Apollo Burns copy

[wedgehed]

I just received this a few days ago. I'm assuming it's an early '70s model.
Except for the missing trem arm & cover, it's in almost new condition. All the metal parts are bright & shiny, no dings or gashes to the body, the finish is vibrant. Someone took care of this baby.

I'm still puzzling over what the switches do. The catalog describes them as tone switches.







The face of the headstock shows the most wear. There are numerous surface scratches.



Despite the knob markings, there are two volumes & one tone.



If anyone knows more about this guitar, please chime in.

[VintAxe]

Hi wedgehed,

I think your Apollo Burns copy was built by Kawai around 1968. The double inlay at the 12th fret is a common characteristic of the 1968 line.

Very nice looking Axe!

[wedgehed]

[VintAxe]

Excellent, it is always nice when you can find the exact match.

The closest site I know of to a Kawai site is Roroor's:

[GeneNunn]

Well I have one that looks pretty close to yours. It was my first guitar and I got it in late 69. It has 4 knobs and 3 switches, but the colors are all the same. Apollo is at the top of the headstock.

[RobN]

Hi,
I just joined this forum today... I own the exact Apollo guitar in the picture you own which I received as a Christmas gift, brand new around in the early 70's. My Apollo was left at home when I went away to college because I received a 1973 Fender Telecaster as a High School graduation gift in 1975. Unfortunately, my 3 younger brothers wreaked havoc on all my possesions left behind at home including the Apollo which is missing the tailpiece/vibrato unit and one volume control. I would like to find these parts somehow? These guitars were sold at small music stores as beginner models. Teisco was the other brand name choice that I remember back then... but I had moved on to higher end gear...I hope to play my Apollo again which I just retrieved from my mother's house after all these years! Do you still own yours? RobN

[GeneNunn]

Oh yes I still have mine. It doesn't get played any more, but I do enjoy showing it off to everyone that wants to see it. The Band Saliva Autographed it a few years back. They even thought it was pretty cool. I just don't know where you could find any part for it. Is your like the one it the big picture or like mine with the extra switches? His didn't have the cover or the Trimlo either. Mine is just like the day I got it except the Autographs. If I knew how to send pictures on here I would send you some. Give me your email address and I will send them that way if you like. I'm a Bass player now so I guess which ever child plays Guitar will end up with the Apollo.

Thanks for writing,

Gene A. Nunn
gene_nunn@yahoo.com[/img]

[mcphoto]

Wedghed, the two "tone" switches are usually on-off switches, one for each pickup. To be certain, you should be able to turn both of them "off" and have no sound from the jack.

Dunno why they did that as opposed to the gibson or fender style three-ways, but I assume it looked more high-tech, and consumers would say, "hey, this guitar has TWO switches!"

Those old switches can hold up pretty well though, usually a spray of contact cleaner will fix 'em up if needed.

[GeneNunn]

Well Guys I am going to sell my Burn Copy Apollo. We are going to put it on Ebay, and see what it brings. I have to many Basses and Guitar and I don't play the Apollo. Someone will enjoy it as much as I used to. It is still just as nice as it was the day I got it 42 years ago, or real close. I know all the switches probably need to be cleaned, but it still plays and stays in tune.

Sincerly,

Gene A. Nunn
918-284-5304

[DeMontGuitars.com]

I have that guitar! super cool. definitely kawai as everyone has already stated.
how much did you get for it?