I put Gibson pickups on mine, replaced the pots, caps, switches and the jack. Tuners are now Kluson deluxe and to sort the balance I put a second strap button on the lower neck and use the strap on that. Bone nuts and a set up by Strung Out Guitars in Glasgow and it's playing and sounding great. I'm very happy with it.
Second strap button makes a WORLD of difference! I may take the plunge to bone nuts if I ever feel they need upgrades. Good story, I still think it makes economical sense to buy an Epi and deck it out like you and I have.
Great video, taught me a lot. I picked up one of these at my local L&M for $800. Like you, I found the Epi tuners were garbage, also had a buzz in the bridge on the 6 string. Replaced the bridge with a Tonepros ($100) which fixed the buzz. I wanted to maintain the look of the pearl buttons on the tuner upgrade without having to drill new holes. The Kluson rep assured me they had direct replacements so I ordered 18 of their “Revolution” line of machine heads ($20 USD/turner). Took about 10 weeks for the order to come in. I found that the peg hole had to be enlarged by about 1/16 of an inch to accept the collar for the threaded fastener and proceeded to ream out the holes using a bastard file (yes, actually called a Bastard File) I purchased at Canadian Tire. This was a very slow process taking care not the force the tool and cracking the peg head. Took about 6 hours to complete all 18 heads but the screw holes lined up perfectly and now both necks stay in tune. All told, about $600 for these upgrades plus a few hours spent working on it while watching a couple of hockey games but well worth the investment. The guitar stays in tune which makes it so much fun to play. Thanks again for the video inspiring me to make my upgrades.
Hi…I purchased one of these guitars last month. After watching your video I have basically copied what you did. I did change both nuts as well & added dimarzio super distortion & a 59 paf in the 6 string. Thanks for the info on the bridge & adapters posts ..though my price was drastically higher. $386.00 for the bridge plus PayPal charges plus duty & shipping. Having a tech do all the work for me so I’m sure I can add another $1000 to the price. Still far below 12500 for a Gibson. I’m from Victoria BC so maybe we can run into each other sometime. Thanks again for posting this video. Like & Subscribed!🤟👍🇨🇦
Hello from the mainland! Great to hear your story, I’ve heard the prices for some of the parts has risen. Unfortunate, but you’ll be happy in the end. I love the fact that I can take my double neck out and it sounds great, and plays great too - even after all the cost. I play at the Roxy downtown 5 nights/week, you’d likely see me there. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Excellent video. I ordered the 12 string bridge from AllParts and conversion posts. Looking forward to a proper intonation. Thanks for pointing me in the correct direction.
I just acquired one and the bridge is coming today. I was looking for a cleaner sound for the 12 string side. Yes, the tuners are junk. When I acquired it I replace the strings and at least 3-4 of the turners were loose.
Great video! I also bought one of these and upgraded all pickups to '57 Classic Gibson (historic shop Les Pauls), tuners to American Kluson, and went through all electronics. Guitar sounds utterly spectacular now and tunes fine (Klusons are a little weird)and still spent less than half of a new Gibson. I play Led Zeppelin in tribute bands- this thing is dead on; the most seasoned professional musicians love it. The Amazing Nick Karahalios in Los Angeles did the work for me. Note that these Epiphone bodies are not mahogany but a mahogany laminate, which is one the ways they save on cost.
Agreed on the laminate. Honestly through a great tube amp, and a set of PAF-style pickups, it’s pretty dead on close to the real thing. Thanks for watching !
One year I wanted to get my brother a ‘crazy’ birthday/Christmas gift (they are not too far apart) so I bought him the Epiphone Doubleneck... his first reaction was to freak-out. His second reaction was to buckle under the sheer weight! His third reaction was to be underwhelmed by the build quality and spec... I wish I had seen this video to advise him on how to clean it up.
It's not any heavier than my les paul I don't think. Les Pauls are pretty heavy, and after a four hour gig, I'm ready to take the darn thing off my back! My red double neck is about the same. I use it to play Stairway, The Song Remains the Same and the Rain Song, so it's not like I need to hold it all night long. No rest for the weary.
Hi Jim, I also have one of the 2014's. What you say about the tuners is 100% correct. In my case, I hadn't realized that one of the tuner grommets had vibrated loose and while changing strings the grommet fell off and I lost it! I appreciated hearing about your pickup choices because the stock Epi's sound like there's a wet blanket over them. I didn't know that there was a 300 run, but I believe it because availability disappeared soon after I bought mine. Your upgrades sound excellent. Thanks for the info, man!
A pleasure Matthew, I’ve since put in a coil split on the 6 string guitar, and It still plays and sounds great. Wet blanket is exactly my description too…I have a video earlier documenting the original pickups vs the Seymour Duncan’s. Check that out somewhere…you’ll recognize the wet blanket tone!
I have the white one with gold hardware purchased in the beginning of 2016. I have no problem with the machines. It seems to stay in tune well. I don't know what pickups are in it but they sound about the same as the ones in my Korina Explorer. They sound great clean and crunchy. I play in church and at this point only play clean - and I just play rhythm. You're right on about the switches though. The switches are mediocre on all my Epiphones. No issued with the bridges or electronics. The only real problem I have is with the switches. I use a Gibson Fat Boy strap and it's still heavy. Fortunately, playing in church, I only have to hold it for 15-20 minutes at a stretch. But once it's strapped on, it's a fun instrument to play.
+Chase Murphy thanks for the comments, I've only used the D'Addario's before so I have. O experience. I have liked Elixir's in the past though. Hopefully they are long enough. No trouble hitting the pickup selector before, but I get whatcha mean. Bridge is the most important upgrade. Tuners next for me (mine were terrible) then pickups. Thanks for watching!
I'm thinking about getting on of these and doing what you did. I have a spare set of Gibson '61 Burst buckers I was thinking of putting on the 6 string and spare set of490/498 on the 12. Since it is a guitar I will likely only play as a novelty I actually thought about buying the Harley Benton version for $500.
Good call, I have 490/498 on the six. Kinda wish I had them on the 12. My 12 currently has SD ‘59s and they’re a little hot since the 12 strings generate a lot of volume. One day I might switch them. Thanks for watching :)
Well wish me luck. I’m going to start slotting the bridge tonight. Also took pickguards off and ordered the switches. The bridge was $200 USA I’m going to go slow and methodical so I don’t mess it up.
Jim McLaren thank you !! One more question. Did you have to flip any saddles to get intonation moving distance. I can see wanting to figure that out prior to slotting because I don’t think the slots are going to be exact center of the saddles.
For me, when I see the EDS I think of John McLaughlin with Mahavishnu and Steve Howe with Yes. I’d love to do some Birds of Fire or Starship Trooper on that thing!
Thanks for the video. I just replaced the original pickups by Gibson 490R and 498T (6-string) and burstbucker #1 and #2 (12-string). Didn't changed anything else because the stock parts work well since I purchased the guitar in 2018. The tuners are very good, imho better than the tuners of my much more expensive Gibson Les Paul Custom. Not every Epiphone part is poor I guess. All in all I love my G-1275, it sounds great and is playable as well.
Nice man, good to hear. Yeah the quality varies, I teach guitar and I see a lot of students with Epiphone and Squier, I’ve played some Epi’s that have felt better than some LP Studios. I’m glad you didn’t have to replace those tuners, what a job! Thanks for watching.
The double neck is quite possibly my favourite guitar in existence. I'm currently designing one for a little project. I'm curious, exactly what was the issue with the stock 12 bridge?
Great video, Jim! Just the information I am looking for, since I'm planning to upgrade my Epiphone G-1275. Couple of questions: 1) If you were to prioritise which mods to do (given that that total is about $1K), which one would you do first? I have already switched pickups to Seymour Duncan's Phat Cats, and now I'm looking at the intonation and stability. The ABM bridge seems like a more affordable and easier mod than the machineheads. 2) Did you ever replace the nut on your guitar? I find the spacing between all 6 string pairs (but particularly between the bottom 3 string pairs at frets 1-5 ) as so close as to make chords impossible to play cleanly as my fingers would be pretty much on top of each other.
Thanks for watching, I never replaced the nut on either neck. Haven’t found the need but now that you mention, it might be a little tight. I’ve just made do since I have a bunch of guitars, they’re all slightly different. I think the most important mod besides pickups (good choices) is the 12 string bridge. The original was so unsatisfying because it just wouldn’t play in tune. The only labour is that you have to carve the saddle slots. Good luck!
