[The Official What Are You Listening To Right Now Thread...]

Mahavishnu Orchestra - Meeting of the spirits

 

 

A live edition, nonetheless. John McLaughlin amazes me. To me, he's the ultimate EDS-1275 player. John would use a double-neck for an entire show, somehow. I can do it, too, but I'm bothered by the notorious neck-dive only, as the weight is pretty good.

[buying a Custom, when you're outside US]

I work in high school so i have a few weeks in summer and a week in spring and autumn, then couple of weeks during xmas, so plenty of opportunities to have a trip abroad. plane tix these days are relatively cheap to US, so a 1-2 weeks of hols are within reach. I am really tempted to fly there and buy what i want from a pool of hundreds of CS Pauls and SGs, as opposed to choosing from a handful of totally random* guitars sent to dealers in EU. I drove from North Wales to Frankfurt to buy my custom les paul and i saw a few at Musik Schmidt, all of them shredded to death by staff and clients, because thats the only opportunity for many of them to see and try one out. they are still being sold as NEW, but when i asked the staff to show me ONE box with an intact seal, they had nothing to show me. Fvck that, I says. I am happy to spend 350£ on a plane to NY or wherever and shop around.

 

 

* - they may seem random, but they are not. Just the fact that local dealers dont want to commit to a guitar with a bigsby or with a single 'bucker, is a limitation. they are a random batch of the most commonly sold and accessible guitars. getting a guitar with a koa or with two necks.... not a chance.

Wow, that story of you driving to Germany reminds me of my search for the EDS-1275. I went to Thomann in Germany; they had a white double neck over there, and I just didn't like the look of it in real life. Gold hardware? Please. That's why you should always see and play a guitar, before committing to it. Given there wasn't a store that had a Heritage Cherry EDS-1275 in stock, I just ordered one via my local store (http://www.dijkmansmuziek.nl/online-winkel/categorie/gitaar/electrisch/gibson).

 

If you do get to the States, I would go to Nashville or Memphis. The Gibson Custom Shops are there, and I heard they have tours there. For you, Nashville might be quite interesting. Gibson Memphis is a whole different kind of guitars. If I save up enough money and have the time off, I will make the trip too. For the time being, I will just wait for my double neck to arrive. You could also try to visit stores like Dave's Guitar Shop; they often have rare guitars over there.

 

Good luck, and have fun if you decide to make the trip.

[buying a Custom, when you're outside US]

Hi everyone, I have a couple of questions regarding pics of Custom Shop guitars that i can see on facebook (being posted on Gibson Custom LP and SG accounts). some of those LPs are so stunning that it leaves me all itching to burn some money them. Every time i see a uniquely painted and put together LP i cannot help but wonder... a) are they actually for sale? B) WHO sells them? c) HOW can i buy them (who to contact etc.), and d) where to find the details on the construction of these guitars.

I do realize that buying a Custom Shop Gibson of your choice, while you are in Europe, is NOT AN OPTION (European dealers themselves dont even know what they will/can get, and they always end up with boring duds). I really dont mind flying to US for a week, wander from shop to shop and buy one of them, then pay all the customs etc. and be endlessly happy about my purchase. I just wish these beauties were actually available to buy, somehow, in Europe....

 

I think i mentioned the idea of flying abroad to buy a guitar, somewhere.... Do you guys & girls think it's a good option/idea? the time wasted and extra costs are irrelevant.

 

cheers

Well, it - is - possible to get great Custom Shop guitars from a store in Europe. You will just have to wait a very, very long time. I'm currently waiting for a Gibson EDS-1275 (double neck) from the Custom Shop. My local store in the Netherlands said they could get me one, but it would mean I would need to have patience. And the other bummer - as you pointed out - is the fact that even the store is completely in the dark. Gibson needs to sort this stuff out, especially when it comes to communication.

 

So, Gibson Custom Shop guitars can be of your choice...but you will have to stand in line, because you're not the only one probably. And your kind of guitar will probably be on some sort of list that all the Gibson dealers have. Mine wasn't even officially on such a list, because Gibson doesn't want to be spammed with orders for double necks. At least, that's what my local dealer told me.

 

Personally, I would not fly to the USA. Think about the money you'll spend extra on top of what your guitar costs. If I already had a vacation planned, I would totally do what you think about doing. So, maybe try to take some time off and enjoy the USA whilst you're at it. But to each their own. If you want the largest pool of guitars to choose from, and you're willing to make the trip, then by all means. It all comes down to how fast you want your guitar to be in your hands. If you fly to the USA, you could have your dream guitar in a few days; I'm waiting for months and months, maybe even a year.

 

What's also a factor, is where you're employed. See, I can't take days off right now. I'm really restricted in that regard, because I work at a university. I would have to wait for the next chance I have, which is in like half a year. Lol So, again, you just have weigh your options here. The Custom Shop Gibsons are works of art, btw. I have had the honor of playing lots of them, and they're great guitars.

