A double-neck guitar is a musical instrument that is designed with two necks, typically one with six strings and the other with either six or twelve strings. This unique instrument allows guitarists to switch between two different sounds and styles without the need to change guitars during a performance.
The History of Double-Neck Guitar
Double-neck guitars were first designed and constructed in the 1950s by guitar manufacturer Gibson. The first double-neck guitar was the Gibson EDS-1275, which was notably used by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. It gained popularity in the rock music scene and became an iconic symbol for the genre.
Types of Double-Neck Guitar
Double-neck guitars come in various types and configurations, including the Gibson-style, which features a twelve-string guitar on top and a six-string guitar on the bottom, and the reverse configuration, which has a six-string guitar on top and a twelve-string guitar on the bottom. Some double-neck guitars, such as the Ibanez RG2228 Twin Neck, have two identical six-string necks.
Why Use Double-Neck Guitar?
There are several reasons why guitarists use double-neck guitars. The most significant reason is the ability to switch between two different tonal ranges and playing styles without having to switch guitars during a performance. It is also a significant convenience for guitarists who play songs that require switching between six-string and twelve-string guitar parts quickly.
Double-neck guitars are a unique and innovative addition to the world of guitars. They allow guitarists to have greater versatility during performances, without the need to switch guitars frequently. With the rise of technology in music production, it will be interesting to see how guitarists will utilize double-neck guitars in the future.