Gibson Double Neck Guitars

In 1958, Gibson introduced two doubleneck electric instruments, the Double 12 and the EMS-1235 Double Mandolin.  The dual-cutaway shape of the thin-lines was a precursor to the SG-style solidbody which both instruments transitioned to in 1962.

 

Generation 1:  1958-61 Gibson Double 12 (Electric Double Spanish) 1962 MSRP $475 or 2025 equiv ~$5300 (Image #2)

• Thinline hollowbody 1-7/8" deep, two-piece solid spruce top with maple sides and a one-piece maple back
• 13-7/8" scale six-string neck in the upper position
• 24.75" scale six-string neck in the lower position,
• Colors available were white, black and sunburst

 

Generation 2:  1962-67 Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck SG's (Electric Double Spanish) 1962 MSRP $495 or 2025 equiv ~$5300 (Image #2)

• In 1962, the Double 12 was reintroduced as the EDS-1275 model and featured a solid mahogany body that closely resembled Gibson’s new SG models, along with three-piece maple necks with 20-fret rosewood fingerboards.
• Similar to the 1st generation Double 12, but with the SG-style solidbody and cherry finish was added.
• Less than 100 of these were made, making them very rare and valuable.
• The model was discontinued in 1968 at the beginning of the Gibson Norlin era...

 

Generation 3:  1974+ Gibson EDS-1275 Doubleneck SG  Model #DSEDCHNH1  2025 MSRP $7,999  (Images #3 & 4)

• In 1974, Gibson started making the guitar again, in a number of additional colors until 1998.
• From 1999-2019, only alpine white with gold hardware, and heritage cherry with chrome hardware versions were made.
• Production moved several times:
  • 1999-2003 - Gibson USA in Nashville, Tennessee
  • 2004-05 - Nashville Custom Shop
  • 2006+ - Memphis Custom Shop
• In 2019, Gibson added a black signature model for Slash

 

Gibson also produced Double Neck guitars in other configurations including:

• 1962-68 Gibson EBS-1250 Double Neck Guitar/Bass (Electric Bass Spanish)  (Image #2)
  • Less than 30 of the extremely rare Gibson EBS-1250 double-necks were ever manufactured.
  • Prior to 1966 it was known as the EBSF-1250 as it included an onboard fuzz effect. 
  • Essentially a Gibson SG melded with an EB-3 bass, it included two bass pickups and two humbuckers on the six-string side.

 

• 1958-68 Gibson EMS-1235 Double Neck Guitar / Mandolin (Electric Mandolin Spanish) (Image #2)
  • 1958-61:  Thinline hollowbody 1-7/8" deep, two-piece solid spruce top with maple sides and a one-piece maple back
  • 1962-68:  Transitioned to solid body SG style body
  • 24.75" scale 12-string neck in the upper position
  • 24.75" scale six-string neck in the lower position
  • Pickups:  2 PAF humbuckers on the guitar side, and 1 4 pole humbucker on the mandolin side
  • Colors available were white and sunburst, and custom colors like black (only two black EMS-1235s are known to exist)
  • Only about 44–52 units were produced making these models very rare

 

Although Jimmy Page is arguably the artist most associated with this instrument, many other artists have used this instrument through the years including:

• Slash of Guns N’ Roses (Knockin' on Heaven's Door) (Image #8)  - Slash bought his 1966 doubleneck from a small music store in Indiana in 1990, following which it saw heavy rotation during Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion tour on the tracks Only Women Bleed, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door and Patience.
• Alex Lifeson of Rush - Xanadu, Cygnus X-1 Book II (Image #9 & 10)
• Don Felder of the Eagles - Hotel California (Image #11)
• Steve Howe of Yes - Starship Trooper (Image #12)
• Steve Clark of Def Leppard - Bringin' on the Heartbreak (Image #13)
• Elvis Presley - 1966 movie Spinout (Image #14)

Jimmy Page, born on January 9, 1944, is an iconic English guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known as the founder and guitarist of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin.  In 1968, Page formed Led Zeppelin with Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. The band became a defining force in rock music, known for their powerful sound and complex compositions. They produced classic albums like "Led Zeppelin IV," featuring the iconic "Stairway to Heaven".

 

On the studio recorded version of Led Zeppelin’s classic “Stairway to Heaven,” Jimmy Page used 4 separate guitars (Image #5)

1. 1960s Harmony Sovereign H1260 acoustic - Intro
2. 1965 Fender Electric XII 12-String - Rythym
3. 1967 Vox Phantom XII 12-String - Rythym
4. 1959 Fender “Dragon” Telecaster - Solo

As Jimmy was the only guitar player in the band, it was impossible use 3-4 different guitars to recreate the recording in live performances.  However, he found a solution in Gibson’s EDS-1275 double-neck, which allowed him to switch from six strings to 12 strings without changing guitars.

