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Main Forums => The Bass Zone => Topic started by: FlatEric on December 09, 2010, 06:24:19 AM

Title: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on December 09, 2010, 06:24:19 AM: Hi to all out there and in particular, Kenny. :)

I have, after some time, managed to meet Peter, have lunch and
coffee with him, whislt we meandered through the 60's, 70's and 80's.

I have started off a section in my blog and as soon as I can, I will
update it.

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/2010/12/peter-cook-guitar-builder-eric-and.html (http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/2010/12/peter-cook-guitar-builder-eric-and.html)

As I said in my blog post, a great day! :)

Sit tight and I'll keep you posted - I have promised not to detail anything without
checking with him, so Kenny - mum's the word, for the moment, on what we discussed. OK. Ta.

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on December 09, 2010, 08:46:40 AM: I wasn't even aware of him until Ken first showed us his bass, but when Ken told us what he knew about him, it made me wonder about his story and where he was now.

Let us know when you've posted more.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 09, 2010, 05:19:13 PM: :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X

(you don't know how hard this is... ;))
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Freuds_Cat on December 09, 2010, 05:23:23 PM: Quote from: Kenny's 51st State on December 09, 2010, 05:19:13 PM
:-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X

(you don't know how hard this is... ;))

LOL ;D C'mon Ken....... just between u n me mate ;) It'll be alright 8) No one will ever have to know. :D
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 09, 2010, 05:31:28 PM: thinks... (go forth and multiply oh one of dubious and doubtful origins... ;))

I know enough to respect a source and be to happy to be on the inside...

Good things come to he who waits... (who am I kidding...)

Some good stuff to come, I hope... :o
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Freuds_Cat on December 09, 2010, 05:58:33 PM: Have you contacted wikileaks about this yet?
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 09, 2010, 06:02:11 PM: (shhh... for Chips Rafferty's sake, don't raise the ire of he who must not be named... :o ;))
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: godofthunder on December 10, 2010, 06:04:11 AM: Very cool, can't wait to read it !
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on December 10, 2010, 09:38:40 AM: Quote from: Kenny's 51st State on December 09, 2010, 05:19:13 PM
:-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X

(you don't know how hard this is... ;))

Relax ;)

It will be at least a week before the first installment, so go and ~~wittle whittle wittal~~
shave down some wood on something for a few days.

Heard from him again today but due process has to take it's course!!

See you as soon as I can!!

Cheers. :)

PS.
I could say. . . . . . . . .

No - - - - - - - - - - - you'll 'ave to wait!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 10, 2010, 12:05:45 PM: tease... ;)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on December 20, 2010, 06:48:35 AM: http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/2010/12/peter-cook-guitar-builder-and-musician.html

Click on the above for the first part in a facinating story, told by Peter, himself.

This documents his early days in the music business, when he played as a pro musician,
long before he took a chisel to wood.

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: godofthunder on December 20, 2010, 08:05:59 AM: Great read, love the early history. More please :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on December 20, 2010, 09:12:42 AM: Thanks, Eric, we'll see how patient Ken can be waiting for more.

Now we know where Ned Callan came from.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 21, 2010, 03:44:48 PM: Patience is a virtue I have yet to be blessed with... ;D

(FYI... Peter is the chap with the hooped shirt in the first two pics and the guitarist in the last one iirc)

Please Sir, can we have some more...?
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on December 22, 2010, 12:23:58 PM: :)

All in good time. . . . . . .

I have a few spare hours at Christmas, so. . . . . . . .

pop back soon. :mrgreen:

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on December 23, 2010, 06:16:40 AM: For those "Who" ;D are interested. . . . part 2 of Peter's story is now up.

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/ (http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/)

The end of working with July, expanding into guitar making, developing
the "Ned Callan" range and early work with John Entwistle on the
"FenderBirds" and ExplorerBirds.

