7/14 Doubleneck or 14-string - We have a 6/12, why not a 7/1

[revsharp777]

Ok, some of us in here are strict 7-string guitar players. *However, I'd love that "12-string sound" for certain applications. *So for us 7-stringers, why not build a 14-string guitar? *Or better yet, a 7/14 doubleneck on a mahogany S-series body?!?! *When Ibanez built the 6/7 doubleneck, they got close, but no cigar. *Thoughts? *

[alienx]

Maybe a 7/12 could be sold, but a 7/14 ... I don't know, but I must say that it is an interesting idea. I'm curious what others will say.

[mecca777]

I remember reading an interview with Korn a couple of years ago when Munky and Head said that they had approached Ibanez about making them a 14-string guitar, and Ibanez had refused. They didn't give any reason why.

Perhaps the neck would have difficulty withstanding the tension, or more likely the cost of building totally new hardware for a guitar with extremely limited appeal.

It would be cool, though. Something to talk to a small luthier about.

[megawzrd]

Ha ha ...denied. I think there would be a bit of a design problem though. Tension is a factor maybe. Im sure its been tried before, id like to see pictures if it has.


(Edited by megawzrd at 3:32 am on Mar. 1, 2001)

[mecca777]

Ed Smith plays a custom-built 14-string dreadnaught built by Ray Whitaker, who has a couple of 14-string acoustics with vine inlays on his page - how eerie.

Of course, small luthiers can experiment with designs that would make no sense for large companies to entertain. I doubt that the 14-string guitar will become a mainstream instrument, considering that:

a) Ibanez never made that many 12-strings, to be honest, and
b) Even the seven-string boom is fading

Still, at least you now know that it's possible.