So, why does it sound so good? Simply put, it’s the pickups and the materials. For example, Van Halen installed PAFs on a Strat-shaped guitar and produced an incredibly cool sound. The bottom line is that the PAF pickup alone possesses tremendous power. And then there’s the wood. The biggest reason is likely that high-quality, well-seasoned mahogany, maple, and rosewood were readily available back then.Because there was an abundance of wood, the cut was ideal for production, and as a result, the entire instrument—from the body to the neck to the headstock—was crafted from superb materials. Add a PAF to that. What more could you ask for in a guitar? The finest wood paired with the finest pickups to create the finest guitar… In short, the Burst represents the pinnacle of existing guitars.
This 1960 Burst was cherished for over 30 years by a certain guitarist on the West Coast. With a serial number in the 200s, it retains the specifications characteristic of 1959 models. The color is not the fade-resistant type often called “Tangerine Red” or “Tomato Soup,” but rather, like the 1959 models, it has faded to “Lemon Drop.”The back of the neck bears indentations likely caused by a ring, and the original brown case is covered with stickers, telling the story of how it was always with its owner. It is a legendary instrument that exudes the unique aura of a guitarist who has played it to perfection, along with the poise and dignity befitting the pinnacle of the craft.
