Phil X Goes APE! 1965 Koontz Custom Triple Neck

This is a one-of-a-kind Custom Triple-neck guitar was specially built by New York Luthier Sam Koontz between 1965 and 1967. Unique triple-cutaway, multi-bound flamed maple, chambered body with 'Florentine' cutaways measuring 19.50 inches in width and just under 1 3/4 inches in thickness. This 'monster' guitar weighs a healthy 19.20 lbs (definitely not for a six-stone weakling) and has three (bolt-on) one-piece mahogany necks. All three necks have individual Grover 'Rotomatic' tuners with kidney-shaped metal buttons. The three headstocks are all multi-bound with black laminate faces. The six-string guitar (in the center) has "Koontz" and a nine-piece decoration all inlaid in mother-of-pearl. The twelve-string and the six-string bass necks just feature the nine-piece decoration. All three necks have 'dome' shaped black plastic truss-rod covers, each with two screws. Each neck is secured by four screws. The six-string neck has a nut width of just under 1 5/8 inches and a medium-to-thick profile. The twelve-string neck has a nut width of 1 13/16 inches and a medium-to-thick profile. The six-string bass neck has a nut width of just under 1 15/16 inches and again a medium-to-thick profile. Each of the necks has a bound ebony fretboard with pearl 'split-block' position markers. The six and the twelve-string have a 'zero' + 20 jumbo frets and a scale length of 24 3/4 inches. The six-string bass has a 'zero' + 15 jumbo frets and a scale length of 34.00 inches. Each neck has a specially wound Koontz pickup in the neck position. The six and twelve string pickups with six individual pole-pieces, the six-string bass pickup with a single 'blade' bar. Six controls (three volume and three tone) all mounted on a metal plate behind the Bigsby tailpiece on the six-string guitar. 'Rickenbacker' style seven-sided black plastic control knobs with plain metal tops. Three-way neck selector switch mounted between the six-string and the six-string bass. Three-way 'bass-boost' switch on the six-string bass. Two separate four-layer tortoiseshell over white plastic pickguards, each secured by two screws. All three guitars have specific Koontz bridges with individually adjustable metal saddles and metal covers. The six-string guitar (in the center) has a 'Horseshoe' style Bigsby vibrato tailpiece unit. The six-string bass and the twelve string guitar have specific metal fixed tailpieces, each secured by five screws and each with a metal cover (secured by four screws). There are some areas of wear on the body, especially on the back of the six-string where there is a fairly large area of surface loss. There are also some small areas of surface loss on the sides of the body. The top and back of the body are a wonderful three-tone sunburst with quite dazzling 'flame'. In spite of the aforementioned areas of surface loss we still give this extraordinary instrument a good solid (9.00) exceptionally fine condition rating. Housed in the original Koontz three-latch rectangular brown imitation crocodile hardshell case with burgundy plush lining (8.75). Complete with the original brown cloth case-cover. All six potentiometers have been replaced (in 2001) and inside the control cavity is a rectangular white label from Mirabella Guitars & Restorations in Babylon, NY which is signed "Chris Mirabella" and dated "5/2001."

[@karu6111]

I wish they attach a drum set to that guitar.

[@scaredypicker]

I admire this guy's stamina and ability to make literally any guitar sound great lol

[@yuichituba]

scaredypicker He also has a great rock voice!

[@LambdaObjection]

Phil X, the one man Van Halen band

[@G8GT364CI]

Sammy Hagar II

[@οκμπος]

Years later, I'm still sad there's not a full version of this.

[@Sjejse]

This version of Detroit Rock City might be one of the best things i've heard

[@EsSchneitImSommer]

I wonder what it sounds like if he had done it professionally with a band !

[@Sjejse]

Exactly, would be probably be fucking beautiful

[@utooberblooper]

+D3moncy exactly like it sounded,but with a band. he is a professional musician with a band in case you weren't aware.his band is called"the drills"

[@EsSchneitImSommer]

trillriff-axegrinder yeah, i know that but he never used this kind of guitar in his Songs.

