Peter Cook Contact? John Entwistle Mystery

[40RobH]

I recently bought a 72 Precision bass. This note had been hidden in the neck cavity.
I’m doing some detective work and wondering if the note had been put there by John Entwistle’s long-term guitar tech, Peter Cook. Unfortunately I can’t find any trace of him from the last decade. Anyone know anything about his recent history or location?
The guitar in question is almost identical to the ‘68 sunburst precision that John bought from Manny’s with a tortoiseshell pick guard.

[Shaggy]

What truly bizarre note to find!   That’s certainly a really old phone no......

I think Flateric on here knows more than most about Peter Cook

[EssentialTension]

This bass was discussed briefly in the Vintage Fenders thread ...

 

 

Edited December 14, 2023 by EssentialTension

[Reggaebass]

I tried to do some research before it was for sale but couldn’t find out anything, I hope you can get some answers, it’s quite cool really, how’s the bass , it looked good 

[Baloney Balderdash]

Very interesting.

 

A genuine mystery.

 

And pretty cool if there really is a connection to John Entwistle.

 

Neck cavity though? 

 

Edited December 15, 2023 by Baloney Balderdash

[PaulThePlug]

Get out the Cab...

[bartelby]

3 hours ago, Baloney Balderdash said:

 

 

Neck cavity though? 

 

Guessing that it's a hidden note incase the bass got stolen.

[three]

Intriguing and cryptic - at least two different hands and three (?) different shades of ink (i’m on a phone). Lovely to know more

[Cosmo Valdemar]

I know PC's on facebook, or was, you should be able to message him on there.

[Marc S]

2 hours ago, bartelby said:

Guessing that it's a hidden note incase the bass got stolen.

 

Yes, that was my first thought too.

 

What a great and interesting find. Only thing is, if you track him down and he says "Thanks for returning the bass.... here's your £20 reward" 😉 

[Burns-bass]

Can I ask what you expect to find out? I'm not sure he'll be able to confirm whether or not John did own the bass, and even if he did, it's hardly likely to increase its value. (I say this kindly as someone who owned a bass previously played and owned by John Entwistle.)

 

Guess it's all part of the history, but I wouldn't let this dictate whether or not you enjoy what looked to be a very lovely and competitively priced early 70s Precision.

[wateroftyne]

24 minutes ago, Burns-bass said:

Can I ask what you expect to find out? I'm not sure he'll be able to confirm whether or not John did own the bass, and even if he did, it's hardly likely to increase its value. (I say this kindly as someone who owned a bass previously played and owned by John Entwistle.)

 

Guess it's all part of the history, but I wouldn't let this dictate whether or not you enjoy what looked to be a very lovely and competitively priced early 70s Precision.

 

I'm guessing he just wants to know a bit about its history. I know I would.

[Burns-bass]

2 minutes ago, wateroftyne said:

 

I'm guessing he just wants to know a bit about its history. I know I would.

 

Fair point. Be sure to keep us updated with what you find OP.

[asingardenof]

A quick internet search suggests that's a legit phone number for the old Polydor office in London.

[40RobH]

Thanks for all the replies. The guitar body is actually in fairly nasty shape and has had some very amateurish refinishing around the edges. Needs some sympathetic and probably expensive restoration and any increase in value helps with the cold logic.

Oh …and just knowing it was touched by greatness helps too - maybe some of it will rub off!

[40RobH]

Btw @flateric has come to the rescue.

Watch this space….

Edited December 15, 2023 by 40RobH
Missing @

[40RobH]

3 hours ago, asingardenof said:

A quick internet search suggests that's a legit phone number for the old Polydor office in London.

Looks like The Who joined Polydor in ‘74 so that looks OK. Thanks

[Reggaebass]

3 hours ago, asingardenof said:

A quick internet search suggests that's a legit phone number for the old Polydor office in London.

Good sleuthing 

[TrevorG]

That's amazing. I worked with Pete Townshend years ago but don't have his number anymore. I'll see if I can find a way to get a note to him. He might know...

[40RobH]

1 hour ago, TrevorG said:

That's amazing. I worked with Pete Townshend years ago but don't have his number anymore. I'll see if I can find a way to get a note to him. He might know...

Wow that would be amazing. Thanks.  Looks like the bass was given to Simon Towshend (Pete’s brother) by John E so if anyone has a contact for him….

[40RobH]

15 hours ago, Baloney Balderdash said:

Very interesting.

 

A genuine mystery.

 

And pretty cool if there really is a connection to John Entwistle.

 

Neck cavity though? 

 

Sorry - under the neck plate!

[TrevorG]

34 minutes ago, 40RobH said:

Wow that would be amazing. Thanks.  Looks like the bass was given to Simon Towshend (Pete’s brother) by John E so if anyone has a contact for him….

Can't make promises but it's worth a try. I work in Tv now so my music industry contacts are a bit old and spread far and wide... like me.

[AMV001]

I'd recommend getting in touch with one of the guitar magazines. Its a good story that would make an interesting piece. A nationally published magazine would probably have the authority to get a response from the Who organisation.

 

Guitarist magazine can be contacted at [email protected] or on 01225 442244

[jonno1981]

Maybe Barry Moorhouse of the bass centre fame can help? Unless my middle aged memory is failing me, I recall how strong the connections were between the store and JE. 

[msb]

Great thread!