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The Original Flame Monster

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
Back in the early 1980's this Burst became the benchmark top that all other Bursts were judged against. From several sources, most notably the cover of Tom Wheeler's American Guitars and the cover of Guitar Player Magazine, it was well known and loved.

9 0913 ... The Brock Burst! :salude

9-0913_Brock_Burst.JPG


The "money" shot! :2cool

9-0913_Brock_Burst_portrait.JPG



Still considered one of the all time greatest tops on a Burst, there are many opinions on which top is the best.
It's a pointless discussion, as we all can make our own decisions and we are right.
It is certainly one of the best. :yah
 

KS 5150

Active member
Joined
Sep 18, 2012
Messages
137
That's an absolute beauty! I used to get it confused with the Believer Burst. I know it got its name from the collector Brian Brock. Is there any other interesting history I could learn about it....other than it was in all the early books & magazines? Any info would be appreciated.
 

53Goldtop

Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
739
Brian is a friend of mine here in Denver. Occasionally it comes up in conversation. He got it in the Midwest somewhere, not in the back of a Cadillac. Spent several days there negotiating and ended up with it and brought in back here. Not sure if he was in Denver then or Wyoming. He is pretty good natured about it and I always tell him if he didn't find it, it would not be The Brock Burst!
 

sws1

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Messages
2,846
Wonder if anyone has seen that one in years. I'm assuming it looks the same.
 

KS 5150

Active member
Joined
Sep 18, 2012
Messages
137
Brian is a friend of mine here in Denver. Occasionally it comes up in conversation. He got it in the Midwest somewhere, not in the back of a Cadillac. Spent several days there negotiating and ended up with it and brought in back here. Not sure if he was in Denver then or Wyoming. He is pretty good natured about it and I always tell him if he didn't find it, it would not be The Brock Burst!

Thanks for filling in some of the details! This one has such a great top. Good to know a little bit more of it.
 

JPP-1

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Messages
1,336
I know flame is highly subjective but I'm surprised that was an aesthetic Benchmark

Tom you own 3 Bursts which I find prettier, Sandy, the Claw and Donna.

It would be interesting to see today if there is any sort of consensus as to what tops are most highly regarded.

Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate why the wide gullwing symmetry of the Believer Burst is so well loved but personally it leaves me a little cold as does the above Burst.

My idea of ideal Les Paul top would be along the lines of the Greeny Burst, the Skinner Burst, Sandy, to name a few of the more well known Bursts. I think those are fiddle back. I wonder if certain folks who gravitate toward smaller more uneven flame with some character lines and flecks are less fond of wider more more symmetrical flames with the more even and symmetrical vertical cross grain.

Maybe preference in Burst tops can be used as some kinda of "ink block" personality test. lol
 

goldtop0

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 19, 2003
Messages
8,931
Iconic for sure........such a multi dimensional top plus the colour........has that drool factor that draws you in:2cool

Thanks Tom.
 

Big Al

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
14,537
The first Supermodel Burst and really fired up inerest in vintage Bursts beyond tone/playability and defined a look. Featured in a Guitar World Centerfold as well this guitar has it all, color, condition, double white pafs and FLAME!!
 

thin sissy

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 2, 2006
Messages
2,691
Incredible :salude

I wonder if it still has any colour left? The cherryburst is so sweet.
 

Maxmc

Active member
Joined
Mar 15, 2015
Messages
652
A lightbulb moment. A sticky thread called "Where Are They Now?"
 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
That's an absolute beauty! I used to get it confused with the Believer Burst. I know it got its name from the collector Brian Brock. Is there any other interesting history I could learn about it....other than it was in all the early books & magazines? Any info would be appreciated.

Use the search here and try the serial number and Brock Burst. There are several old threads where it is discussed.
Vic DaPra owned it [the upright photo is his, not sure about the money pic].
I believe it was also called the Brock-DaPra Burst. :salude
 

Tarcisioo

Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2014
Messages
385
The Brock Burst, alongside with the African Burst, are the flame monsters that really makes me trip
 

53Goldtop

Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
739
Use the search here and try the serial number and Brock Burst. There are several old threads where it is discussed.
Vic DaPra owned it [the upright photo is his, not sure about the money pic].
I believe it was also called the Brock-DaPra Burst. :salude

Definitely Brian's pic! :salude
 

El Gringo

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
An all time favorite of mine from way back because of the cover of Tom Wheeler's book . Such a beauty with tremendous figure and color which has probably faded since the photo was taken for the Wheeler cover ? I wonder what she looks like today color wise ?
 

Steve Craw

Formerly Lefty Elmo
Joined
Sep 9, 2004
Messages
5,294
I was always a big fan of that one, but I've never heard whether she was a great player or just a looker. Anyone know about her tone?
 

AA00475Bassman

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2016
Messages
3,769
The first thought I had Historic R9 , Lacking the vibe of Sandy or Donna !

Disclaimer : My opinion is subjective no need to act Bakersfield chimp with your comments !
 

Highway Star

New member
Joined
Oct 8, 2017
Messages
192
The first thought I had Historic R9 , Lacking the vibe of Sandy or Donna !

Disclaimer : My opinion is subjective no need to act Bakersfield chimp with your comments !

I agree, looks like a customshop. But it is a cool guitar from a mint condition perspective. Personally I prefer guitars with mojo :dude:
 

sws1

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Messages
2,846
I see it sorta like a cross between Donna and Spot.
 
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