Jim, great job! You have very good hands! It takes a lot of work. I wish I have double neck, but it is pricy. I cannot afford Gibson. Something cheaper plus upgrades of course. Thanks, I will think about it!
I got the wiring config!! Thanks! One question: when you have the 12 string and 6 string toggle switch in the middle position, if you have one of the volumes down is the guitar silent? It seems it needs to turn up both volumes to get sound.
Yes that’s true. I think one of the necks will work either way, and the other one only works if both necks are on. Or at least the other neck has to be past zero. Good for you! Enjoy it!
Hi Jim..Fantastic video..I own the exact same Epiphone double neck...I mainly use it for studio work..but I have to admit I find some issues ...very similar to the ones you mentioned with mine. Thank you for this video...I believe I will make similar adjustments and upgrades. Starting with the 3 way switches and the tuners.
Hi Jim. Do you recall what strings you put on it? I have the same guitar & no one makes strings that are long enough for the 12 string ( the D & G on the 12 string are the main culprits due to the distance from the tail piece to the tuning button) I used to have a high street guitar shop & even contacted my old reps/contacts at Ernie Ball/D'addario/Picato etc etc & not one commercially makes strings that are long enough!! Needless to say Gibson/Epiphone didn't reply to my enquiry. Also if you check the Gibson/Epiphone forums other owners are also asking the same question - where can I buy strings that are long enough! Many thanks. Dave
I’ve been okay with a normal set of D’Addario 12-strings. I’m able to get 1-2 solid winds using the entire string. They’re definitely long enough but I would prefer longer to get at least 3 winds on that thin G string. Maybe I will run into trouble. Next time I try to string it up, but I’ve never actually had strings that won’t reach. Good luck!
Awesome video! I have the Limited Edition Jimmy Page Anniversary Epiphone G-1275. I had to wait for 6 months when I ordered it new from Long & Mcquade Vancouver. The proper Epiphone case for it took another 8 months to arrive from them because the York case did not fit the guitar without forcing the body into it.
Great video. That double neck sounds great now. It is too bad that all those components have to be changed to make it sound decent. But I know how it goes since I just bought my first Gibson SG a year ago. The Epiphone version I owned was junk in comparison.
Hi Jim, hope you are doing well! Just a question. I have just bought one of those from the ‘97 and made in Korea with only one use from previous owner and I need to change the strings as they are really old and rusty. So my question is.. which thickness of strings should I use for the octaves on the 12 strings fretboard? I use 0.10 for my Les Paul and want to do the same for the 12 strings part but I have to add one more thinner string so wondering which ones should I use as octaves strings.
You can buy a complete set of electric 12-string strings. Comes with all 12 strings, on a regular 10-46 the octave G is a .008 and sometimes a .007! Octave gauges alone are (from low E to high E): 26-18-12-8-13-10 (from a D’Addario 12-string set 10-46)
Hey Jim. I've got one of these on reserve. Do you know if this year's specs have changed for the better at all since this video or would you recommend some upgrades anyway? Definitely throwing on some strap locks regardless.
It’s hard to tell. They made them only during certain years, mine is from a run of 300 in 2014. (Supposedly a limited edition) my serial number starts with “14” if that helps. I can’t find the double neck on any Epiphone branded websites. That leads me to believe that they may have not changed, I would definitely play the guitar before replacing parts. Sometimes you get lucky, right? Tuners can come from a good or bad batch. Same with pickups, though I’ve universally not liked Epiphone pickups...they’re missing some top end and some girth for me. I WOULD change the 12-string bridge and get someone competent to file the saddles properly. If you’re able to do it yourself, even better. Good luck and thanks for watching.
@@jimmclaren1 Thanks Jim! Hopefully the newer ones will hold up a bit better. I'm adding strap locks like I said but I'll play it first to check for tuning, wiring, and pickup issues. Thanks again for the video.
No problem, I hope you’re right. The thing is, the cheaper parts are part of what makes it an Epiphone. With the parts we all “want”, you’d add $1000 to the retail price tag. Epiphone is able to make things affordable BY cutting corners. I never disparage Epiphone for that, it’s exactly why they’re there.
Was wondering if you can stand and play the double neck without supporting the neck while playing because of neck dive? I own one just like yours but really dislike playing it because of this.Any input would be appreciated.Thanx
Yup that’s definitely an issue. And adding 18!chrome tuners does not help with the weight. It wasn’t as bad with the lighter overseas Kluson tuners, but it plays much better so I’m happy. It is definitely an issue though. Thanks for watching :)
cool video! I have an import myself and rewired it to the Gibson 1275 style with only 2 toggle switches. I like the sound of the 496!! Also it's not cost worthy or and investment to buy a Gibson double neck as the market is small unless you get a stupid deal on one.
Weight isn’t great, you may choose to move the strap button to a higher location. Tuners also add weight when you change from Kluson tuners. I use a guitar stand where the guitar rests on the bottom of the body…rather than hangs from the neck. Normal acoustic stand I think. Thanks for watching:)
So it’s interesting- your guitar (and mine) have the tailpieces farther backward (I.e more towards the back of the guitar) than the Gibsons. I don’t know if you know if it makes any difference if those are closer to the bridge/ saddles (for tuning or resonance)- I’m not sure it would, given the part of the strings behind the bridge saddles are non- vibrating. But I was curious. I couldn’t find the bridge you linked so after much searching, and not wanting to spend 200 euros on the ABM replacement, I just found and bought one made by Rondo music (“Cepheus” brand). So we’ll see how it turns out. But your video is hugely helpful.
Thanks for watching! I made the video to help people who might be in the same boat. I believe Page moved his bridge back, google that though to make sure…and that this Epi is a nod to that modification. Don’t know if it makes much difference, but I could be wrong. Good luck with your mods!
@@jimmclaren1 thanks- after posting my comment I looked up his guitar and realized that indeed, our Epiphones are similar to his, and his is indeed different from the stock EDS 1275s where the tailpieces are closer in. So I think you may be right about it being Epiphone’s nod to his guitar (which makes me happy even though guitar skills-wise, I don’t live in the same galaxy as Page). Regardless, my guitar is so resonant, either by design or happy accident, that I don’t think I’ll ever touch the tailpiece(s). Sometimes I feel like even when the selector switch is towards the 6-string neck, the 12 strings harmonically enrich the notes of the 6 string, almost like a set of sympathetic strings. I’m actually pretty happy with the guitar, even with the annoyances and problems you discuss in detail in your video. I’m going to do some of the mods, but it’s a fun instrument regardless. Thanks!
The opposite neck definitely rings sympathetically. If you have both on you’ll hear it. Very cool effect. Glad you’re enjoying, it’s such a fun instrument to play (though I like it less when I’m playing live). Thanks again for watching !
Great video. Yes this is a guitar i have always wanted. Your guitar sounds amazing. I think if i was to purchase one i would do exactly what you got done to yours.
There might be somewhere online. I have only changed pickups in the already existing harnesses. So I haven’t started from scratch. I’m sure a little work on google will help. Thanks for watching:)
Nice video. I have a Gibson and I like that Epiphone added the pickup switch for each neck. Grovers are nice but I question using them if they arn't mounted straight no biggie just me but switching to the Gibson tuners could have been a better choice but hard to beat Grovers for quality, not trying to sound picky I love what you changed along with a 12 saddle bridge which I didn't know was made, very nice. You created a great guitar for a lot less than a Gibson which could use some of the mods you did also. Very nice job
Thanks for the reply, and for watching :) Yes I agree the tuners do look a little strange from the back...it of course has to do with the deeper curve that the Epi headstock has. It's an aesthetic decision. I think when we discussed it we determined that because of the large 12-string headstock, with the more dramatic curve...it might look stranger. I can see it from both sides. Of course, from more than a few feet away the difference becomes negligible. I could have gone with another set of Klusons but I already had a set of grovers unused, figured why not. That 12-string bridge was really the best part! I just wish I could change the body and poly finish for a solid Mahogany and Nitro finish! But...there's where you pay more $$$. Thanks again:)
I am going to thank you again for this video. I finally finished all my upgrades today. I had an illness in May/June that put me in the hospital and recovery. Then I was able to do my upgrades. I pretty much did the same as you except I used full size Grover 18:1 for both necks. And I coil split the 12 string pickups (59s) instead of the JB/Jazz combination I was thinking for the 6 string. I got those for my les Paul studio and out the les Paul studio pickups in this one. One other difference. I did everything myself. First time I’ve done something so serious. And yes I made a few mistakes. My 12 string bridge is a little rough. Slot wise. And the drilling for the tuners is one thing I was not scared of to start because I had just put a pickup in a mandolin and the drilling was easy well I wish I would have heeded the reading and used a hand Reamer instead of a drill. I chewed up the back of the headstock in a few spots. So I wood putty and painted black Along them. I used some really good orange drop capacitors and the tone knobs roll of nice. Although the way i wired it the volume knobs are a little odd behaving when you have both necks selected. Anyway. I wanted to thank you again for this video. It really inspired me and made me make my Epiphone double neck into a really really nice (and even heavier than it was) guitar. One thing I wonder is how the Gibson version has a 6 saddle bridge for the 12 string neck .... how does it intonate. I have another 12 string electric guitar (danelectro) and it has little side saddles to the top of the saddle. So you adjust the one then adjust the higher octave one from there. The intonation on that one was horrendous when I got it. But when I took some time and intonated it. It played great. Although this one is better now. Take care !! David.
