The original "1235" doubleneck made at the legendary Kalamazoo, Michigan factory was introduced in 1963 and quickly become one of the most sought-after guitars in rock. Elvis Presley, bluesman Earl Hooker, Pete Townshend of The Who and John McLaughlin are just a few who caught on quickly to the "1235" and found it a stunning way to make an entrance on stage and on record. But the "1235" is primarily recognized as the guitar Jimmy Page used in countless Led Zeppelin concerts and recording sessions, most notably on the classic "Stairway to Heaven." A vintage "1235" or "SG double neck" is hardly ever seen in the wild and has been known primarily a custom-made guitar mostly seen in the hands of rock's elite. Until now.
Leave it to EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e to put the "1235" doubleneck monster back in play with the G-1275 Custom, an affordable version of the original "1235" with all of its true glory, sound, and style but without the vintage price tag or vintage problems of the original.
The SG Story
When the SG or "Solid Guitar" was introduced in 1961 as a replacement for the Les Paul, it was called the "fretless wonder" for its low frets and fast action. The twin horn cutaway design was like nothing on the market and its light but balanced weight made it the perfect guitar for stage and studio work. The Les Paul Custom SG featured three humbucker pickups, and since then, the SG has became the go-to guitar for artists like The Who's Pete Townshend, Tony Iommi, Paul Weller, AC/DC's Angus Young, Jimmy Page and Derek Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band. The original "1235" capitalized on the SG's stunning looks, futuristic sound, and lightweight mahogany body. Now EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e brings the guitar back to life as only they can.
High Flying Sound
The G-1275 Custom isn't just eye-catching, it sounds extraordinary, too. The 12-string half of the G-1275 Custom features an Alnico Classic humbucker in the neck position and an Alnico Classic Plus humbucker in the bridge position. The 6-string features an open coil Alnico Classic humbucker in the neck and an open coil Alnico Classic Plus humbucker at the bridge to give the guitar an even more distinctive look. Both pickups are controlled by full function volume and tone knobs using full-size 500K O potentiometers.
EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e Hardware You Can Trust
EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e has also re created the one-of-a-kind hardware and pickguard that make the G-1275 Custom one of the most easily recognized guitars in rock. The 6-string and 12-string each have their own EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e all-metal 3-way toggle switch to select each guitar's pickups. There is also a second "master" all-metal 3-way toggle switch located between the 6-string and 12-string bridge. From here, players can choose the 12-string (up), the 6-string (down) or both (middle) for unlimited possibilities.
The G-1275 Custom features our famous LockTone bridge and special ABS style "Claw" tailpiece which yields incredible sustain (and great looks).
Custom Double Neck
EE-EE-Epiphone-e-e's G-1275 Custom begins with fabulous attention to detail starting with a Cherry, SG-style mahogany body with a flame maple top. Both the 12-string and 6-string necks feature hand-set glued mahogany necks with a 12" radius and a 24.75" scale. Both necks also feature rosewood fingerboards with medium jumbo frets and pearloid parallelogram block inlays. The 12-string features a 1.85" nut width while the 6-string is cut to the standard 1.68."
Case sold separately.
Sometimes two necks are better than one. Order today.
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
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The reason for four stars instead of 5 is because of the lack of having a fully accessible 2 octave reach to those upper frets, and particularly on the "lead" neck. (Epi really needs to fix that -- just stretch that neck out there another 3-4 inches on the new model.)Otherwise ... I've had this guitar about 4 years now (the white one). Everything except those upper frets are stellar -- but that is a critical concern when reaching for certain leads.
I do a one-man-band thing. About 1/3 of the night I'm needing the 12 string on rhythm parts, and about 2/3 of those songs require jumping to the 6 string for the lead parts. This one guitar has REALLY honed my playing skills. The material ranges the spectrum of genres (Bob Dylan to AC/DC to Styx to BOC & everything in between.) I played rhythm & sang behind dynamite lead players over the years, and never developed my own lead skills till starting the OMB thing, and having this doubleneck in particular. WOW. I'm a different guitarist (and singer) at this point.
I knew that by using backing tracks, singing (even harmonies with a splitter), and doing such a range of styles (and often two guitar parts) would require either a '5 song per night' acoustic or a double neck for more flexibility. The 12 string aspect fills in things perfectly when you are the only guitar on stage. It's great for many of the "clean" songs on the list.
