Welcome to the BURNS AMP site where I will make an attemt to tell the stories and fact´s in regards of Burns amplifiers and gadgets produced by Burns.
My site has no connection to Mr Barry Gibson and Burns-London company. None other then a true passion for product bearing the Burns trademark.
In the mid 70´s I was fortune enough to meet with the late Jim Burns on one occation, where I had the hope of finding out more about the man and his guitars,
The information I searched was later given to me by Mr Paul Day whom I have to thank for this and also for all information Barry Gibson has passed on to me.
Thanks!!
Latest NEW´s, My Burns Guitars & Amplifier forum at Facebook does today have more then 1098 members!!!!! Welcome.
Burns Guitars & Amplifiers
The meetingplace on Facebook, for Burns nerds!
Burns World
guitars and amplifiers for sale. And much more
interessting article on Baldwin-Burns
My page´s will be updated as soon as new facts is found
Do You have any kind of information about Burns amps and gadgets please contact me:
arksund@gmail.com
most pic´s can be enlarg´d by a click
A huge part of information on this site is borrowed from "the Burns book" by Mr Paul Day and from "Pearls & Crazy Diamonds" by Per Gjörde
My site has no connection to Mr Barry Gibson and Burns-London company. None other then a true passion for product bearing the Burns trademark.
In the mid 70´s I was fortune enough to meet with the late Jim Burns on one occation, where I had the hope of finding out more about the man and his guitars,
The information I searched was later given to me by Mr Paul Day whom I have to thank for this and also for all information Barry Gibson has passed on to me.
Thanks!!
Latest NEW´s, My Burns Guitars & Amplifier forum at Facebook does today have more then 1098 members!!!!! Welcome.
Burns Guitars & Amplifiers
The meetingplace on Facebook, for Burns nerds!
Burns World
guitars and amplifiers for sale. And much more
interessting article on Baldwin-Burns
My page´s will be updated as soon as new facts is found
Do You have any kind of information about Burns amps and gadgets please contact me:
arksund@gmail.com
most pic´s can be enlarg´d by a click
A huge part of information on this site is borrowed from "the Burns book" by Mr Paul Day and from "Pearls & Crazy Diamonds" by Per Gjörde
With the production of electric guitars and basses, Jim Burns realise´d the need of amplifiers suitible for his instruments.
During the years that followed many different amplifiers was manufactored, mainly as combos but also Bass-tops and matching Basspeaker cabinets. In the line was also PA-systems and other acessories for the musician. .
Vintage guitars and amplifiers is today to regard as collectors items in most cases. Then again up until the last year, collector´s main interesst has been into Tube amps. Today the market for 60´s Solid State amps is slowly growing.
Either you purchase an old amp as a collectors item, or as Me you want to use em for making music. They can with ease be used and compared to all modern solid state amp´s.
Either way all Burns amplfiers is today to regard as rare and often hard to find, slowly the prices asked for those is going up!
amplifier´s
Already from the start there was a couple of different protype amplifier in the Burns range. The "Tele-amp" from app 1958-60 and the "Bass-Master". No information have yet been found regarding if this was tube or transistor amplifiers.
att/Paul Day.
In 1960 Jim Burns purchased a large quantity of empty Television cabinets with the idea of using them to house a guitar amp. The "Tele-amp" was born and did produce 15 watts into a 12" speaker.
During the years that followed many different amplifiers was manufactored, mainly as combos but also Bass-tops and matching Basspeaker cabinets. In the line was also PA-systems and other acessories for the musician. .
Vintage guitars and amplifiers is today to regard as collectors items in most cases. Then again up until the last year, collector´s main interesst has been into Tube amps. Today the market for 60´s Solid State amps is slowly growing.
Either you purchase an old amp as a collectors item, or as Me you want to use em for making music. They can with ease be used and compared to all modern solid state amp´s.
Either way all Burns amplfiers is today to regard as rare and often hard to find, slowly the prices asked for those is going up!
amplifier´s
att/Paul Day.
In 1960 Jim Burns purchased a large quantity of empty Television cabinets with the idea of using them to house a guitar amp. The "Tele-amp" was born and did produce 15 watts into a 12" speaker.
Bassmaster Bass Amp prototype 1961
2 channel Bass amplifier design by Gordon Chandler, no specs known to date.
Supro line
Supro line
Called the "Bison Combo", Supro/USA supplied Burns with amplifiers suitible for the new Bison range of guitars and basses.
"Supro 1686TN" a 24 watt tube amplifier with tremolo and a 15" Jensen speaker was sold as the "Burns Bison Guitar Combo" 1961-62. A specially design´d Burns Bison badge was mounted at front.
The "Gretsch/Supro Super Bass Combo" became the Burns Bison Bass Combo with 35 watts output and two 12" Jensen speakers.
Sonic line 1960-65
Among the first solid-state transistorised amplifiers to be mass produced and forerunners to many sucessful Burns
amplifiers, included three diffent Combo´s. All with built in tremolo.
Sonic 20
Sonic 30
Sonic 50
Sonic 20
with an output of 20 watt the smallest in the Sonic line. A two channel amp that used a simplified single
tonecontrol instead of the more common bass-treble controls. Inside the cabinet
two 10” (ELAC) Burns Orbital speakers.
Sonic 30
the
Sonic 30 had a similar design as the 20. 30 watts output, with two channels and tremolo. Instead of
using the twin 10” speakers a single 12” (Fane) Burns Orbital speaker was used.
"Sonic 50"
similar in design as the 20-30 Sonic, now with a true 50 watt of power.
Sonic 30 / story
A freind of mine realised my interesst for Burns, and sent me an old pic (ap 1964-65, below) showing as He told me the worse amplifier He ever own´d and play´d.
As I hav´nt yet had any chanse to test the Sonic amps I couldnt deny his statement, but during a couple of years I have owned and play´d the EKO 290 2V, so at least I know a lot about the guitar.
A great looking guitar with cheap-no good single coil pickups that always gave a bad sound. It may have been the guitar that was the main problem for my freind.
Orbit line 1960-66
presented
in the early 60-ies was among the first
mass produced line of solid state guitar amplifiers to compete with the market.
The new line of amp´s had a sleek modern design, maybe Jim Burns still had the old TV-cabinets rounded shape in mind. The "Orbit" line of combo´s was a true alternative to the old tube amp´s.
All recognised by their cabinets rounded corners and the metal speaker front.
George Mills & Gerry Brandon was the team responsible for the construction. A construction that mainly was similar to the construction of tube-amp´s, but here all tube´s was exchanged to transistor´s.
The new line of amp´s had a sleek modern design, maybe Jim Burns still had the old TV-cabinets rounded shape in mind. The "Orbit" line of combo´s was a true alternative to the old tube amp´s.
All recognised by their cabinets rounded corners and the metal speaker front.
George Mills & Gerry Brandon was the team responsible for the construction. A construction that mainly was similar to the construction of tube-amp´s, but here all tube´s was exchanged to transistor´s.
Buyers
all over the world was stunned by this new type of so called shock proofed
amplifiers. With transistors instead of tubes the common tube amp problem didnt occur. No more worn out tubes shaking loose and producing heat. No more hum with this new silent amp that also produced much more power. One at the time importent factor was that the SolidState amps did´nt distort the signal, not even on a max volume as the tube amps did.
