Description

Awesome 60’s Baldwin Baby Bison, made in England, $1999

Overview: The Baldwin Baby Bison is a vintage electric guitar produced in the 1960s by Baldwin, a company originally known for pianos and later for acquiring the Burns London guitar company. The Baby Bison model was designed in England and is known for its distinctive styling, innovative features, and unique sound, making it a collectible and sought-after instrument among vintage guitar enthusiasts.

Key Features:

  • Body:
    • Material: Solid mahogany body
    • Finish: Sunburst
    • Shape: Asymmetrical, offset body shape that contributes to its unique appearance
  • Neck:
    • Material: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard: Rosewood
    • Scale Length: 24.75 inches (628 mm)
    • Frets: 22 frets
    • Inlays: Dot inlays
    • Nut Width: Approximately 1.65 inches (42 mm)
  • Hardware:
    • Bridge: Adjustable bridge with a vibrato system, often referred to as the “Rez-o-Tube” tremolo
    • Tuners: Enclosed machine heads for stable tuning
    • Pickguard: Large, distinctive pickguard often bearing the Baldwin logo
  • Electronics:
    • Pickups: Typically equipped with two or three single-coil pickups designed by Jim Burns, known for their bright and clear tone
    • Controls:
      • Individual volume and tone controls for each pickup
      • 3-way or 5-way pickup selector switch depending on the model

Sound Characteristics:

  • Bright and Articulate Tone: The single-coil pickups provide a bright, clear, and articulate tone, suitable for a variety of musical styles
  • Versatile Sound: Capable of producing a range of sounds from clean and jangly to warm and bluesy, depending on the pickup configuration and settings

Applications:

  • Genres: Ideal for rock, pop, surf, and blues, but versatile enough for other genres
  • Usage: Suitable for live performances, studio recordings, and vintage guitar collections

Notable Features:

  • Innovative Design: The Baby Bison features innovative design elements from Jim Burns, including the unique body shape and the “Rez-o-Tube” tremolo system
  • Distinctive Aesthetics: Known for its eye-catching appearance, making it a standout on stage and in collections

Notable Users:

  • Hank Marvin (The Shadows):
    • Genre: Rock, Instrumental
    • Details: Hank Marvin, lead guitarist of The Shadows, used various Baldwin/Burns guitars, including the Baby Bison, during his career. His use of these guitars contributed to the distinctive sound of The Shadows.
  • Dave Davies (The Kinks):
    • Genre: Rock
    • Details: Dave Davies of The Kinks is known for his use of different Baldwin/Burns guitars. While he is more famously associated with the Baldwin Double Six, his association with the brand brought attention to models like the Baby Bison.
  • Brian May (Queen):
    • Genre: Rock
    • Details: Although primarily known for his Red Special guitar, Brian May has used Baldwin/Burns guitars, including the Baby Bison, in various recording sessions and live performances, adding to his diverse arsenal of instruments.
  • Billy Bragg:
    • Genre: Folk, Rock
    • Details: Billy Bragg, known for his politically charged lyrics and distinctive voice, has used the Baldwin Baby Bison for its unique sound and vintage appeal.
  • Edwyn Collins (Orange Juice):
    • Genre: Indie, Post-Punk
    • Details: Edwyn Collins, frontman of the indie band Orange Juice, has used Baldwin guitars, including the Baby Bison, contributing to the band’s jangly and melodic sound.

The 1960s Baldwin Baby Bison electric guitar, made in England, is a distinctive and collectible instrument known for its unique design, innovative features, and versatile sound. With its bright and articulate single-coil pickups, solid mahogany body, and innovative tremolo system, the Baby Bison is a versatile guitar suitable for a range of musical styles. Whether you’re a performer, a recording artist, or a vintage guitar collector, the Baby Bison offers a blend of classic British craftsmanship and unique aesthetic appeal.

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