SOLD - Burny “Rockin Roll Version” Les Paul Jr – Japan 1980s

SOLD

Burny is a sub-brand of the Fernandes Guitars company which was established in Japan in 1969. Its Burny brand was used for the Gibson replica guitars while the Fernandes brand was used for their Fender replica guitars. 

Fernandes started making electric guitars around 1971 or 1972. The Burny Les Paul models first appeared in the mid-1970s. Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols has used Burny guitars as has Mike Clark of Suicidal Tendencies, Robert Fripp of King Crimson, Steve Hackett of Genesis, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Duff McKagan in his side project Loaded. 

Fernandes/Burny continued cloning Fender and Gibson guitars until he mid-1980’s when both brands threatened to sue them for trademark infringement. At that point, Burny Les Paul models were often regarded by many professionals as some of the best clones of the original 50’s Les Pauls.

And that is the case with this Burny “Rockin Roll Version” which is basically a Les Paul Jr in different clothing.

This guitar is in great condition for a 30+ year instrument with just a few minor character dings on the body and the neck. There are two filled holes on top just in front of the bridge, and an unfilled strap pin screw hole on the rear upper bout.

The original basic wrap-round stop-tail bridge has been replaced with a fully adjustable combination bridge / tailpiece. We do not know the brand of this but it’s a solid piece of gear.

The neck is a comfortable medium-large C-shape and is topped with a richly coloured rosewood board. The neck joint is an excellent piece of work – sturdy and beautifully engineered – way better than most Gibson clones. 

The vintage Kluson style tuners are strong and the medium jumbo frets are in great shape. Truss rod works fine, neck is straight, action is medium low with a good setup.

The guitar has no serial number, which is typical for Burny during this era.

Weight is 7.8 lbs

But the secret sauce on this guitar is the original Japanese P-90 dog ear pickup along with the classic Gibson style volume and tone circuit. This pickup is mighty punchy and interacts beautifully with the volume and tone pots for a surprising amount of tonal range.

This “Rockin Roll Version” (gotta love the Japanese nomenclature) is all you'd expect from this model of electric guitar. Straight in your face, twangy yet punchy with loads of sustain. This guitar is simple, elegant, and just oozes rock & roll.

Comes with a basic vinyl gig bag is serviceable condition.