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: dadagoboi on December 23, 2010, 07:46:47 AM: Thanks for the fantastic Christmas present!
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: godofthunder on December 23, 2010, 07:47:13 AM: Awesome, I love reading this stuff !
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on December 23, 2010, 08:53:49 AM: thanks, Eric. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Barklessdog on December 23, 2010, 09:00:59 AM: Enjoyed it thanks, any mention of the lower cutaway horned Fenderbirds?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/Musicians/Fendbent.jpg)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 23, 2010, 02:10:04 PM: (any chance of trying to get a rough idea of age of mine...? pretty please...?) ;)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on December 23, 2010, 02:29:08 PM: Quote from: Kenny's 51st State on December 23, 2010, 02:10:04 PM
(any chance of trying to get a rough idea of age of mine...? pretty please...?) ;)

Kenny, Hi.

I will do my best but according to Peter, as he freely admits, some dates are a bit vague - it
was some time ago and as he said to me, "I didn't see any importance in keeping any records -
one instrument, lead to another"

I'll see what I can do. :)

Quote from: dadagoboi on December 23, 2010, 07:46:47 AM
Thanks for the fantastic Christmas present!

A Very Happy Christmas. :)

Quote from: godofthunder on December 23, 2010, 07:47:13 AM
Awesome, I love reading this stuff !

Keep on reading - come back next week! :)

Quote from: Dave W on December 23, 2010, 08:53:49 AM
thanks, Eric. :thumbsup:

You are very welcome - More to come. :)

Quote from: Barklessdog on December 23, 2010, 09:00:59 AM
Enjoyed it thanks, any mention of the lower cutaway horned Fenderbirds?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/Musicians/Fendbent.jpg)

Hi. No mention at the moment.

Anything in particular you want to know??

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 23, 2010, 03:36:59 PM: I was told about '72 where I bought her but I forgot to ask Peter when he did work on her back then...

plus/minus a year or so would be nice...
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Barklessdog on December 24, 2010, 05:54:53 AM: Quote
Hi. No mention at the moment.

Anything in particular you want to know??

How many Fenderbirds did he make for him roughly?

Were the cutaway birds the last ones he did?
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 28, 2010, 05:13:13 AM: I'm aware of the answer to this, as well as an approx figure of how many instruments he built, but that's somebody else's thunder...

All in good time...
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 07, 2011, 06:19:04 AM: Quote from: Kenny's 51st State on December 28, 2010, 05:13:13 AM
I'm aware of the answer to this, as well as an approx figure of how many instruments he built, but that's somebody else's thunder...

All in good time...

Happy New Year, to all.

Sorry for the delay - I have had quite a few questions asked, as well as
the need to confirm some of my research
Contacted Peter on Monday and again today - he will come back to me soon.

Normal service will be resumed shortly!!

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on January 08, 2011, 07:04:23 AM: ... and to your self... ;) :toast:

:popcorn:
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 10, 2011, 06:20:29 AM: The Next Installment. :)

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/ (http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/)

FenderBird, ExplorerBird, The Lightning bolt etc. . . .

Kenny, Hi.

Not sure about dating yours - Peter said that he genuinely didn't
recall the Deep Cut FenderBird, one of six he believes he made for
John and that is a famous instrument.
I think it is safe to say yours is around the time you believe it to
be but pinning it down to a specific year, is perhaps not possible.

Quite a bit more to go, so keep popping back.

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on January 10, 2011, 09:03:06 AM: More interesting revelations. He wasn't even aware of Fenderbird copies! He must have put the guitar making years far behind him.

Thanks, Eric, looking forward to the next post.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: OldManC on January 10, 2011, 01:47:28 PM: I've really enjoyed these posts and look forward to the rest. Thanks for doing these, Eric!
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on January 11, 2011, 01:04:05 PM: Most interesting... pm'd - something he said...
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: uwe on January 12, 2011, 11:31:04 AM: All sehr schön - great reads and pics!
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 12, 2011, 12:34:36 PM: Quote from: uwe on January 12, 2011, 11:31:04 AM
All sehr schön - great reads and pics!

Thank you. :)

There is quite a bit more to come.

The further I have got into this, the more I have found.

Stick with it and pop back over the next few days and more
will be revealed. :)

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 14, 2011, 09:26:10 AM: More Peter Cook.

This'll get you flumoxed!! Ask Kenny for a translation!!

