Jack Bruce

serial number A-003638-93, seven-piece laminated through-neck with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, Brazilian rosewood double cutaway contoured body, headstock with veneer and "W" pearl inlay, four black tuners, truss rod cover inscribed "Thumb Bass", two MEC active pickups, three rotary controls, one selection switch, metal bridge and metal tailpiece, two black back plates, in soft 'Rock Case' by Warwick

Excellent use condition, numerous light surface marks visible only in strong light on the bass wing of the body and a part of the treble wing from finger contact. Numerous faint surface marks only visible under strong light around the control knobs, and numerous faint surface marks on the finger board from string contact. Signs of usage on the back of the neck. Numerous light surface marks on the back of the body and of the treble horn indicating extensive playing. Very minor corrosion of bridge saddle screws, signs of usage on control knobs. Serial number is stamped on the back of the headstock and there are three small blemishes on the finish on the back of the headstock. The case is in brand new condition.
"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."

"Irrefutably and undeniably, Jack was the first electric bass virtuoso in history, the first bass player to distinguish himself with a sound that was original, and the only player, other than Jaco [Pastorious], to sound like himself on a fretless bass. His influence over me as a youth was life-changing."
- Jeff Berlin

JACK BRUCE'S FAVOURITE BASS, USED FOR PERFORMANCE AND RECORDING SINCE THE EARLY 1990s, INCLUDING AT THE CREAM REUNION SHOWS IN 2005.

Jack Bruce used two principal guitars during the last 20 years of his career: a fretted Gibson EB1 violin bass and this, his favourite amongst all his guitars, his fretless Warwick Thumb bass.

The guitar itself was crafted by Warwick from a piece of Brazilian rosewood acquired by Warwick's founder, Hans-Peter Wilfer in the 1980s. A bespoke one-off, this was also the first bass Warwick made for Jack in rosewood and remains entirely unique.

From the Cream performance at their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 shortly after the bass was made, to the recording of his final album, Silver Rails, released in March 2014, this Warwick consistently featured as Jack's main instrument. It appeared throughout his tours with Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band; he used it for performances with Ginger Baker and Gary Moore as BBM during the mid-1990s; and, most famously, Jack played it at the Cream Reunion concerts in 2005.

Initially, Jack and Eric considered using the guitars they had during the Cream era for the reunion shows: "Eric and I did try and use the gear we had in the 60s. I think Eric has a Les Paul and we both had Marshalls. But it sounded terrible so we had some fun and went back to our modern gear" (Shapiro, Jack Bruce, p.284).

Jack opened each show on the Gibson violin bass, switching to this Warwick for the closing half, which included 'White Room' and 'Sunshine of Your Love'. 

Jack said of this guitar: "If something ever happened to my old Warwick Fretless Thumb Bass, then I might as well just hang it up [playing bass] entirely, because it is irreplaceable - I love it above all else."

Sold with a certificate of authenticity signed by Jack Bruce.