s very awkward, but I’ve managed to get used to the 12 string neck being at about my mid-torso, and the 6 by/ just beneath my belt. But yeah, I’ve used mine during rehearsals, and I can’t stand swapping necks while kicking on the distortion!!! I had to do that for our Knockin on heaven’s door cover (GnR). That’s another song you should practice that transition on lol. It’s a pain, but man it sounds beautiful on either neck. Rock on man! You’ll come to enjoy it more and more as time goes.
l have a cherry EDS1275 and stretching in your strings to keep tune is the most important thing you can do. I restring about a month before live use so the strings, maybe a little zingless are broken in . Tune with a Petersen strobe tuner as an out of tune twelve string is bad news. Check your amp as the alnico pick ups will feed back if un potted . l play through Marshalls and Hiwatts in stereo so having one amp wet and one dry takes the ambience of the guitar to another level. To alleviate the parallel headstock tuner issues l have modified my tuners to the banjo style on the top row of the six string and the bottom four of the twelve so l can tune on stage without accidently putting out of tune the bottom neck. Slight tuning of the B strings courser 'sharp' will produce a natural chorusing effect and finally gluing a small coin in-between two guitar picks will deliver a huge tone . Check it out . I ordered mine through Gibson and had l have been more wise to the instrument l would have had the six up top and the twelve below with the strap button on the bottom neck to have the guitar naturally "sit" up so big strumming is easier on the elbow . Congrats on your purchase !
I have the Epiphone version and the sympathetic resonance is the coolest part of it. I always play with both necks and it has a massively full sound due to that. I remember playing once feeling like somehow I became a rock god overnight then I realized it was just that resonance. I found my neck heavy and a little hard to manage at times but it's a super cool guitar.
Besides the occasional if not uncontrollable neck dive, you've pretty much covered all the issues when it comes to dealing with a double neck guitar. I have a Danelectro 6/12. As a novelty, the 6 side is strung as a baritone which I find to be a lot of fun.
Great video! I got so caught up in the look I never noticed they're only 20 frets. That was the thing that surprised me the most (and the thing I'll notice every time I look at one going forward!). Someone did a video about why these are now obsolete. I'm pretty sure strutting one of these on stage and switching necks mid tune is NEVER going to be obsolete. The coolness factor goes straight to 11. Have fun, so great.
Hey Mike, glad to see you're happy with the guitar. Really cool things I never would have even thought about with a multi-neck guitar, but definitely makes sense. That sympathetic resonance is something that I would have hours of fun (and probably frustration) with.
I might be one of the few people who have played doubleneck guitars almost exclusively for decades. Not gonna lie, the EDS-1275 ended up being sold on; the 20 frets were just a deal killer. BTW the reason for the design is that the basic Gibson doubleneck layouts predate the SG by many years, and the EDS-1275 is basically a solidbody version of the semi-hollow doublenecks Gibson originally designed and built (hence the 20 frets). Changing 18 strings is a chore, but Sperzel locking tuners greatly accelerate the process. And as far as headstock layout, doublenecks where the 6 string neck is 6-inliine and reversed, avoids the tuning awkwardness. One could also swap to banjo-style tuners like on the Gibson Firebird.
I found some similar things that felt new when I picked up the epiphone version of this guitar. The minor weight difference, neck, tuner trap, string change is a chore, etc. However one minor gripe is the toggle that switches between 12 and 6 doesn't always work, and the click sounds loud (mind you yours is probably built better) but otherwise, I love it
I did a studio session in 1981 where, for giggles, I laid down a track just strumming the chord changes on the six sting neck but with the twelve string pickups turned on. Producer ended up making that sympathetic drone a dominant overall sound of the song. We also used to ham it up on stage with one guy fingering the chords on the twelve and another guy strumming rhythm while I soloed on the six.