Thanks for the video and to all the commenters below with great ideas. After reading everything here and watching the video, I think I'm going to look at a Solo double neck kit rather than buy and Epiphone and gut it, at least the body is solid mahogany.
Did you consider using banjo style tuners like on the Gibson Firebird so that the tuners on the low pitch side of the 6 string wouldn't interfere with the tuners on the high pitch side of the 12 string? ?
Yes I had, but I wanted the more traditional looking tuners, headstock would have looked funny to me without tuners sprouting out. They would probably work well though if one was inclined. Thanks for watching :)
@@jimmclaren1 That makes sense. What doesn't make sense to me is Gibson not making a double neck with Firebird style headstocks. Or, if not Gibson, some other guitar company.
I have the same guitar. I haven't upgraded the pickups yet because it's such a difficult job on this guitar. I do notice that the absolutely huge chunk of wood that makes up the body provides a certain tonality no matter the pickups installed and I was wondering if you feel the same way.
Stupid question but this is important to me. First off you have a wonderful channel and that is a beautiful guitar. It is my dream guitar and always wanted a double neck for some reason. i think if i go ahead bite the bullet i will stick with it. I am coming from a Gibson J45 acoustic and find this thing hard to fret and chord. To the extent that it exhasts my left hand to play it. Dont get me wrong... its a beautiful piece and is very valuable not only $$$ wise but sentimental to me as it was my fathers. Its a late 60s era i believe. Soo how easy is it to cord? Keep in mind I am leaning towards learning my particular style of music. (My father forced bluegrass and country down my throat to the point I quit 20 years ago... I hated it that bad lol so I am basically starting over). I picked it back up recently. I have tried different gauge strings and that helped some but it's still exhausting to play. I have played Martins and other acoustics that wasn't hard but the Gibsons wear me out. Does that follow over into the epiphones? Thank you again. Great playing sir. Jam on!!!
Thanks for watching. Not a stupid question at all, in fact when properly set up both necks play very nicely. Better than most acoustics in my opinion. The necks are based on the 60’s thinner design. Very easy to chord on:)
@@jimmclaren1 Wow!!! Thank you for the quick reply! You answered what I wanted to know. I would go look at it but unfortunately there are zero stores here so I couldn't answer that question myself. I'd feel kinda dumb jamming dualing banjos with a 1275 in a guitar store lol. New musical adventures coming soon for me! You sold me! Subbed and smashed it
I believe I’ve just used the d’addario 10-46 electric 12 string set. They’ve worked for me, though the G is barely long enough if I remember. Thanks for watching :)
Hello i was thinking of getting one of these but was wondering if it is difficult getting strings for this because of the long length. I am also in Canada and was wondering if you could buy the strings at Long n McQuade.Do you have to buy special string or will regular DAddarios off the shelf work? Thanks for any help.
I’ve just used the standard DAddario 12-string set. It’s close to being not long enough, but each set I’ve used has worked for a few loops around the tuner. I would imagine they have this style guitar in mind when they make that string set. Thanks for watching Bobby:) good luck!
Just grabbed one of these new from GC for $899+tax here in Cali. Needed some initial work doing to it before it was playable. Both necks were bent and needed straightening out and the action was way too high. I plan to replace the pickups, pots and caps also.
Thanks for watching :) too bad the necks were out, mine was always very playable. I suppose the consistency isn’t as good with the overseas brand. Good luck and I hope this video helped inform you. Cheers
Just upgraded the lower neck strings and electronics. Will do the 12 string neck tomorrow. Replaced the strings with Ernie Balls, pickups with the Slash Alnico II Pro ones, CTS 500k pots and Orange Drop caps. Will also replace the other wiring in time. Sounds so much better than the factory installed pickups. Had to Dremel the pot holes a little bigger to allow for the larger pot necks and painted the Dremel'd wood with that special paint and they're good as gold.
Hey Jim! Great vid, but I was wondering if you think it'd still be worth buying. I've all ways wanted one of these, and am coming close having enough. I realize that any Korean made guitar is not going to live up to American made quality, but I just cannot afford a Gibson. With all of the faults, do you recommend?
Thanks for watching :) if you ever get the chance to try one, you’ll know whether it’ll be good enough for you. I’d definitely recommend, you can always upgrade later, piece by piece over time if that works. And you may not even need to replace that much, my guitars are all gigging instruments so I need a certain level to gig with. Bridge upgrade is probably the most important, followed by tuners and pickups IMHO. Thanks again
I was thinking of getting one of these and setting up as to 6 string necks with 2 different sets of pickups maybe Duncan whole lotta humbuckers for one neck seth lovers for the other gibson t tops would be my first choice for one of the necks but they are getting way to expensive as they become harder to get n
Great Video. I have the same guitar and am about to do some upgrades. 1 question and a few comments1. the allparts bridge shows 12 saddles equally spaced across the bridge. How do the strings line up? are they close to the edges of the saddles.2. you're so right about the switches being JUNK.3. I'm also going to put some grovers on. and maybe a new nut4. Thanks for making this video. sounds like it really makes this mediocre guitar into a great one.
1: The bridge is good but the saddles are unslotted. Either you or a luthier can cut the saddles to have the right string spacing easily. 2: junk yep! 3: Grovers or anything are a good upgrade 4: no problem :-) I’m happy to help people get the most out of this instrument. Thanks for watching :-)
Jim McLaren i see that I need to cut them. I don’t think they will be close to center. But wonder if they will be too close to the edges of the saddles.
I got the Bridge today... waiting for the nut files I ordered so I can slot it. and also waiting for the bridge mount adaptors to install it. I did place it in place to see and the strings do line up pretty good. looked too wide at first however it is a little slanted. after that I am going to change the switches, pots and tuners. I'm thinking of the pickups also after watching this video a few more times.. yours sounds AWESOME!!
I would've opted for SD jazz humbuckers on the 12 string and a JB/59' set on the 6 string, to have even more versatility in the guitar, but to each their own
Hi Jim I just wanted to know what set of strings you're using for the 12 neck. Can you find strings long enough for the 6th and 7th string (G and D)? Thanks
Heya Fablepunk, I believe I’ve just used the d’addario 12-string electric set. I’ve never had any problems, though the G is dangerously close to being too small. Ya just don’t get a lot of winds. Thanks for watching!
Price breakdown is in the video , around the 11:00 mark. These prices vary of course, depending on your situation. Are used to teach a music store, so I got some of these parts cheaper. Some of the parts I had to order, might be more expensive than they would be if I was able to find them locally. I paid about $2000 Canadian including the $1100 doubleneck..so around $900. Thanks for watching :)
Cool. I’m in Toronto myself. Still cheaper than a Gibson! What if I just get a Harley Benton for $500 including hard case, and do the same upgrades like you did? 🤔
Definitely way cheaper than a Gibson! I’ve no idea about the HB, as I’ve never seen one. Should result in a good instrument with the upgrades though. Just be sure you like the neck/frets and you’ll be good.
A real Kluson set is going to cost between $42 - $60. I am sure they don't put these on Epiphones. They work fine. About $150 to do both necks. Don't get the plastic ends. Switchcraft selecters especially for the neck switch because you're gonna be wailing on that bad boy. Mini pots I would assume. Yep, you got to change them. The conversion cost about $600 in parts. Except the Gibson pickups probably cost more. Pay Authentic.