This next part is all about the very advanced Axis Bass & Guitar.

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/ (http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/)

Here's a description of what does what! ???

Here you go:

1. volume knob (near back p/up)

2. cut/boost knob offering 15dB cut/boost

3. Frequency knob which works in turn with cut/boost knob (essentially, you've got a parametric
system - freq range of 80Hz to 20KHz).

4. pickup selector switch

5. pickup phase mini toggle switch

6. Active/Passive mode mini toggle switch - I assume this is a 3 way job as it says that you get
`passive with top cut, full normal passive and active on'.

The three rotary controls govern volume (aided by a pickup selector switch) but the further two
tone pots are not in use when the bass is set passive. When active, the final two pots offer
cut/boost of +/- 15dB and the frequency selected on, what is in effect, a parametric eq system.
The switches offer pickup selection, pickup phase and active/passive mode control; which means
passive with top cut, full normal passive and active on. Overall, the frequency range covered is
80Hz to 20KHz.

Soundwise, the Axis is possibly the most versatile active bass produced in the UK.
A staggering variety of tones is obtainable; a far cry from from some of the less than
phenomenally ranging active basses of recent years.
potential is incredible.

Got That?? ;)

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on January 14, 2011, 11:31:24 AM: Grabbed the link and posted the Shadows vid with an Axis bass Eric mentioned in his blog and above...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vft1hF-5p-w

I wonder if he has schematics for the circuitry in his box in the loft...

Might be interesting to recreate...

Oh yeah, and thanks for the effort re that question - I can now do the math and I can figure out mines birthyear...

And a further edit - who designed the circuit...?

I may have mentioned this to you privately but can't remember - I think there was an article I read in one of the rags when this model was launched, maybe an advert or two - cant be sure...
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: godofthunder on January 14, 2011, 02:49:30 PM: Eris is Peter aware of how mad we are about his Fenderbird creations? Would he be pleased..............................or lawyer up?
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on January 15, 2011, 06:59:11 AM: Considering they are styled on a Gibson body design connected to a Fender neck, I'd be more concerned about Henry... ;)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on January 15, 2011, 08:55:03 AM: Quote from: Kenny's 51st State on January 15, 2011, 06:59:11 AM
Considering they are styled on a Gibson body design connected to a Fender neck, I'd be more concerned about Henry... ;)

Seriously. Henry would never win a lawsuit, since the end product is recognizably not a Gibson product, but the cost of defending a trademark suit will run to six figures. Gibson sues people to get settlements, it seems to be their main business model.

I suspect Peter Cook is flattered that people remember him. In any case there's no way he would have legal claim to the design.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 16, 2011, 03:07:12 AM: Quote from: godofthunder on January 14, 2011, 02:49:30 PM
Eric, is Peter aware of how mad we are about his Fenderbird creations?
Would he be pleased..............................or lawyer up?

Hi.
I don't know - I think he would be flattered - I will ask him. :)

Quote from: Dave W on January 15, 2011, 08:55:03 AM
Seriously. Henry would never win a lawsuit, since the end product is recognizably not a Gibson product, but the cost of defending a trademark suit will run to six figures. Gibson sues people to get settlements, it seems to be their main business model.

I suspect Peter Cook is flattered that people remember him. In any case there's no way he would have legal claim to the design.

Hi. Perhaps not!

These, on the other hand. . . . . . . .

(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy74/FlatEricPics/OxAxe.jpg)

(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy74/FlatEricPics/Flame1.jpg)

(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy74/FlatEricPics/Bolt-1.jpg)

(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy74/FlatEricPics/Bolt1.jpg)

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on January 16, 2011, 09:52:32 AM: Eric,

If he ever had design patents on any of those unusual shapes, they would be long expired by now.

If he ever claimed a trademark on any of them, it wouldn't be valid now. In order to trademark any product shape, the first requirement is that it has to be in regular production.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Barklessdog on January 17, 2011, 05:36:53 AM: Thank you for the ongoing updates. Funny how he does not seem to realize the impact of the Fenderbird / explorer birds.