I own a double neck, and have instances like you referred to with switching quickly between necks and kicking on distortion for the 6 string, it would seem like it's a good idea to leave both necks on, but if you do, the 12 string will cause feedback if it's turned on. It can be a cool effect if you want it to be, but it can also be a nightmare if you're not expecting it. You've probably already figured that out, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
I have a Dean Hardtail double neck. A cool little trick to note is that in middle position to have both guitars live, there’s slightly less strength in the signal. You can utilize that to pull back or boost your signal in the mix. Congrats on the guitar!
I have the Epiphone version of that guitar. And yes, I have experienced everything you have discussed in this video. The biggest annoyance for me was the neck dive. They are still beautiful guitars, though. Congrats on your purchase. Keep on rockin! ✌️
I have one too. Move the strap button down to the six string neck. Actually I just added one down there. No more neck dive. Improves the balance incredibly.
I have a Carvin 6/12 double. Couple things I have found. 1) I like replacing the the G octave string with a matching gauge in unison. That little thing loves to snap at the wrongest time. 2) Don't thing too much when transitioning from one to the other. The minute I think about it, I start anticipating it, aaaaaaaand I botch it. 3) Space the songs you use it for. Mine weighs in at 14 pounds. That starts to grind me down 3/4 way through the song. Cheers.
That sympathetic resonance sound is very interesting, I think something really cool could be found if it were played with! I'm surprised that some of the iconic double neck guitarists like Page or Lifeson never composed a song using it! I think playing the 12 string off while 6 is on could yield something interesting!
I'm pretty sure I watched an interview where ace frehley said he used a double neck on his song "Fractured Mirror" and he said he played the 6 string with both necks on and let the 12 string side ring out
I see you figuring all this out and it's great! I went thru ALL of this! Hope your show is awesome. From your excellent demo I think you'll do fine! The more you play it, the more natural it feels! Peace
welcome to the double neck world,,I had an Epi 1275 for years and had a lot of fun with it,,they can be a challenge on stage because the extra pounds of it add up the longer you play it,,,I used mine on several songs and learned to only do one or 2 songs at a time with it because it does get heavy after more than 2,,,enjoy
Omg that resonance? My mind is doing somersaults thinking of the amazing tunings you could do, you coul have them tuned totally different and have harmonic overtones from the resonance effect 🤘🤤🤘 Edit: Imagine the feedback fx you will be able to get!!! Oh I am so happy for you man, you're gonna have an Ernie Ball 😁👍
🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻Congrats on 782k Subscribers! Really interesting stuff, I admit I didn't really know much about the double necks. I haven't ever seen a double neck anywhere but it'll certainly be a cool experience when I do find one 'out in the wild' haha. I've actually got one of those A frame stands, I've got a small rack now as it's space saving but my SG would slip down on the A frame stand so the heel of the neck right where the strap attaches would rest on it, I had to tie something on to the supporting bars to stop it from sliding down.
I played an Epi version for years. You have to have it on a stand. If for no other reason, because it attracts attention. People always wanted pictures of it. Someone in the comments mentioned the neck dive problem. I put a strap button behind the six string neck. It's way more comfortable. The balance improves to near perfection. I don't know if the Gibson version is the same, but mine came with the button behind the twelve string neck. Bad positioning. I loved playing it. The possibilities are endless. But four or five songs and I was ready for my strat. Much lighter. Although I wish my Les Paul had the same sound as the six string neck on the double neck. That thing rocks.
I have an older 1275. An Alpine White 1987 model with gold pick ups. The toggle to switch out the six to the twelve string is located below the six string. The white finish is no longer white. Over the years it had turned to a yellowish tint. It was bothering for a while. But when I saw Rush on their 1994 Counterparts Tour, I saw the same thing had happened to Alex Lifeson’s double neck. So I didn’t feel so bad. I thought I’d share that with you.
I built one from a kit, my biggest gripes being re-stringing, tuning and the horrific neck diving. My guitar teacher had one back in the early 80s, that we were allowed to play if we mastered our lessons well.
Good video! I use my double neck for 2 songs live. Xanadu and Closer to the Heart. It's a Rush tribute band. It really is a great guitar and I am happy to own one.
