1966 Baldwin (Burns) Split Sound Jazz

The “Split Sound Jazz” 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 Split Sound Jazz has three "Split Sound" Tri-sonic pickups with a rotary control giving four tone selections. The lavish Burns "Series II" vibrato system incorporates a floating bridge cradle and fully adjustable individual saddles and must rate as one of the best systems of its period. The 23 ½” medium-scale neck has a zero fret, is slim and comfortable, with a slightly less round feel than a Fender. The vibrato system is unique and quite functional.

The “Split-Sound” pickups feature two separate coils under the small metal cover, with each half-pickup’s group of three staggered pole pieces feeding a discrete signal into small transformers mounted in the body. The four-way selector offered settings labelled Jazz (neck pickup), Treble (bridge pickup), the snarling Wild Dog (bridge and middle, out of phase) and Split Sound (bass half of the neck pickup, the treble half of the bridge).

This 1966 model is from the Baldwin era (serial number 19089) and features the scroll headstock design. The guitar is in great condition with only a few minor marks to show for its age (see last 3 pictures) and is missing the bridge cover. It comes with period hard case that has seen a bit of action and has one latch that doesn’t work as it should.

Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £35.00.

Shipping to North America is £165.00

Customers outside of UK/US/Canada/Mexico should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.