 

Gibson stopped offering the EDS-1275 in 1968, but built a custom guitar for Jimmy Page in 1971 that included a few modifications for the standard model with Serial #911117 (Image #5, 6, 7)

1. Pickups:
   • 6 & 12 String Bridge:  Gibson T Top Humbuckers, uncovered showing double black bobbins
   • 6 & 12 String Neck:  Gibson T Top Humbuckers, with Chrome covers
2. Relocated both tailpieces moving them further away from the bridge
3. Black Speed knobs in place of the standard Black Top Hats w/ Silver Inserts

 

Jimmy used this guitar in countless Led Zeppelin concerts and recording sessions in songs including: 

• “Stairway to Heaven” (Led Zeppelin IV, 1971) 
• "The Song Remains the Same” (Houses of the Holy, 1973)
• “The Rain Song” (Houses of the Holy, 1973)
• “Tangerine” (Led Zeppelin III, 1970)
• “Sick Again” (Physical Graffiti, 1975)

 

Page recently played his EDS-1275 in November 2023 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, reinforcing its legacy as one of the most iconic guitars in history.

2024 Gibson Custom Shop Jimmy Page '69 EDS-1275  (Image #6)  -offered in 2 versions:

1. 50 Collector’s Edition guitars Model DSEDJPMLACH1   MSRP $49,999:  Same as the VOS model with some significant upgrades including Ultra-precise Murphy Lab aging techniques to aid in hand-crafting an effective clone of Jimmy Page’s original guitar. Every single detail has been thoughtfully replicated, from the exact playing wear to the sonic character, Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose (vs Nitrocellulose VOS), Certificate of Authenticity Book (vs COA paper), Premium Cherry/Black Leather Strap (vs Vintage Leather Strap), Pick Display with Herco Flex pick played by Jimmy Page on specific serialized guitar, Embroidered Dragon Guitar Shroud, and a Gibson Doubleneck Stand
2. 250 VOS Edition guitars Model EDS1275JPVOCH1          MSRP $9,999:  Clones of Jimmy's EDS-1275 as it originally appeared prior to its extensive use and receiving the various dings and abrasions that invariably come with use on major world tours. The VOS nitrocellulose lacquer finish gives it a softly aged patina without the custom, highly-detailed Murphy Lab aging that duplicated the lacquer checking and other wear of the original guitar that is featured on the Collector’s Edition

• Both versions were made in close collaboration with Jimmy, and built to the Exact Specifications of his original 
• Each of the 2 necks have long tenons and are hide glue fit, with the neck profiles recreated from 3D scans of the necks on the original guitar
• Both necks have Indian rosewood fretboards, a 12" radius,  20 authentic medium jumbo frets and aged cellulose nitrate parallelogram inlays
• The 18 tuners are Kluson double line, double ring style, just like those found on the original guitar
• The headstocks feature the correct 17-degree angle with "Custom" inscribed on truss cover
• The electronics are authentic and deliver all of the sonic character of the original
• Two uncovered Jimmy Page EDS-1275 Custombuckers with double black bobbins and Alnico 5 magnets are used for the two 6-string pickups, while a covered pair is installed on the 12-string neck
• Two volume and two tone controls use CTS potentiometers and period-correct ceramic disc capacitors, and the pickup select switch, neck select switch, and output jack are all from Switchcraft
• Jimmy discussing his Gibson EDS-1275

 

2007 Gibson Custom Shop Jimmy Page '71 EDS-1275 Doubleneck  MSRP Aged & Signed  $33,500 or VOS $10,000 (Image #7)

• The Jimmy Page Signature Double Neck is a painstaking recreation of Jimmy's original '71 model in 2 versions:
  1. 25 units played, numbered and hand signed by Jimmy (Model EDS1275JP)
  2. 250 unsigned, VOS finished units (Model DSJPVOSNH1)
• Crafted in the style of Jimmy's EDS-1275, the mahogany 6- and 12-string necks are outfitted with rosewood fingerboards. The body's period-correct mahogany is finished in a meticulously weathered dark cherry and done up with chrome hardware and strap locks, a period-correct 5-ply pickguard, four Page pickups, and two volume and tone control knobs. 

