THE GUITARS OF JAMES ORMSTON BURNS
REFERENCE & RESOURCE PAGES:
SUPERSOUND (1958) - BURNS-WEILL (1959) - FENTON WEILL (1960-65)
ORMSTON BURNS (1960-1965) - AMPEG (1963-64) - BALDWIN (1965-69)
SHERGOLD WOODCRAFTS (1967-69) - ORMSTON (1968) - HAYMAN (1970-75)
BURNS UK (1973-77) - BURNS ACTUALIZERS (1979-82) - SHERGOLD (1975-92)
BURNS LONDON
TIMELINE - PUBLICITY - FACTORY
ARTIST - SONIC - VIBRA-ARTIST-DELUXE - BLACK BISON - VISTA-SONIC
BLACK BISON III - JAZZ - TR-2 - NU-SONIC - MARVIN - DOUBLE 6
BISON - VIBRASLIM - GB65 - GB66 - VIRGINIAN - BABY BISON
AMPLIFIERS - ACCESSORIES - PROTOTYPES
SONIC RANGE (1960-64)
SONIC GUITAR & SONIC BASS
1960 Sonic Model
A few early examples were produced with generic 'The Aristone - Foriegn ' headstock badges. These may slightly pre-date the Burns-branded models, and feature B&H (Boosey and Hawkes)-stamped Van Gent tuners, and truss rods.
First mentioned in November 1960 'Besson' Melody Maker adverts, The Burns London Sonic Model featured plastic-buttoned Van Gents, a Vibrato with a flat square base-plate, T-shaped strap buttons, smooth cream plastic control knobs, blonde Sycamore fingerboards, and brittle injection-moulded scratchplates with a rounded edge, which were elevated from the body of the guitar by means of a raised lip. Paul Day asserts some early examples featured had wooden bridges and omitted 'Sonic Model' engraving from headstock badges.
Early in 1961 the pickguard material changed to a solid black plastic (acrylic? bakelite?), with a sharp bevelled edges.
Mid-1961 the vibrato unit was changed to the new and improved Mk 9 unit (design registered March 1961).
Circa 1962 the fingerboard material changed from Sycamore to Rosewood, and the fluted strap button shape is in use.
By 1963 the scratchplate & headstock badge material changed to laminated Traffolyte, and the knobs were changed to a solid metal alloy type.
Sonic Models were superceded by the Nu-Sonic range in April 1964, with production of the Sonic continuing for a few months until mid 1964.
Melody Maker 17th Dec 1960
1960 'The Aristone' Sonic
An early, moulded-plate, Aristone-badged example known, with B&H stamped Tuner covers:
1960 'The Aristone' Sonic
Another early, moulded-plate, Aristone-badged example known, with B&H stamped Tuner covers. Badge in much lower position:
1960 Burns Sonic in white
Probably refinished early model, moulded pickguard, unusual knobs?
1961 Burns Sonic Bass
Melody Maker 2nd Dec 1961
Bell Music Catalogue March 1962
1962 Burns Sonic model
Left-handed example:
B&M Trade Catalogue, presumed early 1963
1963 Burns Sonic model
1963 Burns Sonic
internal sticker dated 16th Jan 1963
1963 Burns Sonic Bass
internal sticker dated 12th Dec 1963
circa 1963/4 Sonic Bass
With Handrest, but no bridge cover?