I had a Gibson doubleneck in white as well. Currently, I have an old Ibanez Artist 2640 doubleneck with a mahogany body and maple top, plus ebony fingerboards, and it's a solid 16 pounds. When I got the Gibson many years ago, the weirdest part initially was when I was playing and looking at the fingerboard on the 6-string and seeing the 12-string neck in the visual field. The 12-string sounds great through an overdriven Boogie doing leads, and it's fun jumping back and forth between necks (trading off, as it were) during solos. Have a blast with this. And arpeggiating chords with open strings on the 12 is a great thing. Give a listen to any Mahavishnu Orchestra album from Birds of Fire through Visions of the Emerald Beyond. The 12-string work is impeccable. And even though it's strung differently from a Rick 12, listen to anything by McGuinn from early Byrds on and of course George Harrison. Congrats! And Rock On!
I picked up a Dean 6/12 Hard Tail. 22 frets and smaller headstocks. I run EMG pickups so I replaced the stock ones and rewired the entire unit to work for me. Added a separate pickup switch so I can set the volumes independent on both necks. I have 4 independent volumes for each pickup. No tone controls. None of my guitars have Tone controls. I also made the middle of the neck selector OFF, instead of ALL on. I have no need to play both necks at once and the resonance causes feedback. I wanted the version you're playing but came across the Dean by accident. Mine weighs 11 pounds. Worked out great. Enjoy your new machine!!
Awesome! #11. I just got a double-neck 6 and 12 string acoustic Alvarez-Yairi guitar. Playing both necks at the same time. I wondered what I could do different with the guitar, then I tuned it to an open tuning and found I can use my thumb on the upper 12-string to pick out notes and strum cords and use my fingers on the lower sixth ring to strum and pick out melodys. It's pretty fun.
BTW, Mike if you place the 12 STRING NECK in the upper neck saddle of your stand and set the BOTTOM of your double neck guitar slightly to the right it will center the weight of the guitar and set normally. Thanks for yopur time and excellient videos.
One of our guitarists in my old band borrowed a Gibson double-neck for one of our shows. The GUITAR got amazing crowd response just by it being there!! We were amazed that it did. People seem to react to it, so you might see some of that too!
All of the issues you had were what I experienced when I used one briefly. I was so glad a friend had one I could borrow so I could decide against getting it, and every reason to not purchase it were what you mentioned. With the exception of a note-for-note cover of Hotel California where Felder switches between the two guitars continuously, I can find a way to play just a 6 or just a 12 string and be much more comfortable. Of course, when I purchased a 12, I didn't want to make things easier on myself, so I got a Rickenbacker 330/12. LOL. What I do is either switch guitar while the band does a bar or a turnaround, or I just play my best on the fat strings of the 12. When I was in my 20's, I had a Yamaha 12 string as my only guitar, so I got good at plucking one string within the pairs at a time either with a plectrum or fingerstyle. So much so that I sometimes have to unthink that way to hit both strings when arpeggiating a part. Congratulations on the awesome axe! Whatever happens, don't ever sell it! You will never recoup and you can never go back. My friend got his back when you could get it for a song because people were dumping them. Now, they've skyrocketed because Gibson can't give them away. You might think, so why is the price so high? Well, because that way, people don't ask for them! Same with the Alpine White Les Paul Custom. Price it out of reach and you don't have to make as many (or any), because orders slow to a crawl or stop entirely.
Yeah I use that business model too. I make guitars to order and I charge 1 million bucks, that way nobody orders any so I don't have to make any money! I don't like money and neither do other guitar manufacturers, we all have a "we hate money" club.
I've always wanted one thanks in large part to Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria. Changing the strings and doing the intonation seems like a nightmare though.
I built one like it, from a kit on amazon. I added a middle pickup on both , the 6 string and the 12 string. I added extra toggles. now I can switch between any single pickup on each guitar, but can also play any combination of pickups. single, neck, middle, bridge, or neck and middle. middle and bridge, bridge and neck.
