Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is renowned for his innovative playing and iconic instruments. Among these, his Gibson EDS-1275 double neck guitar stands out. While some might dismiss it as a mere gimmick, Page’s rationale for using this instrument was rooted in pure practicality and musical ingenuity.
Before forming Led Zeppelin, Page established himself as a highly sought-after session musician in the UK. This experience honed his skills and broadened his musical horizons, influencing his approach to guitar playing and arranging. He was not just a performer but a sonic architect, meticulously crafting layers of sound both in the studio and on stage. Led Zeppelin’s discography, often perceived for its hard-rocking anthems, also contains a wealth of softer, acoustic-based material, showcasing Page’s versatility and depth as a musician.
For Page, the double neck guitar wasn’t about showmanship; it was a practical solution to a common performance challenge. Many Led Zeppelin songs, most famously “Stairway to Heaven,” require both 6 and 12-string guitar parts. Instead of cumbersome and time-consuming guitar changes between or even during songs, the double neck offered seamless transitions. He could effortlessly switch from the rich, full sound of a 12-string to the standard 6-string, maintaining the show’s momentum and the integrity of the musical arrangement. This efficiency was crucial for Led Zeppelin’s dynamic live performances, known for their intensity and flow.
Page himself explained that the double neck was a matter of stage practicality. Changing guitars frequently disrupts the flow of a performance and can be awkward. The double neck guitar eliminated this issue, allowing him to move between different guitar voicings instantly. While guitar technicians are essential for tuning and string changes behind the scenes, during a performance, immediate access to both 6 and 12-string configurations was invaluable for Page’s complex and layered guitar work. The Gibson EDS-1275, in the hands of Jimmy Page, became an extension of his musical vision, a tool that enabled him to bring the sonic textures of Led Zeppelin’s studio recordings to the live stage with unparalleled fluidity.
