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Steven writes to me with an incredibly exciting story that I'm hoping some of my readers may be able to shed some light upon. First of all, here are some photos of the guitar we're about to discuss:
Wow, what a guitar - an 8-string Pete Back Jazz Bass. Let's hear what Stevie has to say:
Well, first of all, let's take a look at the guitar. It's may had a respray at some point judging by the photos. The headstock shape and the pups put the guitar within the 1977 - 1983 timescale and I would guess we are looking at around 1978 or 1979 for this model although its difficult to be precise because of the alterations. There have been a number of switches and adjustments added over the year by the looks of it but the core beauty of the guitar remains.
Now, to the interesting question of whether the guitar was built for the heavy metal band Saxon, who are still touring to this day. I cannot personally say for sure whether this is the case (if anyone out there can, please do get in touch). However, what we do know is that Saxon formed in 1976 (although they were touring under a different name since the early '70s), in Barnsley, which was definitely within the radius of Pete's Rotherham shop.
The bassist of Saxon, Steve "Dobby" Dawson (the inspiration for This Is Spinal Tap!'s Derek Smalls), came from Swinton originally but lived in Sheffield for many years, meaning he would have undoubtedly come into contact with Pete and his work around the time of their debut album. Dobby's signature guitar is of course - a Jazz Bass (although he usually played a white 4-string model). We could speculate more, but without some more information or proof it would be pointless to get too excited! Here's a photo of Dobby in action:
Either way, this is a rare, wonderful and historical Pete Back bass so thanks very much for getting in touch Stevie - if anyone comes forward with some information I will let you know.
Wow, what a guitar - an 8-string Pete Back Jazz Bass. Let's hear what Stevie has to say:
"Hi, I came upon your site while looking for info on a bass that belongs to a friend of mine.It's a through-neck 8 string Jazz bass with flying V headstock,Jazz width neck, slab body. It allegedly was built for the band Saxon. Unfortunately the neck has twisted, but i have been told that this should be repairable. Any info you could give me would be appreciated. Here are a couple of pics."
Well, first of all, let's take a look at the guitar. It's may had a respray at some point judging by the photos. The headstock shape and the pups put the guitar within the 1977 - 1983 timescale and I would guess we are looking at around 1978 or 1979 for this model although its difficult to be precise because of the alterations. There have been a number of switches and adjustments added over the year by the looks of it but the core beauty of the guitar remains.
Now, to the interesting question of whether the guitar was built for the heavy metal band Saxon, who are still touring to this day. I cannot personally say for sure whether this is the case (if anyone out there can, please do get in touch). However, what we do know is that Saxon formed in 1976 (although they were touring under a different name since the early '70s), in Barnsley, which was definitely within the radius of Pete's Rotherham shop.
The bassist of Saxon, Steve "Dobby" Dawson (the inspiration for This Is Spinal Tap!'s Derek Smalls), came from Swinton originally but lived in Sheffield for many years, meaning he would have undoubtedly come into contact with Pete and his work around the time of their debut album. Dobby's signature guitar is of course - a Jazz Bass (although he usually played a white 4-string model). We could speculate more, but without some more information or proof it would be pointless to get too excited! Here's a photo of Dobby in action:
Either way, this is a rare, wonderful and historical Pete Back bass so thanks very much for getting in touch Stevie - if anyone comes forward with some information I will let you know.
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