Musicians was bringing their old tubeamps to the musicshops in order to exchange them for the modern transistor amplifers. Suddenly old tube VOX, Fender, Dynacord, Marshall amps was sold for peanuts in favour of the new, up to date transistor amplifiers.
Burns
was among the forrunners with solid state transistor amplifiers among Swedish
Hagström and some Italian producers like EKO. This revolution in the field of
guitar – bass and PA amplifiers lead within less then a year that their
compiters on the market like VOX, soon was producing their own transistor
amplifiers.
Orbit
Two. A 40 watt.
Burns Orbit
Double Twelve. Producing 50 watt.
Burns Orbit
Three producing 60 watts.
Burns Orbit
Six (International) producing 80 watts of power.
background / during the 60´s all band´s did have their own equipment. As the audience grow larger the bands was in need of bigger amplifier´s. Each musician had their own amp hopefully producing enough power to reach the audience.
A separate PA-system was used for the vocal´s. All in all meaning that each band did have a heavy load of instruments, amplifiers and speakers to transport to each gig-venues.
Today we see a new era where the band uses rather small amplifiers thats link´d directly to often huge PA system at each venue.
A separate PA-system was used for the vocal´s. All in all meaning that each band did have a heavy load of instruments, amplifiers and speakers to transport to each gig-venues.
Today we see a new era where the band uses rather small amplifiers thats link´d directly to often huge PA system at each venue.
The need of the big amps seams partly to be lost.
sound demo below...
According
to Paul Day and other authorities in the Burns world both amplifiers and
speaker cabinets was numbered starting with #1.
It seams that a total of 5-6000 units was ever made. Witch means that maybe less then 3000 amplifiers was ever made, if so app 1500-2000 speakercabinets was made. They all shared the same production numbers and therefor its impossible to tell exact pruduction figures on each model, starting with :1.
The main part sold as Burns. With the Baldwin take over a new line of amplifiers went into production with the Baldwin logotype.
It seams that a total of 5-6000 units was ever made. Witch means that maybe less then 3000 amplifiers was ever made, if so app 1500-2000 speakercabinets was made. They all shared the same production numbers and therefor its impossible to tell exact pruduction figures on each model, starting with :1.
The main part sold as Burns. With the Baldwin take over a new line of amplifiers went into production with the Baldwin logotype.
Orbit Two
The smallest combo in the Orbit-line, a 40 watt
solid state 2 channel amplifier with tremolo. Channel one had Bass & Treble controls plus controls for the tremolo. Channel two had a simplified tone control circuit only.
When this amp first arrived in 1962 contain´d twin 10" Orbital speaker (ELAC), it could also be ordered with a 12" Orbital (Fane). A year later the single 12" speaker was standard..
Cab-dimensions 21,5" x 17" x 9,o"
When this amp first arrived in 1962 contain´d twin 10" Orbital speaker (ELAC), it could also be ordered with a 12" Orbital (Fane). A year later the single 12" speaker was standard..
Cab-dimensions 21,5" x 17" x 9,o"
on top the standard model with 2 x 10" Orbital(Elac) speakers,
below the Orbit Two with one 12" Orbital speaker
below the Orbit Two with one 12" Orbital speaker
Orbit Double 12
50 watt Solidstate guitar combo with 2 channels and tremolo. Channel One with treble and a 6-way rotating sound switch and channel two with ordinary bass and treble controls.
including 2 x 12” Orbital (Fane) speakers. The speakers gave the amp a great sound. Cab-dimensions : 25,5" x 21" x 10".
This model as extremly rare and as far as I understand only a few was made.
Instead the upgraded model with reverb became the one to have.
This model became a topseller, among the Orbit combo´s and the one that made musicians all over Europe to swap their tube amps for the modern solid state amps.
including 2 x 12” Orbital (Fane) speakers. The speakers gave the amp a great sound. Cab-dimensions : 25,5" x 21" x 10".
This model as extremly rare and as far as I understand only a few was made.
Instead the upgraded model with reverb became the one to have.
This model became a topseller, among the Orbit combo´s and the one that made musicians all over Europe to swap their tube amps for the modern solid state amps.
Orbit Double 12 Reverb
With the Cabinet from the Double 12, the Orbit Three offered an output of 60 watt´s!
3 x 10" Orbital (Elac) speakers, tremolo and reverb as standard on channel one. Bass control now in form of a 6 way filter selector to give a load of different sounds. It also contain´d at the backside a switch marked Studio-Boost. In Studio position the output was app 30 watts with a cleaner sound. Boost on and you got all the power in the world.
channel 2 normal bass-treble controls was used.
Orbit Three Double 12
some customers seamed to prefere the sound from two 12" Orbital (Fane) speakers instead of the three 10"! Yet a new model with this speaker arrangement was offered.
The new top seller..
3 x 10" Orbital (Elac) speakers, tremolo and reverb as standard on channel one. Bass control now in form of a 6 way filter selector to give a load of different sounds. It also contain´d at the backside a switch marked Studio-Boost. In Studio position the output was app 30 watts with a cleaner sound. Boost on and you got all the power in the world.
channel 2 normal bass-treble controls was used.
Orbit Three Double 12some customers seamed to prefere the sound from two 12" Orbital (Fane) speakers instead of the three 10"! Yet a new model with this speaker arrangement was offered.
The new top seller..
Orbit Three Double 12
the Orbit Three Double 12 no:1290
Orbit Six (international)
Now we´re talking about a Huge combo with it´s 37 kg one of the largest amp´s on the market. The "Orbit Six(international) produced a massive 100 watt´s of pure power.
the fist model offered gave you 6 x 10" Orbital/ELAC speakers, soon a model with 3 x 12" Orbital(Fane) was in production!
the Combo had three channels with tremolo / reverb on channel one and two. The third channel was called a Bass channel with three different input´s called Bass, Normal & Bright.
Many band bought the "SIX" and used it for both an organ and as a Basscombo.
As expected the cabinet design was the same as other´s in the Orbit line but BIGGER. All in order to find room for the speakers and the larger amplifier.
the cabinet´s was enlarged ap 8 inches but still there was´nt room for the poweramplifier and transormator that in this model was placed at the bottom of the cabinet.
Leather handles was fitted at each side instead of at the top of the amp - a must on this big and Heavy beast!
Cab-dimension: / 34 x 24,2 x 12,4 inches
weight: app 37,o kg
the fist model offered gave you 6 x 10" Orbital/ELAC speakers, soon a model with 3 x 12" Orbital(Fane) was in production!
the Combo had three channels with tremolo / reverb on channel one and two. The third channel was called a Bass channel with three different input´s called Bass, Normal & Bright.
Many band bought the "SIX" and used it for both an organ and as a Basscombo.
As expected the cabinet design was the same as other´s in the Orbit line but BIGGER. All in order to find room for the speakers and the larger amplifier.
the cabinet´s was enlarged ap 8 inches but still there was´nt room for the poweramplifier and transormator that in this model was placed at the bottom of the cabinet.
Leather handles was fitted at each side instead of at the top of the amp - a must on this big and Heavy beast!
Cab-dimension: / 34 x 24,2 x 12,4 inches
weight: app 37,o kg
The Orbit Six combo here show´n
with 3 x 12" speakers.
