Burns Jazz Split Sound Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1964), made in London, England, red/black sunburst finish, sycamore body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, hard shell 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. This model was available in the US labeled both Ampeg (1963-4) and Baldwin (after late 1965), but this late 1964 "true Burns" example is something of a rarity on these shores. Burns instruments were sold worldwide under the company's name, but few made it to the US due to the company's lack of a distributor in this market. 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 cradle and individual saddles and must rate as one of the best systems of its kind.
The sunburst-finished 23 1/2 inch-scale neck is slim and comfortable with a slightly less round feel than a Fender and a sunburst single-sided headstock later changed by Baldwin to a natural finish double-sided design. The red-black finish was standard for this model, and this JSS is still vibrantly colored without the heavy fading and checking often seen on these UK-made guitars. All the instruments from the Burns London period (1961-65) are extremely well-made, and 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.).
Very clean overall; a few minor checks and tiny dings, but vibrant color remains on the oft-faded top finish. One of the nicest Burns guitars we have seen recently. All original hardware, vibrato intact and perfectly functional, no repairs or modifications; simply an extremely fine example. Includes a period HSC that may be original to the guitar, although not a Burns London case. Excellent + Condition.