[@richardharrold9736]

+trillriff-axegrinder And he's Bon Jovi's lead guitarist.

[@sberger6604]

Dude my back hurts just watchin him play that thing! Your awesome Phil!

[@humansteve7194]

Great version of Detroit Rock City!

[@ADNJgaming]

+Human Steve I wonder if there is a tab for this version? because it would make a perfect acoustic cover

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@ADNJgaming That's more like Aretha Franklin's lost arrangement.

[@andylane78]

Phil X can even play your Dining Room table. Awesome

[@KnyghtErrant]

Such an awesome version of Detroit Rock City! I could totally take or leave the KISS studio version, but Phil X breathes some feeling in to that song!

[@bluekoi455]

Knyght Errant fkin epic!

[@mimoochodom2684]

Haunting. But it's KISS's.

[@slaytalldeth18]

at 2:42 is when he starts to play bass like Rob Trujillo from Metallica lol.

[@dontassumemyfender9866]

This would be the result if Phill X's personality designed a guitar. A little crazy, wild but a lot of FUN and very likeable. When I hit "the wall" and need inspiration, I always come back to these videos.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Love this guy! What a character and entertainer!

[@Whathuhwhowhere]

that "SHUT.......UP" gets me every time haha!

[@jetskyhawk1154]

Whathuhwhowhere i couldn't stop laughing I started to cry

[@mimoochodom2684]

This is his funniest one.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@mimoochodom2684 They took the bad words out to make it kid friendly.

[@FranzG1337]

Poor the guy that has to change the strings of that thing, literally speaking !

[@shinedowncannel]

i would not like to tune it after that! :D

[@capperith1292]

Jerald Rae I use Elixir or Daddario

[@thebigbowler]

How he even bothered to do the bit on runnin' with the devil, plucking the strings behind the bridge haha he's such a hero

[@tomnir3906]

"I gotta shred!" Phil X is awesome

[@cling3564]

2021 and I'm here. I love you Phil X! You're my idol.

[@74dartman13]

I love watchin Phil X! He always makes me lmao!!! Guy is so freakin talented and funny at the same time! Awesome guitarist and person!!!

[@beatmasterflex5186]

6:45 "Check this out on this b****!* *Xylophone noise* Its been ten years Phil, we still love you!😂🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@rockboy360]

Best guitar reviewer ever! such a cool guy, awesome player and even awesome singer lml

[@stevemorse108]

Phil is hilarious sometimes doesn't know much about the guitar in terms of history etc...because he is all about great playing and having fun and I reckon the people who hire him just take the full package because no-one demos instruments as he does.This is one instrument I am not sure if I would accept even as a gift....too heavy and too strange of a hybrid but fun...keep on rocking Phil!

[@ReaperRooney]

You might be laughing but your version of Detroit rock city kicks ass Phil, awesome

[@hrgiger]

Love this bloke's enthusiasm for just about everything!

[@DanielFantini]

RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL!! that was the best thing I have ever seen right there.

[@jonasp9057]

One of the best videos of Phil X!!

[@TheFireblade1000RR]

Fuck this HAS to be the funniest and best PhilX vid ever... thx Phil

[@EsSchneitImSommer]

Youre damn right lol

[@TheFireblade1000RR]

D3moncy I love the part where the feedback runs away from him...peeeeep

[@lufiealice6251]

Phil X is one entertaining dude and that's it. I could watch him all day ;-)

[@MaughamsBoy]

"I think Mr T could play this thing comfortably" Flipping hilarious.

[@TheJman7830]

I was hoping someone else found that as funny as I did lmao

[@deathfan02]

I wathced this with my little brother and he looked at him and said "But this is a human?" Priceless :)

[@sonicjet7074]

THIS IS THE MOST CRAZY GUITAR PHIL X HAS EVER PLAYED FOR US ON KZbin :)

[@pfeiffew]

My old guitar teacher, Bill PIero of Piero's school of music (no relation) in Bayonne NJ, had a jazz archtop commissioned for Sam, what a beautiful instrument, Bill, sometimes would let me play it when he was feeling generous, unplugged or plugged, it was an amazing guitar. I checked in with the school's owner, Louis Jr, who had sadly told me of Bill's passing, but said his daughter, also an accomplished jazz guitarist, had it, and was playing it and enjoying it as her father had, a fitting tribute both to Sam, and Bill, both gentlemen, and awesome people

[@RichyB44]

I loved the bass and 6 string at the same time

[@nico_]

I watch Phil X Videos on a regular basis to get my attitude adjustment for my 9 to 5 office job. Thanks.