The Orbit Six with those 6 x 10" speakers must be among the really rare birds today as well as it was when new. Extremly few was made and on my behalf I only seen em on pictures!
as its to big to find room in the normal amp-section on top.
double BB lineFor all Bassplayers Burns offered two different bass amplifiers and a range of bass speaker cabinets. The Double BB was produced both as Burns and Baldwin´s.
Amp´s with Burns logotype is made before 1965, During late 1965 to early 1967 you could find amps with Badwin-Burns logo. In 1967 all was with Baldwin logotype.
models:
Burns
Double BB 55 watt bass amplifier top.
Burns
Double BB 100 watt bass amplifier top.
Burns-Baldvin Double BB 55w
55 watt
solid state bass amplifier top.
One channel bassamplifier. Two speakers could be connected.
Orbital line PA
Burns Orbital “stage one” 50 watt, 3 channels.
Orbital "stage one"
Orbital “stage two”
70 watt solid state PA-amp.
4 channel mixer amplifier
Orbital “stage three”
april 2015 ebay sale of a complet set. Stage One amp and cabinets no:1850-1853
Orbital SIX
ext-cabinets with 3 x 12" speakers.
Could also be ordered with no less then 6 x 10" speakers!
Jim Burns Specials
ALVIS TD21 "Jim Burns" Special 1967-8
with Jim Burns attemt to start production of Burns Guitars and amplifiers in the 80´s, Burns UK and the Burns Steer 50 arrived. A 50 watt solid state amp with tremolo and reverb and a 12" speaker. Production figures is unknown.
Truevoice line
Articles in different guitarmagasins, interveiws with Mr Gibson told that his intentions was a complete line of new Burns amplifiers.
After a while You reader´s seam to find my Burns page and some of you has been kind to send me more information regarding different Burns amplifie´s. Thanks!
New information tells that there also was a TV25 amplifier with 15 watts output, this amp and the TV35 and TV30 was all of em tube amp´s! Only 3 TV30 amps was made and two of them is still in Barry Gibson collection while the no:0002 is on sale in Germany.
TV25
TV35
TV30
The new range will initially consist of three models: a 30 Watt to 40 Watt guitar combo, another smaller model of 15 Watts to 20 Watts, and a bass combo, probably clocking in at around 150 Watts. Barry Gibson, Burns’ owner, said that the new models will be aimed at the professional and “serious muso” market.
"is it mad world out there among collectors?"
this was found on when i searched for information regarding the Buzzaround!
Switchpedals for the Orbit line.
BURNS artist
"Ike Isaacs"
1919-1996, Ike worked with Jim Burns in development of the Bison range of guitars. He also became a director of the company. Originally from Burma he did belong to the European elite of Jazzplayers.
One channel bassamplifier. Two speakers could be connected.
Baldwin-Burns BB-100
100 watt solid
state bass amplifier top with 1 channel. Once again Burns offered a huge amp. Still one channel only and with double speaker output at back.
on top, me own Baldwin-Burns BB100,
unfortinutly the original knobs missing.
Unfortinutly there seam to be very little know how regarding the BB-line of amps. Hopefully this will be rectified in the near future, as I´ve been lucky to buy a brooken down BB55 at ebay, soon to be delivered.
Somehow all amp-pics showing the BB and the Orbital line of amps seam to be roadworn to say the least. This goes for the amp I bought where to start with the original volume and tone knobs is missing.
Look carefully and You realise that I dont know what I´m talking about. the advert pic should have rectified me, but did´nt. Instead of bidding an buying a BB-55 amp, I was actually bidding and buying a BB-100!!!!
At this very moment I´ve been using my Baldwin-Burns BB100 for some time. At arrival it was a non working unit looking like an old more then roadworn amp. DEAD!!!
The amp show´d to be wired for 115 voltage (must have been unused since the mid 60´s) so a new transformer was needed. A couple of wornout transistors and some other components was exchanged. Then after app 6 hours of work the old amp was once again switch´d ON. Now connected to a 15" basscabinet.
The red lamp started to glow, not a sound, no scaring smell´s or smoke. So far, so good!
One of me basses was connected, the volume control was turned to 1, hitting the strings of the bass, sound was heard from the speaker. A great sound!! that made me turn up the volume a bit more and the sound improved furter. It did sound bloody great.
At this moment I switched of the amp, and my other cabinet with 2 x 15" rated at app 300 watt speaker was connected. The volume was turned up, windows started to rattle, everything in the room was sounding, even the roof of our small guesthouse (my so called studio) seamed launch a take off to space.
A couple of seconds later a POFF was heard and it became dead silent. What actually happened was one of the speaker blow out. DEAD! And I was´nt even on the upper half of the volume.
In all the old Baldwin-Burns BB-100 showed to be a bloody GREAT bass amp that will serve me well in the future. It do have all the power needed and gives a great bass soound, not to be compared with todays hig tech Bass amps. The BB-100 is far better, it´s another world!!
It´s such a joy to realise that a dream gadget, (I´ve never even seen one of those amp´s before IRL,) can prove to be as good as the dream, or even much better.
But that was to be expected, it is a BURNS product.
Orbital line PA
As
a complement to the guitar amplifiers Burns made a range of PA-amplifiers.
Burns Orbital “stage one” 50 watt, 3 channels.
Burns
Orbital “stage two” 70 watts, 4 channels
Burns
Orbital “stage three” 100 watts, 4 channels.
A range of
column speakers was in the range.
Orbital "stage one"
50 watt
solid state PA-amp. Three channel mixer buildt in. Output connectors for two PA-cabinets. Effects could be connected to the amp.
Orbital “stage two”
Orbital “stage three”
100 watt
solid state PA-amp. 4 channel mixer amplifier.
Speaker Cabinet´s
There seam to be an endless number of diffent ext-cabinets and speakers made by Burns. Already in the Paul Day Burns books some of those was presented. Here´s a few of them.
As far as I know at the moment, some of them was made as 12-16 ohm units and beacuse of that sometime regarded as scrap. Mainly cause problems with using them linked to other type of amplifiers.
As far as I know at the moment, some of them was made as 12-16 ohm units and beacuse of that sometime regarded as scrap. Mainly cause problems with using them linked to other type of amplifiers.
Most of them is extremly rare today. It seams that Burns produced some cabinets on special order, like the Double 12 and Orbit 6 cab´s. A bit curious when considering that none of those combo´s had any extention cab outlet as standard.
Orbital Sonic style´d
App 1962-64
cabinet, was in Paul Days book name´d the "DeLuxe" speaker,
but on my behalf I think that was wrong.
but on my behalf I think that was wrong.
Speaker cabinets to be connected to a guitar or PA amplifier, these
cabinets had the same sizes as the Orbit Two amplifiers. Models with
one 12" or two 10” speakers. Was sold as either standard or de luxe in regards of
cabinet colour and fittings.
Orbital "Two style´d 1962-66
With one 12” orbital speaker.
It did have its very own cabinet size, much deeper then the combos. And not as Ive written earlier same as the Orbit Two. Cab-dimensions:
It did have its very own cabinet size, much deeper then the combos. And not as Ive written earlier same as the Orbit Two. Cab-dimensions:
august 2012
ebay.uk
two Burns Orbital Speaker Cabinets for sale.
two Burns Orbital Speaker Cabinets for sale.
production no:1851-1852
Me by now dear freind in UK, Bill was the buyer and told me that he had no use for the amp and one of the cabinets. So in a couple of weeks me collection will include also this little PA-amp and a cbinet. Looking at the pictures on top, realising that those speakers was produced possibly in the same day. number 1850-1851-1852 and 1853!
will post a better not paintshop modified pic when the kit arrived and been tested.