I’m not a crazy capacitor freak but I do like good parts. Switchcraft yep, orange drops and CTS. Not the best but substantially better than what I had. Epiphone Kluson set is definitely a pale imitation. You know I have been thinking about how Klusons look more iconic on this instrument. You’re right and I may get a good set one day. A lot of the stuff I already had as a spare parts laying around. It’s different if you’re starting completely from scratch. Thanks for the additional info. Looks like you know your stuff 👍🏻
@@jimmclaren1 I am a luthier . I do neck thru basses. The real Klusons are strong enough to hold a Fender Bass VI in tune. You use them to fight neck diving. Schaller and Schaller minis are better but weigh more. I bought a bag of caps from Stew Mac. Can't remember what they are. I guess the thing to do is to buy an Epiphone 1275, gut it and start over. I like Seymour Duncan pickups. Chrome covers interfere with the signal. Especially on the six string. JB's or 59's.
Well then you’re THE man. These things can be a work in progress. My 59’s sound amazing and I’ve swapped things many times since then. Tried treble bleeds too, with great success especially on the 12 side. Thanks for your thoughts.
Well, my first problem is i'm sinestral, which means double necks of any description are impossible to find, and if i did its ridiculous prices. So i bit the bullet on a cheapo Chinese Cozart. My Luthier, who is unbelievable, said yeah, we can make something out of this. Mahogany body, i believe rosewood fret board. First thing was do the truss rods work, and are the necks straight? YES!So it cost me $350.00. He is doing fret jobs and setups as i type, Scott is a bit eccentric, but Very good at what he does, so i'm in the hurry up and wait phase. He is also going to put bone nuts in and change the tuners. Looking at some vintage Gotohs that will fit with a small amount of reaming. As to the electronics, i'm still working out what pups to put in, i'm leaning toward Arcane Triple clones in the 6, and Lollar Imperials in the 12. Also going to use CTS pots, and emerson PIO caps, with treble bleed on the 6. I think iv'e found a 12 string independently adjustable bridge, and probably tonepros for the 6. I'm thinking of using a pure tone stereo jack, so the necks can go to different amps via a y split cable. I'm figuring a budget of around $1800 all up, the body actually looks really good! Any thoughts, hints, advice is super welcome. If i wasn't a molly duker i would probably have gone the epiphone route!
Sounds like a really good set of ingredients for a great guitar. The Lollar pickups in particular should work well for the 12. It’s LOUDER of course…with more strings, but the Lollar Imperials are low gain so it should balance out. I put a coil split on the 6 string (just a silver toggle on the pick guard. It’s a fun thing to have:) The guitar still sounds great and plays well today, even through this video was years ago. I may make a follow up video someday:). Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@jimmclaren1 Update, i found an Aussie who takes T top pups, and modifies them to get unbelievably close to God's TSRTS tone! He advised 50's style wiring was the way to go on both. Not done yet, but hopefully soon.
+Nmn Mnm I have another video on my channel where I changed the pickups from the original Epiphone to the Seymour Duncans. You can hear the difference in my other video. Thanks for watching.
If all of the pickups you could put in this guitar and you choose 498t. The 498 is a 14k pickup and much too hot for a guitar like this. Lower output pickups with more clarity is what this guitar needs. Unless you want to play very hard rock but what heavy rock would you play with an electric 12 string. Every famous double neck has low output gibson pickups the 490 and 498t aound terrible in this guitar. The original alnico classic epiphone pups sound just as good as the 489.
Pretty subjective claims. There are plenty of double necks out there with 490 and 498. Plenty. PreCovid I’ve been using this guitar on my house gig and yeah...there’s some hard rock and everything in the set list. My Marshall Jubilee seems to be able to handle these “too hot” pickups as you mention. It’s kind of my guitar...I’m allowed to put anything I want in it. I think you’re letting your personal choices dictate what you think you can tell others they should do. If it’s “too much gain” then why can’t that be offset with less gain at the amp or pedals? Entirely subjective man.
Fair point, except for a few things. A Chibson has every possibility of being worse than an Epiphone, and technically illegal and often hard to import. The other thing is that this wasn’t really much trouble as I enjoy working on guitars and this was actually a very fun project! Thanks for watching:)
Unbelievable that a $1,000 guitar would have cheap and defective switches. Would Epiphone be comfortable seeing their product fail during a concert? Is this really worth the $10 savings over a regular switch? This is surprising as my Epiphone Hummingbird is perfect in every aspect and exceeds expectations.
Unbelievable that a $1,000 guitar would have cheap and defective switches. Or tuners. Would Epiphone be comfortable seeing their product fail during a concert? Is this really worth the $10 savings over regular switchs? This is surprising as my Epiphone Hummingbird is perfect in every aspect and exceeds expectations.
Quite disappointing but very believable with what's out there. The quality is spotty, I had an Epiphone 355 at one point, that was basically great. Unfortunately with the double neck, I think you're paying mostly for the labour to make and finish the large piece of wood. I didn't have any fret issues, which is common with asian manufacturers. I think if you add up the $10 savings on a switch, times three switches it adds up. Then you factor in that there are 18 tuning keys, I'm sure they're saving a few bucks per tuner.
That's a little steep..especially if you're in USD? Mine was much cheaper than that. I think the last model was mine (2014 - one of 300). Might be getting harder to find cheap :( . Best of luck
You said you replaced the bridge on the 12 string side. Did you replace it with another metric brand or a US made Gibson bridge? Any drilling or fitting involved?
I put Gibson pickups on mine, replaced the pots, caps, switches and the jack. Tuners are now Kluson deluxe and to sort the balance I put a second strap button on the lower neck and use the strap on that. Bone nuts and a set up by Strung Out Guitars in Glasgow and it's playing and sounding great. I'm very happy with it.
Second strap button makes a WORLD of difference! I may take the plunge to bone nuts if I ever feel they need upgrades. Good story, I still think it makes economical sense to buy an Epi and deck it out like you and I have.
Great video, taught me a lot. I picked up one of these at my local L&M for $800. Like you, I found the Epi tuners were garbage, also had a buzz in the bridge on the 6 string. Replaced the bridge with a Tonepros ($100) which fixed the buzz. I wanted to maintain the look of the pearl buttons on the tuner upgrade without having to drill new holes. The Kluson rep assured me they had direct replacements so I ordered 18 of their “Revolution” line of machine heads ($20 USD/turner). Took about 10 weeks for the order to come in. I found that the peg hole had to be enlarged by about 1/16 of an inch to accept the collar for the threaded fastener and proceeded to ream out the holes using a bastard file (yes, actually called a Bastard File) I purchased at Canadian Tire. This was a very slow process taking care not the force the tool and cracking the peg head. Took about 6 hours to complete all 18 heads but the screw holes lined up perfectly and now both necks stay in tune. All told, about $600 for these upgrades plus a few hours spent working on it while watching a couple of hockey games but well worth the investment. The guitar stays in tune which makes it so much fun to play. Thanks again for the video inspiring me to make my upgrades.
Thanks for watching. Great solutions!
Hockey? What’s this all aboot?
Its amazing how one clean overdriven watt sounds so broken up, yet sounds so frikken good! Killer setup-
Thank you! Still my favourite of my amplifiers:) Thanks for watching
Hi…I purchased one of these guitars last month. After watching your video I have basically copied what you did. I did change both nuts as well & added dimarzio super distortion & a 59 paf in the 6 string. Thanks for the info on the bridge & adapters posts ..though my price was drastically higher. $386.00 for the bridge plus PayPal charges plus duty & shipping. Having a tech do all the work for me so I’m sure I can add another $1000 to the price. Still far below 12500 for a Gibson. I’m from Victoria BC so maybe we can run into each other sometime. Thanks again for posting this video. Like & Subscribed!🤟👍🇨🇦
Hello from the mainland! Great to hear your story, I’ve heard the prices for some of the parts has risen. Unfortunate, but you’ll be happy in the end. I love the fact that I can take my double neck out and it sounds great, and plays great too - even after all the cost.
I play at the Roxy downtown 5 nights/week, you’d likely see me there. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Excellent video. I ordered the 12 string bridge from AllParts and conversion posts. Looking forward to a proper intonation. Thanks for pointing me in the correct direction.
Glad to hear man, thanks for watching!
I just acquired one and the bridge is coming today. I was looking for a cleaner sound for the 12 string side. Yes, the tuners are junk. When I acquired it I replace the strings and at least 3-4 of the turners were loose.
