The double-neck guitar is something many guitar kids probably dreamed of. Most people think of Jimmy Page’s SG first, and Japan had plenty of copy models of that too. But what about original Japanese double-neck guitars? And what about the multi-necks that went even further, with three or four necks? This article brings together both: the original double-necks from Japanese brands, and some of the craziest Japanese multi-neck guitars ever built.
At a Glance
- Ibanez: Studio ST1300 and ST1200, S Series 540STN, plus Steve Vai’s multi-necks (the 2670 Artwood Twin was based on a Rex Bogue design)
- ESP: Neal Schon’s Departure guitar and Toshihiko Takamizawa’s four-neck
- Fernandes: Double-neck Revolver, Hotei’s custom setups and a double-neck ZO-3
- Others: Yamaha Attitude, Aria Pro II Super Twin, Kawai F-1, Greco GO series and K.Yairi WX-22E
Original Japanese Double-Neck Guitars
Ibanez
Let’s start with Ibanez. Strictly speaking, its best-known double-neck, the 2670 Artwood Twin from the 1970s, is not a fully original Ibanez design: it is based on the Double Rainbow, a double-neck built by luthier Rex Bogue for John McLaughlin, with a simplified version of its Tree of Life inlay.
Among Ibanez’s own designs, the Studio series had the ST1300 and ST1200, including a guitar-and-bass version. Later, in the 1990s, came the S series 540STN. There was also a heavy-metal focused double-neck with a 6-string and a 7-string setup.
Mr. Big: Ibanez and Yamaha
In Mr. Big, both guitarist Paul Gilbert and bassist Billy Sheehan played Japanese double-necks: an Ibanez RG and a Yamaha Attitude.
Fernandes
Fernandes made a double-neck Revolver, and Hotei used custom double-neck setups too. There was even a double-neck ZO-3, released as part of a tribute project honoring legendary players.
Aria Pro II, Kawai, Greco and K.Yairi
Aria Pro II had the Super Twin series. Kawai had a double-neck in the F-1 lineup. Greco released one early in the GO series. And K.Yairi had an acoustic double-neck, the WX-22E.
| Brand | Double-neck models |
|---|---|
| Ibanez | Studio ST1300 and ST1200 (including a guitar-and-bass version); S series 540STN; a 6- and 7-string double-neck. The 2670 Artwood Twin was based on Rex Bogue’s Double Rainbow |
| Yamaha | Attitude double-neck |
| Fernandes | Revolver double-neck; Hotei’s custom setups; double-neck ZO-3 |
| Aria Pro II | Super Twin series |
| Kawai | F-1 double-neck |
| Greco | Early GO series double-neck |
| K.Yairi | WX-22E acoustic double-neck |
Each one has its own feel.
The Craziest Japanese Multi-Neck Guitars
Neal Schon’s Departure Guitar (ESP)
First, Neal Schon’s Departure guitar. It was built by ESP around 1980, made to coincide with his visit to Japan, and carried a scarab beetle design. I could not find any images of him actually playing it.
Steve Vai’s Triple-Necks (Ibanez)
Many people think of Steve Vai. In the 1990s, he used heart-shaped triple-necks. He also played another triple-neck for the song “I Know You’re Here.”
More recently came the Hydra: a 7-string, a 12-string, a bass, and even harp strings. Vai admitted it stayed untouched in the studio for about a year before he finally played it.
Toshihiko Takamizawa’s Four-Neck (ESP)
From Japan, there is Toshihiko Takamizawa of The Alfee. He had countless unusual guitars made by ESP and played them on stage. One of the most famous is a four-neck guitar painted like playing cards. It was so heavy that he joked it was the most useless guitar he ever had.
ESP Trump 4-Neck
— ESP Museum (@esp_museum) August 2019
Final Thoughts
For the craziest multi-necks, so far I could only think of Ibanez and ESP. For regular Japanese double-neck guitars, though, almost every major brand tried its hand at one, from Ibanez and Fernandes to Aria Pro II, Kawai, Greco and even K.Yairi with an acoustic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Japanese brands make original double-neck guitars?
Yes. Besides copies of the Gibson EDS-1275, brands such as Ibanez, Fernandes, Aria Pro II, Kawai, Greco and K.Yairi made their own double-neck models.
Who built Neal Schon’s scarab double-neck?
ESP built it around 1980, with a design based on Journey’s Departure album artwork, to coincide with his visit to Japan.
What is the Steve Vai Hydra?
A custom Ibanez triple-neck combining a 7-string guitar, a 12-string guitar and a bass, with harp strings as well.
Which Japanese guitarist plays a four-neck guitar?
Toshihiko Takamizawa of The Alfee had a four-neck guitar made by ESP, painted like playing cards.
