Guitars with two necks

Nowadays, you will not surprise anyone with a regular six-string guitar. But there are unusual models of this stringed musical instrument - two-neck instruments. They are often called double or twinned. Today we will get acquainted with the history of the emergence of such instruments, and also consider their individual types.

The first two-bar model appeared in 1955, and it was created by Joe Bunker, who patented his invention. It was at that time that a new technique in guitar technique began to actively gain popularity - tapping, which was characterized by sound production by lightly tapping the fingers of the right hand on the strings between the frets, which was more convenient to do on double-necked instruments.

Bunker created such an instrument for his son Dave, who was later able to improve the guitar given to him. He managed to make an improved version, released in 1961. Since that time, the production of such musical instruments has become a real family business of the Bunkers and has been further developed.

Similar musical instruments have been known since the Renaissance, but at that time the guitar had a completely different look. It acquired its modern appearance later.

Aubert de Troyes made a new double-necked guitar at the end of the 18th century.... However, it did not gain sufficient popularity because it did not provide significant benefits.

In recent years, twin-necked guitars have become popular among many rock bands, as they made it possible to reproduce a much more spacious sound, as well as create a variety of interesting guitar effects.

There are several main types of twin guitars in total:

• instruments with necks for six-string and bass guitar;
• models with two six-stringed necks with different tuning;
• 6- and 12-string guitars;
• double bass guitar (usually one neck has no frets).

We can say that twin guitars represent a special kind of hybrids consisting of two different sets of strings... Each individual variation of the above types of double guitars will be suitable for the performance of certain musical genres. But all of them are intended for concert performances, because a musician can quickly alternate between different musical parts, or just easily switch from one key to another.

A simple performer who has perfectly mastered this instrument will easily conquer such musical compositions that could not be played on a standard guitar.

Among the most famous models of double guitars, we will focus on two versions.

This model is electro-acoustic version. It was released back in 1963 but is still in active production today. The model is supplied exclusively through the Gibson Custom Shop, equipped with two volume controls, two tone knobs, four pickups (two for each neck), a fretboard switch.

The peg system of the product is made in the shape of tulips. The old case is made of mahogany, the fretboard is created on a rosewood base. The necks themselves are made of maple. The EDS-1275, never produced in large numbers, has been used by some notable musicians. The instrument was played by such celebrities as John McLaughlin, Jimmy Page. It was this double copy that was named "the coolest guitar in rock".

This guitar was first released in 1975 and mass production ended in 1985. The model is equipped with two necks of the four-string Rickenbacker 4001 and six-string Rickenbacker 480.

Durable and reliable guitars of this type are also produced by companies such as Shergold, Ibanez, Manson.

Speaking of double-necked guitars, a number of interesting data can be noted about them. The most striking and memorable example of playing such a musical instrument is the performance of Jimmy Page with the popular song "Stairway to Heaven". In the process of performing it, the musician switched from one set of strings to another four times, and also performed his legendary solo.

And also it is worth remembering the famous collection of Vladimir Vysotsky, which included an acoustic-type guitar with two sets of strings. Vysotsky rarely used the second neck, but he always noticed that with it the sound becomes as spacious and interesting as possible.

You can also remember the performances of the rock band Rush from Canada, whose concerts have always been distinguished by originality and special innovation.... Often, during the performance, two stringed instruments played on stage at once, creating an unusually beautiful sound.

In the 1970s, Rush's Geddy Lee asked Rickenbacker to make a custom two-neck guitar model for him that would combine a 12-string guitar and a simple bass guitar.

Live performance of the famous song "Hotel California", which won a Grammy in 1978, the lead guitarist used a Gibson EDS-1275 twin guitar.

Currently, it will be quite problematic for an ordinary buyer to purchase such a guitar. In addition, for such copies you will have to pay several thousand dollars.