To switch between, you could either just leave it in the middle, or just work on hit the switch and dropping down or going up in one motion. There's a lot of guitarists that are really good at putting switch changes flawlessly into their picking technique that you barely notice they did it (SRV was really good at that, he always kept it in one natural motion with everything else he was doing)...
I have a handmade eds1275 from a private luthier. My advice is if you’re gonna get one you should probably get a dragon suit to go with it. Cause you’ll only take it out once a year to spend 2 days changing the strings, play Rain Song in front of the mirror and put it away. I knew that before I got it which is why I spent 3k and not 10k on a custom shop. They made a run of them in the 80‘s and if you can get an 87´ or earlier it should have stock Tim Shaw PAF‘s which for my money are my favorite pickups and I’m a junkie. I have original PAF‘s, TTops, Tarbacks, Bill Lawrence circuitboards (which are underrated) dirt fingers etc. Plus the new replicas ThroBak’s, Wizz, Tom Holmes and another very underrated brand is Monty‘s in London. But all and all for consistency and for the type of mid range bite I like I’ll take Shaw PAF‘s over all of them. Obviously just an opinion but it is an informed one.
A wide padded strap will help your shoulder. Find the midpoint where you can play both necks comfortably. Have had mine for nigh on 10 years and still love it!
Hope you have a blast with your Doubleneck journey! I can't speak for the SG doubleneck, but I've always managed to get away with a standard guitar stand with just the 12-string neck in the stand "pocket", though you'd have to check you're happy with the support and ballance. The 20 frets thing was a dealbreaker for me on the SG, so I ended up building my own. Oh! Fun tip, if you roll the volume down on one neck, you can use the the neck switch as a killswitch, or set one neck to a lower gain type sound if you're using some overdrive. I used the latter a fair bit if I wanted to wander around (stage) away from my pedalboard when switching from "clean(ish)" to overdriven sounds :)
Ace Frehley used one of these (his was the 12-string plus mandolin version like Robbie Robertson's) on his solo album on Fractured Mirror. He used the middle switch setting in the intro to let the strings sympathetically resonate while he played the other neck. It's a great sound. 20 frets???! Never knew that!
I bought a BC Rich Bich double neck way back when. The necks splay apart, so you can tune it, and you get 22 or 24 frets, and you can easily access the upper frets on the 6 string neck. My friend had BC Rich Warlock & Bich guitars, and I had Les Pauls. Switching between them was seamless.
Friend, I have 2 12/6 double neck guitars, One is stratacaster influence 6 single coil pups.tremelo on the 6 string. 2nd is Wolfgang style body 4 humbuckers and truly is a neck breaker. (For me, anyway, had my neck broken on more than one occasion) as far as the guitar stand goes I use a double guitar stand and set double necks back to back secured with the 12 string or the top guitar on a double. I think a stand strong enough to secure them in the playing position are much needed for any extensive playing that or a weightlifting belt. 😎🎸🎸
Tell me ALL ABOUT IT!! I have the EXACT same Alpine White Gibson, a 2006 I bought brand new, and I'm the only person to actually really PLAY it! By that I mean spend more time on the 12-string than the 6-string, or close to it. Also it's quite "normal" it seems, for guys (gals) to ignore the 12-string as if it's not as important as the easier to fret 6-string is! The 12-string tuners of the early/mid 70's era were closer together by quite a bit. My first model was a TV Yellow 1974, so . . . I could go on but I won't. It's your channel. Thanks for sharing your guitar with us. I sure love mine, questionable as some of the design elements are! That all started in 1958 (you probably know that I bet.) It's a sculptural thing of beauty!
I had one of these many years ago and since there had the pickups changed (Bill Lawrence L-550s) and tuners changed out, it was far from stock so had the guitar rewired with a stereo output jack with each neck send out to the channel. On my pedalboard I had a Wah pedal modified to be able to pan back and forth between necks and this allowed me to switch necks hands free for the quick changes you talked about and also keep both necks live when I wanted. Don't know I'd do that to a completely stock guitar. Also, this was back when you could buy these used for $1k anytime.
