by Billyboygretsch » 30 Jul 2017, 12:40
This is what I have
PRODUCED: 2001 – Custom Order
ORIGIN: UK
TYPE: Twin cutaway solid body, 5-string
BODY: Alder
NECK: Beech, bolt-on, 22 medium frets plus zero fret, white dot inlays (these are smaller after 12th fret)
SCALE LENGTH: 864mm (34-inch)
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
HARDWARE: Gold plated Burns Transducer T/R Bridge System, Schaller open gear tuners with ebony buttons
PICKUPS: 3 Burns Bar-O-Matik bass pickups, the middle one being a humbucker
CONTROLS: Volume, Tone, Transducer Blend control & 5-way blade selector switch
FEATURES: Deep scrolled headstock, bridge incorporates an active Transducer system that allows the volume and tone of each sting to be adjusted individually
FINISHES: Black
COMMENTS:This has to be one of the most unexpected models to be produced by Burns London, not simply because it’s a 5-string bass but more that it has advanced electronics incorporating an active transducer with a battery powered preamp.
Development began in 1998 when Shadows’ bassist Alan Jones wanted active electronics in his P-bass, which Burns duly provided. However, he also fancied a 5-string, so the company went ahead with this prototype. Due to other commitments, it was shelved before it could be completed.
Fortunately, an acquaintance of Jones commissioned the bass to be finished. The active transducer system helped the bass to achieve a simulated acoustic sound as well as offering a much wider range of tones overall.
The scrolled headstock had seen a few changes since its initial introduction on the Shadows Bass in 1964, but here it is back in all its glory, looking even better thanks to the longer and narrower dimensions of the headstock required to make way for the extra tuner. Sadly it never went into production.