Jack Bruce

serial number D369 86, seven piece through-neck with ebony fingerboard and Bubinga wood double cutaway contoured body, headstock with veneer and "W" pearl inlay, four black tuners, brass nut and truss rod cover inscribed "Thumb Bass", two Seymour Duncan active pickups, three rotary controls, metal bridge tailpiece, two back plates, one covered by two strips of black electrical tape, in metal flight case customized with numerous flight stickers, one on the lid inscribed in black felt pen "JB"

Good used condition, metal parts show slight signs of corrosion, electrical tape etc., minor non structured crack on the lower bought of the body on bass side, sign of use on lower bass bout – thumb mark; top part of one control knob broken off.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"I was working in Kurt Renker's studio and I was still searching for a bass I really loved. I went into a music shop in a small town and they had a Warwick. I tried it, I liked it and bought it. Warwick found out, got in touch, and asked me what I thought of it. I said it was a good bass, but that it needed improvements - the balance was very bad. It was a heavy bass... much heavier than a Fender. You need the weight to get the sound, but the balance was all wrong, and that's where the Warwick Thumb comes from" (Shapiro, Jack Bruce, p.284)

This instrument was one of Jack Bruce's first Warwick thumb basses and he can been seen playing it with Eric Clapton for an episode of the BBC's South Bank Show in 1987. It was also used on his 1989 US tour with Ginger Baker and Blues Saraceno.  

Sold with a certificate of authenticity signed by Jack Bruce.