One thing that jumps out visually right away is how far apart the pickups are. The neck pickups are a lot further from the bridge than on an SG, and the gap between neck and bridge pickups is greater. One would want to see it compared to a Les Paul, where the gaps are also greater than an SG, to see if it is the same gap as a LP, or even bigger. This has a practical application. It changes the tone. The neck pickup is warmer, less driven sounding, when it is further from the bridge. It changes the sound of the middle position, too, making it more distinct from the neck and bridge positions. That's part of why SG's and LP's sound different. PRS players will also recognize this as the difference in sound between a Custom 24 and a Custom 22, because on the latter, with fewer frets on the neck, there is a bit more room to spread out the pickups. It's a subtle thing, but it does give one a different tone palate to play with.
I have a double neck acoustic. The Emerald Chimaera. It’s amazing and has many of the same issues and advantages that your Gibson has. The head is a bit top heavy but it stays in tune really well. I attribute that to the carbon fiber construction. I’d enjoy hearing you do a review on that guitar. I’ve performed several times with it and it’s always a head turner. 👍
The fingerboard and frets guys had to knock off early. Only had time to do 20 of them. The guy doing the cut-aways did what he could with it and hoped nobody would notice.
I have gigged a few times with my 6/12 doubleneck. I would always be sure to have time to check the tuning on the 12 string before starting a song using it. Often I would use it for the beginning of a second set, having tuned it on break.
I want one of those its one of my dream guitars ever since I started playing guitar. Guitar Hero got me into guitars and didn't know the names or what brand or anything about them until I studied them and the sounds and other things interesting about guitars. That guitar is a beast I want one someday.
My 3 mains, a Player Strat, a PRS SE Custom 22, and an Epiphone Les Paul Modern, are all under 8. My Epi LP Standard Pro is about a pound heavier, and feels like a tank by comparison. 12 pounds! Ack! That'd put my 61 year old back into spasms within 5 minutes!
I don’t know how they’d get around having an extra 12 string neck and hardware and wider body all for under 10 pounds. Gibson did make a few partially hollow body designs with various 2-neck configurations, those are quite rare and appear extremely well-made.
Daron Malakian used one of these on Aerials and got the clean sound by using the 12 string pickups while playing on the 6 string neck as you demonstrated. I always thought that was a really interesting little tidbit and is good for some really neat in-between sounds.
Having watched Rik Emmett play a double neck for at US Fest '83, you can see him turning down the volume on one neck or the other to keep that resonance out. It looks like fun to play, but maybe a little tricky live. Hope you enjoy it. I've wanted one for years too. (Apparently Rik doesn't use his anymore due to the weight, but if it's only 2 lb's more than a Les Paul, maybe they've become lighter.)
Made me think of other strategies used as alternatives to the double-neck. Mike McCready quickly hands off his 12-string acoustic to a roadie in "Sirens" and whips out the electric for the solo and the rest of the song. Rich Williams (from Kansas) just had an acoustic guitar fixed into a stand on stage so he could walk up to it and reach his arms over it to play it instead of the electric which he was wearing on a strap. I guess switching between guitar types/tunings mid-song is likely to be awkward however you go about it.
Most informative. I'm planning a twin neck build, and this helps identify potential issues. Many won't apply in my case as the guitar will be a 12 string tail tuner combined with a 6 string headless. being headless, there won't be clearance issues with the tuners. Locking tuners for the 12 string will help speed up re-strings. Steinberger "R" trems are easy to string up in the first place. Both necks are 24 frets (of course!). Looks like I should wire it for both single and dual output jacks. What do you think - stereo as well? Not sure what can be done about "one neck too high and the other too low". You need a certain minimum amount of space between necks for access, and you need a certain amount of space around the picking area to avoid hitting things (like the other neck's strings). 6" apart would likely be the minimum at both ends. 9" would be nicer, but would make the "too low too high" issue worse. How far apart are the necks on yours - centerline to centerline?
