My fascination with bass guitars has led me through a diverse collection, but none have captured my heart quite like the Gibson Les Paul Bass. My prized possession is a 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass, a short-scale marvel equipped with Lo-Z pickups. Its unique character and playability are so inspiring that I even crafted a second bass, incorporating Lo-Z Gibson Les Paul guitar pickups and controls to emulate its magic. In the image below, you can see the genuine vintage Gibson Les Paul Bass, the lower instrument, alongside my own creation.
Inspired by my cherished ’69 Les Paul Bass, my initial Brooks bass build shared a similar shape and scale length. However, I opted for different pickups and incorporated a maple top, resulting in a distinct tonal flavor.
Regrettably, my journey with the Gibson Triumph, also known as the Les Paul Bass, was cut short. Financial constraints forced me to part ways with it seven years ago. Despite its departure, the memory of its resonant tone and distinctive feel remains vivid.
The Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat bass, a signature model, was undeniably charming. Yet, in my hands, it lacked the substantial presence and solid feel that I associate with the Gibson Les Paul Bass. Ultimately, it too was sold to make way for instruments that resonated more deeply with my preferences.
Driven by sentimentality, I acquired a vintage Dutch “Magic” bass from 1963, built near my birthplace. However, its unplayable condition led to its eventual sale. It serves as a reminder that nostalgia isn’t always enough to overcome practical limitations in musical instruments.
This CBS bass, crafted in Japan during the 1970s for the Australian market, was a rare find on eBay. Its scarcity was part of its allure, and I held onto it for a decade. However, limited use and a desire to focus on new bass projects prompted its sale three years ago.
The Gibson GFB bass, a long-scale and relatively rare beast, also joined and departed my collection. Its sale was another step in creating space for new bass creations, reflecting a constant cycle of acquisition and refinement in my bass journey.
The Revelation RLB bass, a clever and affordable homage to the Gibson Les Paul Bass, caught my attention on a second-hand website. Despite its different wiring, its impressive quality for the price made it an irresistible purchase, demonstrating that Les Paul inspiration can be found in various forms.
Edited by Basvarken
