Looking for body-less/headless (double neck) bass/guitar ideas.

[Deleted member 264575]

(I also posted in the Headless and Washburn Clubs);
I'm looking for a body-less/headless double neck bass/guitar. I was originally looking for a 5 string bass / 12 string guitar, but I'm realizing that a 12 string headless bridge is probably a pipe-dream. Even the 5 string bass in a double neck is a probably a long shot. So, I'm thinking of trying to find a 4 string bass (tuned B-E-A-D) and a 6 string guitar (with an octave pedal) body-less/headless double neck. I see Washburn made them, but I'm having trouble getting a model #. If I can't find one already made, I'll be looking at having one made. Any suggestions/info/advice on models, or parts would be greatly appreciated. [EDIT]- Looks like buying 2 Steinbergers and leveling/gluing them together will be my best option.

Cheers,
Neal.

 

[lz4005]

Steinberger 12 string bridge. Also called Tractuner.

The knob is moveable to engage the tuning mechanism for each string. Really cool design.

 

[Deleted member 264575]

Steinberger 12 string bridge. Also called Tractuner.

The knob is moveable to engage the tuning mechanism for each string. Really cool design.

A very cool design. Unfortunately, from what I've read, Steinberger only made 100 units. They sell for $3K-$5K, apparently (hence it being a 'pipe-dream').

 

[Deleted member 264575]

Update: Thanks to fellow TBer MEKer in the Washburn Club for letting me know the above pics are either a 1985 GB-63 or a 1984 GB-64B Washburn (also hard to come by, methinks). I'm starting to research which Steineys to chop and glue, lol.

 

[bassbones2]

The Washburn doubles were VERY HEAVY

I've had a hanker'n to make a fretted/fretless double...headless is the way to go for weight...but those "Drop off the cliff" head(less)stocks are not for me so I would have to chop two fender style necks and leave enough of a headstock to feel like there was one still there. At this point, I think it will be a retirement project....it will be awhile before I get to it.

I played a washy double at a store in the 80's and I think it was 14 pounds or more.

JB

 

[bassbones2]

if your stuck with only 6 strings and want 12....put a GK pu on that thing and get one of these.....
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they sound awesome

JB

 

[twocargar]

If you could figure put some kind of bracket to attach the two, that might work for you. This would allow you to disconnect them for transport, or if you needed to play one or the other by itself.

I have a custom built doubleneck (Explorer-style), and besides it being heavy, it's a PITA to transport. It took me a long while to find a case big enough--and of course it's a massive case. Maybe paddle-style doublenecks won't be that hard to find a case for.

Good luck, I'm anxious to see what you decide.

 

[Deleted member 264575]

Background: I have a Genesis tribute in the works. I'm having a copy of my avatar being made that's supposed to come in around 14-15 pounds. I was hoping a body-less/headless would shave 5 or so pounds off that, but maybe I'm over-estimating. Weight was the main reason I was looking into this. A low B-string was the secondary reason. If the body-less/headless isn't going to be a LOT lighter, I might just use my bass pedals for the lower notes I need and stick with the Ric copy. Interesting info here. PS: I have a case coming with the Ric copy and I actually saw a case for the Washburn double neck for sale, today.

 

[bholder]

The Washburn doubles were VERY HEAVY

I've had a hanker'n to make a fretted/fretless double...headless is the way to go for weight...but those "Drop off the cliff" head(less)stocks are not for me so I would have to chop two fender style necks and leave enough of a headstock to feel like there was one still there. At this point, I think it will be a retirement project....it will be awhile before I get to it.

I played a washy double at a store in the 80's and I think it was 14 pounds or more.

JB

I will attest to their weight. Always wondered what they made them from, from the feel on the shoulder, I might guess basalt.

 

[Deleted member 264575]

I will attest to their weight. Always wondered what they made them from, from the feel on the shoulder, I might guess basalt.

Lol.

 

[Camaro69]

Along for the ride

 

[bassbones2]

I think the amount of weight you lose without the heads is put back on at the bridge unless some crafty luthier work is done.

The washy's were made of multi laminates of basalt!! LOL!!!

JB

 

[millsbass5]

The brands Tennessee and Galveston make weird, unusual monstrosities in that vein. But, what I've experienced of those brands, the overall quality was questionable, IMO.

 

[Deleted member 264575]

Just a quick update on the body-less/headless double neck search. I've decided to get the low B string from my MOOG bass pedals, rather than get another double neck. Thanks for everyones help.