 

Anyway, I hope this post of mine helped a bit. I guess we share some of our frustrations regarding how stuff is organized for the Europe branch. However, you'll still get a great guitar should you choose to wait for it.

 

 

Good luck

[Owners of the Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck]

G'day Mate, how are you.

Love your forum name, sounds like the name of a radio station!

" and, welcome back to WVN Les Paul on 89 FM on your dial, where the hit's just keep on comming...!").

 

I own two 1275's and love both. I have a white Gibson EDS-1275, and a cherry Epi G-1275. Both excellent.

 

The Gibby I have modified to the Don Felder way. I had one of the tone pots removed and a stereo 1/4 jack installed there. That's wired for the upper neck. The lower mono 1/4 jack controlls the lower neck. The remaining tone pot is now the Master Tone for all. The vols remain the same. The upper pups are nickel/chrome covered 490R/498T's (standard alnico sisters fit). The lower pups are double black open coil 490R/498T's. Claw distance is normal factory standard. The tuners I changed out to Schallers, upper and lower. Reason being is I used to find it hard to grip a Kluson tuner for say high E/B/G on the upper without my fingers bumping the tuners on low E/A/D on the lower neck and knocking them out of tune by accident. A real pain, so I changed them to something a little more managable. I keep this git both upper and lower in standard 440. The hardware I changed out to all chrome (purely astetic reason. Don't like gold).

 

The Epi I have also had changed to the Felder way, same as above. Even the pups. Differences are, first off, the claw distance. This one is longer, the Jimmy Page way. Came that way in fact. Pagey swears it increases the sustain. He's Pagey, who am I to argue (lol). And the tuning is different. The upper I keep 440 but the lower I keep in EADADE. Except when I play "The Rain Song", then it's DGCGCD.

 

And any weird or one of de-tunings that are required, I use this cherry. Like "Gold Dust Woman", DADGBD (double drop D).

 

The kind of music I use these for is basically 70's style Classic Rock. The usual suspects are in the set-lists. "Hotel California", "Stairway To Heaven", Gold Dust Woman" etc (eagles, zep, mac).

 

As far as being neck heavy and all, I'm afraid there's not a whole lot you can do about that, nature of the beast. You'll notice when Don and Jimmy play theirs, they tend to raise the neck a little more than their normal 6 strings. That sort of helps a bit, makes it a bit more managable. After a while, you don't really notice it that much. I run two leads out of both of mine too and that does have a tendancy to bring the weight back a bit too. Also, the Epi is a little lighter than the Gibby by about 1.5lb. Don't know how.

 

And lastly, dislikes. Well, I really struggle to think of anything I actually disilike about them. It's an exceptional design, both very well made, they sound as expected (beautiful), the only bummer being obviously the weight. But, like I said, you do get used to that. And the upper/lower selector switch. Keep an eye on it. It sits right about where your right elbow is and you can accidently knock it from one neck to the other without realising it, or it's too late. And also, the first point that rct made is very true too.

 

Not much more I can add to that except I hope that helps some. Like I said before, I just love mine, I wouldn't be without them anymore. They're worth having. I think your going to love yours too!

And, patience is a virtue. Makes it all that much sweeter when it finally arrives! lol

I think you've made a good choice mate.

 

 

Oh God, I hate being serious! (lol)

Thanks for that upbeat post of yours, mate. I enjoyed reading it a lot. Given that I have been crazy about the EDS-1275 since I picked up a guitar for the 1ste time, nothing makes me happier than to hear from someone that already owns one (and an Epiphone). Your post is an honest one, too. You're not one of those guys that will only name the pros, without mentioning the cons. And as you said, I will adjust to the cons after a while.

 

I am very, very curious when the guitar will finally arrive. From what year is yours, the white one? And how did you acquire the guitar? My guitar will take at least 4-5 months to arrive here, since I'm not in the USA. Therefore, it will be a long wait. But I am patient for this particular one, though. It's a great feeling to know it's coming in the future, and it's certainly worth the wait.

 

 

Now, I have a couple more questions:

 

How would you compared the sound of the EDS-1275 (6 string) to say like a Les Paul?

 

I was told that the neck of the 12 string is a lot less wider on the Gibson versus the Epiphone. Is this true?

 

What kind of strap do you have, and do you use strap locks?

 

What strings do you put on your double necks?

 

 

Cheers!

[Owners of the Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck]

Your point of this type of guitar "enhancing your options" is probably the best way to describe where it fits in the bigger scheme of things. It's not really supposed to be your main 'go to', it's there to 'add to'. And if you have the opportunity to aquire and keep one in your arsenal, then so much the better I think. It's like me having the mandolin and autoharp. Without them, there would be some songs we wouldn't be able to do. Same as the 1275's. Any clearer now? (as mud! lol).

Awesome posts, dude! I will reply to your first post, as soon as I have a little more time. More options is everything to me. Versatility is what people expect of me as a player. Therfore, the EDS-1275 will be a great addition to my collection.

[Owners of the Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck]

I've played a couple of 1275's, once or twice, over the years. Always thought I'd like one UNTIL I played it.