Orbital SIXCould also be ordered with no less then 6 x 10" speakers!
column PA-speaker
Cabinet
with 4 x10” or 4 x 12" orbital speakers.
Double BB bass cabinet
Cabinet
with 2 x 18” Orbital bass speakers
"Speakers"
as until now it seams that similar speakers was used in most Burns Sonic-Orbit combos and cabinets.
The 10 inch speakers (ELAC 10-N78 Alnico) was used in the Orbit Two, Orbit Three and Orbit Six combo´s as well as in column PA-speaker cabinets.
The Sonic 30, Sonic 50, Orbit double 12, Orbit Three Double 12, Orbit Six and different speaker cabinets used the Burns Orbital 12 inch speaker (FANE) - same speaker was also used by most other companies, in their guitar combos.
The 10 inch speakers (ELAC 10-N78 Alnico) was used in the Orbit Two, Orbit Three and Orbit Six combo´s as well as in column PA-speaker cabinets.
The Sonic 30, Sonic 50, Orbit double 12, Orbit Three Double 12, Orbit Six and different speaker cabinets used the Burns Orbital 12 inch speaker (FANE) - same speaker was also used by most other companies, in their guitar combos.
Jim Burns Specials
with the sale of Jim Burns company in 1965, Jim soon was into a couple of different projects. With the prospect of some money He went to Alvis Motorcar Company, where he used one of their models the sport TD21 Coupe as a base for his own design. the body was redesign´d, sleeker and much sportier, the front with dual headlight´s and under the bonnet a 300 bhp Chevrolet Corvette motor.
ALVIS TD21 "Jim Burns" Special 1967-8
Unfortinutly it seams that Jim ran out of money just before delivery of the car, so as the story tells he was never to drive his very own design of a car. The Alvis TD21 Jim Burns Special. Story also tells that a certain Hank B Marvin once borrowed the car from Alvis and took Jim for a spin in it. It does now belong to a collector in UK and can often be seen at different car shows in the country.
This car was up for sale during the summer 2014 for app 50000,oo pounds!
Steer line-Burns UK
Truevoice line
1997
the
Burns TV "Truevoice" amplifier´s was made in a very small serie. the TV35 was a prototype with only a few produced and this goes for the TV30. pictured is one of a few prototypes produced by the new
Burns-London company and its owner Mr Barry Gibson. Involved in the project was also Mr David Martin. Sent a mail to Barry in hope
to get more information about it, but no information in regards of this
amplifier was returned.
Articles in different guitarmagasins, interveiws with Mr Gibson told that his intentions was a complete line of new Burns amplifiers.
After a while You reader´s seam to find my Burns page and some of you has been kind to send me more information regarding different Burns amplifie´s. Thanks!
New information tells that there also was a TV25 amplifier with 15 watts output, this amp and the TV35 and TV30 was all of em tube amp´s! Only 3 TV30 amps was made and two of them is still in Barry Gibson collection while the no:0002 is on sale in Germany.
TV25
just found a pic of the TV25 amp. including a 12" speaker.
Got a mail from Mr Denis Calle with pics of his TV25. Thank´s!!
TV35
the TV35 amp with a 12" speaker
TV30
no:0002 out of 3 made!
for sale at ebay.de asking price 1850,oo euro
Suddenly yet another amp show´d up that I didnt know anything about.
Not until i read the ad, and the specs to follow it.
Here we got a 30 watt tube-amp made to compete with the VOX AC30!
2 x 12" Celestion speakers
article from MIPRO magasin
The new range will initially consist of three models: a 30 Watt to 40 Watt guitar combo, another smaller model of 15 Watts to 20 Watts, and a bass combo, probably clocking in at around 150 Watts. Barry Gibson, Burns’ owner, said that the new models will be aimed at the professional and “serious muso” market.
The step marks a new chapter in Burns’ history, following its re-launch in 1991, since when it has re-established itself as a brand favoured by many top UK “indie” bands, as well as more recently bringing the same models to a wider market through far eastern manufacture.
“We are finalising the design of the amps as we speak,” commented Gibson. “We are determined to get the products as perfect as possible before handing them over to musicians to gig with them, after which the final modifications will be put in place.” He went on to explain that the mountain of red tape involved in amp manufacture and retail will also be dealt with fully and correctly. “The regulations involved are extremely stringent, but we know it will be worth it,” he added.
Before the step into amplifiers, Burns will be launching the first product of a new range of guitar accessories at the NAMM show: the Brian May Tri-Sonic pickup, based on the original components that May used when building his original red Special guitar.
The company is also planning to have mid-priced amps manufactured in the far east in the market by the third quarter of 2007.
“All of these new lines will strengthen the Burns brand and the business as a whole,” said Gibson.
some facts about BALDWIN
the company started off in 1890 producing pianos and buildt their first electric organ in 1941. Later on they bought the Bechstein Pianofabrik in Germany 1963. With the pop revolution in the early 60´s they made an attemt to buy Fender with no luck.
Instead they bought BURNS in 1965 at a mere price of 380000,oo $!!! Two years later they also purchased Gretsch Guitars a company that in 1987 was sold back to the Gretsch family. Selling electric guitars in shops used to selling pianos and organs was not easy, in fact it was impossible. After a couple of total economic breakdowns the Baldwin Company was sold to Gibson.
Instead they bought BURNS in 1965 at a mere price of 380000,oo $!!! Two years later they also purchased Gretsch Guitars a company that in 1987 was sold back to the Gretsch family. Selling electric guitars in shops used to selling pianos and organs was not easy, in fact it was impossible. After a couple of total economic breakdowns the Baldwin Company was sold to Gibson.
a huge Baldwin organ from the early 60´s
in the 60´s they also produced portable organs for pop musician´s.
an early Baldwin Syntha-Sound synteshiser.
At the beguinning both Burns-Baldwin guitars and amplifiers was made in England, but rename´d to Baldwin by Burns and later to Baldwin.
The Burns range of amplifier´s was now reduced to only two different models. The Sonic 50, now with 50 watts output became the Baldwin Sonic 55. And the Burns Orbit Three became the Baldwin Orbit 75.
Baldwin Sonic 30
Even if informations have told that the Sonic 30 was no longer produced with the Baldwin brand, but as far as I know a few still was made. A 2-channel amp with one 12" speaker.
Baldwin Sonic 55
2 channel 40 watt combo amp with tremolo. Fitted with 2 x 12" Orbital/FANE speakers. Could be ordered in various colours.
Baldwin Orbit 75
The Burns Orbit Double 12 / Three, was simplified by Baldwin.
Speaker´s possibly exchanged to 12" Jensen(USA)was now situated at the former rear part of the amp as seen on the pic below. This combo was in production between 1966-1967. At least in Europe this amp is rare.
a Baldwin-Burns Orbit 75 for sale on ebay.
This unit has been modified
and both tremolo and reverb is missing.
already before the Baldwin take over of Burns,
Baldwin produced a range of amplifiers to go with their portable Organs.