[@henrique773]

some one please record this version of Detroit rock city *-*

[@VMX12k]

All the talent on the interwebs right here! :)

[@ianmiller1000]

Pretty cool hearing Phil play some Bon Jovi knowing that a couple years later he'd be in the band. I wonder if it ever crossed his mind during this video that he'd be playing that song live with them.

[@justsomeguy8385]

This might be my favorite Phil X video.

[@noltadthehungry1241]

dude I fucking lost it at "check this out on this bitch" 😂😂😂

[@nogameirl4286]

can't believe i slept on 12 string folk detroit rock city. thanks Phil

[@AmDsus2Fmaj7Am]

First thought: WTF! Second thought..... WTF

[@joshua5304]

PlayerX Third thought: WHY?!

[@rightmon]

Phil has the best guitar reviews ever!!! Please keep them coming. Glad I didn't do that in St. Louis. F'n gold!!!

[@aliensporebomb]

I actually like your chord melody version of "Detroit Rock City". Nice "contrarian" re-arrangement.

[@bluelightning414]

Still enjoying these old fretted Americana vids. June 2022!

[@rockenrollbass]

He is a SHOW MAN!

[@KokotTheMonkey]

Best frettedamericana episode ever.

[@TheRadguru]

Best part..... "Something something ality" lol

[@MrVaibot]

Great sense of humor makes it easy to hang out with someone like Phil. It’s like he’s constantly at a band practice ripping out one liners as much as he’s ripping out licks. 😂😂😂😂

[@imelvino]

You're a riot..I almost pissed.

[@BloodyCovers]

I could watch to his videos all day long

[@imxd9698]

How could you possibly take yourself seriously with this thing lol

[@AtomicExploion]

I think it's more novelty than gigging. It's a beautiful guitar but only with one neck.

[@danyb8078]

Man, I wish half the people in the world would have at least half of Phil's enthusiasm and attitude.

[@petergraham9267]

"SHUT UP!"........... ROFL!!! :-) Best Phil X video EVER !! LOL!

[@secondclassheroes2637]

You make my day man, keep rocking!

[@wellissonbarros1589]

very good He is extreme

[@aschule5684]

He's got such a powerful voice!!!!! Great range

[@skudaarkaat1]

That is the SILLIEST guitar I have EVER seen! I have NEVER understood the appeal of doublenecks, and then this ridiculous axe comes along.

[@charlesharper7292]

Wow! Looks like a coffee table with guitar necks!!!

[@NoirPooperBR]

8:45 LOL

[@matheusvalerovsky]

hahaha

[@benmorgan1924]

Made my day glad I stumbled across this

[@Offroadandmusicfan]

This dude rocks and is fuckin hilarious. Phil x you the man !

[@rjlong89]

8:45. He is FIGHTING that guitar and pedal man

[@LucasEmanuelSerrano]

8:45

[@charlesschoebinger3993]

this is such an amazinge episode or fretted phil your my kina axe man glad i picked up playing

[@nonahyobusiness8063]

HAHAHAHA Running with the Devil. Awesome.

[@TheLIPchannel]

Phil, you can always put a smile on my face, really, I'm thankful

[@Taos95]

8:46 Raining Blood? xP

[@AlejandroCespedes1]

This man changed my life, This man is just.. awesome!

[@briansteffmagnussen9078]

If anyone would smash this guitar on stage "and many will after one hour" they will end up smashing the hall instead.

[@brocktopolis]

This is the best guitar demo I've EVER SEEN.

[@LoudWingsFTW]

What is this monstrosity and why was it created?

