"Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter discussed the budget $35 guitar he employed on the Donna Summer record, revealing its surprising dominance as a reliable stage and studio workhorse"
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, renowned for his work with Steely Dan and as a session musician, has a unique history with the Burns Baby Bison guitar. This budget electric guitar, popular in the mid to late 1960s, became a staple in Baxter's studio and live performances.
Baxter purchased the Burns Baby Bison guitar in a rush, as he found himself without a guitar when he committed to a recording session. The guitar, priced at $25 in a store, caught his eye. Paul Herman, the manager of a guitar store in Hollywood, facilitated the purchase.
Despite its low cost, the Burns Baby Bison was far from a cheap instrument. It was made with uncommon body woods like sycamore, and its unique tuning peg configuration - five regular tuning pegs and one Gibson tuning peg - made it stand out.
Baxter used the Burns Baby Bison guitar during his session work on significant projects. One notable instance was his contribution to Donna Summer's album Bad Girls, specifically on the track "Hot Stuff." This disco classic was a change-making track for Donna Summer, and Baxter's use of the Burns Baby Bison added a distinctive touch to the song.
Baxter's decision to use this budget guitar came during a time when he was moving and found himself without a guitar. He made a quick visit to Guitar Center to find a suitable instrument, which led to the purchase of the Burns Baby Bison. Despite its low cost, the guitar became a staple in both his studio and live performances.
Baxter's use of the Burns Baby Bison reflects his adaptability and willingness to experiment with different instruments, which contributed to his success as a versatile session musician. The impact of the Burns Baby Bison on "Hot Stuff" was significant not just because it added a unique sound but also because it challenged the conventional wisdom that only high-end instruments could produce quality music.
Baxter's current guitar is more high-tech than the $35 Burns Baby Bison. However, the Burns Baby Bison will always hold a special place in his career, reminding him of a time when a budget guitar could be used effectively in professional recordings and a last-minute purchase turned into a memorable chapter in his musical journey.
[1] The Telegraph [2] Guitar World
[1] Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, known for his work with Steely Dan and as a session musician, used a unique budget electric guitar, the Burns Baby Bison, during his studio and live performances. [2] This mid to late 1960s guitar, priced at $25, became a staple in Baxter's arsenal, including his contribution to Donna Summer's album Bad Girls, notably on the track "Hot Stuff." [1] The Burns Baby Bison, despite its low cost, was made with uncommon body woods like sycamore and featured a Gibson tuning peg. [2] Its use in "Hot Stuff" added a distinctive touch to the disco classic, defying the conventional wisdom that only high-end instruments could produce quality music. [1] Baxter's current guitar is more high-tech, but the Burns Baby Bison will always hold a special place in his career, reminding him of a time when a budget guitar could be effective in professional recordings and a last-minute purchase turned into a memorable chapter in his musical journey. [2] This story is a testament to the power of gadgets like the Burns Baby Bison in the realm of entertainment and music, emphasizing the role they play in shaping the soundscape of technology-driven creativity.
