Jimmy Page Reignites the Magic with His Iconic Double-Neck Guitar
June 12, 2025 — Legendary guitarist Jimmy Page has once again electrified fans around the world, this time by revisiting one of rock’s most visually and sonically iconic instruments: his Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar. In a rare, surprise appearance at a private charity event in London, Page strapped on the cherry-red beast and delivered a thunderous rendition of “Stairway to Heaven,” reigniting memories of Led Zeppelin’s golden era.
For decades, the image of Jimmy Page standing beneath a cascade of curls, slinging the double-neck guitar with wizard-like precision, has become an indelible symbol of classic rock grandeur. While the instrument itself has been forever associated with Led Zeppelin’s monumental sound, fans may be surprised to learn that the double-neck was only used on a handful of the band’s songs.
The Guitar that Became a Legend
The Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar was originally introduced in the 1950s but didn’t gain mainstream recognition until Page made it his own in the early 1970s. What made the instrument so unique was its dual configuration: a 12-string neck on top and a standard 6-string neck below. This gave Page the ability to move seamlessly between tonal textures during live performances, particularly in complex compositions that demanded both electric power and acoustic delicacy.
Nowhere was this versatility more powerfully showcased than in Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” The song begins with a fingerpicked 12-string acoustic-style intro and later transitions into a powerful 6-string electric solo — a dynamic that, before the double-neck, would have required swapping guitars mid-performance. Instead, Page crafted a singular moment in rock history, delivering the full range of the track’s emotional journey on a single instrument.
“I needed a solution to play ‘Stairway’ live the way it was meant to be heard,” Page once explained in an interview. “The double-neck made that possible — it became essential, not just a visual statement.”
Surprisingly Selective Use
Despite its now-mythic status, Page’s double-neck guitar saw relatively limited use in the Led Zeppelin catalog. Beyond “Stairway to Heaven,” he brought it out for only a few other tracks: “The Song Remains the Same,” “The Rain Song,” and “Achilles Last Stand.”
Each of these songs demanded the kind of tonal range and complexity the double-neck could deliver. “The Song Remains the Same” opens with rapid 12-string runs and transitions into soaring electric passages, while “The Rain Song” uses lush open tunings to create its moody, orchestral feel. “Achilles Last Stand,” from the Presence album, features layered harmonies and frantic pacing that required Page to switch between necks with surgical precision.
Though the double-neck’s studio appearances were minimal, it became a fixture of Zeppelin’s epic live performances, particularly during their 1973 U.S. tour and the 1975 Earl’s Court concerts. The visual impact of the guitar alone was unforgettable — a symbol of rock excess and innovation, wielded by a master at the height of his creative powers.
Still a Force in 2025
At 81, Page may no longer be storming stages on world tours, but his fingers remain remarkably nimble. At the recent London event, organized to benefit youth music education programs, Page delighted the intimate audience by dusting off his double-neck and launching into a passionate version of “The Rain Song,” followed by an impromptu jam blending motifs from “Achilles Last Stand” and “Stairway.”
Observers were awestruck not only by his technical fluency but also by the emotional weight behind every note. “It wasn’t just a performance,” said attendee Marcus Ellwood, a music journalist for Guitar World. “It was a history lesson, a love letter to the instrument that helped shape a genre.”
Page offered no hints about a broader return to performing, though fans remain hopeful. Rumors have long swirled about unreleased Led Zeppelin material and potential collaborations, but for now, the moment was about celebration — of a guitar that transcended its parts, and of an artist whose legacy continues to grow.
The Myth and the Music Endure
Jimmy Page’s double-neck guitar may have only featured on a few Led Zeppelin tracks, but its cultural impact far outweighs its actual studio use. It became a defining element of the band’s live aesthetic and a testament to Page’s commitment to innovation.
As music historians and fans alike reflect on the enduring legacy of Led Zeppelin, the image of Page wielding his double-neck guitar — summoning thunder from the heavens and poetry from the strings — remains one of rock’s most iconic visuals. And in moments like this week’s impromptu jam, the myth lives on, as powerful as ever.
