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Jimmy Page could switch between six and twelve-string guitar necks on the Gibson EDS-1275 guitar without using two different instruments. He played multiple guitars in Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” These guitars included a Fender electric 12-string, acoustic guitar, and a Fender Telecaster.
Because of the limitation of playing one guitar at a time, replicating the actual recording live and on stage was challenging. So, the Gibson EDS-1275 double neck became an iconic guitar for Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin performing “Stairway to Heaven”.
Jimmy Page Gibson EDS–1275 Double Neck Guitar
| Launch price: | N/A |
| Made In | USA |
| Colour: | Cherry Red |
| Body: | Mahogany |
| Body Type: | Solid Body |
| Neck: | Mahogany |
| Scale: | 24.75” |
| Nut Width: | 1.69” |
| Weight: | 3.7kg |
| Fingerboard: | Rosewood |
| Frets: | 20 |
| Pickups: | Custombucker Alnico III (Unpotted) |
| Electronics: | Greasebucket tone circuit |
| Controls: | Switchcraft Toggle Switch – EDS-1275 |
| Hardware: | Stop-Bar |
| Case/gig bag included: | Gibson Hard Shell Case |
| Left-hand option: | Yes |
| Design Reference: | Classic Gibson SG Shape Double neck |
The song became an absolute hit, and the Jimmy Page EDS-1275 gained popularity all over the world. Gibson’s double-neck model debuted in the late 1950s with a distinctive Hollowbody carved-top design. The double-neck models followed suit when Gibson switched the Les Paul line to the SG body style in 1961.
Gibson EDS-1275 Body Type
The double-neck guitar’s body is made of solid mahogany. Crafters use mahogany to create both acoustic and electric guitars.
This wood type is reliable and less likely to warp than others because of its durability and resistance to wood rot. Therefore, luthiers can rely on it to maintain its structural integrity.
The widespread use of rosewood is not because of its reliability. The wood’s tonal properties also play a major factor. It’s comfortable and inviting, with strong lows, clear mids, and subtle but pleasant highs. So, it has a balanced tone with strong fundamentals.
Tonally, mahogany appears to offer more resonance and sustain. Guitarists typically report that the technique is more even-keeled than that of other tonewoods. Mahogany guitars produce warmer tones and are more refined than those of other woods.
EDS-1275 Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboards are indeed one of the most desired woods. One easily recognizes the rich and warm feel of the sound emanating from rosewood.
The Gibson EDS-1275 guitar has a rosewood fretboard. Enlarged pores and natural oils make the rosewood fingerboard a celebrated choice. It has a smoother texture and warm tone.
Rosewood’s medium-density composition is much less reflective than harder woods with tightened grain. It results in a slightly lighter attack and the ability for your fingers to “dig in” and feel the fretboard.
Indian rosewood is the most commonly used instrument wood. Its color is rich and dark brown, and the grain is even, giving it a consistent look. This, combined with its availability and low price, makes it a favorite choice among instrument makers. Brazilian rosewood is another popular variety, but its scarcity makes it very expensive.
Rosewood, irrespective of species, is an open-grained wood that is not as smooth as maple wood. When simply trying to bend the strings on a Rosewood fingerboard, the strings are much simpler to control. If you like specific playing techniques, a Rosewood fretboard lets you control your strings better.
Rosewood is susceptible to many types of rot. Serpula lacrymans, and dry rot are many of the issues. It can be prevented with dry rot treatment.
Color
This Gibson EDS-1275 guitar is Cherry Red. However, it was available in four different finishes: white, cherry red, jet black, and sunburst. It is an iconic guitar.
Pickups
The Jimmy Page double-neck guitar has an Unpotted Custombucker Alnico III pickup. Unpotted humbucking pickups are more vintage-correct, clearer, sensitive, and microphonic than potted ones.
Gibson Custom Shop’s Historic Reissue guitars typically feature the Gibson Custombucker, known for its world-renowned Patent Applied For tone. Engineers at Gibson devoted years to developing a method that faithfully reproduces the sonic magic of the original 1950s Patent Applied For humbuckerTM pickups.
Each Custombucker uses Alnico 3 magnets to reproduce early humbuckers’ warm, lovely tones faithfully. Many brands include double-neck guitars with Seymour Duncan pickups that are similar to this guitar.
The Custombucker, like the original Patent Applied For humbuckers, employs 42 AWG wire and unsteady coils. They left it unpotted to achieve an authentic pickup that pleases even the pickiest players and offers tone control.
Weight
The Jimmy Page double-neck guitar weighs approximately 3.7 kg. Guitars can weigh between 5 to 12 pounds (2.3 to 5.5 kilograms).
The typical electric guitar now weighs about 8 pounds or 3.6 kilograms. As a result, the Jimmy Page EDS-1275 weighs about the same as the average guitar. Its weight is perfectly balanced, being neither too light nor too heavy.
Don’t miss our blog about Richie Sambora’s beautiful ovation double neck guitar.
Design Reference
Classic Gibson SG Shape Double Neck is the design reference for the Jimmy Page EDS-1275 guitar. From 1958 to 1961, Gibson’s first double-neck guitars used to have a hollow body and two 6-string necks. One was a short-scale neck able to tune to a higher octave.
Until 1967, the guitar had a solid body. The EBS-1250 was a model with a 4-string bass and a 6-string guitar neck. It also had a unique built-in fuzztone. It was manufactured from 1962 to 1968 and from 1977 to 1978.
They designed the solid-body EDS-1275, which resembled the SG model, in 1963 and remained available until 1968. The custom-order guitar was available in four different finishes: white, cherry red, jet black, and sunburst.
They make the SG from solid mahogany. The mahogany neck with a 24.75″ scale joins the body at the 19th or 22nd fret.
Early versions had a shorter tenon and a relatively small neck joint. This neck style allowed access just above the 16th fret. As a result, when building the EDS-1275, they followed the SG shape.
If you want to check out more 12-string guitars that made their mark in history, click here.
Pros & Cons of the Jimmy Page EDS-1275
Pro’s
Versatile double-neck design: The double-neck guitar features a unique design that allows musicians to effortlessly switch between a traditional six-string guitar and a rich-sounding twelve-string guitar, making it ideal for diverse musical styles and performances.
Premium craftsmanship: Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the guitar boasts a solid mahogany body and neck, ensuring both durability and exceptional resonance for a superior playing experience.
Authentic vintage tones: Equipped with Custombucker Alnico III pickups, this instrument delivers an array of authentic vintage tones, adding depth and character to the player’s sound, making it perfect for capturing the essence of classic rock and blues music.
Con’s
Cost: Price may be high, making it less accessible for budget-conscious musicians
Gibson EDS-1275 FAQs
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