Great video! I also bought one of these and upgraded all pickups to '57 Classic Gibson (historic shop Les Pauls), tuners to American Kluson, and went through all electronics. Guitar sounds utterly spectacular now and tunes fine (Klusons are a little weird)and still spent less than half of a new Gibson. I play Led Zeppelin in tribute bands- this thing is dead on; the most seasoned professional musicians love it. The Amazing Nick Karahalios in Los Angeles did the work for me. Note that these Epiphone bodies are not mahogany but a mahogany laminate, which is one the ways they save on cost.
Agreed on the laminate. Honestly through a great tube amp, and a set of PAF-style pickups, it’s pretty dead on close to the real thing. Thanks for watching !
One year I wanted to get my brother a ‘crazy’ birthday/Christmas gift (they are not too far apart) so I bought him the Epiphone Doubleneck... his first reaction was to freak-out. His second reaction was to buckle under the sheer weight! His third reaction was to be underwhelmed by the build quality and spec... I wish I had seen this video to advise him on how to clean it up.
It's not any heavier than my les paul I don't think. Les Pauls are pretty heavy, and after a four hour gig, I'm ready to take the darn thing off my back! My red double neck is about the same. I use it to play Stairway, The Song Remains the Same and the Rain Song, so it's not like I need to hold it all night long. No rest for the weary.
Hi Jim, I also have one of the 2014's. What you say about the tuners is 100% correct. In my case, I hadn't realized that one of the tuner grommets had vibrated loose and while changing strings the grommet fell off and I lost it! I appreciated hearing about your pickup choices because the stock Epi's sound like there's a wet blanket over them. I didn't know that there was a 300 run, but I believe it because availability disappeared soon after I bought mine. Your upgrades sound excellent. Thanks for the info, man!
A pleasure Matthew, I’ve since put in a coil split on the 6 string guitar, and It still plays and sounds great.
Wet blanket is exactly my description too…I have a video earlier documenting the original pickups vs the Seymour Duncan’s. Check that out somewhere…you’ll recognize the wet blanket tone!
Thanks for sharing. I have a kit inbound and I know upgrades will be inevitable but worthwhile. Cheers from Toronto 🇨🇦
Cheers from Vancouver! Good luck and thanks for watching :)
I just purchased an alpine white Epiphone doubleneck! Bring me back to the '70s!!!
Enjoy! Play some Eagles with it🤘
I have the white one with gold hardware purchased in the beginning of 2016. I have no problem with the machines. It seems to stay in tune well. I don't know what pickups are in it but they sound about the same as the ones in my Korina Explorer. They sound great clean and crunchy. I play in church and at this point only play clean - and I just play rhythm.
You're right on about the switches though. The switches are mediocre on all my Epiphones. No issued with the bridges or electronics. The only real problem I have is with the switches. I use a Gibson Fat Boy strap and it's still heavy. Fortunately, playing in church, I only have to hold it for 15-20 minutes at a stretch. But once it's strapped on, it's a fun instrument to play.
Awesome:) glad you enjoy it! I enjoy mine:)
Man, this video rocks! I'm about to order one of those guitars, and you finished to convince me, thank you!
+Fabien SQUILLANTE thanks for watching!
+Chase Murphy thanks for the comments, I've only used the D'Addario's before so I have. O experience. I have liked Elixir's in the past though. Hopefully they are long enough. No trouble hitting the pickup selector before, but I get whatcha mean. Bridge is the most important upgrade. Tuners next for me (mine were terrible) then pickups. Thanks for watching!
I'm thinking about getting on of these and doing what you did. I have a spare set of Gibson '61 Burst buckers I was thinking of putting on the 6 string and spare set of490/498 on the 12. Since it is a guitar I will likely only play as a novelty I actually thought about buying the Harley Benton version for $500.
Good call, I have 490/498 on the six. Kinda wish I had them on the 12.
My 12 currently has SD ‘59s and they’re a little hot since the 12 strings generate a lot of volume.
One day I might switch them. Thanks for watching :)
I have Grovers in there now and I want to change out the pick ups to 59's
I just posted up my own 2014 G1275 0n Craigslist today in Norfolk Va.
Great video but come on bruh, you can't do a cherry double neck video without at least SOME Stairway
+Mike Hamric resisted the urge!
He is from Canada so I am thinking some Xanadu
@@davidkhammer Lol, this makes sense dude.
Na. The song remains the same.
Everybody thinks of Zep and Jimmy Page (rightfully so) with these but, I think of Mahavishnu and John McLaughlin.
Well wish me luck. I’m going to start slotting the bridge tonight. Also took pickguards off and ordered the switches.
The bridge was $200 USA
I’m going to go slow and methodical so I don’t mess it up.
Good luck David
Jim McLaren thank you !! One more question. Did you have to flip any saddles to get intonation moving distance. I can see wanting to figure that out prior to slotting because I don’t think the slots are going to be exact center of the saddles.
For me, when I see the EDS I think of John McLaughlin with Mahavishnu and Steve Howe with Yes. I’d love to do some Birds of Fire or Starship Trooper on that thing!
I agree! Especially with YES (And you and I and Starship Trooper)!
Thanks for the video. I just replaced the original pickups by Gibson 490R and 498T (6-string) and burstbucker #1 and #2 (12-string). Didn't changed anything else because the stock parts work well since I purchased the guitar in 2018. The tuners are very good, imho better than the tuners of my much more expensive Gibson Les Paul Custom. Not every Epiphone part is poor I guess. All in all I love my G-1275, it sounds great and is playable as well.
Nice man, good to hear. Yeah the quality varies, I teach guitar and I see a lot of students with Epiphone and Squier, I’ve played some Epi’s that have felt better than some LP Studios. I’m glad you didn’t have to replace those tuners, what a job! Thanks for watching.
Good idea with the change out of the bridge for the 12 string side too !
Thanks for watching!
A great primer on what to expect. Much appreciated!
Thanks for watching :)
The double neck is quite possibly my favourite guitar in existence.
I'm currently designing one for a little project.
I'm curious, exactly what was the issue with the stock 12 bridge?
Great video, Jim! Just the information I am looking for, since I'm planning to upgrade my Epiphone G-1275. Couple of questions:
1) If you were to prioritise which mods to do (given that that total is about $1K), which one would you do first? I have already switched pickups to Seymour Duncan's Phat Cats, and now I'm looking at the intonation and stability. The ABM bridge seems like a more affordable and easier mod than the machineheads.
2) Did you ever replace the nut on your guitar? I find the spacing between all 6 string pairs (but particularly between the bottom 3 string pairs at frets 1-5 ) as so close as to make chords impossible to play cleanly as my fingers would be pretty much on top of each other.
Thanks for watching, I never replaced the nut on either neck. Haven’t found the need but now that you mention, it might be a little tight. I’ve just made do since I have a bunch of guitars, they’re all slightly different. I think the most important mod besides pickups (good choices) is the 12 string bridge. The original was so unsatisfying because it just wouldn’t play in tune. The only labour is that you have to carve the saddle slots. Good luck!
Jim, great job! You have very good hands!
It takes a lot of work.
I wish I have double neck, but it is pricy.
I cannot afford Gibson. Something cheaper plus upgrades of course.
Thanks, I will think about it!
Thanks for watching:)
I got the wiring config!! Thanks! One question: when you have the 12 string and 6 string toggle switch in the middle position, if you have one of the volumes down is the guitar silent? It seems it needs to turn up both volumes to get sound.
Yes that’s true. I think one of the necks will work either way, and the other one only works if both necks are on. Or at least the other neck has to be past zero.
Good for you! Enjoy it!
@@jimmclaren1 Thanks again!!
Hi Jim..Fantastic video..I own the exact same Epiphone double neck...I mainly use it for studio work..but I have to admit I find some issues ...very similar to the ones you mentioned with mine. Thank you for this video...I believe I will make similar adjustments and upgrades. Starting with the 3 way switches and the tuners.
Hi Jim. Do you recall what strings you put on it? I have the same guitar & no one makes strings that are long enough for the 12 string ( the D & G on the 12 string are the main culprits due to the distance from the tail piece to the tuning button) I used to have a high street guitar shop & even contacted my old reps/contacts at Ernie Ball/D'addario/Picato etc etc & not one commercially makes strings that are long enough!! Needless to say Gibson/Epiphone didn't reply to my enquiry. Also if you check the Gibson/Epiphone forums other owners are also asking the same question - where can I buy strings that are long enough! Many thanks. Dave
I’ve been okay with a normal set of D’Addario 12-strings. I’m able to get 1-2 solid winds using the entire string. They’re definitely long enough but I would prefer longer to get at least 3 winds on that thin G string. Maybe I will run into trouble. Next time I try to string it up, but I’ve never actually had strings that won’t reach. Good luck!