Too unwieldy, and of limited use/cost ratio IMHO. So, I opted to get a Ric 12 for my "electric" 12-string needs,

and stay with the '61 SG for my SG needs. We have (minimum) 2 guitar players in the bands I play in (often times,

3 or even 4), so anything that needs the "back and forth" between 6 and 12 string, we just arrange for going back

and forth, between players. Works well, for the limited times that it's required.

 

But, that's just Me! Enjoy your 1275 when you get it.

 

CB

That's interesting. I, too, have played a couple of EDS-1275 guitars over the years. For me, it just added to the desire to one day get one. But that's personal, of course. They are the kind of guitar you really have to work with, and they're not for everyone. You usually play along with other guitarists, whilst I'm often the only one. That makes a big difference, too. And they are just so damn cool! So, I will really enjoy it...when I finally get it. That's the only downside, the looooong wait, but it makes the moment that the guitar finally arrives that much more special.

 

I was kinda like CB, always thought I wanted one till I played one in a local guitar shop. I was just in awe at the thing. Yes because of how it looked, but also because of was the whole Jimmy Page vibe. I thought it was fun, but couldn't see the practicalities.

 

I thought that was it for me, but about a year later I managed to get a great deal on an Epi G-1275. Too good a price to NOT buy.

It's a great piece of fun, ad I'm very happy to own it, but I really only use it for kicks when I'm in the house. I've never taken it to a rehearsal or anything because it's too heavy to carry with other guitars and not versatile enough to commit to (ironically).

 

You made the right choice keeping your SG, I wouldn't say they're the best guitars to use as a "main" guitar till you need it all the time for live stuff maybe, but as something to add to the collection, for sure, it'll be a beauty! The Gibson ones are works of art and they are surprisingly comfortable. Once you totally get used to the control placement you'll have a great time. Enjoy it!

 

I know that didn't properly answer you, but I hope it helped anyway. :)

As said to CB, I really got more enthusiastic after playing the EDS-1275 a couple of times. I'm also quite realistic with my expectations. It will not be my main guitar. The guitar will be used in about half of the songs I play (covers and self-written music), and it's mainly to enhance my options like no other guitar can. My other guitars (SG en LP) will cover the rest of the songs.

 

You both did help a lot guys! This sort of input is very welcome. I like to hear about how people have experienced this guitar, and all replies help me a lot.

[Owners of the Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck]

I'm sorry to say it, but most ordinary working guitar players you run into in a lifetime of guitar playing don't need, therefore don't have, a doubleneck. Yer a rarified bunch for sure.

 

rct

I suppose so, yeah. I just like the options a guitar like that gives you, and I'm very enthusiastic because I have one coming my way somewhere in 2015. That's the reason for me starting a thread like this.

 

Question for you, mate. How many EDS-1275 guitars get made a year?

 

Another question, how does it compare to other niche guitars like the Flying V? They don't get made a whole lot, too, right?

[Owners of the Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck]

Hello everyone,

 

 

I ordered the Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck this week, and I am very excited about it. Oh, for those that read my previous thread about the guitar, I kept my Gibson SG Standard (2014). Some of you already talked a little bit about the guitar, when I asked to compare the double neck to a SG Standard (quality-wise, etc). But now, I want to ask the people that own the EDS-1275 if you have anything to share about what it's like to have this guitar. I have a couple of questions:

 

 

1. In what kind of music (style) do you use it for mainly, and how often do you use it?

 

2. Are there any tips you can give me to deal with the neck-heavy problem this guitar has?

 

3. What you like/dislike about the guitar?

 

4. Have you made any changes to the guitar? If so, why?

 

5. Lastly, what color do you have?

 

 

Mine will be the Heritage Cherry one with chrome hardware. It's a great color, really. Now, the loooooong wait will begin. I called Gibson, but they said they couldn't tell me how long it would take for the guitar to arrive. Because I'm in Europe, they told me it would take a lot longer. I think it's worth the wait

Where are you guys?

[Owners of the Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck]

Hello everyone,

 

 

I ordered the Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck this week, and I am very excited about it. Oh, for those that read my previous thread about the guitar, I kept my Gibson SG Standard (2014). Some of you already talked a little bit about the guitar, when I asked to compare the double neck to a SG Standard (quality-wise, etc). But now, I want to ask the people that own the EDS-1275 if you have anything to share about what it's like to have this guitar. I have a couple of questions:

 

 

1. In what kind of music (style) do you use it for mainly, and how often do you use it?

 

2. Are there any tips you can give me to deal with the neck-heavy problem this guitar has?

 

3. What you like/dislike about the guitar?

 

4. Have you made any changes to the guitar? If so, why?

 

5. Lastly, what color do you have?

 

 

Mine will be the Heritage Cherry one with chrome hardware. It's a great color, really. Now, the loooooong wait will begin. I called Gibson, but they said they couldn't tell me how long it would take for the guitar to arrive. Because I'm in Europe, they told me it would take a lot longer. I think it's worth the wait