10 Things I Did NOT Expect When Getting a DOUBLE-NECK Gibson Guitar
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2023
- 10 Things I Did NOT Expect When Getting a DOUBLE-NECK Gibson Guitar
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I should have mentioned whether or not there is a neck-dive issue. Surprisingly no. I was prepared for the worst though. 🤣
haha no shit right
you can rotate the 3 way selector to be horizontal for switching between necks faster
Wow, that's what I wanted to ask. Neck diving is one of the worst thing for a guitar.
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 :)
You could tune the 6 string to an open tuning that matches the key of the song you are playing on the 12
Personally I'd do it the other way around
Or the other way around
The other way round would make more sense imo if you're going for "sitar-ish" sympathetic ringing
@@atrumluminarium for sure i have a epi version and the 12str is def not as playable as the 6 for obvious reasons xD
Jimmy Page did that playing live, not sure if it was Song Remains or The Rain Song. and if correct the twelve string was open chord
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
And Rick Emmet of Triumph on some crappy song from the early 80's that MTV had in its rotation for a couple years
Steve Howe made excellent use of one in the early 70's on songs like Starship Trooper and And You And I.
Rick Emmet and crappy can never be said in the same sentence.......the two dont fit
Ian Thornley of Big Wreck in their “Albatross” video. There’s a great gear video too where he discusses his 6/12.
On the last waltz video , The Weight , Robbie Robinson is playing a double neck madilin 8 string and a 6 string . Very unique...
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.
Yeah, using it for "Stairway to Heaven" was just an afterthought.
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.
@@brushstroke3733 Stairway was played live before TSRTS and the Rain Song were even written
Better do your homework junior, Jimmy bought it specifically for Stairway. Go home to mummy
He acquired it for stairway. It was additionally beneficial to play Tsrts into rain song. But in 77 and 79 they open with Tsrts and go into the river/sick again anyways
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!
I’ll find out tomorrow at the gig. 🥹
@@TheArtofGuitar Good luck and have FUN!! That's a gorgeous guitar.
Not a fan of double neck but was legit excited to see what Mike would say
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.
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.
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!
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 👍.
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 was way relieved that it didn’t neck dive. That’s a deal-breaker for me.
@@TheArtofGuitarHappy to hear - I’m a big fan of your channel and guitar skills - Rock on!
@@TheArtofGuitar The trade-off is that it's only got 20 frets with only 18 of them usable.
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.
Makes you wonder how John McLaughlin felt - he used to play entire gigs with one of these in the original Mahavishnu Orchestra.
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.
“I play in an Eagles tribute band.” I’m sorry.
Just kidding. 😊
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!
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.
That sympathetic resonance is my favourite thing of the year!
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.
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!
Maaaan, I thought the same thing watching this. Nice observation!!
@@PetersRockinTheWorld It was a six string and a mandolin, not a very common double neck.
Your “Love Alive” sound is killer!
That justifies the double-neck purchase in my book - criminally underplayed song!
That sympathetic resonance effect is super cool! That would be perfect for a song intro.
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
John McLaughlin in mahavishnu orchestra used the resonance to great effect
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
Love this video idea! That reverb effect from the second neck is almost enough to make me want a double neck
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.
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
no dude thats life xD
🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻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.
Reminds me of Rush!
12 pounds is lighter than most would expect that guitar to be, but 12 pounds is still a tank however you look at it. That's a friggin heavy guitar
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.
By the way Norlin Les Pauls could be over 14 pounds. Some guys would not trade their old Deluxe or Custom for anything.
That thing weighs 3 pounds more than a fully loaded M1 Garand
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.
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
Stoked for you dude!
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.
I have the epiphone version, red with a flame top, heavy as shit, im not a big guy so i can almost hide behind it lol.
Definetly a fun instrument
love the sympathetic resonance sound. Its got a nice ambient/volume swell/lo-fi vibe that has tons of potential
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.
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.
Love SGs! They look so good in white. I have a white 95 special. Congrats on your sweet new double neck!!
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.
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.
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!