@@jimmclaren1 Thanks Jim I'll give them a try!
Awesome video! I have the Limited Edition Jimmy Page Anniversary Epiphone G-1275. I had to wait for 6 months when I ordered it new from Long & Mcquade Vancouver. The proper Epiphone case for it took another 8 months to arrive from them because the York case did not fit the guitar without forcing the body into it.
Thanks:) luckily Vancouver had the case in when I bought mine in 2014. Thanks for watching
They had to special order mine from Gibson USA.
Great video. That double neck sounds great now. It is too bad that all those components have to be changed to make it sound decent. But I know how it goes since I just bought my first Gibson SG a year ago. The Epiphone version I owned was junk in comparison.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Jim, hope you are doing well! Just a question. I have just bought one of those from the ‘97 and made in Korea with only one use from previous owner and I need to change the strings as they are really old and rusty. So my question is.. which thickness of strings should I use for the octaves on the 12 strings fretboard? I use 0.10 for my Les Paul and want to do the same for the 12 strings part but I have to add one more thinner string so wondering which ones should I use as octaves strings.
You can buy a complete set of electric 12-string strings. Comes with all 12 strings, on a regular 10-46 the octave G is a .008 and sometimes a .007!
Octave gauges alone are (from low E to high E):
26-18-12-8-13-10 (from a D’Addario 12-string set 10-46)
Hey Jim. I've got one of these on reserve. Do you know if this year's specs have changed for the better at all since this video or would you recommend some upgrades anyway? Definitely throwing on some strap locks regardless.
It’s hard to tell. They made them only during certain years, mine is from a run of 300 in 2014. (Supposedly a limited edition) my serial number starts with “14” if that helps.
I can’t find the double neck on any Epiphone branded websites. That leads me to believe that they may have not changed, I would definitely play the guitar before replacing parts. Sometimes you get lucky, right?
Tuners can come from a good or bad batch. Same with pickups, though I’ve universally not liked Epiphone pickups...they’re missing some top end and some girth for me.
I WOULD change the 12-string bridge and get someone competent to file the saddles properly. If you’re able to do it yourself, even better. Good luck and thanks for watching.
@@jimmclaren1 Thanks Jim! Hopefully the newer ones will hold up a bit better. I'm adding strap locks like I said but I'll play it first to check for tuning, wiring, and pickup issues. Thanks again for the video.
No problem, I hope you’re right. The thing is, the cheaper parts are part of what makes it an Epiphone. With the parts we all “want”, you’d add $1000 to the retail price tag.
Epiphone is able to make things affordable BY cutting corners. I never disparage Epiphone for that, it’s exactly why they’re there.
Was wondering if you can stand and play the double neck without supporting the neck while playing because of neck dive? I own one just like yours but really dislike playing it because of this.Any input would be appreciated.Thanx
Yup that’s definitely an issue. And adding 18!chrome tuners does not help with the weight. It wasn’t as bad with the lighter overseas Kluson tuners, but it plays much better so I’m happy. It is definitely an issue though. Thanks for watching :)
Interesting video, I literally just picked one of these up on a steal of a deal, looking forward to trying to figure it out!
cool video! I have an import myself and rewired it to the Gibson 1275 style with only 2 toggle switches. I like the sound of the 496!! Also it's not cost worthy or and investment to buy a Gibson double neck as the market is small unless you get a stupid deal on one.
Thanks for posting. I have wanted one of these for quite a while now. What’s the weight? Also, what do you do for a stand? Thanks.
Weight isn’t great, you may choose to move the strap button to a higher location. Tuners also add weight when you change from Kluson tuners.
I use a guitar stand where the guitar rests on the bottom of the body…rather than hangs from the neck. Normal acoustic stand I think. Thanks for watching:)
@@jimmclaren1 thanks
So it’s interesting- your guitar (and mine) have the tailpieces farther backward (I.e more towards the back of the guitar) than the Gibsons. I don’t know if you know if it makes any difference if those are closer to the bridge/ saddles (for tuning or resonance)- I’m not sure it would, given the part of the strings behind the bridge saddles are non- vibrating. But I was curious. I couldn’t find the bridge you linked so after much searching, and not wanting to spend 200 euros on the ABM replacement, I just found and bought one made by Rondo music (“Cepheus” brand). So we’ll see how it turns out. But your video is hugely helpful.
Thanks for watching! I made the video to help people who might be in the same boat.
I believe Page moved his bridge back, google that though to make sure…and that this Epi is a nod to that modification. Don’t know if it makes much difference, but I could be wrong.
Good luck with your mods!
@@jimmclaren1 thanks- after posting my comment I looked up his guitar and realized that indeed, our Epiphones are similar to his, and his is indeed different from the stock EDS 1275s where the tailpieces are closer in. So I think you may be right about it being Epiphone’s nod to his guitar (which makes me happy even though guitar skills-wise, I don’t live in the same galaxy as Page). Regardless, my guitar is so resonant, either by design or happy accident, that I don’t think I’ll ever touch the tailpiece(s). Sometimes I feel like even when the selector switch is towards the 6-string neck, the 12 strings harmonically enrich the notes of the 6 string, almost like a set of sympathetic strings. I’m actually pretty happy with the guitar, even with the annoyances and problems you discuss in detail in your video. I’m going to do some of the mods, but it’s a fun instrument regardless. Thanks!
The opposite neck definitely rings sympathetically. If you have both on you’ll hear it. Very cool effect. Glad you’re enjoying, it’s such a fun instrument to play (though I like it less when I’m playing live).
Thanks again for watching !
Great video. Yes this is a guitar i have always wanted. Your guitar sounds amazing. I think if i was to purchase one i would do exactly what you got done to yours.
Anyone up to speed on the bridge for the 12 upgrade as the ABM 12-String Tunematic linked doesn't seem to exist anymore?
Is there a wiring a configuration for this version? I'm needing it very much!!
There might be somewhere online. I have only changed pickups in the already existing harnesses. So I haven’t started from scratch. I’m sure a little work on google will help. Thanks for watching:)
Nice video. I have a Gibson and I like that Epiphone added the pickup switch for each neck. Grovers are nice but I question using them if they arn't mounted straight no biggie just me but switching to the Gibson tuners could have been a better choice but hard to beat Grovers for quality, not trying to sound picky I love what you changed along with a 12 saddle bridge which I didn't know was made, very nice. You created a great guitar for a lot less than a Gibson which could use some of the mods you did also. Very nice job
Thanks for the reply, and for watching :) Yes I agree the tuners do look a little strange from the back...it of course has to do with the deeper curve that the Epi headstock has. It's an aesthetic decision. I think when we discussed it we determined that because of the large 12-string headstock, with the more dramatic curve...it might look stranger. I can see it from both sides.
Of course, from more than a few feet away the difference becomes negligible. I could have gone with another set of Klusons but I already had a set of grovers unused, figured why not.
That 12-string bridge was really the best part!
I just wish I could change the body and poly finish for a solid Mahogany and Nitro finish! But...there's where you pay more $$$.
Thanks again:)
I am going to thank you again for this video. I finally finished all my upgrades today. I had an illness in May/June that put me in the hospital and recovery. Then I was able to do my upgrades.
I pretty much did the same as you except I used full size Grover 18:1 for both necks. And I coil split the 12 string pickups (59s) instead of the JB/Jazz combination I was thinking for the 6 string. I got those for my les Paul studio and out the les Paul studio pickups in this one.
One other difference. I did everything myself. First time I’ve done something so serious. And yes I made a few mistakes. My 12 string bridge is a little rough. Slot wise. And the drilling for the tuners is one thing I was not scared of to start because I had just put a pickup in a mandolin and the drilling was easy well I wish I would have heeded the reading and used a hand Reamer instead of a drill. I chewed up the back of the headstock in a few spots. So I wood putty and painted black Along them. I used some really good orange drop capacitors and the tone knobs roll of nice. Although the way i wired it the volume knobs are a little odd behaving when you have both necks selected.
Anyway. I wanted to thank you again for this video. It really inspired me and made me make my Epiphone double neck into a really really nice (and even heavier than it was) guitar.
One thing I wonder is how the Gibson version has a 6 saddle bridge for the 12 string neck .... how does it intonate. I have another 12 string electric guitar (danelectro) and it has little side saddles to the top of the saddle. So you adjust the one then adjust the higher octave one from there. The intonation on that one was horrendous when I got it. But when I took some time and intonated it. It played great. Although this one is better now.
