A rare early-production 1965 Baldwin Burns Baby Bison in black, made in London. Serial #12856 puts it in the first run, built around the time Baldwin took over Burns in late 1965.

This is the first-generation version, with the split "V" headstock and clear Baby Bison logo plate, the long Rezo-tube vibrato and the two-piece pickguard. Baldwin dropped all three by summer 1966. The Baby Bison was Jim Burns' last design for the company. Most of the first run went to the US, so early examples are rarely found in the UK.

It comes with its original Baldwin-badged hard case.

Specs

• Sycamore body, bolt-on maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays and zero fret
• Two Burns pickups, with a stacked-coil neck pickup and presence blend control
• Three controls plus pickup selector
• Rezo-tube vibrato with arm
• Neck plate engraved "Made in England", British and US patent numbers, Serial No. 12856

Condition

This is an honest, played vintage guitar about 60 years old, and every flaw is photographed.

• Headstock: a hairline crack runs across one point of the V headstock and is visible on the side edge. The tip of that point is chipped, and there is finish checking near the logo plate. [Add: "The crack is stable and doesn't affect tuning" once confirmed.] The headstock face has aged to amber.
• Body front: finish chips on the horns and edges, a small crack in the control plate by the jack, and chips at the tailpiece mounting corner.
• Body back: heavy buckle rash and swirl scratches, mostly on the lower treble side, plus edge chips through to the undercoat.
• Hardware: patina and pitting on the tuner buttons, neck plate screws and jack washer. The tremolo arm tip is detached and included.
• Neck: natural maple back with light wear.

Playability

Plays well but could do with a fresh setting up. See the video demo.

Case

The original Baldwin hard case has a brass Baldwin badge and blue plush lining. The lining shows wear and staining. The latches and handle work.

Shipping

Ships worldwide, fully insured and tracked, in the original case inside a double-boxed guitar carton. International buyers pay any import duties or VAT. Collection is welcome in Hackney, East London, and you're welcome to try it first.

Sold as described, with no returns unless it arrives not as described.