Here for sale we have a Burns Sonic Model 1886 in Cherry Red finish, Built in the UK in the early 1960s this guitar features a construction using the "finest selected seasoned timber", what appears to be a Mahogany body and neck, and a lacquered Rosewood fingerboard. The Sonic also features a pair of Burns Tri-Sonic single coils, wired to dual volumes, a master tone, a 3-way toggle switch and an inductance blender circuit.
The 'Ultra-Slim' profile neck plays well, feeling closer to a modern 'C' in terms of depth, with a very slightly asymmetrical 'V' taper that offers comfortable and ergonomic thumb positioning. The shallow cutaways give unobstructed access to the upper register, while the small body and short 24" scale feel comfortable and intimate, offering a unique playing experience.
The Sonic has a crisp and open tone, with a sweet low end, a clear midrange, along with a bright and articulate top end. The neck pickup offers plenty of warmth, while the bridge pickup is a completely different beast, with a bright and cutting tone, all while blending well in the middle position. The inductance blender circuit is essentially a voicing switch, cutting the highs, great for either muted tones, or for taming bright effects. Overall a brilliant guitar that has stood the test of time very well!
Brand - Burns
Model - Sonic Model 1886
Finish - Cherry Red
Year - 1960s
Made In - UK
Body - Finest Selected Seasoned Timber
Neck - Finest Selected Seasoned Timber
Neck Profile - Ultra-Slim
Fingerboard - Finest Selected Seasoned Timber
Frets - 21
Scale Length- 24"
Nut Width - 1.654"
Pickups - x2 Burns Tri-Sonic single coils
Controls - Dual volumes, master tone, 3-way toggle switch, Inductance Blender Circuit
Luthier Report
Our ID: 1250523113111
Weight: 5.8lbs
Serial Number: N/A
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall good condition, all aspects of the headstock demonstrate consistent scratching, indentation and chipping of the finish. It is evident this guitar has been thoroughly played through the last 60 years, and the current condition reflects that. None of the markings present any structural concern.
Neck: Overall good condition, all aspects of the neck and fingerboard demonstrate consistent scratching, indentation and chipping of the finish. This is most notable to the fingerboard, however it cannot be felt under the finger in playing position.
Body: Overall good condition, Overall good condition, all aspects of the body demonstrate consistent scratching, indentation and chipping of the finish. This is most notable to the rear face, where consistent scratching reveals the wood beneath.
Condition of Frets:
The frets show notable signs of use, not affecting playability. Denting and flattening of the frets is noticeable through the entire register. There is not enough material remaining in the frets for any further fret work.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod Condition: N/A
Hardware Condition: Fully functional, rear strap button not present. This guitar has been thoroughly played over nearly 60 years and demonstrates damage consistent with this, the pickups and other hardware displays stiffness and rust/corrosion. The tremolo does not function correctly to maintain adequate break angle to the bridge; it has been strung backwards, meaning pressing the tremolo adds tension to the strings, raising the pitch.
Structural Condition: No concerns or issues to note
Height of the string from the 12th Fret- Treble 2mm - Bass 2mm
Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.
Strings on Guitar - 9-42
There is little reduction left in the treble side without the high E making contact with the bridge pickup. This guitar demonstrates mild fret noise which is not apparent when amplified. This noise does not affect sustain of notes, nor does it affect bending the notes. The new owner may choose to raise the action to alleviate this.
Electrics:
Functional, however the bridge pickup sounds overly compressed when playing on the G string, with some excess noise.
Case & Accessories:
Original rectangular case.
This case demonstrates notable signs of aging, but remains entirely functional.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.