Take care !!
David.
Sounds Beautiful !! like jimmy page 👍👍😀🏆expensive mods but great !!
Great video! I personally would have gone with BB'S or 57's instead of the Ceramics. Different Strokes!
Thanks for the video and to all the commenters below with great ideas. After reading everything here and watching the video, I think I'm going to look at a Solo double neck kit rather than buy and Epiphone and gut it, at least the body is solid mahogany.
Sounds Even more better thanks a real guibson
Did you consider using banjo style tuners like on the Gibson Firebird so that the tuners on the low pitch side of the 6 string wouldn't interfere with the tuners on the high pitch side of the 12 string? ?
Yes I had, but I wanted the more traditional looking tuners, headstock would have looked funny to me without tuners sprouting out. They would probably work well though if one was inclined. Thanks for watching :)
@@jimmclaren1 That makes sense. What doesn't make sense to me is Gibson not making a double neck with Firebird style headstocks. Or, if not Gibson, some other guitar company.
Nice! I have to have one of these in my life at some point.
I have the same guitar. I haven't upgraded the pickups yet because it's such a difficult job on this guitar. I do notice that the absolutely huge chunk of wood that makes up the body provides a certain tonality no matter the pickups installed and I was wondering if you feel the same way.
Thank you very much for your very informative video!
Rainer Schuh thanks for watching!
Middle on the neck get switch will also sympathetic over tones for a more cathedral effect!!
How far are the pickups from the strings on each neck? Congrats with Epiphone, this model is realy great.
Peter Krasov action is fairly low. String height to the pickups isn't anything out of the ordinary. Thanks for watching!
@JimMcLaren - Best Investment On Six-String Side Is A Roller Bridge. Better Intonation, Improved String Angularity...Philadelphia Luthier Tools
Great video - excellent choice of pickups!
Stupid question but this is important to me. First off you have a wonderful channel and that is a beautiful guitar. It is my dream guitar and always wanted a double neck for some reason. i think if i go ahead bite the bullet i will stick with it. I am coming from a Gibson J45 acoustic and find this thing hard to fret and chord. To the extent that it exhasts my left hand to play it. Dont get me wrong... its a beautiful piece and is very valuable not only $$$ wise but sentimental to me as it was my fathers. Its a late 60s era i believe. Soo how easy is it to cord? Keep in mind I am leaning towards learning my particular style of music. (My father forced bluegrass and country down my throat to the point I quit 20 years ago... I hated it that bad lol so I am basically starting over). I picked it back up recently. I have tried different gauge strings and that helped some but it's still exhausting to play. I have played Martins and other acoustics that wasn't hard but the Gibsons wear me out. Does that follow over into the epiphones? Thank you again. Great playing sir. Jam on!!!
Thanks for watching. Not a stupid question at all, in fact when properly set up both necks play very nicely. Better than most acoustics in my opinion. The necks are based on the 60’s thinner design.
Very easy to chord on:)
@@jimmclaren1 Wow!!! Thank you for the quick reply! You answered what I wanted to know. I would go look at it but unfortunately there are zero stores here so I couldn't answer that question myself. I'd feel kinda dumb jamming dualing banjos with a 1275 in a guitar store lol. New musical adventures coming soon for me! You sold me!
Subbed and smashed it
Much appreciated:))
Jim where do you buy your strings for the 12 string neck??? None of the ones I've tried are long enough for the D and G strings
I believe I’ve just used the d’addario 10-46 electric 12 string set. They’ve worked for me, though the G is barely long enough if I remember. Thanks for watching :)
Thanks a million Jim Great video 👍🏻 Rush rule 🇨🇦
Have the same problem with my tuners on this Guitar. 18 is quite a few to replace though
Hello i was thinking of getting one of these but was wondering if it is difficult getting strings for this because of the long length. I am also in Canada and was wondering if you could buy the strings at Long n McQuade.Do you have to buy special string or will regular DAddarios off the shelf work? Thanks for any help.
I’ve just used the standard DAddario 12-string set. It’s close to being not long enough, but each set I’ve used has worked for a few loops around the tuner. I would imagine they have this style guitar in mind when they make that string set.
Thanks for watching Bobby:) good luck!
@@jimmclaren1 Thank you for the quick reply Jim,puts my mind at ease knowing i don,t have to go crazy finding strings for it.
Just grabbed one of these new from GC for $899+tax here in Cali. Needed some initial work doing to it before it was playable. Both necks were bent and needed straightening out and the action was way too high. I plan to replace the pickups, pots and caps also.
Thanks for watching :) too bad the necks were out, mine was always very playable. I suppose the consistency isn’t as good with the overseas brand. Good luck and I hope this video helped inform you. Cheers
Just upgraded the lower neck strings and electronics. Will do the 12 string neck tomorrow. Replaced the strings with Ernie Balls, pickups with the Slash Alnico II Pro ones, CTS 500k pots and Orange Drop caps. Will also replace the other wiring in time. Sounds so much better than the factory installed pickups. Had to Dremel the pot holes a little bigger to allow for the larger pot necks and painted the Dremel'd wood with that special paint and they're good as gold.
Nice work, there are lots of cool ways to improve these instruments.
Hey Jim! Great vid, but I was wondering if you think it'd still be worth buying. I've all ways wanted one of these, and am coming close having enough. I realize that any Korean made guitar is not going to live up to American made quality, but I just cannot afford a Gibson. With all of the faults, do you recommend?
Thanks for watching :) if you ever get the chance to try one, you’ll know whether it’ll be good enough for you. I’d definitely recommend, you can always upgrade later, piece by piece over time if that works.
And you may not even need to replace that much, my guitars are all gigging instruments so I need a certain level to gig with. Bridge upgrade is probably the most important, followed by tuners and pickups IMHO.
Thanks again
Is it a great guitar,? Yes it is, oficina course is this a great guitar awesome sounds great congratulations
Thanks for the info. What replacement switches did you use for the selectors?
Switches were made by Switchcraft I believe. Thanks for watching :)
Thanks! I always use switchcraft, havent pulled mine apart yet to see what kind. L shape or straight like a Les Paul
These are straight I believe.
I was thinking of getting one of these and setting up as to 6 string necks with 2 different sets of pickups maybe Duncan whole lotta humbuckers for one neck seth lovers for the other gibson t tops would be my first choice for one of the necks but they are getting way to expensive as they become harder to get n
Great Video. I have the same guitar and am about to do some upgrades. 1 question and a few comments1. the allparts bridge shows 12 saddles equally spaced across the bridge. How do the strings line up? are they close to the edges of the saddles.2. you're so right about the switches being JUNK.3. I'm also going to put some grovers on. and maybe a new nut4. Thanks for making this video. sounds like it really makes this mediocre guitar into a great one.
1: The bridge is good but the saddles are unslotted. Either you or a luthier can cut the saddles to have the right string spacing easily.
2: junk yep!
3: Grovers or anything are a good upgrade
4: no problem :-) I’m happy to help people get the most out of this instrument.
Thanks for watching :-)
Jim McLaren i see that I need to cut them. I don’t think they will be close to center. But wonder if they will be too close to the edges of the saddles.
Mine look pretty centred as far as I can see. They definitely were not close to the edge
I got the Bridge today... waiting for the nut files I ordered so I can slot it. and also waiting for the bridge mount adaptors to install it. I did place it in place to see and the strings do line up pretty good. looked too wide at first however it is a little slanted. after that I am going to change the switches, pots and tuners. I'm thinking of the pickups also after watching this video a few more times.. yours sounds AWESOME!!
Nice. Good luck on the project, what pickups are you thinking of?
Great info!! Thanks!!!
I would've opted for SD jazz humbuckers on the 12 string and a JB/59' set on the 6 string, to have even more versatility in the guitar, but to each their own
Dozens of pickups out there for these purposes. Room for everyone in terms of pickup choices. Thanks for watching
Hi Jim
I just wanted to know what set of strings you're using for the 12 neck. Can you find strings long enough for the 6th and 7th string (G and D)? Thanks
Heya Fablepunk, I believe I’ve just used the d’addario 12-string electric set. I’ve never had any problems, though the G is dangerously close to being too small. Ya just don’t get a lot of winds. Thanks for watching!
Is it the EXL150 from daddario?
Yep that looks right!
@@jimmclaren1 thanks for your help.
