Ben Burnley Signature Guitars
When talking about modern rock, the name “Ben Burnley” inevitably pops up. As the founder, frontman, and primary songwriter for the band Breaking Benjamin, he has been a significant force in shaping the sound of rock for the 21st century.
One cannot discuss his musical prowess without taking into consideration the instruments he wields to create the signature Breaking Benjamin sound. His choice of guitars has been as pivotal to his sound as his voice or his songwriting.
Ben Burnley Signature Guitars
Who is Ben Burnley?
Before diving into the guitars, let’s first shed some light on the man behind them. Ben Burnley started Breaking Benjamin in 1999, and since then, the band has released multiple albums, charting numerous hits. Their style is distinct: it’s hard-hitting with melodic undertones, sometimes venturing into acoustic realms, other times just straight-up rock. Throughout all of this, Burnley’s voice has remained a clear identifier, but equally, his guitar tone and style have played a significant role.
Burnley, as a guitarist, has always preferred the deep, rich sounds. He often plays in alternate tunings, which give Breaking Benjamin songs their characteristic feel. This penchant for deeper tones and alternate tunings led him to collaborate with guitar manufacturers to create signature instruments that would serve his specific needs.
1. ESP LTD BB-600 Baritone
The ESP LTD BB-600 Baritone is one of the outcomes of this collaboration. Designed to be a versatile instrument, it fits the bill for Burnley’s diverse range of tones.
Key Features:
- Body and Build: The BB-600 features a single-cutaway body design, which is reminiscent of the classic Eclipse shape. The body itself is constructed from mahogany, which provides a warm and resonant tone.
- Neck: Attached to this is a three-piece maple neck with an ebony fretboard, which complements the body’s warmth by adding a bit of brightness and snap to the tone. The neck also features a thin U-shape profile, making it comfortable for prolonged playing.
- Electronics: This is where things get even more interesting. The BB-600 boasts a pair of active EMG pickups: the 81 at the bridge and the 60 at the neck. This combination provides a good balance of warmth and clarity. Additionally, the guitar includes a piezo pickup system, allowing players to blend in acoustic-like tones. There’s a separate output jack for the piezo system, meaning players can run the magnetic and piezo outputs to different sources.
- Others: Keeping with its baritone designation, the BB-600 comes with a longer 27″ scale, perfect for those lower tunings that Burnley is known for. Additionally, the guitar features a TOM bridge and tailpiece and LTD locking tuners, ensuring tuning stability even in the most aggressive playing conditions.
ESP LTD BB-600 BARITONE SPECIFICATIONS
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | ESP LTD |
| Configuration: | HH |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Made in: | Indonesia |
| Series: | Signature |
| Colors: | See Thru Black Sunburst Satin |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Top: | Quilted Maple |
| Type: | Solid Body |
| Body Material: | Mahogany w/ Maple Cap |
| Bridge: | Graph Tech Ghost Loaded Resomax NV Bridge & Tailpiece |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Set |
| Tuners: | Grover |
| Fretboard: | Macassar Ebony |
| Neck Material: | 3pc Maple |
| Decoration: | Breaking Benjamin symbol |
| Scale Size: | 27″ |
| Shape: | Thin U |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787” (20mm) – 12th Fret: 0.866” (22mm) |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius: | 13.78″ |
| Nut: | Plastic |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 3 Way |
| Knobs: | Dome |
| Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing |
| Volume Controls: | 2 |
| Tone Controls: | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 (Humbucker / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan ’59 SH-1N (Humbucker / Passive) |
I’ve created the specification table for “ESP LTD BB-600 BARITONE” in capitalize case as per your request.
2. ESP Ben Burnley EC Baritone
The ESP Ben Burnley EC Baritone is another marvel that bears Burnley’s signature. While there are similarities to the BB-600, there are enough differences to make this guitar stand out on its own.
Key Features:
- Body and Build: The EC Baritone, like the BB-600, sports a mahogany body but with a different shape. This one resembles the more traditional single-cutaway design, with the added flair of a flamed maple top, giving it not only aesthetic beauty but also a touch more brightness in tone.
- Neck: The neck on this model is also a three-piece maple construction, ensuring durability and stability. The ebony fretboard remains consistent, as does the thin U-shaped profile.
- Electronics: The EC Baritone comes loaded with Seymour Duncan pickups: a ’59 in the neck and a JB in the bridge. This combination provides a vintage warmth with the neck pickup and a hotter, more aggressive tone with the bridge. Like the BB-600, the EC Baritone also features a piezo system, again allowing for a blend of electric and acoustic tones.
- Others: The scale length remains consistent with the BB-600 at 27″, and the guitar includes the same TOM bridge and tailpiece. However, this model sports traditional ESP tuners.
ESP BEN BURNLEY EC BARITONE SPECIFICATION TABLE
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand | ESP |
| Configuration | HH |
| Strings | 6 |
| Made in | Japan |
| Series | Signature |
| Colors | See Thru Black Sunburst Satin |
| Left-Handed Version | No |
| Body | |
| Top | Quilted Maple |
| Type | Solid Body |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Bridge | Graph Tech Ghost Loaded Resomax NV Bridge w/ Gotoh Tailpiece |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint | Set |
| Tuners | Sperzel Locking |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Neck Material | 3pc Maple |
| Decoration | Breaking Benjamin symbol |
| Scale Size | 27″ |
| Shape | Thin U |
| Thickness | 1st Fret: 0.787” (20mm) – 12th Fret: 0.866” (22mm) |
| Frets | 24 XL Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius | 12″ |
| Nut | Graphite |
| Nut Width | 42mm (1.654”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch | 3 Way |
| Knobs | Dome |
| Pickup Mods | Multi-Voicing |
| Volume Controls | 2 |
| Tone Controls | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup | Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 (Humbucker / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan ’59 SH-1N (Humbucker / Passive) |
In conclusion, Ben Burnley’s collaborations with ESP have resulted in two fantastic instruments that cater to the specific needs of modern rock guitarists. Whether you’re a Breaking Benjamin fan or just a guitarist looking for a versatile instrument that can handle lower tunings and provide a blend of electric and acoustic tones, these signature models are definitely worth checking out. Remember, a guitar isn’t just a piece of wood and metal; it’s an extension of the artist. And in this case, these guitars are a testament to Burnley’s artistry and vision.
