Louisfw

Yes I discovered his family name was Peakman and knew that he had issues with drinking. I wasn't going to share that but it seems it's well known out there already. Here is an article I found in our local paper about Lorne from 7 years ago. A video too. https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/meet-ex-homeless-man-who-1304951 It's all very sad that he is no longer with us and I don't doubt that although I never knew him, I'll think of him everytime I pick the guitar up 🙂

Many thanks for your excellent reply and pictures, so much more information than I thought I would discover. I've spent the afternoon looking up Lorne and trying to find out more about him. He does appear on many BC Rich forums and Facebook but I never came across any references to the bands he played in, if any. He was able to access a workshop and made the bass lying flat, at the front, with the zig-zag pattern down the fretboard. I think he made the orange bass, with holes, also. When I bought the Ironbird I was only in the house for 10 minutes or so but it was mentioned that Lorne had died and that the last guitar they sold took ages to sell so they were surprised that this one had sold in 40 minutes. What happened to the others? Lorne seemed to buy and sell quite a bit. Most of his postings were around 2007, I think, so perhaps they were all sold off over the passing years. Perhaps he hung on to his favourites. I knew the Ironbird was worth a bit but not that much! Very surprised!! When I got it home, I noticed that the A and D string rattled on the frets. My first thoughts were that the truss rod needs looking at. The whammy bar is also missing but hey! I found a good luthier in Cornwall and was going to take the guitar over but when I rang, he told me he had now retired. (Despite having a full-on website still up and running!) I'll look for someone else. 🙂

😁

Whoops! I never thought about the neck. It's a thru neck. I've added a picture 🙂

I've always wanted an Ironbird bass but never really expected to own one. Then last week, after my after-dinner nap, I was browsing through Facebook Market place and saw one for £250, including the case. Even better, it was only 3 miles away. I immediately offered to buy it and collect it within half an hour and I did. Now that I own it, I'd like to know more about my new acquisition. I've done a bit of research but details are sparse. Also there are no real markings on the bass or in the 'bag of spaghetti' wiring compartment. How can I tell where the bass was made? Does the serial number suggest it was made in 1989? Is it right that the 'R' logo is a custom build? Anyone have any ideas on what the set of toggle switches do? The case is ridiculously heavy and well built. You could throw it off the Eiffel Tower and the guitar inside would remain intact! Any information will be gratefully received. ............. and by the way, do any of the music shops sell a prop to hold the neck up? Just wondering!