[@andyg3]

shits and giggles

[@mrgitarman]

This guy ROCKS We need more musicians like this to see out live like we used to. He has da pipes too! Chooses great songs to cover

[@will.a.benjamin]

As fun as it might be to play, that thing is damn ugly.

[@strawberryroan1941]

Thats not what matters

[@will.a.benjamin]

Austino EL Hoggey But it IS ugly. I'm just stating that.

[@PJyrstinkangas]

It ain't that great in sound terms either due to the lack of bridge pickups.

[@jaydenstramel562]

jamesha175 He is at Norman's Rare Guitars.

[@joaovictor3312]

+Austino EL Hoggey It totally DOES matter, aesthetics are important no matter what we're talking about.

[@joedocmusic]

By far his most awesome video.

[@branjo79]

cocaine is a hell of drug

[@23chopperrob]

I'm not too sure about what I just witnessed except for the fact that it was totally EPIC!!!

[@djangolad]

Waste of wood

[@iain2080]

TylerSmash Bros that would imply he has a large amount of wood to waste

[@kpmurphy62]

what a beast! hilarious running with the devlle

[@6672rock]

Hey Phil, how much money do you think Jon Bon Jovi is saving by kicking Richie Sambora out of the band and putting you in his place?

[@Turk_2023]

Sambora walked didn`t he?

[@Ogscottyp]

6672rock It is well known that Richie left the band.

[@goodearssrock6902]

6672rock For all fans and fake stucked people in the past! it's impossible he has a very strange behavior due to use of alcohol and even in nowadays! By familiar problems like divorce and his father's death. When his ex wife heather lockear won the divorce he lack down emotionally, he felt that couldn't be able for to do it anymore! it was that the he had leave the band! @jonbonjovi is the boss and a man of business and his manager is Mr Paul Kurzilios a very respectable man on the world bussiness, this is the true, the real true. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jImQmop5eJh-oas kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5i5m4iJlq2ksKs For all those annoying people, Please! it's time to let use richie's name,really...this is very very annoying, And not make fun for us,For to make fault over jon or phil x; One thing is to make a use of memories for make a good,Not getting crazy and stucked on the past! This isn't fun, It's time of to leave the party on peace,PLEASE!

[@AJ160879]

Good to see Phil X is still crazier then ever :)

[@mick3b1g]

man your awesome having fun and letting loose...

[@Rat656]

Actually I never wanted admit it in your videos because I kept focused on guitars only, but bro.. You really can rock! Cheers and keep on going with your awesome attitude :)

[@flounderRG23]

man thats a crazy ass guitar. i like it too

[@Earnhardt12345]

He even makes this thing sound good.. ;) Phil is one talented SOB..

[@marlonellamil9620]

You are AWESOME phil x!👍👍

[@drumlord24]

Damn that's a fine lookin guitar there I've never seen anything like it

[@famousguitars]

Very cool demo of the guitar dude! Thanks for sharing!

[@muhammadabraar7861]

thank you for coming to Indonesia !!!

[@Technorat61]

I lost it at the end lol funniest video ive seen in a while

[@RockNRollIsrael]

the coolest man of this era man

[@jeffagatep724]

dude, i wish i loved something as much as Phil X does playing

[@morganpaling5727]

I love your singing!

[@topangachronic9463]

great harnessing of feedback at the end

[@sloburnjo]

phoque ya! Koontz, man what beautiful work! now i know Reggie Lucas' guitar "brand"/luthier! his ersatz telecaster during his Miles Davis trip 1972-76. peace.

[@bebopdelux10]

Well done Phil, class mate.

[@CodyOnCars]

Only Phil X would play guitar, bass, and sing at the same time.

[@paulflook3505]

Phil X always puts a smile on my face

[@StoneyAngel]

This guys really enjoying himself

[@einarabelc5]

What a talent, this guy is like kid actually pulling stuff. Yep!!!

[@JohnBigboot]

God, the end of this had me on the floor! Loved the quick Cher impression too.

[@2712musicman]

Oh my gosh, this guitar is so awesome!

[@hunter4delta]

This really is some great playing.