Build and features

The Double Six dates back to the sixties and was a firm favourite with numerous British groups, including The Shadows and Searchers. The latest incarnation originates from China and stays pretty faithful in terms of retro-flavoured features and quite quirky character.

Topped by a lengthy headstock, the wide but shallow bolt-on maple neck is more of a handful than most electric 12s, but the extra space between string pairs makes fingering much easier. This is helped by a beautifully cut brass nut, with playability further enhanced by a first-rate fret job and low-level action.

The basswood body feels quite big, but contouring ensures adequate comfort and weight is well balanced. The impressive-looking, green ’burst polyester finish stays true to Burns tradition and contrasts a three-section scratchplate accurately recreated in black Traffolyte.

Three repro Tri-Sonic single-coils are arranged in angled formation, partnering a five-position selector plus master volume and two tone controls, the second of which incorporates a push/pull switch that provides the other two pickup permutations - neck and bridge, and all three together. The Gotoh-made bridge improves on the original by enabling precise intonation for all of the strings via 12 adjustable saddles.

Next: Burns Double Six sounds, pros and cons