I built an Ibanez RG doubleneck 12/6 that works the same way. One thing I will heavily advise before playing it live is to make sure both guitars are absolutely in tune with each other lol. My band was doing Zeppelin's Heartbreaker and Livin' Lovin' Maid one of the couple times I've played it onstage. I checked the tuning quickly by ear beforehand, and the 12 itself was in tune, but had gone slightly flat compared to the 6, so that when I switched, it was horrible. Also, as far as a stand goes, believe it or not, it will sit in a standard cradle type stand, with one neck supported. The base keeps it stable so it won't tip over. It's not optimal, but it does work. Good luck and have fun!
Be sure to check out a few interviews Don Felder did regarding how he modified his Gibson double neck (now hanging in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). Having seen him play this on tour in the late 70s, early 80s, it explains how he managed different effects needed for the Eagles' live shows. I'll have to give that set up a hard look next time I visit Cleveland.
I do not have a Gibson SG, but when I got my Gibson Double Neck, I really like the feel and sound of the six string neck. It has the strings that came with the double neck, so I don't know if its the gage of the strings or if its the way its built. Feels much better than my Les Paul. P.S. I do have an issue with neck-dive. Love my Gibson Double Neck.
Congratulations I have owned an epi version for a few years and now own an ovation acoustic double neck as well I put a Washburn whammy on the epi six string because it’s a flat no routing install, just another tool I prefer You may know this already, when your tuning with the snark you should mute the strings on the other neck because of the sympathetic resonance It will sneak in and fool the snark occasionally I’m in the market for a music man silhouette Stuart Smith model because it has the 12 on the bottom and 22 frets Much more practical for me to do Hotel California, the last phrase in the second verse is on 22 fret I do all the solo bits as well as the 12 string intro so most of the playing is on the six All I have to do is get at the 12 for the intro and prior to the end solo I’m Still shopping for the music man
I had a 70s Ibanez copy of the Gibson. It was fun to play, but took some getting used to. In 1986 I found it for 1250 Marks ($430ish at the time) in a tiny town in Germany with an amazing music store. It was a race between me and another GI to buy it, and I ended up selling it to him for $450 and an Ibanez Roadstar bass. Never should have let it go. I also had an Ovation doubleneck for a few years. I liked the 12 on it but the 6's neck was too small for my hand at the open position.
I see you got an Alpine! Nice. I have the same one. Don’t be surprised if it yellows with age. Mine is almost the color of butter right now. They say it’s just the lacquer aging. I named all of my guitars. The Doubleneck, I had to call “Shock and Awe,” for the sole reason of peoples’ reactions when you pull one out live, because most people have only ever seen them played by Zeppelin, Rush or The Eagles, but when they see one “in real life…..” Shock and awe. LOL Best of luck with her, bud, and who cares about neck dive, just give her a bit of an upward slant when you play. It helps with that and the “Too High, Too Low” thing. When I switched necks, I would be on the 12, then when I went to the six, I wouldn’t purposely switch it, I would just hit it with my hand on the way down like a downward strumming motion.
The white double-neck just makes me think of Steve Clark. Towards the end of the Hysteria tour he whipped this bad boy out for Die Hard the Hunter. Killer stuff!
I never played such a guitar, it was very informative. Thanks! I guess I'd approach that switch of guitars within a song you mentioned slightly differently. Before the switch, I'd have both guitars on, while I'm still playing clean on the 12-string (you get that harp effect for some brief moments, haha). Then I'd just worry about moving my hands to the 6-string and turning on the distortion, while I'd mute the 12-string with my arm. I think this could sound smoother, the tail of the 12-string wouldn't be killed so sharply. Then I'd switch the 12-string off at some other point, when I'd be a bit more free. Personally, I find that combining too many things at once is a recipe for disaster.