Great work & thanks again.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 17, 2011, 06:21:56 AM: Quote from: Barklessdog on January 17, 2011, 05:36:53 AM
Thank you for the ongoing updates. Funny how he does not seem to realize the impact of the Fenderbird / explorer birds.

Great work & thanks again.

Thank you.

Some more to come, so keep looking.

Cheers. :)

Quote from: Dave W on January 16, 2011, 09:52:32 AM
Eric,

If he ever had design patents on any of those unusual shapes, they would be long expired by now.

If he ever claimed a trademark on any of them, it wouldn't be valid now. In order to trademark any product shape, the first requirement is that it has to be in regular production.

Dave, Hi.

Yes, I think we all realise that it was a very long time ago.

I don't think Peter is that bothered to be honest and further more,
is perhaps not even aware of the amount of "Tributes" there are
out there.
For me - and this is my opinion, I just think it would be nice if
he was acknowledged, if nothing else.
After all, it is a Fender Stratocaster, not "The Buddy Holly Six String"
or the Gibson EDS-1275 Twin Neck, not "The Jimmy Page Twin" - if you
can see where I am coming from.

Let's put it like this, when I started my research into Peter Cook, who
let's face it, is the creator of the instruments that a lot of you guys
admire - all I got when I Googled Peter Cook, was "you know who" - Dud!! ;D

Even if you put Peter Cook Guitars, it only came up with the shop he used to run.

Peter Cook - Guitar Maker/Builder/Luthier. . . . . Not much at all. ???

At least when you do that now, you will be able to find out a great deal
about him and his work, so for me - Result. ;)

Next instalment coming up soon.

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: dadagoboi on January 17, 2011, 06:32:09 AM: Quote from: FlatEric on January 17, 2011, 06:21:56 AM
Thank you.

Some more to come, so keep looking.

Cheers. :)

Dave, Hi.

Yes, I think we all realise that it was a very long time ago.

I don't think Peter is that bothered to be honest and further more,
is perhaps not even aware of the amount of "Tributes" there are
out there.
For me - and this is my opinion, I just think it would be nice if
he was acknowledged, if nothing else.
After all, it is a Fender Stratocaster, not "The Buddy Holly Six String"
or the Gibson EDS-1275 Twin Neck, not "The Jimmy Page Twin" - if you
can see where I am coming from.

Let's put it like this, when I started my research into Peter Cook, who
let's face it, is the creator of the instruments that a lot of you guys
admire - all I got when I Googled Peter Cook, was "you know who" - Dud!! ;D

Even if you put Peter Cook Guitars, it only came up with the shop he used to run.

Peter Cook - Guitar Maker/Builder/Luthier. . . . . Not much at all. ???

At least when you do that now, you will be able to find out a great deal
about him and his work, so for me - Result. ;)

Next instalment coming up soon.

Cheers. :)

I name Peter Cook as builder of the original Fenderbird on my site and will be adding designer to that based on your conversations with him. Thanks so much for tracking him down.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on January 17, 2011, 08:59:17 AM: Eric, he certainly deserves full recognition as the originator. I appreciate your efforts to make that come about.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 17, 2011, 12:00:05 PM: No problem, it's been a pleasure. :)

Next Part:

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/ (http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/)

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 19, 2011, 01:16:51 PM: Hi.

Just heard from Peter. :)

I asked him if there was anything he wished to add or remembered.
I also asked if he was aware of the following of the FenderBirds and ExplorerBirds.
The "Tribute" build, both and home - semi commercial and commercial.

This is is cut and pasted from "the man himself"

"Eric.
Great work - I really like your Blog, you’ve dug up some good stuff.

Nothing else really comes to mind but it’s good to know that the FenderBirds/ExplorerBirds live on ..."

There you go - what more can you say??

One thing I have noticed, for the keen followers out there. . . . .
Peter always refers to them with Capital letters.
ExplorerBirds and FenderBirds, so from now on - that's how they should be.

Next part at the end of the week. :)

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: godofthunder on January 19, 2011, 01:37:54 PM: As always great stuff! "FenderBirds" it is! Nice that he approves of us mucking about with his design.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on January 19, 2011, 02:10:05 PM: Coming along nicely, Eric... 8)

I never did post the (sort of) finished pics and I don't see the point in digging up my old "Phoenix" thread, so...