This range of amplifiers was partly modified to suit guitars and basses.
C & W legend Willie Nelson still use two Baldwin C1 Pro´s.
Baldwin Proffesional De Luxe,
a 30 watt amp including one 12" speaker.
Baldwin C1 Professional
here with 2 x 12" speakers and a 50 watt output.
Baldwin C3
top and cabinet.
Used both as an organ and a bass amp.
the UNIVOX-BALDWIN bass combo
Baldwin E1 - Exterminator
a monster according to the ad with 100watts output.
6 speakers, 2 x 15, 2 x 12" & 2 x 7". Two channels withSupersound push button tone system on channel one and normal bass-treble on channel two., tremolo and reverb,
Baldwin ShoBud
"gadgets"
must have for the Burns lover!
"the Burns book"
handcrafted by Paul Day.
handcrafted by Paul Day.
"Pearls and crazy diamonds"
Per Gjörde´s love story of Burns.
"the Burns bass strings"
Long
Scale Black Flat strings with that authentic sound. The 'Black Nylon Trubass'
string was originally developed for the Burn's Black Bison Bass. Great Strings
to simulate a double bass sound on an standard bass guitar.
These strings have made the most famous appearance on the top of the 'Apple' building while Paul McCartney was playing his Hofner. You will note that the tension is low, making this string extremely comfortable to play and the heavier gauge is due to anything lighter and the strings themselves would start to flap.
These strings have made the most famous appearance on the top of the 'Apple' building while Paul McCartney was playing his Hofner. You will note that the tension is low, making this string extremely comfortable to play and the heavier gauge is due to anything lighter and the strings themselves would start to flap.
Price in 2012 app
13,oo£
"the Burns Buzzaround"
the Burns Buzzaround fuzz pedal producing the distorted signal that Burns amp´s couldnt produce. Today this is a legendary icon among pedals.
Lucky for today´s Burns lovers this fuzz pedal can be bought as a clone at fair prices, as an original unit may cost as much as 3500,oo pounds.
the modern Buzzaround
this was found on when i searched for information regarding the Buzzaround!
Baldwin Burns LTD. > Buzzaround Fuzz
Price Trends
| Price | Bids | |
|---|---|---|
| high: | $5,159.22 | 4 |
| average: | $4,179.61 | 2.5 |
| low: | $3,200.00 | 1 |
Description
An original Baldwin-Burns Buzzaround went for $5,159.22 on eBay. The seller stated. "Never thought I would ever part with this pedal. I've had every vintage fuzz out there and this has been a keeper for so long. This is the pedal I loaned to David at D.A.M. for his Fuzzaround copies. It's in great condition and sounds out of this world. Not many left out there -- forget the reissues this is the real deal. Totally stock as it left the factory in 1967."
"Burns Shad-o-tone"
volume and wha-wha pedal.
Stand for the Orbit line of amplifiers
Burns Tone Pedal | ||||||||||
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Toolkit included in all 60´s guitars
"Burns Rez-o-tube"
the famous tremolo system
the famous tremolo system
Burns Mk VIII tremolo
"Burns Tri-Sonic"
picups
Shop-display of Burns Pics from the mid 60-ies. Among them also two pics design´d and autograph´d by Hank B Marvin.
According to the late Stig Landstroem, he produced pics for Burns in the 60-ies and also made some pickguards for the Burns guitars and amps.
The Landstroem "Sharkfin" pic is know all over the world.
According to the late Stig Landstroem, he produced pics for Burns in the 60-ies and also made some pickguards for the Burns guitars and amps.
The Landstroem "Sharkfin" pic is know all over the world.
"BIG NEW´s"
latest new from Burns is that all the old Burns gadgets like the Buzzaround and Tonebender now is in licensed new production and can be ordered from Burns China.
BURNS artist
"Ike Isaacs"
1919-1996, Ike worked with Jim Burns in development of the Bison range of guitars. He also became a director of the company. Originally from Burma he did belong to the European elite of Jazzplayers.
"the Shadows - UK"
the band that made Burns guitars famous all over the world.
Hank B Marvin was also involved in the design of the Marvin range of guitars.
the late "Jet Harris" x- Shadows
Burns Barracuda baryton Jet Harris sign.
Burns Barracuda baryton Jet Harris sign.
BW, the main inspiration for thousands of youg European guitarplayers eager to learn to play the electric guitar.
Different clips can be found at YouTube.
Bert used a Guild Starfire thrue a Burns Orbit Double 12, his main amp until his death.
The very same amp was sold in early 2013 at ebay for 550,oo£.
High price for an old Orbit but a bargain when you look at it´s history.
He was also the author of the book
"Play in a day" selling in tousands of copies.
"George Harrison - the Beatles"
playing a Burns NuSonic bass at Abbey Road Studio´s
"Brian Jones - Rolling Stones"
here with a Burns Split Sonic guitar.
"the Spencer Davis Group"
here on top of their huge Orbit Six amplifier.
"the Searchers - UK"
with Jazz Splitsound, Marin and Bison Bass.
"the Blue Diamonds"
played Burns Vibra Artist´s
"the Honeycombs" - UK
Burns Bison, Vibraslim & Bison bass, Vibraslim.
"Elvis Presley" - USA
Burns Double Six
Burns Double Six
"Johnny Paycheck" - USA
Baldwin-Burns Virginian
Baldwin-Burns Virginian
Here with a complete lineup of Burns gear.
Burns Double 6 guitar,
Burns Double 12 combo´s, Burns Stage IHII PA with two 4x12 column speakers.
Burns Double BB 55 amp with 2x18" bass cabinet.
"the Volume Four - UK"
Here with Burns Jazz, Split Sonic Bass, Orbit Three
& Orbit Six.
found this among all the artist on the original Burns-London site.
For sure a Burns-band but what about their amps?
The one on top is an Orbit three and the one below?
As far as i know at this moment its an Orbit Six with 6 x 10" speakers!
the Ramblers – UK
using Orbit Two & Orbit Six, Burns Jazz Split Sounds & a Bison Bass
"the Rockets" - UK
Burns Bison guitar & Bass, Burns Split Sonic
Burns Bison bass, Burns Bison-1 !!!!!!
"the Rapiers" - UK
Burns Marvin´s
"Hickory Lake" - UK
used a Marvin guitar and a Rostill Bass
"Force Five - UK"
used the big Burns Orbit Six.
the Rocking Ghosts – DK
uses Burns
guitar today, and on this LP-cover from the 60-ies
a Burns Jazz Split Sound guitar
a Burns Jazz Split Sound guitar
and Burns Orbit Double 12
amplifer.
The band still exists and still they use Burns guitars
The band still exists and still they use Burns guitars
"the Crazy Woman" 1965 Denmark
Höfner Bass, Elite ES, Burns Bison Albino.
Trio med Bumba –
Sweden
Used both Burns guitars and
amplifiers. Pictured here with Split Sonic guitars that later was exchanged to
Burns Albino Bison´s. The band was the main attraction when the Beatles first made
their entry in Swedish television
"the Limericks" - Sweden 1963
Burns Jazz Splitsound- Strat- Burns Splitsonic bass.
