Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $300

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive deep into the groove with the Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass, a fusion of iconic design and sonic versatility. This electric bass brings the unmistakable Les Paul silhouette into the low-end territory, equipped with two Alnico bass humbuckers for that rich, resonant sound bassists crave. Whether you're laying down the foundation in a studio session or commanding the stage, this bass, available in both sleek flat black and eye-catching flamed top finishes, ensures you do it with style and substance.

Key Features:

  • Equipped with two Alnico bass humbuckers, offering a wide range of tones.
  • Classic Les Paul body shape, blending iconic design with bass guitar functionality.
  • Available in two finishes: flat black for a sleek, understated look, and flamed top for a touch of visual flair.
  • Ideal for both studio recording and live performances, thanks to its versatile sound and durable construction.

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Allen Woody Rumblekat
Body Material Mahogany, 5-Ply Maple (Top)
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Mahogany, Set
Neck Shape Slimtaper
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Dot
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 30"
Nut Width 1.62"
Bridge/Tailpiece 3-point Adjustable
Tuners Gold
Neck Pickup NYT Bass Mini Humbucker
Middle Pickup NYT Bass Mini Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x master tone
Strings 50-.105
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass delivers a warm, full-bodied tone, thanks to its mahogany body and NYT Bass Mini Humbucker pickups, making it suitable for a variety of music genres, from rock to blues.

Is the Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable Slimtaper neck profile and manageable 30" scale length, which make it easy to play and handle.

How does the Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass handle different playing styles?

The bass's versatile tone controls, including two volume knobs and a master tone knob, allow players to easily adjust their sound for different playing styles, from fingerstyle to slap bass.

What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass features a mahogany body with a 5-ply maple top, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, all contributing to its rich tone and robust build quality.

Does the Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass Trans Red & Black Ltd Edition

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass Trans Red & Black Ltd Edition by PMTVUK

Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass Trans Red & Black Ltd Edition

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass Pitch Black by Music City CZ

Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass Pitch Black

Music City CZ

Music City CZ

Video thumbnail for Epiphone LP Special Bass by universalrenote

Epiphone LP Special Bass

universalrenote

universalrenote

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special BASS by MADMALKO

Epiphone Les Paul Special BASS

MADMALKO

MADMALKO

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special (bass demo) by Nino Djuras

Epiphone Les Paul Special (bass demo)

Nino Djuras

Nino Djuras

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass demo by JMMcC69

Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass demo

JMMcC69

JMMcC69

Reviews

PROS

  • Great low-end sound, perfect for tuned down material

  • Electronics and pickups are responsive and clear

  • Light compared to other Les Paul basses

  • Plays smoothly with low neck action

  • Unique trans-black finish is visually appealing

  • Balanced sound with deep tones

  • Neck is comfortable and fast, reminiscent of other high-end models

  • Offers excellent value for its price

  • Distinct look with potential color variations

  • Ideal for hard rock with drop B tuning

CONS

  • Can be heavy, requiring a wide strap for comfort

  • Ergonomics may lead to neck-dive

  • Some models may have inconsistencies in build quality

  • Occasional hum that might require cavity shielding

  • Finish color may differ from advertised appearance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass.

Build quality

  • Owners note neck dive issues due to poor balance, exacerbated by the top horn not reaching the 12th fret for better weight distribution.

    Source
  • It's been noted that Epiphone's build quality has declined over the years, with older models potentially offering better craftsmanship.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players report a heavy, clunky feel, with a thick "baseball" neck profile that isn't to everyone's taste, especially compared to thinner necks.

    Source
  • One owner noted that while initially uncomfortable, the unique feel of the Les Paul bass becomes more manageable over time, especially compared to jazz or precision basses.

    Source
  • Some players find the Epiphone Les Paul bass shape less appealing, preferring Fender or Ibanez designs for comfort and playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Difficult bridge adjustability; users find the inability to tweak individual string height and challenging intonation adjustments frustrating.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Former users of Squier P Basses and Ibanez SR400s find the Les Paul bass heavier and less ergonomic, with poorer balance.

    Source
  • Some users feel that upper-range Squiers offer better ergonomics and lighter weight compared to the heavier Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • After experiencing tuning issues, it's suggested that changing to more stable tuners could enhance the playability of the Les Paul bass.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bass is noted for producing a profound, clear rock sound, despite ergonomic challenges during long playing sessions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass is often priced around 250-350 USD in other markets, indicating that 800 AUD might be an overpay.

    Source
  • It's suggested that 800 AUD could be a fair price if the bass is in near-mint condition and includes a case, based on market trends.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

not great

saw it used in a local shop thought it looked cool and I love the limited edition epiphones but this thing is in bad shape needs a fret job and a general set up and build quality isnt great. Ive done some work on it so the frets are nice now and it is set up decently well but still not great more of a cool looker, but it only cost me £75.

Genres:
james_ellis_debower

Perfect tone

You wouldn't expect this to sound how it does at this price, partnered with the right amp and pedal, you have the best tone available.

M

Epiphone Les Paul Bass

Have one and play it in drop B tuning for the hard rock sound.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Colin Greenwood uses Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass

Colin Greenwood

Bassist

Radiohead

...
Verified via YouTube

In this music video for the song "Stop whispering", Colin can be seen using a Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass. This can be seen most prominently @ 1:49

See how Jørn "Necrobutcher" Stubberud uses Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass

Jørn "Necrobutcher" Stubberud

Bassist

Mayhem

...
Verified via Photo

Necrobutcher plays the Epiphone Les Paul Special bass these days in most Mayhem live gigs. This bass isn't his original Les Paul bass from the '90s though. In the '90s he used to use a Gibson Les Paul Special bass.

See how Chuck Garric uses Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass

Chuck Garric

Bassist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Chuck plays on Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass

See how Ryan Rumchaks uses Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass

Ryan Rumchaks

Singer, Guitarist

Knuckle Puck

...
Verified via Photo

Ryan Rumchaks is seen with an Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass in his guitar collection, as shown on his Instagram.

B

Brian Leiser

Bassist

Fun Lovin' Criminals

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video of Scooby Snacks Fast plays an Epi LP bass

See how Lars Plegge uses Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass

Lars Plegge

Singer, Bassist

Secrets of the Moon

...
Verified via Photo

In this post from the official Secrets Of The Moon Facebook page, Lars "Daevas" Plegge is shown recording with his Epiphone Les Paul Bass.

See how Frank Polumbo uses Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass

Frank Polumbo

Bassist

Motionless In White

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance video titled "Motionless in White Warped Tour 2007" by BleedingStar7 on YouTube, Frank Polumbo is seen using a Les Paul Bass.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone Les Paul Special Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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