Still not sure what to call mine... always just been identified as "Peter Cook Custom" - Phoenix has kinda stuck with me though (rebuilt from my rather abusive and destructive past to present condition) with the cherry/amber burst over a myrtle burl - if you look closely, the book-ended veneer has a "winged" image above the Mudbucker that looks very like a stylised bird-of-prey...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20110119PC4.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20110119PC12.jpg)

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20110119PC8.jpg)

Birth year is probably around '72 and I've owned her since '77...

Through-neck ThunderBird with a Precision "D" profile neck, Gibson Mudbucker (with coil tap to 4 position switch - out-of-phase/standard/series/coil nearest bridge) and RD Artist pup hiding under a T'bird cover - controls are volume only - minature switch bypasses controls - XLR socket wired for stereo use (one for each pup) - body/neck is mahogany - construction is neck-thru in three pieces with an ebony board - body is two wings with "neck" through centre and built-up at back to match standard Gibson profile - the lower cutaway being deeper is as from new - original colour was cherry red - all hardware was gold - the original Gibson bridge and tail-piece was refitted during the rebuild - original Peter Cook pups are "lost" - (one died and the other is somewhere in my loft) - still have to sort out the screwy wiring for the volume controls but have a lead from another thread here...
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 20, 2011, 09:47:03 AM: Next Part.

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/ (http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/)

Peter Cook, Custom Builds.

Kenny?

Step forward, you're on!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on January 20, 2011, 09:58:54 AM: Excellent!

And we get to see young Ken (with hair) again.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on January 20, 2011, 11:19:25 AM: Hair today, gone tomorrow... ;D

Again, nice work...
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on January 21, 2011, 04:44:23 PM: The most frightening thing about knowing some of this stuff in advance was the knowledge of how few instruments are truly tagged with the "Peter Cook" moniker... that stunned me...

Can you clarify something for me please, Eric...?

Post you getting in direct contact and when we spoke you discussed the quantity built to be around "50" - in the latest blog you discuss it as being "50" as well as the JAE 'Birds...

so... do you mean he built around 50 or 60 instruments from "scratch" ?

One way or another - they are very RareBirds...
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 28, 2011, 10:33:08 AM: Hi.

In answer to Kenny's question . . . . .

As far as can be made out and we have discussed this element twice - as per the blog. :thumbsup:

. . . . . .but you have to bear in mind that apart from the famous basses
he made for John Entwistle, there are perhaps only around fifty others
that he made!
Yes, 50 - Five Zero!
As Peter said, "there were around fifty", there may be 51, 53 or 55 - it's
hard to tell, as once the job was done, he then moved onto repairs and
day to day things, before embarking on the next project.

So in essence, you have approximately 2% of production and I have 4%!
Ha Ha, so between us, we have around 6% of the total produced! :toast:

I want to move back onto my collection/Peter is busy at the moment but
we have talked about digging out the dusty old papers in the loft . . . . .
So. . . . . . . . not sure what we will find there!
Spiders or. . . . . specs, customers ideas, sketches, costings etc, etc!! :rimshot:

Next part up now.

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/

Cheers. :toast:
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on January 30, 2011, 12:52:37 PM: Nice work Eric

Many thanks
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on January 31, 2011, 01:15:02 AM: Errrr, Thanks Mate! ;) (Said in a Tony Blackburn/Smashy and Nicey voice) :thumbsup:

I have something else to tell you that you will like a lot.

I am going to keep you in suspense and when you find out, you can
tell everyone here, how excited you are!

Ha Ha - that'll give you some sleepless nights!

Cheers. :toast:
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on January 31, 2011, 08:21:35 AM: Now I'm trying to figure out what that could mean.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on January 31, 2011, 09:32:53 AM: ok... ya got me there...?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFwMQhqws6c
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: uwe on February 01, 2011, 10:48:03 AM: Quote from: Kenny's 51st State on January 19, 2011, 02:10:05 PM
Coming along nicely, Eric... 8)

I never did post the (sort of) finished pics and I don't see the point in digging up my old "Phoenix" thread, so...