 

2010 Gibson Custom Shop Don Felder "Hotel California" '77 EDS-1275  MSRP Aged & Signed $12,704 or VOS $9174  (Image #12)

• Replica of the iconic Arctic White doubleneck guitar used by Don Felder of The Eagles to perform “Hotel California” live, capturing the song’s 12-string intro and 6-string solo
• Limited run of 150 with 50 aged and signed models 
• Don Felder on his signature "Hotel California" Gibson models

 

2015 Gibson Custom Shop Alex Lifeson "Xanadu" '76 EDS-1275 Doubleneck  MSRP $16,999  (Image #10 & 11)

• A replica of Alex Lifeson's own '70s Gibson Double Neck, crafted in close collaboration with the Artist.
• This limited run of 100 EDS-1275's is a replica of Alex's famous "Farewell to Kings" Double Neck. Based on hands-on analysis and digital scans of the original's neck and body profiles, each one is a precise re-creation of the guitar that Alex acquired in the mid-1970s and one that would go on to become a visual and tonal icon.
• "I acquired this (white) one in 1976, along with a cherry one, which I later gave to Gordie Johnson," said Lifeson. "It's been with me ever since, playing a constant role in the Farewell to Kings tour between 1977 and 1983, then again from 1991-1996, primarily for the song 'Xanadu'. It was used to record the songs 'Xanadu', 'Something for Nothing', 'Vapor Trails' and others."

 

2019 Gibson Custom Shop Slash Signed '66 EDS-1275 Model #DSEDSLSAEBCH MSRP $11,999 (Image #9)

• Limited-edition of only 125 units, all signed by Slash, replicating the 1966 Gibson EDS-1275 in Aged Ebony including meticulous aging to replicate his original guitar’s wear, including buckle rash and a repaired headstock mark.
• Originally showcased on GNR’s Use Your Illusion tour for songs like “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” “Only Women Bleed,” and “Patience”
• Slash discussing his 1966 Gibson EDS-1275
• Trogleys Review of 2019 Gibson Slash Collection EDS-1275

The Mach Five Guitar is a 2021 Epiphone G-1275 "Double Neck" Limited Edition in cherry SN 21021521719  (Images #1 & 5)

• Limited-edition reissue of Epiphone’s “British Invasion” 50th-anniversary series with only 300 made
• Replicates Jimmy Page's custom EDS-1275 including his modifications from the standard production model  (Images #4 & 5)

1. Relocated both tailpieces moving them further away from the bridge
2. Removed both pickup covers on the 6-string side, revealing double black bobbins
3. Black Speed knobs in place of the standard Black Top Hats w/ Silver Inserts

• Finish Color: Cherry
• Finish Type: Gloss
• Body Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Shape: Slim Taper "D"
• Neck Joint: Glue Fit
• Scale Length: 24.75" both necks
• Fingerboards: 12" radius, Indian Rosewood
• Fingerboard Inlays: Perloid Parallelograms
• Frets: 20 Medium Jumbo
• Binding: Single-ply on Fingerboard
• Hardware: Chrome
• Bridges: Two Locktone Tune-O-matic (ABR-1 equivalent)
• Saddles: Zinc
• Tailpieces: Two Claw/ABR style relocated further from bridge
• Nut: 1.687"/ 1.85" (12 string)
• Tuners: 18 Epiphone Deluxe 18:1 ratio (Visually similar to vintage Kluson Deluxe), keystone buttons
• 12-String Pickups: Two Alnico Classic humbuckers, Double Black Bobbins, Alnico 5  
• 6-String Pickups: Two Alnico Classic Plus humbuckers, Double Black Bobbins, Alnico 5
• Pickup Covers:
  • 12-String: Chrome
  • 6-String: None (exposed double black bobbins)
• Pickup Selector: 3-way controls both necks
• Neck Selector:  3-way toggle activates 6-string, 12-string, or combination 6-and 12-string
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone with Black Speed Knobs
• Electronics:  full-size 500K Ohm potentiometers

 

Reference:  Comparison to Jimmy Page SN 911117 & Replica models:

