The double neck bass is an intriguing and unique instrument that has captivated bass players for decades. With its two necks and distinct sound, the double neck bass offers musicians a wide range of tonal possibilities. This blog post will explore the history, design, and sound of the double neck bass, providing an overview of the instrument and its most iconic uses in music. Whether you’re a professional musician or just starting out, the double neck bass is a truly remarkable instrument worthy of exploration.
A bit of history
The double neck bass has been around since the 1950s when it was first used in a live performance by Bill Black’s Combo in 1956. Since then, many musicians have experimented with this instrument, including Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Paul McCartney of The Beatles. It’s a unique type of bass guitar with two necks, one with four and five strings. This makes it possible for players to access low-range and high-range notes while playing the same instrument.
The idea of a double neck bass was popularized by Gibson Guitars in 1958 when they released the first mass-produced instrument version. In the decades since, several other guitar manufacturers have released their own versions of the double neck bass, each with its own unique design.
Today, the double neck bass is an iconic instrument still seen being played on stages worldwide. Its unique design allows players to explore various sounds and styles, making it an intriguing choice for bassists everywhere.
How it’s played
The double neck bass is a unique instrument that provides many interesting playing options. Traditionally, the two necks are used to play different types of music – one neck tuned to a standard 4-string bass, and the other neck tuned to a 6-string guitar. This allows for a wide range of sound possibilities.
When playing the double neck bass, you can pick each string individually or use fingerstyle techniques. Additionally, you can use both necks simultaneously, playing different parts in different registers. This allows for incredibly complex passages and makes it easy to create full arrangements from a single instrument.
Using both necks simultaneously also makes it possible to combine the sounds of both bass and guitar into a single note. This adds a new texture to the music and can create some truly interesting effects.
The double neck bass is also an excellent choice for extended soloing. The variety of sounds and styles available on the instrument makes it ideal for creating long passages that really explore the instrument’s capabilities. You can use slides, bends, and various techniques to bring out the sound’s beauty.
Why it’s unique
The double neck bass is an incredibly unique instrument, with a sound and design that set it apart from other basses. The most distinct feature of the double neck bass is that it has two necks, each with its own tuning, scale length, and sound. With this feature, there is a wide range of notes for greater flexibility when playing. For example, a double neck bass can have one neck tuned to a standard 4-string bass, while the other is tuned to a 5 or 6-string. This allows players to switch between two different instruments in one setup.
Because each neck has its own pickup and volume control, the double neck bass has a more expressive sound than a single neck bass. The player can combine the two sounds or highlight particular notes or effects using one neck. Furthermore, the two necks make it easier to reach higher notes and chords on a bass with a single neck.
Overall, the double neck bass offers players a variety of options not available on other bass guitars. It is a highly flexible instrument that works well for both live and studio performances thanks to its distinctive shape and sound.
Conclusion
The double neck bass is an intriguing and unique instrument with a rich history and is a great choice for any bass player looking to add a unique sound to their repertoire. Its combination of two instruments in one makes it extremely versatile and capable of producing a wide range of sounds. For those willing to take the plunge, learning how to play the double neck bass can provide some real creative potential that can help you stand out from the crowd. So if you’re looking for something truly special to add to your setup, the double neck bass could be a perfect choice.