Still not sure what to call mine... always just been identified as "Peter Cook Custom" - Phoenix has kinda stuck with me though (rebuilt from my rather abusive and destructive past to present condition) with the cherry/amber burst over a myrtle burl - if you look closely, the book-ended veneer has a "winged" image above the Mudbucker that looks very like a stylised bird-of-prey...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20110119PC4.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20110119PC12.jpg)

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20110119PC8.jpg)

Birth year is probably around '72 and I've owned her since '77...

Through-neck ThunderBird with a Precision "D" profile neck, Gibson Mudbucker (with coil tap to 4 position switch - out-of-phase/standard/series/coil nearest bridge) and RD Artist pup hiding under a T'bird cover - controls are volume only - minature switch bypasses controls - XLR socket wired for stereo use (one for each pup) - body/neck is mahogany - construction is neck-thru in three pieces with an ebony board - body is two wings with "neck" through centre and built-up at back to match standard Gibson profile - the lower cutaway being deeper is as from new - original colour was cherry red - all hardware was gold - the original Gibson bridge and tail-piece was refitted during the rebuild - original Peter Cook pups are "lost" - (one died and the other is somewhere in my loft) - still have to sort out the screwy wiring for the volume controls but have a lead from another thread here...

Nice. Very much so.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on February 04, 2011, 10:25:48 AM: Vielen dank Herr des Bass...
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on February 14, 2011, 11:49:22 AM: Peter Cook, The Final Cut. . . . or is it? ? ? ?

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/ (http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/)

Cheers Guys!

Eric. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on February 14, 2011, 02:07:19 PM: Quote from: FlatEric on February 14, 2011, 11:49:22 AM
Peter Cook, The Final Cut. . . . or is it? ? ? ?

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/ (http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/)

Cheers Guys!

Eric. :)

A fitting end to your series, unless Peter digs up more info or remembers more details.

Thanks, Eric.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on February 15, 2011, 12:34:29 PM: Seconded... ;)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on March 18, 2011, 06:25:10 AM: Hi.

Just a quickie, aimed at Kenny and other Peter Cook fans - I have found
another Axis Guitar and also someone who has several "Neds".
The "Ned" story, I will come to later.

http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/ (http://flatericbassandguitar.blogspot.com/)

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on March 18, 2011, 07:51:21 AM: Too bad about that Kahler. :sad:
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on March 18, 2011, 01:57:02 PM: He should put that trc back where it belongs, imho

Eric, you not firing on all cylinders then...?
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on March 23, 2011, 01:10:08 AM: Quote from: Kenny's 51st State on March 18, 2011, 01:57:02 PM
He should put that trc back where it belongs, imho

Eric, you not firing on all cylinders then...?

Hi. Update. :)

I have now been contacted by someone who has known Peter since 1967 and worked
with him on the "Ned" project.
We are going to have a long chat, as he says he has read all the blog posts about Peter
and says he can add to the story. It was him who, amongst a lot of other things, wound
all the Pick-ups. Will keep you posted. :)

Kenny, not all cylinders :-[
I's a long story, started in 2007, when I seemed to start acquiring a lot of Short and Medium
scales - still got most of them. ;D
I got something called "Trigger Finger" on the little finger of my left hand - it was either straight
or bent but could not be bent progressively. Didn't hurt but there was also a very small lump on
my palm, over my knuckle, which was descibed as a calcium deposit or something else that I
can't remember now. The trigger finger went away after about a year.
Anyway, the lump has got progressively bigger, now about the size of half a grape!!
Had X Rays, Ultrasound and on Monday, MRI scan and then after that. . . . . .
A gig at one of our most favourite venues is booked the first week in May and I have been told
that playing would be out of the question for about six weeks after the op. . . . . work it out
for yourself. :-X :-\ :-X

Sad Eric. :sad:
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on March 23, 2011, 07:41:39 AM: Too bad about your finger. At least it sounds like it can be fixed. Take care.

What does it have to do with you acquiring medium and short scale basses? Did you change the way you play?