"the Limericks" 2008 reunion
"the Moonraiders" 1965-70, Sweden
Burns Bison
"the Shakemakers" Sweden 1965
Burns Marvin
Sven-Ingvars-Sweden
Baldwin Virginian 1966-1969
Burns Jazz Splitsound- Strat- Burns Splitsonic bass.
"the Limericks" 2008 reunion
Burns Bison
Burns Marvin
Sven-Ingvars-Sweden
Baldwin Virginian 1966-1969
the Moonraiders - Sweden
Burns Bison guitar
Flamingo Kvintetten - Sweden
mid 60´s to 2000.
the Steelmen - Sweden
Burns Virginian
"the Sunlights"
Hagström Glitter, Burns Vista Sonic bass, Burns Jazz Splitsound
the Tel-Stars - Sweden
Burns SplitSonic o VistaSonic
Tom Nordblom band - Sweden
Burns Virginian, still in use by Tom today.
Tom Norblom band 2013.
Tom Nordblom and his guitar at
Bohusläns Museum 2013
Burns Splitsonic guitar - Splitsonic bass
Burns Vibraslim
the Teenage Hunters
"the Chord-en-Aires"
Burns Jazz Splitsound
the Falcons - Norway
"the Jivaros"
"BREED"
"Joe Meeks"
the legendary London based producer with hits like Telstar. Unfortinutly he killed him self. Theres a great mowie-documentary to be seen.
Jack & the Rollers
The Ministers of beat
unknown band from Timaru-New Zealand
unknown US girlband with a Baby Bison bass
ARTIST´s and Burns-lovers
of today
"the Suffrajets" - UK
Burns Marquee, Burns Jetsonic & Marquee Bass
"the Chord-en-Aires"
Burns Jazz Splitsound
the Falcons - Norway
"the Jivaros"
"BREED"
had a couple of hits and used Baldwin gear as in this ad from app 1967.
the legendary London based producer with hits like Telstar. Unfortinutly he killed him self. Theres a great mowie-documentary to be seen.
Jack & the Rollers
The Ministers of beat
unknown band from Timaru-New Zealand
Burns Jazz bass.
unknown US girlband with a Baby Bison bass
ARTIST´s and Burns-lovers
of today
"Adam Hantington - UK"
"Adan Mellows -the Defout"
"the Hit House Shakers"
Allan Steen Iversen -Denmark"
"Arild Brekken - Norway"
"Artrio Shadows- Austria"
"Beauitiful Skin - Big Ed"
"Billy Bragg"
"Black Night Crash-Joe Hayning"
"David Gibbon"
"Freindly Fires - UK"
"Gary Travis"
"Brian May" Queen - UK
Burns Brian May
Burns Brian May
"the Suffrajets" - UK
Burns Marquee, Burns Jetsonic & Marquee Bass
"Jennifer Pirch"
the Suffrajets UK
Burns Bison-62 reis
the Suffrajets UK
Burns Bison-62 reis
Burns Marquee bass, Nusonic.
"MELACHOLY" - Russia"
Burns Bison-62 reis, Marquee.
Tom Parson & the Rat Cats
-Germany
"Chris Stein"
"Lars Göran Winger -Sweden"
"Hub´n Bub´n - Austria"
"Las Aspirados -Spain"
"Lazy Camels"
"Whisky Creeks - Leon Barker. Canada"
"Light Crust Dough Boys"
"RJ & the Boys - Canada"
"Howard Gillespi"
"Las Aspirados -Spain"
"Lazy Camels"
"Whisky Creeks - Leon Barker. Canada"
"Light Crust Dough Boys"
"RJ & the Boys - Canada"
"Peter Berry & the Shake Set" Norway
unfortinutly this band does no longer exist.
But you can hear them at youtube.
The Falcons - Norway
of today
of today
"Sound of Tasty - Norway"
the Sound of Fenders - Sweden
Markku Juhlin - Sweden
play´s Burns Bison, Marquee, Cobra & Rostill Bass. the Sound of Fenders.
"the Local Heroes" - UK"
with BARRY GIBSON director of Burns London.
Nigel Bennet - aus
back then today Owner of
BMI - Australia
"Caroline Jayne" Aus
& Cazz Jane Band.
Cazz Jane Burns Bison advert - Youtube
"the Göran´s Garage Band" - Sweden
one of the bands where I plays a small part. keybord- Kjell Johansson, Guitar - Göran. Drums - Lars-Göran, Vocals - Elisabeth.
"Per Gjörde" - Sweden,
author of "pearls & crazy diamonds"
Jubilee Bison-64
author of "pearls & crazy diamonds"
Jubilee Bison-64
"Rob Taylor" - Canada
Canadian music profile who´s got this Double 6
to place beside his nice red Bison.
you´ll find him and loads of musicians at
"numubu"
"Johnny Arksund" - Sweden
/ site author with "park bench petting" band
Burns Bison-62 reis- in collection also Marquee, Orbit amps, and BB100
/ site author with "park bench petting" band
Burns Bison-62 reis- in collection also Marquee, Orbit amps, and BB100
"the sound of Burns"
"you are on my mind"
Burns Marquee-2005, Burns Orbit Two-1962,
Burns Orbit Three Double 12-1965
"my world"
Already in the mid 60´s as a Wannabe Rock-Pop star working in a musicshop I bought my first Burns guitar. It was a SplitSonic and I was so proud to have it finally. After only a couple of weeks I did realise that the guitar was HEAVY! Much heavier then me old Höfner guitar. It was in fact a pain in the ass to use on stage for a slim youngster like me!
Less the halv a year later it was swapped to a Black Bison. Top of the line among Burns guitars. I also bought a Burns Orbit Double 12 amp. The world was rocking.
Then came a lot of years where guitarplaying wasnt that important anymore. I was into English sportscars, but suddenly during the restoration of a Sunbeam Alpine I came across a 12 voltage PA-amp. At once my thoughts was spinning and the possibility to mount that amp in the boot of the car looked like a great idea. The sparewheel was removed and a round speakercabinet was installed in place of the wheel. Suddenly I got me self a fast soundsystem.
Next step was to find a nice electric guitar. Natuarly only a Burns guitar would suit the UK made car. In app a year I hade a collection of different guitars. They didnt cost that much money back then. A divorce forced me to sell the main part of me guitars there was 14 Burns guitars in me collection.
A new so called collection was started up a few years ago, I desperatly wanted Burns guitars and amplifieres. But as I couldnt afford to buy the Guitars from the 60´2 (way to expensive) together with the love of me life I bought-got a Burns Marquee as my 60´s birthday present.
Today it shares the wall with a Bison and a Double 12, but also a couple of home made clones. Guitars that I made with the design of Burns guitars.
I also found a couple of amps. the stories regarding those amp´s can be found below.
Bison-62. Marquee & Double 6
Dare Bison, Marquee & Bison-62
I do love the comfort of a Daimler Double 6.
Burns Orbit Two & Orbit Three double 12
Buzzaround Clone,
Orbit Two
no:1200
Bidding on ebay.uk in July 2012 got me this Burns Orbit Two for a sum of 100,oo£. As the seller was´nt interessted in shipping it directly to Me in Sweden it was collected by My dear freind Doc Boots, who later sent it to Me.
At this moment I did´nt know anything regarding the amp´s condition, exept that it was humming! Maybe it was a total wreck looking slightly like an Orbit Two.
