Doubleneck Dream (part 2)

[rami]

Because doublenecks are so neck heavy, perhaps two short scale 4 string necks on a small standard body.  I'd like the necks parallel to each other (not angled apart).  I hold my Basses with the neck at around 10 o'clock.  One fretted and one fretless neck make the most sense and are the most playable.  
The woods, inlays and electronics will remain my secret since they're more a matter of personal preference.  But that would be my basic configuration.

[tbrannon]

Any ideas on wood types for body, top and neck lams?
 
Edit: oops, reading comprehension problems. You stated it above.  
 
(Message edited by Tbrannon on September 16, 2010)

[rami]

I can't reveal those details, because I wouldn't want someone else to build it first.  But I do have a pretty nice picture in my mind.
 

[rami]

I would have the fretless neck on top, since it requires more careful intonation.  I think a fretless lower neck would be much more difficult to play - it's too far away and your view is obstructed by the upper neck. My doubleneck should be player friendly as the top priority. Function first, beauty second.

[tbrannon]

You said small standard body- should we expect a double crown headstock combo?
 
I agree with having the fretless on top.
 
How do you plan on having the necks parallel?  To get proper spacing between the necks, won't the body have to be W-I-D-E (as in from top bout to lower bout)?

[rami]

I like the format of the Gibson EDS-1275.  I'd have the necks as close together as possible.  Maybe have opposing inline headstocks. I do like the look the crown headstock though.

[tmoney61092]

So have the headstocks something like this?
 
http://www.google.com/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=us&client=safari&q=Billy%20sheehan%20double#i=1
 
this will be one amazing bass
 
~Taylor

[tbrannon]

Oooh- I like that Sheehan headstock layout.

[rami]

Perhaps stay with the Crown headstocks and use banjo-type tuners like on the Gibson Firebird.  The keys are completely behind the headstock allowing both necks to be much closer together.

[hieronymous]

Hey, how did I miss this thread?!!
 
The tuners definitely get in the way on my doubleneck. I like the shortscale idea a lot! The small standard body shape was supposedly influenced by the SG/EB-3 body shape, was it not? (I seem to recall reading that somewhere) In which case your idea makes perfect sense! I hope this thing gets made!
 
I personally would love an 8-string/4-string doubleneck, both fretted. Or maybe 8-string/6-string! Both short scale, with the 6-string tuned tuned EADGBE...

[rami]

 
 
(Message edited by rami on September 20, 2010)

[rami]

I think short scale makes more sense for a doubleneck; a lot less stretching to access the necks and it's better for weight and balance.  I also have a 5 string Rogue and it's a BEAST! A doubleneck version like the current COTM would be (for me) almost unplayable.  To play the lower fretless neck, I'd have the upper neck passing over my nose!
It is beautiful and a source of inspiration, but not for me.  I'd like something I can actually play and put serious milege on.

[hieronymous]

I definitely think you have the right idea with the fretless neck on top.

[rami]

Thanks Harry.  I think it makes the most sense.  If the lower neck is too difficult to access, there'd be no point in having it.  I need full and easy access to the entire fingerboard.  In the last few years, I've really gotten into playing Bach cello Suites and violin Partitas and Sonatas.  
When you play Bach, you REALLY play the WHOLE Bass!  And there's NOTHING as spectacular sounding as Bach played on an Alembic.
 
An Alembic Bass and Bach complement each other like Champagne and Caviar!
 
 
 
(Message edited by rami on September 21, 2010)

[chrisalembic]

Rami, I would love to hear Bach played on an Alembic... you have any recordings of that?