We'll look forward to more on the Peter Cook saga.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Barklessdog on March 23, 2011, 09:26:16 AM: Thanks for being so thorough & dedicated. sorry about the finger.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on March 24, 2011, 05:46:05 PM: Bummer, to use an American parlance...
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Roj on November 27, 2013, 08:18:26 AM: Just joined and found this post. Thanks Eric for the Peter Cook info. I had a Ned Callan Custom bass back in the early seventies so this bought back some memories
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 04, 2013, 04:47:24 PM: Eric drops in from time to time but concentrates his time elsewhere... there's just the two of us with PC's on the site - no Ned has come up for sale for some time, nor a PC, afaik
If you dig further you'll find my rebuild thread for mine which I'll finish one of these days... :rolleyes: ;D
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on December 05, 2013, 05:58:59 AM: Kenny, Hi to you and all the Outposters! :)

I now have Three Peter Cook and two Neds. :)

Cast yer mincers over this one!
http://basschat.co.uk/topic/222104-ned-callan-bass/page__fromsearch__1 (http://basschat.co.uk/topic/222104-ned-callan-bass/page__fromsearch__1)

Not that common, eh?

Not mine, as you can see but I wouldn't mind a go!

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on December 10, 2013, 06:00:40 AM: Hi. :)

Bit of a Peter Cook update.

Peter was a musician before he started making guitars.
The band was and is still, July.

(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy74/FlatEricPics/JulyAlbums_zps2c8b5d5e.jpg)

It was part of the psychedelic scene at the time and amongst officainadoes, it was one
of THE ones to listen to.
Vinyl copies fetch big money - hundreds of ££$£$£$£.

Anyway, I'll get to the point (yes please do! :) ) - I have been in touch with Peter,
over the last few days and musically, July now has a new album out.
See here.
https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/JULY/239366944425 (https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/JULY/239366944425)

He has not been well and has put up a typical comment from him, if you look at the
entry on the 22nd November.

I'm sure we all wish him well.

If you are into Country, Thrash Metal or Techno, the album may not be your cup of tea
but none the less - Peter is still out there, doing the business. :)

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Dave W on December 10, 2013, 07:40:05 PM: Sorry to hear about his illness, obviously it's still serious.

Wouldn't be my cup of tea but best wishes for them on the new album.
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 11, 2013, 03:14:07 PM: Good luck Pete...!

Eric... three PC's...? and two Ned's...?

Link and pics please... the Axis, double Firebird and the one Ned I know, but...?

:popcorn:
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: FlatEric on December 17, 2013, 05:57:00 AM: Quote from: CAR-54 on December 11, 2013, 03:14:07 PM
Good luck Pete...!

Eric... three PC's...? and two Ned's...?

Link and pics please... the Axis, double Firebird and the one Ned I know, but...?

:popcorn:

Kenny, Hi. :)

As Peter said to me, John (JAE) had "Noah's Arc Syndrome" and if he ever found
anything he liked, he would by at least one other and in many cases, several more!
If he found a pair of jeans he liked - he would get a dozen.
Well, I had the one Ned and then I spotted another one (the one that disappeared off the screen ;D )
and thought, Mmm - that looks nice!
I haven't got any pics of it yet - Sorreeee!
And finally - according to Peter, he made around 8 Axis Basses and 8 Axis Guitars (he says he can't
remember exactly but 8 sounds about right) well. . . . . .
I now have Axis Guitar 004.
I've had it for a couple of years but haven't got around to taking any good pics of it yet, so I'll leave
you with these as a tease, until I can get some shots that it deserves.

(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy74/FlatEricPics/pcaxisrear2_zpse2e0b73d.jpg)

(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy74/FlatEricPics/pcaxis1_zps36b526bc.jpg)

(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy74/FlatEricPics/pcaxist004_zps5f6a9654.jpg)

The workmanship has to be seen to be believed!

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: Peter Cook, Gutar Maker - Eric and Peter meet. . . . . .
Post by: Highlander on December 17, 2013, 03:32:48 PM: That's just plain greedy, oh flat one... ;)