At arrival first step was to exchange the 50 year old powercord. I also spent time in soldering old connection that did´nt look that good.
Dismantling the whole amp, show´d that both speakers was mended with Gagga-tape, the footswitch for the tremolo was missing so a new substitute was installed. At this moment nothing could stop Me, the powercord was connected and after a flick of the powerswitch the red lamp started to glow.
the more then 40 year old Orbit Two was back in buisness and was actually giving a sound that was partly distored thrue its faulty speakers. Somewhere during its life an external speaker connector had been fitted and when I connected a proper speaker the old amp proved to be good, if not even great sounding.
At this moment I was lucky to find a spare speaker witch was installed, the remaining speaker was tested and show signs of shortage! Now I could almost hear the sound of this old amp once again.
It was almost 45 years since I last play´d thrue a Burns amp, and to my memory they did sound great. This the smaller in the Orbit line proved to be as good as or even better then similar modern amps.
Burns Orbit Three Double 12-1965
"my
world"
As a youngster working in a musicshop in the mid 60´s, customers arrived and complain´d regarding distortion from their guitar pickups. The sound from the pickups was´nt clear and clean anymore, caused by the laquer on the windings in the pickup getting cracked. The pickups was repair´d with new laquer and the clear sound was back.
Customers during the early 60-ies wanted a clear, clean sound.
Customers during the early 60-ies wanted a clear, clean sound.
During a couple of years by now, I´ve been using the Orbit Two only to find that it´s a really good combo that with ease can match any modern amp´s what ever brand. This is the amp I bring with me every now and then.
Less the halv a year later it was swapped to a Black Bison. Top of the line among Burns guitars. I also bought a Burns Orbit Double 12 amp. The world was rocking.
Then came a lot of years where guitarplaying wasnt that important anymore. I was into English sportscars, but suddenly during the restoration of a Sunbeam Alpine I came across a 12 voltage PA-amp. At once my thoughts was spinning and the possibility to mount that amp in the boot of the car looked like a great idea. The sparewheel was removed and a round speakercabinet was installed in place of the wheel. Suddenly I got me self a fast soundsystem.
Next step was to find a nice electric guitar. Natuarly only a Burns guitar would suit the UK made car. In app a year I hade a collection of different guitars. They didnt cost that much money back then. A divorce forced me to sell the main part of me guitars there was 14 Burns guitars in me collection.
A new so called collection was started up a few years ago, I desperatly wanted Burns guitars and amplifieres. But as I couldnt afford to buy the Guitars from the 60´2 (way to expensive) together with the love of me life I bought-got a Burns Marquee as my 60´s birthday present.
Today it shares the wall with a Bison and a Double 12, but also a couple of home made clones. Guitars that I made with the design of Burns guitars.
I also found a couple of amps. the stories regarding those amp´s can be found below.
Bison-62. Marquee & Double 6
Dare Bison, Marquee & Bison-62
I do love the comfort of a Daimler Double 6.
Burns Orbit Two & Orbit Three double 12
Buzzaround Clone,
Orbit Twono:1200
Bidding on ebay.uk in July 2012 got me this Burns Orbit Two for a sum of 100,oo£. As the seller was´nt interessted in shipping it directly to Me in Sweden it was collected by My dear freind Doc Boots, who later sent it to Me.
At this moment I did´nt know anything regarding the amp´s condition, exept that it was humming! Maybe it was a total wreck looking slightly like an Orbit Two.
At arrival first step was to exchange the 50 year old powercord. I also spent time in soldering old connection that did´nt look that good.
Dismantling the whole amp, show´d that both speakers was mended with Gagga-tape, the footswitch for the tremolo was missing so a new substitute was installed. At this moment nothing could stop Me, the powercord was connected and after a flick of the powerswitch the red lamp started to glow.
the more then 40 year old Orbit Two was back in buisness and was actually giving a sound that was partly distored thrue its faulty speakers. Somewhere during its life an external speaker connector had been fitted and when I connected a proper speaker the old amp proved to be good, if not even great sounding.
At this moment I was lucky to find a spare speaker witch was installed, the remaining speaker was tested and show signs of shortage! Now I could almost hear the sound of this old amp once again.
It was almost 45 years since I last play´d thrue a Burns amp, and to my memory they did sound great. This the smaller in the Orbit line proved to be as good as or even better then similar modern amps.
A great rather small sized Combo with loads of power and a great sound.
”Orbit Three Double Twelve"
no:3670
Finally it was time to collect the Orbit Three double Twelve in Gaevle on our way up to the norhtern part of Sweden. The amplifier was found in an advert and natuarly I called its owner. It was as stated in the ad on sale to highest bidder. So far the bids was extremly low!
When asking him as he to was a guitarplayer why it was for sale, he told that he diislike´d the fact that it didnt distrore the sound. Its so fucking cleam even at max output.
At collection I realise´d that the owners father did run an accordion shop in town, shelfs filled with nice accordions and everything needed for all accordionplayers. (whe he didnt keep the amp as a perfect accordion amp I couldnt understand).
There was no time to test it before it was placed in the boot of our Daimler. A Double Twelve in a Double Six!
The next day it was finally time to connect the amp to power. It was with great expetations hte switch was turn´d on and the red lamp started to glow like fire, the amp was dead silent! As a precaution Ive turn´d all controls to 0, slowly I turn´d up the volumecontrol to channel one, almost nothing was heard, the guitar was connected still silent only a extremly low humming noice was heard.
Then I atack´d the strings of me Burns guitar and this 50 year old amplifier started to sound. The sound of an original 60 watt Burns amplifier thrue its two 12” speakers. A great sound appered that became even better the more the volume control was turn´d up. The treble was adjusted and also the 6 channel sound selector. In less then 30 seconds i managed to find exactly that kind of sound that I hope´d to get from this amp. The more power the better it performed – now the amp started to show its true qualities of the 60-ies.
It took me some time to finance this amplifier from the day the first downpayment was done. The owner was kind enough to let me save up the money needed, and even more nice when he didnt as first intended wait and sell it to the highers bidder. It was told to be in good condition with everything working. Only part missing was the darkred cover that use to come with all those amp´s.
A cheap echounit was connected to the amp, and still the sound was exellent. After a couple of minutes palying the amp seaméd to loose power. Something I realised with the Orbit Two amp at several ocations. The problem was easily solved, the echounit was in need of more power. With the unit not connected everything worked out just great. And Im sure I will find the same result when tested with the Orbit Two.
Burns Orbit Three Double 12 & Burns Orbit Twoo
The more I play´d thrue it the more this old amplifier show´d how well it was able to perform. This clear sound was exactly what players was asking for in those early years of Rock´n Roll and Pop music. In the middel of the 60-iies band started to use a distorted sound. The preamplifiers was turn´d to a maximumand the signal became distorted. Many players preferd to buy a distortion pedal-box. A gadget that became a necessity and one of the first on the market was the now famous Burns Buzzaround boxes. With this unit connected to your Burns amp you got that distorted sound where ever and when ever you needed it, while you still had the clear sound.
The tremolo switch was turned on and a nice easily adjustible tremolo was added to the sound. At this its first run in a long time the reverb seam to be in and out of order. It seams that there is some bad connection because it started to work a couple of times. And the more the amp been used the better it works.