$50,000 2024 Gibson Custom Shop Jimmy Page '69 EDS-1275

• Finish Color: Cherry
• Finish Type: Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer (or VOS Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
• Relic'ing:  Every single detail has been thoughtfully replicated including the exact playing wear (not on VOS)
• Body Wood: One Piece of Mahogany
• Neck Wood: One Piece of Mahogany
• Neck Shape: Custom Jimmy Page EDS-1275 Doubleneck
• Neck Thickness: 
  • 6-String:  .860 1st - 1.020 12th
  • 12-String:  .900 1st - .980 12th
• Neck Joint: Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit
• Scale Length: 24.75" both necks
• Fingerboards: 12" radius, Indian Rosewood
• Fingerboard Inlays: Aged Cellulose Nitrate Parallelograms
• Frets: 20 Authentic Medium Jumbo
• Binding: Single-ply on Fingerboard
• Hardware: Chrome
• Bridges: Two True Historic ABR-1
• Tailpieces: Two Chrome 6/12 EDS-1275 relocated further from bridge
• Saddles: Nickel
• Nut: 1.687" Corian
• Headstock: 17-degree angle, "Custom" on truss cover
• Tuners: 18 Kluson Double Line, Double Ring, Keystone Buttons
• 12-String Pickups: Two Jimmy Page EDS-1275 Custombuckers, Double Black Bobbins, Alnico 5  
• 6-String Pickups: Two Jimmy Page EDS-1275 Custombuckers, Double Black Bobbins, Alnico 5
• Pickup Covers:
  • 12-String: True Historic Chrome
  • 6-String: None (exposed double black bobbins)
• Pickup Selector: 3-way Switchcraft plus 3-way Switchcraft Neck Select Switch
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone with Black Speed Knobs
• Electronics:  Hand-wired with CTS Potentiometers and Period-correct Ceramic Disc Capacitors
• Output Jack: 1/4" Switchcraft
• Other:  ZOSO Hardshell Case, Certificate of Authenticity Book, Pick Display with Herco Flex pick played by Jimmy Page on specific serialized guitar, Premium Cherry/Black Leather Strap & Vintage Replica Strap, Embroidered Dragon Guitar Shroud & Gibson Doubleneck Stand

 

Jimmy Page's 1971 Gibson Custom EDS-1275 SN 911117

• Finish Color: Cherry
• Finish Type: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Body Wood: One Piece of Mahogany
• Neck Wood: One Piece of Mahogany
• Fingerboards: 12" radius, Brazilian Rosewood
• Fingerboard Inlays: Pearloid Parallelograms
• Frets: 20 Medium Jumbo
• Binding: Single-ply on Fingerboard
• Hardware: Chrome
• Bridges: Two non-locking ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridges with nickel-plated brass saddles with retention wire
• Tailpieces: Two relocated further from bridge
• Saddles: Brass
• Headstock: 17-degree angle, "Custom" on truss cover
• Tuners: 18 Kluson Double Line, Double Ring, Keystone Buttons
• 12-String Pickups: Two Gibson T-Top humbuckers, Double Black Bobbins, Alnico 5  
• 6-String Pickups: Two Gibson T-Top humbuckers, Double Black Bobbins, Alnico 5 (note:  6-string bridge pickup changed to Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB in the 1980's)
• Pickup Covers:
  • 12-String: Chrome
  • 6-String: None (exposed double black bobbins)
• Pickup Selector: 3-way Switchcraft plus 3-way Switchcraft Neck Select Switch
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone with Black Speed Knobs
• Electronics:  Hand-wired with CTS Potentiometers and Ceramic Disc Capacitors

1. The Mach Five Guitar
2. EDS Configurations
3. EDS Model Comparison
4. Mach Five Guitar vs standard EDS1275
5. Stairway to Heaven guitars from 4 to 1
6. Jimmy Page EDS1275
7. Jimmy Page EDS1275
8. Slash/GNR  EDS1275
9. Alex Lifeson/Rush  EDS1275
10. Alex Lifeson Signature  EDS1275
11. Don Felder/Eagles EDS1275
12. Steve Howe/Yes EDS1275
13. Steve Clark/Def Leppard EDS1275
14. Elvis EDS1275

Note:  See the "Jimmy Page" section above for more Led Zeppelin music utilizing the EDS-1275

Eagles - Hotel California (Live 1977) (Official Video)

Guns n Roses - Knocking On Heaven's Door Live - HD (Freddie Mercury tribute 1992)

Rush - Xanadu (Live From The Montreal Forum / 1981)

Yes - Starship Trooper (Live at The Rainbow, London, England, 12/16/1972) 

Def Leppard - Bringin' on the Heartbreak Denver 1988 Hysteria Tour 

 

The Evolution of Multi-Neck Guitars: A Concise Guide - Premier Guitar

Gibson - EDS-1275 History

Gibson EDS-1275 and EMS-1235 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

The Story of Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck | Ultimate Guitar

The Jimmy Page Double Neck | “Stairway to Heaven” Guitar 1971 Gibson EDS-1275 Reissue

Jimmy Page's Guitars: A Short History

The inside story of Jimmy Page’s Led Zeppelin guitars