40RobH Posted December 14, 2023 Share Posted December 14, 2023 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. 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted December 14, 2023 Share Posted December 14, 2023 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 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 14, 2023 Share Posted December 14, 2023 (edited) This bass was discussed briefly in the Vintage Fenders thread ... Edited December 14, 2023 by EssentialTension 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted December 14, 2023 Share Posted December 14, 2023 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 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baloney Balderdash Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 (edited) 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 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 Get out the Cab... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartelby Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 3 hours ago, Baloney Balderdash said: Neck cavity though? Guessing that it's a hidden note incase the bass got stolen. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
three Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 Intriguing and cryptic - at least two different hands and three (?) different shades of ink (i’m on a phone). Lovely to know more 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmo Valdemar Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 I know PC's on facebook, or was, you should be able to message him on there. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 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" 😉 2 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burns-bass Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 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. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 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. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burns-bass Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 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. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asingardenof Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 A quick internet search suggests that's a legit phone number for the old Polydor office in London. 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40RobH Posted December 15, 2023 Author Share Posted December 15, 2023 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! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40RobH Posted December 15, 2023 Author Share Posted December 15, 2023 (edited) Btw @flateric has come to the rescue. Watch this space…. Edited December 15, 2023 by 40RobH Missing @ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40RobH Posted December 15, 2023 Author Share Posted December 15, 2023 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 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 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrevorG Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 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... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40RobH Posted December 15, 2023 Author Share Posted December 15, 2023 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…. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40RobH Posted December 15, 2023 Author Share Posted December 15, 2023 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! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrevorG Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 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. 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMV001 Posted December 16, 2023 Share Posted December 16, 2023 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 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonno1981 Posted December 16, 2023 Share Posted December 16, 2023 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msb Posted December 16, 2023 Share Posted December 16, 2023 Great thread! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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