For sale is a one-off, hand-built 5-string Jazz-style bass by respected UK luthier Jim Cairnes, built in 1994 as a 30th anniversary instrument.
Cairnes was known for his custom work and pickup building and also worked as Chris Rea’s guitar tech in the mid-80s. His output was small and many instruments were individual commissions, so they don’t appear on the market very often.
This bass is very much a player’s instrument — a serious, professional build using quality woods and hardware rather than a factory production model.
Specifications
• 5-string Jazz-style bass
• Beautiful Bird’s Eye Maple neck
• EMG pickups
• Active / Passive operation
• Schaller machine heads
• Hand built in the UK
• One-off custom build
It’s solid, resonant and versatile, with the clarity and authority you’d expect from EMGs, plus a very comfortable neck.
Headstock
The bass previously had a Fender-style waterslide decal which had begun to lift and has now been carefully removed. The headstock is unbranded, which better reflects the instrument as a genuine Jim Cairnes custom build and avoids any confusion with production models.
Condition
This is not a case queen — it has been played and enjoyed — but it remains in good, honest condition and is ready to work.
Price
£1,300
I believe this is a fair reflection of the quality of the build and the reality of selling a niche, hand-built instrument. I’m not looking to entertain speculative offers.
If you’re interested, feel free to message for more photos or details. Thanks
For sale is a one-off, hand-built 5-string Jazz-style bass by respected UK luthier Jim Cairnes, built in 1994 as a 30th anniversary instrument. Cairnes was known for his custom work and pickup building and also worked as Chris Rea’s guitar tech in the mid-80s. His output was small and many instruments were individual commissions, so they don’t appear on the market very often. This bass is very much a player’s instrument — a serious, professional build using quality woods and hardware rather than a factory production model. Specifications • 5-string Jazz-style bass • Beautiful Bird’s Eye Maple neck • EMG pickups • Active / Passive operation • Schaller machine heads • Hand built in the UK • One-off custom build It’s solid, resonant and versatile, with the clarity and authority you’d expect from EMGs, plus a very comfortable neck. Headstock The bass previously had a Fender-style waterslide decal which had begun to lift and has now been carefully removed. The headstock is unbranded, which better reflects the instrument as a genuine Jim Cairnes custom build and avoids any confusion with production models. Condition This is not a case queen — it has been played and enjoyed — but it remains in good, honest condition and is ready to work. Price £1,300 I believe this is a fair reflection of the quality of the build and the reality of selling a niche, hand-built instrument. I’m not looking to entertain speculative offers. If you’re interested, feel free to message for more photos or details. Thanks
