John Entwistle (The Who) – Guild Starfire Bass
John Alec Entwistle (October 9, 1944 – June 27, 2002) was an English bass guitarist, songwriter, singer, and horn player, who was best known as the bass guitarist for the rock bandThe Who. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rock bassists of all time.
Entwistle helped uncover the potential of the bass guitar as a lead instrument, using aggressive pentatonic lead lines, and a trebly sound virtually unheard of in the early 1960s.
The Guitar Details, History and Prominence
With all the relevant certification in place there is absolutely no doubt that this bass belonged to and was played by John Entwistle. It was purchased in the late 80s directly out of John’s private collection.
John purchased/was given this guitar, we believe, mainly for recording sessions (being a stereo bass and a very fine instrument). John probably added this to his private collection for nostalgic reasons, being similar to a semi-acoustic bass he used on stage back in the 60s.
Excerpt of a letter from The Bass Center
This is to confirm that the used Guild Starfire semi-acoustic bass in natural finish, Serial # 101157, with the appropriate attached original Bass Centre price tag and warranty card, appertaining to this instument only, was sold in the late 80’s on behalf of John Entwistle, from our Wapping branch, as part of the sale of several of his basses from his collection.“Barry Moorhouse, The Bass Centre”