Awesome video, Mike, I've always wanted to explore with a double neck guitar, and always thought that it'd be cool. The sympathetic resonance is awesome, it kinda sounds like an organ and would be really cool to use as an intro to a heavy song 🤘
Great review, very insightful! Thanks, keep on rockin!
I bought a custom double-neck a few years ago and still absolutely 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!
Actually, I meant the setting you used on #8. Yep, sympathetic resonance!
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!
Love Alive sounded great! Glad someone's still playing it!
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 😁👍
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.
That's cool, man! Congratulations. I should believe those issues you encountered can be quickly forgotten by the pleasure of having such an iconic guitar. Use it well! Cheers, mate!
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.
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.
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.
Congratulations on your new baby!
Great video, because I went through all the same realizations when I got mine. I had some extra challenges because I bought the Epi version and swapped all four pickups out for my favorite Gibsons, and replaced all 18 tuners with Gotohs! I guess my only number 11 here was that I was surprised by the wiring convention inside -- the pickups are all wired directly to selector switches rather than going to tone/volume pots. It actually made the pickup changing work easier. But the wiring inside is quite crowded and it was tough to get the pick guard back down flat!
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.
Great video! Always wanted to try one. Looking forward to the review and how the show went.
Good luck at your show. I will look forward to your review of the Double neck!
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.
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 got a double neck Epiphone ~2 years ago. I’m glad to know the sympathetic resonance wasn’t just because it’s the “budget” model. Everything you realized I also realized when I first got mine haha. Restringing it took me an entire afternoon (mostly because I was fearfully and cautiously tuning up the octave strings on the 12 string neck)
Great comments. Lots of surprises about the guitar. Things you don't normally think about.
That is a sweet looking guitar my man, congrats. Can’t wait to hear you demo it on the next video. Rock on 🤘
That resonance is awesome!!
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 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.
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.
Congrats on getting the guitar on most guitarists' wish/dream list. Too cool...too beautiful!
First video I've seen discussing the idiosyncrasies of the double neck, thanks!
Congratulations on the new guitar
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 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.
This is so sweet bro. Huge Led Zep guitar influences for my playing and beginnings :)
Congratulations! Still my dream guitar as well, you'll get used to it over time, its worth it.
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
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 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! ✌️
Epiphone here too it was my dream guitar, I have the white one
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.
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
Kind of random, just bought one like 2 weeks ago and now u come along w that, what a timing !
Thanks, an excellent video that’s really helpful!
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.
Wonderful guitar. Sounds incredible- especially that sitar stuff (the sympathetic resonance.) Does sound very Zeppelin-esque.
Cool guitar. Fun fact, on the instrumental Fractured Mirror from Ace Frehley's 1978 solo album he plays a double neck that is a mandolin neck on the top & a 6 string on the bottom, it can be seen in the background of photos of Ace in his bunker with his guitar collection at the time.
I don't remember which neck he said he was playing, but he employed that same tactic of harmonic resonance that you talk about in the video.
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 have a Firefly FFDN-03 doubleneck. I think you pretty much covered everything. I was gifted an A-Frame folding stand. Playing mainly bass, this stand saw little use until I received my doubleneck.
Makes me want one. Well done.
Played one today. They are suprisingly light.
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.)
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 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.
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!
The neck dive on doubleneck SGs are quite aggressive. I use a Dimarzio strap that has a sling - it was said to be for bass guitars with long necks.
I have a Harley Benton DC Custom 612 and totally feel you man. Great review!
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!!
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.
Cool guitar. Definitely on my "one day" list. I did at one time have a Triple neck, with a 6 on the bottom, a 12 on top and a 7 in the middle. 25 strings. Took 90 minutes to change them. Kind of wish I never sold that one. Hope you get that neck change in the song nice and smooth.
I liked your video! I own a Epiphone double-neck in white but gold hardware. After a professional setup and new strings, it played like a charm 🇨🇦🎸
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.
I was restringing mine and decided to play around before I got them all on, so I jus put six on the top and put 5 on the bottom one and tuned open for slide and had a lot of fun, all kinds of stuff to do like that in different tunings etc...