Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass

1975 USA made
Standard Tobacco Les Paul Recording Bass

Easy to play cuz of the short scale.
Great tone. Many settings for just about any music.
Records amazingly well. Can sound like a herd of buffalo or a gentle rain.
Surprisingly great recording tone that fits into just about any mix.
A top secret instrument.

Finished beautifully, a work of art.

Built like a tank. Will take lots of abuse.
The control plate mounted jack is in a bad place as if you step on the cable, it'll crack the plate. Happened to me twice. Control plate is impossible to find. Had to have it custom made.

Gibson rocks!!
Sent my original bass in many moons ago under warranty and the fixed the neck, was no big deal. Just wanted the factory to set it up. Did so under warranty. Got lost in shipping on the return trip. Almost had to replace it for me. Was gone for six months. Henry J's, Gibson's owner, ego is another issue...

This is my second LP Recording bass. Owned the original one for ten years. Was stoopid to sell it, took forever to find another one like it. There's many out there that are in bad shape. One in good shape is worth every penny. It really is a rare gem. Don't care if nobody plays it, I go after the sound-tone and playability. Have been playing professionally for 35 years, this bass feels like home. Low bottom end for such a short neck. It makes you play very differently than on a Jazz or P bass scale. Chording on it is so easy. It provides such a thick bottom that people have no choice but to dance and groove. Am glad nobody plays it. If you can't hold up it's weight up then you shouldn't play it!!!!! Not for wimps or wusses... It's got heft and the tone shows it!!! INSANE TONE!!!! Sounds like a bass should...
Anyone know of one of these with a brass control plate and truss rod cover? It's my old one, would love to have it back!!!

1968 or 1969 Fretted RHP 4 String Recording Bass. Made in USA. Short scale, standard number or frets. Solid Mohogany body. Volume, Tone and blend knobs. Dual pick-up switches. Neck and bridge single coil passive pick ups. Hardshell case and strap provided.

The recording basses claim to fame was it's ability to mimic all current basses through a combination of switches and controls. It provides a smooth sound that can be manipulated to produce a solid JP thump or a bright, crisp Gibson mid/high for soloing. It is remarkably quiet for it's age and vintage, not producing anywhere near the hum found on my 68' Fender Jazz Bass. It is definately better in the studio than on the stage as it is without a doubt THE HEAVIEST BASS I'VE EVER SEEN. Don't let the body size fool you, this thing is heavy. Three sets with this baby and you'll need the chiropractor for sure. +

Great action, narrow neck, definately build for speed. Pickups are great and this is one beautifully finished guitar. After almost 40 years on this earth this bass is still extremely beautiful.

The bass can withstand live playing but your shoulder will NOT. Hardwares bright and pretty after 35 plus years as is the finish on the body. Strap buttons are okay as is neck straight and true. Thin head stock on Gibson basses have often led to them snapping off and needing repair. This is no exception but the glue had held over 20 years it's really no biggie.

Never dealt with as bass was bought new. Wish there was more information on these basses in the Gibson database

Excellent guitar for studio work if you've a nice comfortable stool and padded shoulder strap. NOT made for steady giggin' as it's weight is prohibitive. Comparable to other basses of it's vintage but is no where near the working bass that a Fender Jazz or Precision is. Great to record with and a good conversation piece.