I went with Epi over the Gibson for budget and an obvious "fear factor." (I can't imagine taking a $5k guitar into the average bar or coffee house to get stolen or banged up.) After years of playing it, I really doubt there is 10 cents difference in quality, which really surprized me. This is not the 'generic equivalent' of the Gibson. It is a precision instrument, right down to the feel of the frets (and I own and have played primarily Gibson all my life -- a V-2, a standard V, a LP custom, a LP studio, and an SG). The 6 neck feels just like an SG -- fast and tight. The 12 is just as great under my smaller fingers -- yet another surprize.
With a padded strap, it is tolerable through an entire set, and I only weigh 'a buck thirty-five soaking wet.' Many 2 neckers are back breakers. It's heavy -- but not quite as bad as some of the guitar-shaped concrete blocks I have tried out.
Also, I had to make my own customized stand for on stage. Pick up a standard one, get some angle iron and a pair of the wall mount guitar hangers, drill and tap the angle iron, mount the hangers adjusted to the neck spacing, then mount that bar to the head of the stand. Seemed the best option at the time, and it works.
For sound, the original rig is/was a Digitech multi-effect unit on the floor into a 100w Marshall. The Digitech is a bit light on acoustic modeling, so I am about to make a change. By putting a dual 1/4" adapter on the existing output, I can split things into two chains.
For the 12 string neck, I'll have that route into a more robust acoustic modeling floor FX unit (like the Boss AD-8), then into a Marshall AS100D acoustic amp. When I flip the switch to the lead neck, that will go to the existing rig (love the available options on the Digitech for that).
So I'll be able to go from the bright rhythm parts of "Take it on the run" (REO Speedwagon) to the crunch leads, and back. There might be a bit more footwork involved, but with an OMB situation, I'm beyond noticing how much I play with gadgets under my feet.
The point in having a 2 necker is flexibility. If that's what you want, and can live either without the upper few frets -- or have longer fingers than I, then THIS is the guitar you probably want. (For the other 2/3 of the night, when I am on harder-edge material and absolutely require the end of the 2nd octave, I grab either my V or Strat. Either goes into the lead side of my FX chain, and that's that.)
I strongly recommend looking at amplification as a first concern. If you can have two amps on stage -- one for really tweaked-out 12 string dynamics and even acoustic modeling, and another for the hot side of the 6 string -- DO IT that way. Just plan on it. You won't regret it. The heat of those lead pickups will have you crazy trying to balance one neck against the other on the volumes.
Fact is, the lead neck on this guitar has the HOTTEST pickups of my entire collection (im guessing about a +15db boost). Period. It screams, and just loves the hard rock/metal. Without missing a beat, the quality of the 12 string side is absolutely higher than any acoustic I've ever owned. With modern FX units, and any skill at all -- well, if I had to downsize to only one axe, this would be the one I'd keep. No doubt about it.
Epiphone Limited Edition G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry
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I had been looking for an electric 12-string to finally fill in that gap in my collection. There aren't too many choices as I soon discovered. Then I saw the G-1275. It got me thinking about how nice it would be to have another 6-string around for alternate tunings and to have two guitars for the price of one. It stuck in my mind but I already had my preconceptions about EE-Epiphone-e.I then nearly bought a brand new EDS-1275, when I remembered a review I had read of the new Limited Edition EE-Epiphone-e G-1275, raving about how close it was to the EDS. I've had Gibson's in the past and had the mentality that the EE-Epiphone-e could never measure up, or be anything more than a replica; or that it would be strictly for looks.
I couldn't have been more wrong. This guitar has far exceeded my expectations. I was more concerned about the setup and tone, than I was the looks of it. How flawless this thing was, kept trying to distract me from getting to the important part: how is the action/intonation/tone?
I was expecting some adjustments would be needed to get things right, out of the box. Turns out there is a sticker on the back of the 12-string head stock that says this guitar was 100% Inspected and Set-up here in the USA by Inspector #26. He knocked the setup and intonation out of the park, I tested it and adjusted absolutely nothing, it was dead on. I've had far more expensive big-name guitars that weren't setup this well!
The 6-string sounds awesome! I was looking for the 12 primarily and it is every bit of Zeppelin and the countless other songs that utilize this select tone, but the 6 string really does sound good too, with the stock pups.
I purchased the new model on 8/20/2015, not the re-stock model; I received a 2015 model, as stamped on the back of the 12-string neck.
