This extremely rare UK built double neck is in fine condition and stage ready for a Genesis (or Julian Cope at a stretch) tribute act. The serial number is 124 20, which we assume means the 20th guitar built in this particular 12 up top, 4 below configuration.  We think it dates from 1978, and the hardware and electronics are totally original and in fine working order. The only items that have been replaced during the recent re-commissioning are the guitar strings, and the scratchplate and string guide screws. One "witch hat" knob on the neck selector has been replaced by a 1970's Fuji black tip - it fits well and doesn't look out of place.
 
The pick-ups are the original Re'An units - Re'An is synonymous with Burns of London. Jack Golder is the 'Gold' in Shergold - he and Jim Burns more or less established Burns of London. The Burns tone was popular amongst the professionals and therefore it made sense to stick with Re'An for these subsequent ventures. They are indeed great pick-ups and up top you have the choice of a single coil, regular series humbucker, or the two coils of the humbucker out of phase. The neck and bridge units have their own 3 way sliders to select how you need each pick-up and a further 3 way selector gives you neck, both or bridge. Most great sounding 12 string electrics use single coils - here you get the choice, and an additional effect of combining the pick-ups with one out of phase which provides a very interesting and useful set of tones.
 
The bridges retain their original saddles and also the black covers which often go missing on these. Under the control plate, the electronics are of great quality and function perfectly. It is beautifully put together - the design and workmanship continuing into the areas you are unlikely to ever see.
 
The bass guitar features one 8 pole humbucker (6.725kΩ DCR), and both necks utilise a master volume and tone control. 124 20 features a stereo output facility - the upper output socket can feed 2 amps (or signal paths), one for the bass, the other for the 12 string. A standard mono cable in the lower output socket will deliver either bass only, guitar only or having both necks live at the same time, but they will be going through the same signal path / amp and the DCR is reduced as the bass pick-up and guitar pick-up(s) are in parallel - have a look at the DCR curves to check this effect. With a stereo cable in the stereo jack, the outputs of the bass and guitar pick-ups are not affected and both necks can be in play at full output power. If you are familiar with Rick-o-Sound, then this is similar - whereas Rickenbacker delivers separate outputs for each pick-up, this delivers separate outputs from each neck. There is a stereo cable included in the sale of this guitar so get a second amp ready, or get 2 tracks on the DAW and have loads of fun.
 
There is a flight-case with this guitar and as you can imagine, it is extremely heavy - please factor this in when considering shipping this. The guitar on its own is 6.04kg (13lbs 5oz).