Built in 1959 with body by Jim Burns and electrics by Henry Weill this example is so different from my “John Godfrey” bass–this neck is ultra slim, with an offset back and 2 extra frets, also the body is larger and contoured. This wonderful example is currently awaiting restoration.
Burns Short Scale Deluxe
Dating from between early Dec ’58 and Jan ’59 (11 months before Ormston Burns), this is the oldest known surviving Burns guitar (apart from my Supersounds)! Built with Besson pick-ups and Besson-supplied bridge and tailpiece, this hollow body featured a plastic back (like the first, and later, Burns Weill Super Streamline RP1G). This historic instrument (of “less than 20”) predates the guitar advertised for sale by Foote of London W.1 on 10th January 1959 at 49 Gns. (£51.45) which was sold to Colin Green.
Check the Historic Guitars page for an extensive write up.
Martin Coletti
Dating from about 1960, built in East Europe, imported by Dallas and marketed under the Martin Coletti brandname for just 5 Gns (£5.25), this is my only accoustic and was a first guitar for well known guitarists like Francis Rossi (Status Quo) and Paul Day.
Antoria (Ibanez) Bass
Dating from about 1962 and built in Japan, featuring a see-through scratch plate and chunky neck this eye catching bass was marketed in the UK by J.T.Coppock as an Antoria but perhaps now better known as an early Ibanez.
Hohner Holborn 222
Built by Fenton Weill in about 1963 (my example includes a non-standard Broadway vibrato tailpiece) this is the 2 pick-up “stablemate” of my Hohner Kingsway 111 and was described, at the time, as a “solid guitar for the advanced player”!
Onyx 1030
Marketed in Australia, built in Korea in the late 80s combining modern hardware and circuitry with strong influences from Sernie Moseley’s US made Mosrites’, this is the actual guitar featured on page 113 of the Ultimate Guitar Book!
Aria Pro 2 Magna Series
Dating from the early 90s and built in Korea this guitar features Duncan designed pick-ups and a Wilkinson vibrato bridge. Great quality and design and another lefty added to my collection!
Here’s ace local guitarist Adrian Withers blasting out a guitar solo on this Aria Pro:
Fenton Weill Dualtone
Built by Henry Weill’s company in London in c.1962 following the break up of Burns Weill partnership in late 1959, this example has been expertly restored. These wonderful little guitars are among my personal favourites.
Ibanez Axster AX45
Dating from 1985 with locking nut and vibrato, this rare high quality original design example is one of the last Japan built Ibanez guitars and appeared in just one catalogue in a variety of colours.
Fenton Weill Fibratone
Dating from c.1963 this rare fibreglass bodied semi accoustic is my latest project but, hopefully, I have most of the correct parts! My thanks go to Hilda & Jim Currie and it will be restored in memory of their friend Tony–watch this space!