Baldwin - Burns Jazz Split Sound Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1966), made in London, black finish, sycamore body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, gig bag case.
Probably the most popular design from the always-eccentric James Ormston Burns, The Jazz Split Sound is a 1960's classic and a very stylish guitar. These instruments were built in London and available in the US labeled Ampeg (1963-4) and Baldwin (which bought the company in September 1965). This is a fairly early Baldwin example, identical to the earlier Burns-labeled instruments but with the newer logo. Under the pickguard is an inspection tag dating the electronics inspection to 19 May 1966. This guitar has a single sided headstock as seen on earlier Burns examples, changed by Baldwin to a double-sided design by summer '66.
This Jazz Split sound is a custom color instrument with the body and neck finished in gloss black, standard for the "Bison" series but a rare custom finish on this model. The Jazz Split Sound was Burns' midline instrument; professional class but less expensive than the more dramatically styled Black Bison and Hank Marvin guitars at the top of the line.
Obviously owing a lot to the Stratocaster, the JSS has three "Split Sound" Tri-sonic pickups with a rotary control giving four tone selections including the snarlingly out-of-phase "Wild Dog" and the patented "Split Sound" which combines different half-coils to accentuate bass and treble registers.
The lavish Burns "Series II" vibrato system incorporates a floating bridge unit with fully adjustable individual saddles and must rate as one of the best systems of its kind. The medium-scale neck is slim and comfortable with a slightly less round feel than a Fender. This rates as a fine-playing guitar with tons of character and a very distinctive sound.
Overall length is 40 in. (101.6 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 23 1/2 in. (597 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
All original except replaced string nut; all parts intact including the oft-missing vibrato arm. Generally fine overall, some light finish wear and dings. There is a solid repair to the jack area of the pickguard. Frets and fingerboard have some average wear but the guitar plays very well. Excellent Condition.