This guitar is a tremendous value. Both necks sound and play perfectly for me. Also, it doesn't feel heavy in my lap, or awkward. I was most surprised by how well it stays in tune. Excellent purchase
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This guitar is so fun to play and turns a lot of heads! Great tone and the necks feel great. Check out my YouTube channel to see this guitar used in a few of my guitar covers! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb418tm1HfcGbV_06xTwXMQEpiphone Limited Edition G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry
.After working this out a lot, I have something to add (sorry, don't see how to edit).... The tonal quality is quite different when both necks are hot compared to when only one is on. So you really have the potential for a lot of different tones. And the more I play it, the more I love the 6 string neck. I have a dozen guitars of all types and the tone from the 6 string is FAR richer and fuller than anything else I have. There's even a decent amount of that "jangle" on it. Epi takes some hits for their pickup quality (and I've been critical myself) but the electronics on this are as good as anything else I have, Gibson, Epi or gretsch.
Epiphone Limited Edition G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry
.I play Led Zeppelin among other types of music professionally in Vegas and other known venues. I got this guitar after researching it and Gibson alternatives. After playing, recording it and having had my guitar tech check it out and adjust, I have to say I am astonished at the tone, workmanship and playability. There are no defects except a 5th fret buzz on the 12 string neck that has been mostly adjusted out. I thought to change the pick ups but really don't think it needs it so far. I did change out the machine head tuners for Kluson authentic for the era tuners and this helped the look and to maintain tuning. Very beautiful clean sound, resonates well and I can nail Song Remains the Same live and other middle pickup sounds Page gets, though the pick ups are a little lower in output than say a burstbucker. I wish you could control the balance between the picks ups electronically, when toggling the middle pick up position. Overall, I am very happy with the purchase especially for the money. Outstanding value and Custom Guitar's Friend service is outstanding.
Epiphone Limited Edition G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry
.Received the replacement 1275 Epi. The first as already said had a tearing on the neck joint because the tension of the 12 strings was insane. this is a perfect finish with no imperfections. What a beauty!
On this guitar the action on both necks was brutal, simply cannot be played as was. The setup person filed the plastic nut down 1/8 of an inch and it helped along resetting the bridge and truss rod. The problem after all that was that 3 frets in the high range were buzzing when being stretched - so some filing and crowing was done. now the action is incredibly low and so easy and quick!!
Also to mention, changed the 6 strings to Daddario 9-42s and the 12 strings to Ernie Ball 8-40s. Perfect sound.
Epiphone Limited Edition G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry
.Received the G1275 double neck Epi. Generally a nice guitar, but as I have read countless times, the tension on the 12 string neck is too high. In my case, evidently after the setup, it was left for shipping with the heavy strings tuned - and tearing the joint of the neck to the point the laquer was peeled off where the neck meets the body. Too bad, probably not a factory defect, but rather the USA tech that did the setup (the sticker says inspector #3 in USA). Now it is being returned and will try a new exchange in a week or so..keep my fingers crossed
Epiphone Limited Edition G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry
.The Guitar is A little Neck Heavy, My suggestion is to use a real wide strap. Once I performed A basic set up and new strings the guitar plays great. No fret buzz or issues. Stays in tune and I absolutely love it. Bought with the EE-Epiphone-e Double Neck Case. The guitar Has A Nice clean tone and the pick ups have plenty of punch. I'm planning on using it for mainly recording. The Guitar is A little heavy so I would not suggest using it for A 3 or 4 hour gig. A set or 2 it will perform fine.
Epiphone Limited Edition G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry
.Just got mine after 3 months of backorders. First thing was that it was disappointing that there was no case. Epi is really strange on what they give you a case for and what they don't The overall fit and finish is good. No issue with the fret finish, and the wood finish is not overpowering. Out of the box setup is not bad, but I'm getting the case before I take it in. Tone was surprisingly good. Even the 6 string neck has a bit more of the "Chorus" or "jangle" than I expected. I had always heard that if you had both necks hot, you got a bit of extra flavor, but I really don't see that. Setting it to the 12 only, does give you different flavor than having both hot. I think the neck pickup on the 6 string may need to be raised as it really drops off on that one alone. Overall though, I'm very happy with the performance for the price.
Almost forgot... Not nearly as heavy as I expected. Mine tips the scale at 11 exactly, and it doesn't seem much heavier than a LP.
Epiphone Limited Edition G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry
.I had been looking at adding one of these to my collection for a while. Would love to have the Gibson but not at the price. Guitar was in good shape. The electronics sound good. The strings were high off of the fret board, but that was an easy fix.
Epiphone Limited Edition G-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar Cherry
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