What strings are you using on the 12 string side? I'm having trouble finding any set with long enough D and G strings.
+sirbug1029 D'Addario I believe!
sweet video man
+Jacob Rohrer Thanks:)
Nice profile picture
Is this plywood? (Epiphone did it to me!)
Actually this limited edition model is made of mahogany. 2014 edition.
Has the 12 saddles bridge arrived? Pls give an follow up video
The 12 saddle bridge is in the video
After parts and labour, how much extra did you have to pay?
Price breakdown is in the video , around the 11:00 mark. These prices vary of course, depending on your situation. Are used to teach a music store, so I got some of these parts cheaper. Some of the parts I had to order, might be more expensive than they would be if I was able to find them locally. I paid about $2000 Canadian including the $1100 doubleneck..so around $900. Thanks for watching :)
Cool. I’m in Toronto myself.
Still cheaper than a Gibson! What if I just get a Harley Benton for $500 including hard case, and do the same upgrades like you did? 🤔
Definitely way cheaper than a Gibson! I’ve no idea about the HB, as I’ve never seen one. Should result in a good instrument with the upgrades though. Just be sure you like the neck/frets and you’ll be good.
you change the guitar nuts?
Mentioned in the video, towards the end
Changing everything on a double neck SG I got for 200$ :) total cost will be around 800$ for parts. Pretty much buying 2 guitars worth of parts lol
Why are the tail pieces so far back?
Jimmy Page had his tailpieces moved back on his, I think that this inspired Epiphone to do this with their model👍🏻 thanks for watching.
A real Kluson set is going to cost between $42 - $60. I am sure they don't put these on Epiphones. They work fine. About $150 to do both necks. Don't get the plastic ends.
Switchcraft selecters especially for the neck switch because you're gonna be wailing on that bad boy.
Mini pots I would assume. Yep, you got to change them.
The conversion cost about $600 in parts. Except the Gibson pickups probably cost more. Pay Authentic.
I’m not a crazy capacitor freak but I do like good parts. Switchcraft yep, orange drops and CTS. Not the best but substantially better than what I had. Epiphone Kluson set is definitely a pale imitation.
You know I have been thinking about how Klusons look more iconic on this instrument. You’re right and I may get a good set one day.
A lot of the stuff I already had as a spare parts laying around. It’s different if you’re starting completely from scratch.
Thanks for the additional info. Looks like you know your stuff 👍🏻
@@jimmclaren1 I am a luthier . I do neck thru basses. The real Klusons are strong enough to hold a Fender Bass VI in tune. You use them to fight neck diving. Schaller and Schaller minis are better but weigh more. I bought a bag of caps from Stew Mac. Can't remember what they are.
I guess the thing to do is to buy an Epiphone 1275, gut it and start over. I like Seymour Duncan pickups. Chrome covers interfere with the signal. Especially on the six string. JB's or 59's.
Well then you’re THE man.
These things can be a work in progress. My 59’s sound amazing and I’ve swapped things many times since then. Tried treble bleeds too, with great success especially on the 12 side.
Thanks for your thoughts.
@@jimmclaren1 You're Welcome.
Well, my first problem is i'm sinestral, which means double necks of any description are impossible to find, and if i did its ridiculous prices. So i bit the bullet on a cheapo Chinese Cozart. My Luthier, who is unbelievable, said yeah, we can make something out of this. Mahogany body, i believe rosewood fret board. First thing was do the truss rods work, and are the necks straight? YES!So it cost me $350.00. He is doing fret jobs and setups as i type, Scott is a bit eccentric, but Very good at what he does, so i'm in the hurry up and wait phase. He is also going to put bone nuts in and change the tuners. Looking at some vintage Gotohs that will fit with a small amount of reaming. As to the electronics, i'm still working out what pups to put in, i'm leaning toward Arcane Triple clones in the 6, and Lollar Imperials in the 12. Also going to use CTS pots, and emerson PIO caps, with treble bleed on the 6. I think iv'e found a 12 string independently adjustable bridge, and probably tonepros for the 6. I'm thinking of using a pure tone stereo jack, so the necks can go to different amps via a y split cable. I'm figuring a budget of around $1800 all up, the body actually looks really good! Any thoughts, hints, advice is super welcome. If i wasn't a molly duker i would probably have gone the epiphone route!
Sounds like a really good set of ingredients for a great guitar. The Lollar pickups in particular should work well for the 12. It’s LOUDER of course…with more strings, but the Lollar Imperials are low gain so it should balance out.
I put a coil split on the 6 string (just a silver toggle on the pick guard. It’s a fun thing to have:)
The guitar still sounds great and plays well today, even through this video was years ago. I may make a follow up video someday:). Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@jimmclaren1 Update, i found an Aussie who takes T top pups, and modifies them to get unbelievably close to God's TSRTS tone! He advised 50's style wiring was the way to go on both. Not done yet, but hopefully soon.
Canada!!
Very nice
As far the tuners are concerned, I would of replaced those crappy epi. tuners with Gotoh SD90
Thanks for watching. Yep Gotoh tuners are also good replacement tuners🤘
Even the $5000 to $6000 Gibson double necks have only 6 saddles for the 12 string neck.
Yea you’re right. I would expect the big boy to have the best stuff, but yup just a 6-saddle bridge
In 03 I bought a Epi LP and the tuners were the cheap Klusen and the PUPs sucked
Happens yea
Take it it's an epiphone custom les paul then?
+Kris Barr No, it's a 2002 Gibson LP custom. Thanks for watching!
I wish you played that guitar before upgrading and we can campare them.
+Nmn Mnm I have another video on my channel where I changed the pickups from the original Epiphone to the Seymour Duncans.
You can hear the difference in my other video. Thanks for watching.
If all of the pickups you could put in this guitar and you choose 498t. The 498 is a 14k pickup and much too hot for a guitar like this. Lower output pickups with more clarity is what this guitar needs. Unless you want to play very hard rock but what heavy rock would you play with an electric 12 string. Every famous double neck has low output gibson pickups the 490 and 498t aound terrible in this guitar. The original alnico classic epiphone pups sound just as good as the 489.
Pretty subjective claims. There are plenty of double necks out there with 490 and 498. Plenty. PreCovid I’ve been using this guitar on my house gig and yeah...there’s some hard rock and everything in the set list. My Marshall Jubilee seems to be able to handle these “too hot” pickups as you mention.
It’s kind of my guitar...I’m allowed to put anything I want in it. I think you’re letting your personal choices dictate what you think you can tell others they should do.
If it’s “too much gain” then why can’t that be offset with less gain at the amp or pedals?
Entirely subjective man.
for all the trouble you had, you just as well have had a Chibson.
Fair point, except for a few things. A Chibson has every possibility of being worse than an Epiphone, and technically illegal and often hard to import. The other thing is that this wasn’t really much trouble as I enjoy working on guitars and this was actually a very fun project! Thanks for watching:)
Unbelievable that a $1,000 guitar would have cheap and defective switches. Would Epiphone be comfortable seeing their product fail during a concert? Is this really worth the $10 savings over a regular switch? This is surprising as my Epiphone Hummingbird is perfect in every aspect and exceeds expectations.
Unbelievable that a $1,000 guitar would have cheap and defective switches. Or tuners. Would Epiphone be comfortable seeing their product fail during a concert? Is this really worth the $10 savings over regular switchs? This is surprising as my Epiphone Hummingbird is perfect in every aspect and exceeds expectations.
Quite disappointing but very believable with what's out there. The quality is spotty, I had an Epiphone 355 at one point, that was basically great. Unfortunately with the double neck, I think you're paying mostly for the labour to make and finish the large piece of wood. I didn't have any fret issues, which is common with asian manufacturers. I think if you add up the $10 savings on a switch, times three switches it adds up. Then you factor in that there are 18 tuning keys, I'm sure they're saving a few bucks per tuner.
NOO STAIRWAY
Not your call Bob
@@jimmclaren1 I was cheering
So you basically paid 1100$ for a double neck frame!
+GasVibe Curst essentially true!!!
Jim McLaren I'm looking at buying one but there's no where I can find it under 1600$ Do you think I should go for it ?
That's a little steep..especially if you're in USD? Mine was much cheaper than that. I think the last model was mine (2014 - one of 300). Might be getting harder to find cheap :( . Best of luck
Jim McLaren I found a used one for 750$ Can not USD :p But I want one so bad!
You said you replaced the bridge on the 12 string side. Did you replace it with another metric brand or a US made Gibson bridge? Any drilling or fitting involved?