Doubleneck question

[Walfretless5]

Just for reference, here are a couple of points:

The RIC 4080 & 4080/12 both have the guitar neck angled back a few degrees for better bass neck access, this works pretty well in reality.
There were at least two made (one's a Burgundy which I've seen pictured for sale quite some time ago) that were ordered with both 6 and 12 string guitar necks so the owner could change when desired (the guitar neck, essentially a 480 neck is a bolt on, while the bass neck is a reinforced set neck).

A few years ago, there was a fellow here who had refinished a 1970s Ibanez doubleneck, which was an SG body with the bass neck atop a 12 string guitar, finished in white.
These are pretty rare, unfortunately, but I've been considering since then that one could snap up a pair of Epiphones (one SG, and one EB bass) and craft a doubleneck, much like Rutherford did with two Ricks.
It would appear to be a relatively doable project for someone with a modicum of skill and a few tools.

The real problem with a doubleneck, at least what I find, is that there is a compromise necessary with regards to strap length.
You may be able to have one neck at optimum playing height, but the other one suffers from being either too high or too low.
Or, you can have both necks with the same disparity from your preferred height or some variation, and both will suffer somewhat, with the bass naturally being more forgiving.

I have mine so that the center line of where my bass normally hangs will bisect the doubleneck body about 1/3 from the bottom of the body, so the guitar is a little too low and the bass is too high.
I've tried it lower and find it quite difficult to play the guitar cleanly.
In this regard, I find the bass to be best placed on the bottom, since I'm much better at bass than guitar.
However, I still think having the bass on top is more aesthetically pleasing.

Hello kcole4001,

Thanks for your input and comments. Please have a look at my thread on my Rutherford double neck build, I made a lot of points there that pretty much reinforce your statements. I have seen the Burgundy double neck with the extra neck and made mention of that. It is a great idea on Rickenbacker's part for some one to have that versatility IF needed. I think that most people who gravitate towards a double neck that includes a bass neck are mostly bass players who play some guitar. Guitarists tend to go "PAGE" style with the 6/12 configuration. It is a nice option to have the versatility but I would prefer a neck thru construction (for obvious reasons) over a bolt on or set in neck. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages , so i am not slamming either choice...that is just my personal preference.

On the orientation of the necks...My preference is the guitar on top. When I play it puts my wrist in a more natural position having the guitar neck high up. The bass neck lower (I am also a bassist more so than a guitarist) I can deal with easier,and you are right when adding in the bass pedal work the neck orientation matters to who ever is playing it (their preference) to make it less laborious. My build has the slight neck angle even though the necks are reversed, but I don't have the headstock in the way issue , that could exist with the bass neck on top. It's also a personal preference and that was just something to consider. My overall decision was based on playability and not aesthetics. I also don't find the bass neck aesthetically pleasing on the top.

My issue that I have encountered WITH having the guitar neck on top is balance. I believe that was the choice that Rickenbacker made when they went to production since Rutherford was already playing his prior to Rickenbacker producing theirs. The bass neck on top ,I believe offers better balance when hanging on a strap. Mine is a little top heavy and I believe that is why Rutherford used 4 strap buttons to help balance the instrument. The 4080 only has 2 in the exact single instrument position. So a longer strap going to the lower bout of the instrument helps that. Some guys use their playing arm to keep the instrument close to their body , I however use a second strap which works well.

I have a photo on my thread of a Gibson Les Paul paired with a Ric 4001 as well. The artist has the Les Paul on top but the finishes are the original , Gold Top Gibson , Jetglo Ric....it looks pretty sick.

 

[Walfretless5]

Those are really beautiful.
Is that Dale's work, or someone else?

No this is the work of Larry Davis of "Davis Guitar Works". To my knowledge , Dale isn't doing much these days. I've tried contacting him several times and was unable to get a response. I know he had some issues that I don't want to make statements about but his work is awesome. Larry's is also awesome and he specializes in Rickenbacker restorations so I naturally reached out to him. He made the Jetglo for a client and then did mine shortly after. Mine is posted on my thread showing pictures of the whole production process and reasons behind the choices I made. Here are a few of the pictures of the finished instrument.

 

[kcole4001]

Hello kcole4001,
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My issue that I have encountered WITH having the guitar neck on top is balance. I believe that was the choice that Rickenbacker made when they went to production since Rutherford was already playing his prior to Rickenbacker producing theirs. The bass neck on top ,I believe offers better balance when hanging on a strap. Mine is a little top heavy and I believe that is why Rutherford used 4 strap buttons to help balance the instrument. The 4080 only has 2 in the exact single instrument position. So a longer strap going to the lower bout of the instrument helps that. Some guys use their playing arm to keep the instrument close to their body , I however use a second strap which works well.

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Yes, interesting point, and I hadn't thought much about the balance issue.
For me, using the lower strap button (directly behind the bass tailpiece) keeps the thing in place with a good wide strap.

I can see that having to wrestle with the weight, overall awkwardness, and then to throw in a bit of neck dive could be too much to deal with on stage, compounded by any other requirements such as singing and playing bass pedals and keyboards!