The first practical Doubleneck acoustic

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by kramster

sssaaaaaweeet!

Ditto. Very nice, Steve. I can clearly hear that you started on the 6, then to the 12, back to the 6, then 12 again. Never having had a 12 before, I can see how having a 6/12 doubleneck would allow for some great dynamic ranges within the same song. Love it! Thanks for sharing!

[Doubleneck]

Sorry it is not much of a demo. But I think it does show its sweet voice. When the 6 string starts, I listen and I think I am hearing a wood guitar.

[mchalebk]

Sounds great (looks very cool too). How did the electronics end up? Two preamps? Two jacks? Photos?

I always thought a doubleneck would be cool to own, but I probably wouldn't get too much use out of one. After all, how often would I want to use 12 and 6 on the same song? The low weight of this is a definite game changer. At 5 pounds, it probably doesn't weigh any more than my CA Vintage Performer. And there probably are some songs where switching mid-song would come in handy.

How does it balance? Even with lightweight tuning machines and without truss rods, it seems like it would have to be a little neck heavy. That's certainly not a showstopper, but I am curious.

The big question for me would be: could a doubleneck be my only 12-string? If the answer was yes, I might consider selling my Rainsong JM3000 and ordering one of these. (I wonder if I could get one in the "T" styling...)

[Doubleneck]

Brian, electronics ended up being B Band with one stereo end plug. Both UST pick ups plug into individual inputs in the endplug preamp. Stereo plug out so you get two input jacks one for each neck. I plug each neck into separate channels on my Dtar Solstice. Alistair supplies a powered a/b floor pedal with volume controls but I don't need it. Sound quality is quite good, but controls are external which I wanted. Many would want to wait for the onboard Shadow system coming in September? If I had the choice I would still choose no barn door. I am very happy with the simple B Band.

Most people never thought of having two guitars at once it wasn't really practical, but you are correct, I think it weights less or the same as my CA Legacy. Thus this gives you two in about the same package? It is a game changer, that simple. You have more possibilies than before and players are not used to thinking that way. It's very cool believe me.

With two necks the guitar will have a definite neck orientation, the body is very light. But the overall lightness of the whole guiitar makes it very manageable.

Your last question to me demonstrates how game changing this is. Yes, this could definitely be your only 12 string, it will certainly be mine. It is awesome in 12. I have played many Rainsongs, just great guitars, own and love my OM1000. But this 12 side will compete with anything.

By T styling I assume you mean something like the T-8 with traditional center hole? Alistair has created a masterpiece here I would not, nor do I think he will change a thing.

[Alistair Hay]

Steve thank you for the great review of the Chimaera doubleneck.
Its been great dealing with you and Im so privileged to have built your dream guitar.
The Chimaera was a natural progression for us as it seems like an area where we can excell. I would love to see this guitar get some more main stream recognition and we are working on plans for that but for now it would help if AGF would allow these posts to go in the main forum as well. It makes no sense to segregate us. Right now there are 2 people looking at this forum and 206 on the main forum. Its a pity we get stuck in the quiet corner when we need all the support we can get.
Alistair

[scooter74]

Alistar, have you seen the main section lately, posts last two hours on the first page, it's a free for all.

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by wilstev

Alistair, have you seen the main section lately, posts last two hours on the first page, it's a free for all.

Alistair, you're caught in a strange situation. Of course, such innovation belongs on the 'General' page to create awareness, but those interested in CF guitars on that page are by far the minority, so it'll quickly drift off the first page and be lost. At least in this page it has 'some' staying power. Some of us get it, unfortunately most don't.

[Doubleneck]

I think it's a two stage get. First you have to not be opposed to carbon which can be a struggle for the traditional wood guys. Then there is the getting of what a Doubleneck can do for them. For most players it is just something that does not compute. I will be fasinated when I take the Doubleneck to the Carbon Guitar gathering in Utah next month. These guys get carbon but will they see what a double can do for them? This is the worlds first practical Doubleneck so I guess we should not be surprised that a lot of people have to process this development. It's not real hard if you already were using one of the impractical doubles.