The Supernatural Basses of Mark King
Serial No. 0006
The first Jaydee bass to be owned by Mark King was reviewed in a magazine called “international Musician and Recording World” August 1980. It was from the first batch of six basses under construction. Some were mahogany bodies with the laminated centres. Some had book matched tops and backs of Brazilian Walnut, or Rose Zebrano. I originally started making the bass for another bass player in the U.S.A. but because he didn’t want to pay for it, I finished it anyway. Adding all the little finishing touches like, Saturn inlays, Rosewood control knobs, Brass hardware and one of the first active circuits. The idea of spraying it with the cherry red side came in a moment of inspiration, and has now become a trade mark. The following year it was brought by Mark in a shop in Shaftsbury Avenue.
Serial No……
Mark bought the Second Bass as a result of seeing one of his friends (Steve Barnacle) using a black one. Oh yes! Steve bought it because he saw Mark’s first one. Complicated isn’t it! Anyway, the second bass was a series II in black. The smaller body of the series ii didn’t suit Mark at all, so I made him a third.
(Steve Barnacle is the brother of Gary Barnacle who played sax on Level 42’s debut album)
Serial No. ………
The Third Bass. This became known as the “Starchild” bass. Its creation was inspired by the song of the same name. From the first batch. This bass is actually book matched Brazilian walnut under the white finish. Not a lot of people know that!
Serial No. …………
The fourth bass was another cherry red series I with dot inlays. Bought off one of my work colleagues for £100.00. This bass was later given away in a competition.
Serial No. …………
The fifth bass was tobacco brown sunburst. This bass was given away to “Verdine White” – the bass player with “Earth Wind and Fire” when the band went to the states to record. – Also from the first batch