by JimN » 02 Dec 2010, 13:05
Burns prototypes were being supplied to Hank (and maybe to Bruce) from approximately the spring or very early summer of 1962 onward.
Hank mentioned the "custom guitar project" on a UK TV programme shown in May 1962 ("Dan Farson Meets The Shadows"), explaining that they had already drawn up some design ideas. Later, when the production model was released (around March/April 1964), it was emphasised several times that the prototype (ie, development) phase had lasted for 18 months with 30+ prototypes having been made. Other press interviews (notably one from late 1963) indicated that some last-minute changes were being made at that stage.
None of this - factual - primary history sits easily with any notion of the Burns project being prompted by "faulty" Strats in 1963. It was all well under way by then, and to some extent was an even more natural development than the merchandising of Shadows-branded strings, plectra, echo units, etc, in partnership with Jennings Musical Industries. The more puzzling thing is why Jennings weren't involved, given their existing relationship with The Shadows. Perhaps at the crucial time (late/1961/early 1962), Vox guitars weren't good enough (the pro-quality versions of the Phantom and Soundcaster were still some time away) and Burns had already proven themselves with the Bison.
JN