Here is an exceptionally rare 1964 Burns Marvin in Greenburst, one of only three ever made and hand-built by Jim Burns in London specifically for The Shadows. Widely regarded as one of the most significant British electric guitars of the 1960s, the Marvin model was developed in collaboration with Hank B. Marvin and Bruce Welch at the height of the band’s influence, offering a distinctive alternative to the Fender instruments that had previously defined their sound.
This particular guitar is the example originally retained by Jim Burns himself, making it the only known surviving Greenburst Marvin after the two guitars used by The Shadows were stolen in 1970. As such, it stands as a truly unique piece of music history, closely tied to one of the most influential instrumental groups of the era and a defining moment in British guitar design.
It features a trio of handwound Rez-o-Matic single coil pickups built to Hank Marvin’s original specifications, delivering the unmistakable sparkle, clarity, and expressive nuance associated with The Shadows’ sound. The elegant Rez-o-Tube tremolo system offers both visual appeal and smooth, reliable performance. The one-piece neck has a comfortable medium C profile, and the guitar plays beautifully, with excellent balance, tuning stability, and a lively, resonant feel.
Condition is remarkable for its age, remaining completely original and unmodified since 1964. It shows only very light signs of use, including minimal pick wear and a few small, hard-to-see marks, placing it firmly in “museum” quality condition. A letter of provenance from Burns UK is included, confirming its history and authenticity.
Specifications:
Year: 1964
Country: UK
Model: Vintage Original Burns Marvin
Finish: Greenburst
Body: One piece mahogany
Neck: One piece beechwood neck
Fingerboard: rosewood
Scale: 25.5”
Pickups: 3 x handmade Rez-o-Matic – slanted
Bridge: Rezo-tube unit. The tailpiece is engraved “Designed and Handcrafted for Hank Marvin by Burns”, with Hank’s signature.
Case: Original Gibson Custom Shop hard case
