A bass guitar owned by The Who legend John Entwistle and used by Queen star John Deacon is for sale.
The 1986 Warwick Buzzard is set to fetch up to £40,000.
Entwistle owned it until his death in 2002.
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It was sold in 2003.
Before his death Entwistle had loaned the bass to Deacon.
He played the instrument in the video for Queen’s 1986 single Friends Will Be Friends.
He also performed with it live at the Montreux Pop Festival in 1986, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Its listing says: “The fifth prototype Warwick Buzzard bass made for John Entwistle of The Who in 1986.
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“This instrument was used and retained by Entwistle until his passing on 27 June, 2002 and was subsequently sold by Sotheby’s as part of his estate in May 2003.
“Photo-matched images confirm the bass’s appearance in Entwistle’s book Bass Culture, as well as in other published photographs, including a notable image of the instrument resting on the bar in his home.
“Following the Sotheby’s sale, further information emerged indicating that the bass was loaned to John Deacon of Queen.
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“Grain-matched video evidence shows Deacon playing the instrument in the video for Queen’s 1986 single “Friends Will Be Friends” as well as performing with it live at the Montreux Pop Festival in 1986.
“The bass is sold with the original purchase receipt, lot tags, and sale catalogue from the 2003 Sotheby’s auction.
“Originally designed in collaboration with John Entwistle, the Warwick Buzzard bass is among the most distinctive and innovative instruments produced by the German manufacturer. Introduced in the mid-1980s, it combined Warwick’s precision craftsmanship with Entwistle’s pursuit of power, balance, and individuality.
“With its radical body shape, active electronics, and unmistakably aggressive tone, the Buzzard quickly became an icon of Entwistle’s later sound.
“Constructed from premium tonewoods with through-neck design, it offers exceptional sustain and clarity.
“Produced in limited numbers, the Buzzard remains one of Warwick’s most collectable and recognisable creations, forever associated with Entwistle’s groundbreaking musicianship and style.
“This bass presents a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of intertwined music history, connecting John Entwistle, The Who, John Deacon, Queen, and Warwick’s legacy of innovative bass design.”
It is being auctioned by Gardiner Houlgate, in Corsham, Wilts, on 2 December with a guide price of £20,000 to £40,000.
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