Comparing this 50 year old amplifier with new one´s is easily made. Here we talk about an amp that delivers pure raw power and sound, not as the modern high tech ones that often tells that they give you 50-100 watts of power. This power is measured at so called peak levels and is not continues power as with those old amps.
Nothing counts but cubic inches, is an old American expression. That seam to be the fact also among old amplifiers even those that is powered with germanium transistors like those early 60-ies amps that was on the market. Old fashion but still with clean raw power when needed.
Orbit Three no:747
Burns Orbit Three, here with a 1966 Baldwin-BURNS
Virginian.
rear veiw of no:747
Yet another Orbit combo in me collection. It´s productionnumber tells that this amp is an early Three. Compared with the Three Double 12 it a totaly different amp with it´s very own sound. The two of em share the same amp but here we are talking about an amp with three 10" Goodman-Orbital speakers. Giving it a totaly different sound. Its also easy to see why most guitarplayers favoured the Double 12 version. This early example dont have the powerlimiter switch that is fitted to the Three Double 12.
anyway the amp needed some repair and restoration before going back to it´s former glory. A leaking condensor made app 100 volts pass thrue the reverbunit.
As with me other Burns amplifiers it´s almost dead silent when not in use, even with the volume turned all the way up!
Orbit Six no:
inside of the Orbit Six, where the poweramplifier and AC power unit is placed in the bottom of the amp,
as its to big to find room in the normal amp-section on top.
As soon as opportunity arrives a Sound test is to be made with me 4 different Orbit amps and some VOX´s. Natuarly I will try to show this on Youtube for you all.
Since then a aluminium mess front (unfortinutly not looking as the original) has been fitted and the original Burns logotyp. This old amp is now used almost every day as my main amplifier!
Orbit Three no:747Burns Orbit Three, here with a 1966 Baldwin-BURNS
Virginian.
Yet another Orbit combo in me collection. It´s productionnumber tells that this amp is an early Three. Compared with the Three Double 12 it a totaly different amp with it´s very own sound. The two of em share the same amp but here we are talking about an amp with three 10" Goodman-Orbital speakers. Giving it a totaly different sound. Its also easy to see why most guitarplayers favoured the Double 12 version. This early example dont have the powerlimiter switch that is fitted to the Three Double 12.
anyway the amp needed some repair and restoration before going back to it´s former glory. A leaking condensor made app 100 volts pass thrue the reverbunit.
As with me other Burns amplifiers it´s almost dead silent when not in use, even with the volume turned all the way up!
Orbit Six no:
It must be mad to collect combo amplifiers, with three different Orbit´s in my collection I was looking for a SIX!
Ebay was the sollution and two a year ago I found a really roadworn SIX on sale. Not only the comboamp but also a speaker cabinet! Raising the money was for me impossible, so it was sold! My search contintued and a year ago yet one rugged old amp was on sale. Naturly this was´nt to be mine either!
as its to big to find room in the normal amp-section on top.
A couple of weeks ago yet another SIX was offered for FREE at our Facebook Burns forum. Natuarly I was eager to get this amp, and this Facebook freind of mine simply told me that He would send it to me. He did understand my passion for those amp´s and thought it would be great if someone like me brought it back to former glory again.
Picturers was sent to me, and there it was! The same "SIX" that I wanted to buy a year earlier!
Orbit Six in packing.
Today it did arrive, giving me a late or maybe early Christmas Eve. It was huge, and real hard to carry inside the house. But I fanally manage to do that. In a hurry it was unwrapped. For sure it did look like a mess, way beyond best day.
Empress Doris checking out the inside.
In order to be on the safe side I started to clean it inside as well as outside. Each one of it´s 10 potentiometers was clean´d. A new AC cable was fitted (the original was made for UK sockets, and did look a bit dangerous)
inside everything was clean´d.
Connected to AC the switch was turn´d on. The red lamp glow´d and a hissing silent sound was heard. Guitar was connected and more sound was heard. Each channel was tested, one missing. Tremolo didnt work!
Back in buisness, with some new knobs fitted.
Once again dismantling the unit, in search for Tremolo problem. Multimeter was engaged and after excahnging a condensor and a bit of soldering the tremolo was working!
Lots of screws had to be tightened as it started to rattle when I tested the amp. But then after a couple of hours labour the 50 year old "SIX" was back.
the Orbit Six & Orbit Three with me Bison-64re
Have to admit that I was more then satisfied with it, and the sound from it´s three FANE-Orbital 12" speakers was just GREAT! It´s a miracle that those 50 year old speakers was alive and kickin!
Yet another family pic, Three-Six, Bison-62, Bison-64
Satisfied with my work and the new amp, it was natuarly picture time. Before that I fixed a BURNS logo on it. And the use of Siliconspray made it shine once again. Not as new but it doesnt look that bad, I think.
Since then a aluminium mess front (unfortinutly not looking as the original) has been fitted and the original Burns logotyp. This old amp is now used almost every day as my main amplifier!
Searching all over the world for the Orbit SIX, I never found any until a couple of month ago when yet another SIX showed up in our forum. This is the Burns Orbit SIX No2177, Mark Cochran Jackson / Germany. My question come´s natural - how many of those Orbit SIX combo´s do exist?
BB-100 You´ll never know if you´re lucky, but seeing the BB amp on sale at Ebay.UK made me shiver.
First - I have never seen or play´d thrue one of those amp´s. They are in fact extremly rare. the ad told nothing about it exept that it was´nt working. My bid of 10,oo£ was enough and suddenly I was the owner of one of those rare bass amplifiers. As far as I knew at this moment it was a BB-55 amp. But as soon as it arrived to Sweden I realised it was the bigger amp, the BB-100.
Started off with checking it out inside, and realised that it have not been in use for many years. Actually i think it was in the late 60´s that England went from 115 voltage to 220 voltage. This amp had the old transformator and my first step was to exchange this unit.
Two power transistors and a couple of other components was exchanged before the amp was connected to power. Well during the repair it´s cabinet was spray-painted and the volume and Tone knobs was exchanged.
With one 15" bass speaker connected to the amp it was in buisness once again after many years of rest.
I´m still amazed over the true power this amp produce. Now with 3 x 15" speakers I heard the windows shatter and somehow it seamed to lift the roof of me small studio-house. A fantastic amplifier for sure.
Me "dare-Burns" clone bass & the BB-100 with 2x15 & 1x15" cab
"Web - links"
great site with loads of Burns guitars
the Burns Museum on line, produced by
Per Gjörde
Per Gjörde
"For sale"
guitars, amps, gadgets for sale and clone´s will be found on the link below.
burns-for sale-clones
"WANTED"
app 20 years ago I stored a load of things at a former freinds house in South Sweden. among them Burns Orbit Double 12 wich was modified. The amplifier was rebuilt with among all things a SANKEN power amp. It did have the original Orbital speaker. so if you stumble over this, please contact me. (not the amp pictured=
app 20 years ago I stored a load of things at a former freinds house in South Sweden. among them Burns Orbit Double 12 wich was modified. The amplifier was rebuilt with among all things a SANKEN power amp. It did have the original Orbital speaker. so if you stumble over this, please contact me. (not the amp pictured=
"WANTED"
please let me know of any Burns amp for sale in the world.
I´m also searching for more pics of the PA/Bass amps and Cabinets.
contact:
arksund@gmail.com
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