If you say sunburst, then of course you say Gibson. Because this iconic American brand just knows how to suggest a fireball at the end of the horizon on a guitar top.
History of the sunburst
The sunburst started centuries ago as a 'German Burst' with furniture and violin makers in Germany who sometimes gave the wood a darker edge. Why? Just because they liked the way it looked it and that trick was later adopted by guitar and mandolin builders. These instruments with a bright, light center and an increasingly darker color towards the edges looked a bit like a setting or rising sun, hence the name: sunburst. Later, Gibson sometimes used this as a bit of a trick to incorporate some of the less appealing wood into an instrument. That is why originally a J45 with sunburst was 5 dollars cheaper than the J50 with a natural top. Nowadays it's the other way around: a sunburst takes more time and is usually a bit more expensive.
So to get through these long, sunny, summer days we handpicked some of the most beautiful sunbursts that we have (or used to have) in our store.
Tobacco Burst
The 'classic' sunburst with a beautiful, bright ball in the middle of the top that seamlessly fades into dark, almost pitch-black edges. Known from several iconic Gibson guitars such as a Junior and an L00, but we would like to mention some modern builders such as Atkin and... Eastman. Lots of sunshine for not a lot of dime!
Ambertone
Martin has a unique burst: the Ambertone and it is a touch lighter, a little more subtle and combined with that gorgeous low gloss you do not have to wear sunglasses if you want to look at it for hours.
Chocolate Burst
The Netherlands is famous all over the world for many things, including our cacao. So obviously this Chocolate Burst deserves a place on this list. From his shop in Alphen aan den Rijn Kauffmann has been making wonderfully playable and affordable guitars for years. He recently added an offset model to his collection: the Cozy. Feather-light with lovely contours and to top it off, it got a hot chocolate dip! Hmmm, you sexy thing…
Buttered Toast Burst
It makes you want to lick your fingers, this beautiful Buttered Toast Burst from Santa Cruz. This boutique builder always makes special and exclusive instruments and of course that includes its very own burst that does exactly what Santa Cruz is good at. It is subtle, yet immediately eye-catching and just oozes with quality.
Ice Tea Burst
Tea goes well with toast, so what about this uber-cool Iced Tea Les Paul.
Two Tone Burst
If you say electric guitar, you say Fender, and if you say Fender then you say Stratocaster, and if you say Stratocaster then of course you say two tone sunburst. There is also a Three Tone sunburst which has a little more brown / red in the center. That might be our favorite tomorrow, but today we choose this classic burst.