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Photos too small? Click on photos, screenshots and diagrams in articles to open a Larger View gallery. January 2010
Other recent issues: | Burns Double Six12-string electric guitarPublished in PM April 2009  Printer-friendly versionReviews : Guitar: Electric Twelve-string electrics aren’t too fashionable right now, but anyone seeking that classic ringing chime would do well to check out the distinctly retro-flavoured Double Six from Burns.  The 12-string electric dates back to 1954, but its heyday was the mid to late ‘60s, thanks to high-profile exposure in the influential hands of bands such as the Beatles and the Byrds. Since then, demand has waxed and waned to match shifting musical styles, with instrument availability varying accordingly, and a current lack of interest is reflected by the rather restricted range on offer right now. The Rickenbacker 12-string still rules the roost, but less expensive options now span a mere handful that includes the Burns Double Six reviewed this month. The original version appeared in 1964 and found favour with the Shadows, the Searchers and numerous other British beat bands, not to mention Elvis Presley. Production ceased six years later, but the Double Six returned during the ‘90s as a custom model made by the current Burns London company. A simpler, less expensive equivalent was subsequently included in the Korean-made Club range, but like others in this line, the Double Six now emanates from China. Model styling Lifting the lid of the smart Burns hard case (supplied as standard) reveals an impressive-looking beast, nestling snugly in shaped blue plush lining. This reincarnation remains pretty faithful to the first-generation edition in many ways, including the lengthy headstock. Back in the ‘60s, the latter was necessary to accommodate the chunky Van Gent-made tuners arranged in six-per-side formation, but their chromed contemporary equivalents are much smaller and consequently seem wider spaced. The typical Burns clear plastic badge denotes model identity, although here it’s the same size as that used on the six-strings and consequently looks a little lost on the expansive headstock. In addition, the name is in black and doesn’t show up well against the green sunburst finish. These are obviously minor cosmetic criticisms, but a bigger example with white lettering would be better and more authentic. As on many Burns guitars, old or new, the Double Six features a zero fret to ensure optimum and even action. The usual wear-induced ‘snicking’ sounds associated with this component shouldn’t be a problem here, as these occur when bending strings, which isn’t easy on this instrument! Although relegated to string guide status, the brass nut is very nicely made. The slots are precisely cut relative to string size, with each pair becoming closer spaced as diameters decrease. The end result accordingly improves on its predecessors by offering better playability while eradicating potential breakage problems. True to tradition, the maple neck is natural with a shaded green stripe running up the back. Broad, but shallow proportions supply a more substantial handful than on most electric 12-strings, but the extra width increases room between string courses, ensuring easier fingering than the usual more cramped quarters. The unbound rosewood fingerboard is lightly radiused and provides a smooth playing surface, as do all 21 friendly-finished medium frets. The basswood body maintains the Double Six’s ‘big is better’ ethic, while the 4kg weight is equally in keeping. Styling blends Fender-ish offset cutaways with an ample waist and angled lower bouts, while appropriate contouring helps keep things comfortable. High-end access is OK, although in reality the upper frets aren’t explored too much on any 12-string. The Green Burst colour scheme is an appealing interpretation of this classic Burns finish, impressively applied in suitably high-shine polyester. It complements the split three-piece scratchplate, which is executed in what looks very like thick black Traffolyte, not the usual plastic laminate. The treble horn carries an authentic, if slightly inaccurate ‘Handcrafted by Burns London’ logo, and this is engraved, rather than simply silk-screened. Double Six hardware Pickups continue the triple Tri-Sonic configuration, with all three angled accordingly. Equipped with ceramic bar magnets, chromed metal covers and correct logos, these single coils certainly look the part. Visually, circuitry also echoes the past, with a master volume partnering two tones and a lever-style selector. However, the latter is a five-way type, while one tone pot incorporates a push/pull switch that supplies the remaining two coil combinations: neck-plus-bridge, or all three on together. Aping the original, the controls are quite closely spaced, but the absence of appropriate legends isn’t as authentic. The same applies to the Strat-style black knobs, which seem a little out of place. Something more Burns-related would look better, such as the chromed sort employed on the Club Series Bison ‘62. In contrast, the strap buttons closely follow the old design and the upper one is correctly located on the back of the left horn. The bridge is obviously far removed from the real thing, which was a simple, single metal saddle type, with a separate string anchor block sited under a large, screw-fixed cover. Instead, like most modern 12-strings, the Double Six sports Gotoh’s compact through-stringing design, which ingeniously incorporates 12 adjustable saddles to ensure accurate intonation. Performance and playability The big neck and body contribute to an equally sizeable acoustic sound that’s blessed with plenty of sustain. These attributes are ably conveyed by the punchy, but well-defined delivery of the three Tri-Sonic single coils. The seven-strong sonic selection provided by the five-way switch and partner push/pull ranges from deep and throaty to upfront chime and clang, via some Strat-y, hollow-toned settings in between. Clarity is never an issue and the only difficulty is deciding which sounds suit you best, as all are impressively useful. Over 40 years ago, the Double Six was one of the best in the 12-string business, and this latest successor ably upholds that reputation while adding the benefits of improved components and more versatile circuitry. It actually comes closer than the UK-made revivals to capturing the original’s classic character and at considerably less cost. For the same reason, it makes sense to buy new, rather than lash out on an expensive example stemming from the ‘60s. The wide neck might seem daunting to some, but this and the cleverly cut nut allow precise finger placement. Partnering this with a super-easy action provides excellent playability, while the accurate intonation helps make light work of often tiresome 12-string tuning. The Double Six sounds as big as it looks and in all ways offers a lot of guitar for comparatively little money. Limited appeal and application mean this Burns will never be a big seller, but it certainly deserves to figure very strongly in any shortlist of 12-string electrics. 0  Published in PM April 2009  | Burns Double Six £599 Based on a ‘60s Burns classic, this competitively priced electric 12-string combines vintage styling with updated performance. The Double Six’s size might deter some, but the instrument’s excellent playability should help banish most doubts. This useful attribute is partnered by impressive looks, classy construction and a selection of sounds to match.
Tech Spec Double Six Basswood body. Bolt-on maple neck. 21-fret rosewood fingerboard. 25.5-inch (648mm) scale. 12-saddle bridge, through-body stringing. Three Tri-Sonic single-coil pickups. One volume, two tones (one with push/pull switch), five-way pickup selector switch. Weight: 4kg. Green Burst, Red Burst or Shadows White finishes. Case included. |
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