In the beginning, during the ancient times and the dawn of enlightenment, when the creators saw fit that our earthly instruments should be electrified in order to produce heavenly – "god-like" tones, many suitors embarked on the noble quest to "create" tonal electrified perfection. Over the decades – the rock and roll battlefield has been presented with numerous instrument designs that have been chosen and used by heroic guitar warriors on their many valiant musical missions. Some of these musical weapons have long since been forgotten and were left by the wayside – never to be seen or heard again. However – some of these musical incarnations have become the most trusted harmonic weapons to ever grace the earth – becoming the musician's "tool of choice" on their quests of creativity and expression.
Over the years and after numerous battles of musical expression – there have emerged among many, two very powerful "camps" in the world of guitar craft. They have become pre-dominantly known by the musical warriors who often favour using one or the other – although they have been known to co-exist and compliment each other very well. The main dilemma has always been that they can only be used – one at a time. These two camps, in the world of guitar, have been known as the "Tele-Tribe" and "The Tribe of Les".
Many musical warriors have utilized the instruments of both tribes over the years as they have been attributed to have unique sonic magical properties that warrant their distinctions. For example, the legendary guitar warrior, known as "Page" – who flew in a Zeppelin – often favoured weapons from the "Tribe of Les" but has also wielded his magic with tools from the "Tele-Tribe" often leaving the audience in sheer awe and sometimes dazed and confused.
Another famous guitar warrior – known as "Keith" made his indelible mark on the eardrums of many and could only achieve his "Satisfaction" primarily using the tools of the "Tele-Tribe". On occasion – "Keith" has also used the tools of the "Tribe of Les" which have gracefully kept the stones rolling over the years.
As mentioned, the tools of these two camps of guitar craft were only limited by the fact that they could only be used one-at-a-time. This involved changing ones instrumental weapon in order to unleash the magical powers it possessed – as they were unique to each owns design.
It was said that a golden time would eventually come when these two camps of guitar craft would one day meet and become "one" and that musical balance would be achieved for all the guitar warriors of the earth to enjoy. That one magical day would be marked by the arrival of a two-headed beast – that would bear the magical properties of both the "Tele-tribe" and the "Tribe of Les". This would be a very powerful union that would create a musical weapon that offered the utmost in tonal variation, beauty of design and quality of construction. Over the years, many have wondered, if the prophecy would come true and if it was possible for "two" distinct entities to be able to combine as "one" and exist together.
Well, mere guitar mortals, that day of reckoning has finally arrived and has been marked by a creation from a very innovative guitar company known by the name of "Dot On Shaft". Dot On Shaft guitars has harnessed the magical properties of both of the guitar tribes with its unveiling of a very unique "beast" of a guitar. "Two" have indeed become "One" and Dot On Shaft guitars presents to you, the "2B1" double-neck electric guitar.
While keeping true to the unique characteristics of the "Tele-tribe" and the "Tribe of Les" designs – the "2B1" is a refreshingly new creation. Of special note are the construction characteristics. Neck scale lengths have been maintained true to the original designs as have the neck pitches. LP players will appreciate the traditional neck "tilt-back" as well as 24.75" scale length. Likewise the "tele" neck remains in-line with the guitar body and is the traditional longer 25.5" scale length. To ease playing and allow total upper fret access – the tele-style neck is oriented slightly "ahead" of the LP-style neck. This allows for ease of playability and maneuverability – creating a comfortable playing position while sitting or standing. Both birds-eye maple as well as lovely rosewood fingerboards with both dot and crown inlay fret-markers are found on bound set-in hard rock maple necks. This creates comfortable playing neck-joints and wonderful tonal sustain. The body wood is quality mahogany and is available with AAAA tiger or quilted maple tops in a variety of translucent and solid colour options. And what a wonderful body it is – combining both lovely bouts and horns as well as a wicked 3 layer black- white- black or white- black- white pickguard.
Classic bridge systems have also been employed to anchor the strings for maximum tonal response all the way up to the unique and ornate headstocks. The LP side features a traditional tune-o-matic style bridge, while the tele side features the traditional raised flange "ash-tray" bridge equipped with the famous 3 string saddles that are favoured among tele players. The strings are fed through the body of the guitar, on the tele side, for optimal sustain and brightness. All hardware is also available in chrome, black chrome or gold options. Additionally – a Kahler tremolo system is an available option as well as Wilkinson or Gotoh "locking" machine heads to assist in unleashing your wildest musical expressions.
The "2B1" has the classic pick up configurations you have come to expect and switching between the two necks is effortless via a mini toggle switch positioned between the two necks. Changeovers are quick and smooth and the pickups are governed by individual neck and bridge master volume and tone controls. The LP style pick up selector switch controls both sets of pickups depending on which way the mini toggle switch is thrown.
As can be expected – the benefits of double neck construction can now be truly appreciated since the "2B1" can allow for different tunings on each of the necks. The player no – longer needs two separate instruments. For example, the tele side could be in an "open" tuning for slide playing – whereas the LP side could be left in standard or maybe even "Drop – D" tuning. The options are endless. Now players can harness both the brilliant treble tones of the tele style design as well as the growl and bite of the LP styled instruments.
Yes – single coils and humbucking pickups can now co-exist in harmony on one instrument. Many pickup options are also available in the Dot On Shaft custom shop. In addition to the standard alnico pickups, powerful yet quiet Tesla pickups are available in 3 wonderful flavours. Tesla "Nitros" – are a great all around sounding pickup. Whereas, the Tesla "Plasma 3's" are superb for Metal playing. Lastly, the Tesla "VR Extremes" are ideal for that bluesy PAF'ish tone. No matter what your taste is, the Dot On Shaft custom shop will be able to accommodate your discerning ear.
To keep your "2B1" guitar sounding brilliant and awesome night after night – Dot on Shaft HotWyres Teflon infused strings are available in a variety of gauges. These top quality handmade strings not only resist corrosion, but also last 3 times longer than standard strings so you can enjoy your blissful tones for much longer than ever before. They are also only offered exclusively through Dot On Shaft guitars.
The time has come. The day of reckoning has arrived. The prophecy has come true. The stars have aligned and the "2B1" is now available for guitar warriors to further expand their musical arsenal and increase their options of musical expression. Can you tame the beast?
