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Description

The Burns Flyte is an iconic solid body electric guitar that combines vintage charm with modern playability. Originally launched in the 1970s, this guitar stands out with its distinctive design and remarkable sound versatility. Ideal for musicians who appreciate both style and substance, the Flyte's unique offset body shape ensures comfort and aesthetic appeal on stage or in the studio.

Equipped with a trio of Burns' proprietary Tri-Sonic pickups, the Flyte offers a wide tonal palette, delivering everything from crisp, bright highs to warm, rich lows. The responsive 5-way pickup selector switch provides seamless transitions between sounds, making it perfect for players across a wide range of genres. Its maple neck and rosewood fingerboard facilitate smooth, fast playing, while the 22 frets offer ample room for expressive solos.

The Flyte's hardware is designed for reliability, featuring a robust bridge system that maintains tuning stability even during intense performances. The guitar's retro-futuristic look is complemented by high-quality finishes and elegant detailing, making it not only a musical instrument but also a visual statement.

Key Features:

  • Unique offset body shape for comfortable playability
  • Trio of Burns Tri-Sonic pickups for versatile sound options
  • 5-way pickup selector switch for a range of tonal choices
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • 22 frets for expressive musical exploration
  • Reliable bridge system ensuring tuning stability

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Burns Flyte.

Build quality

  • This Burns Flyte likely assembled from leftover parts after the company closure, leading to unique configurations and mismatched components, such as an atypical scratch plate shape.

    Source
  • The thick poly finish can be brittle, leading to potential chipping around the edges if not handled with care.

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Features and functionality

  • The Flyte in question features humbuster pickups and a bridge potentially from brands like Hayman or Shergold, contributing to its distinct sound and playability.

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  • The design is visually striking, featuring a "jet plane" aesthetic that appeals to those in glam rock or similar genres.

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Mods and upgrades

  • For a more authentic look, consider customizing with a properly shaped scratch plate, potentially sourced from enthusiasts in Burns-focused communities.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate its distinctive appearance and sound, despite inconsistencies with standard models, suggesting it's a cherished instrument for those valuing uniqueness.

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  • Players report discomfort with the neck joint/heel, impacting upper fret access, particularly for seated players.

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Comparisons

  • The P90 pickups in the Eastwood tribute feel cheap and sound thin compared to original Valco and gold foil styles.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for glam rock enthusiasts covering bands like The Sweet and Slade, but less versatile outside that niche.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Marc Bolan uses Burns Flyte

Marc Bolan

Composer, Guitarist

T. Rex

...
Verified via Photo

According to an interview with Guitar Player, "His go-to guitars included a Gibson Les Paul Custom refinished in translucent orange, a black, tremequipped Flying V, a late-’60s Olympic White Fender Stratocaster, a Veleno aluminum ax, and a Burns Flyte..."

See how Lita Ford uses Burns Flyte

Lita Ford

Singer, Guitarist

The Runaways

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Verified via Photo

In a 1977 performance on the show Top Pop, Lita Ford can be seen playing a red Burns Flyte guitar.

See how Dave Hill uses Burns Flyte

Dave Hill

Guitarist

Slade

...
Verified via Perseverancesite

I found this picture on a Slade site where is possible to see all their gear.

N

Nick Saloman

Guitarist

The Bevis Frond

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Verified via Photo

Nick Saloman is confirmed to use the Burns Flyte guitar, as evidenced by this live footage of The Bevis Frond playing the Crossroads Festival in Bonn, Germany in 2004.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Burns Flyte, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Flying V
Gibson Flying V Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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Community setups

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    austinmw
    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227