❌SOLD❌ Gibson EDS 1275 Doubleneck Guitar Cherry, 1997

This is one of the most recognizable guitars in the world, though it is not common – the Gibson EDS 1275 Doubleneck has become an iconic instrument seen in larger shows. EDS stands for Electric Double Spanish, with Spanish referring to the way the guitar is held – as distinct from Hawaiian or lap models.  Most of the double neck models we see are copies, but this is the real deal!

The concept of the double neck guitar may draw from the Harp Guitar, which appeared in the early 19th century, and from the very few double neck guitars from the 17th century. Gibson began producing a few double neck instruments in the late 1950’s, including a semi-hollow, carved spruce topped model with lower 6-string and upper octave necks. The Gibson EDS 1275 in the form seen here with the SG body carrying a 12 and a 6 string neck was introduced in 1963 and built to 1968 in very limited quantities. In 1970, Jimmy Page realized that performances of Led Zeppelin’s new hit ‘Stairway to Heaven’ would require either switching instruments or a double neck, and this led to his custom ordering one. The model made it back into limited production from 1974 to 1998, and after a short lull was put back in the catalog, ordered by players like Don Felder of the Eagles (for the Hotel California parts), Alex Lifeson of Rush, John McLaughlin, and Ace Frehley.

Here we’re looking at a Gibson EDS 1275 in Cherry finish and dating to October 28, 1997. It’s in very good, clean condition and appears to be entirely original, with negligible wear.  Its construction is similar to the originals, with a Mahogany slab body, but also 3-piece Maple necks (rather than Mahogany) with bound Indian Rosewood  fingerboards bearing celluloid split-parallelogram position markers. 

Sold with the original brown rectangular Gibson hard shell case, padded to fit exactly and with burgundy lining.