Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,850

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the thunderous tones and sleek aesthetic of the Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3, a masterpiece crafted for those who demand both style and substance in their music. This electric bass guitar is a nod to the iconic Les Paul lineage, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern enhancements for a truly dynamic playing experience.

Sporting a classic design that pays homage to its predecessors, the LPB-3 features TB Plus humbuckers paired with a Bartolini preamp, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with exceptional clarity and depth. Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or commanding the stage, this bass promises to elevate your sound with precision and power.

The trapezoid inlays add a touch of elegance to the sleek fingerboard, while its robust construction ensures durability and longevity, making it a reliable companion for any bassist. A premium figured top, available in models post-1993, enhances its visual appeal, making it as much a joy to behold as it is to play.

Key Features:

  • TB Plus humbuckers with Bartolini preamp for versatile tonal options
  • Classic trapezoid inlays for a refined aesthetic
  • Premium figured top available in models post-1993
  • Rich history dating back to the original Les Paul Bass of 1970
  • Years of Production: 1991 - 1995

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model LPB-3 Les Paul Standard Bass
Finish Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honey Burst, Vintage Sunburst
Year 1991 - 1995
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3?

The Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 is known for its warm, rich tone with a strong low-end presence, thanks to its mahogany body and dual humbucking pickups. It's versatile enough for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 offers high-quality construction and sound, its features and price point may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players seeking a professional-grade instrument.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3?

The Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 features a comfortable, rounded neck profile that provides smooth playability, making it suitable for various playing styles and techniques.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 have active or passive pickups?

The Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 is equipped with passive pickups, offering a classic, natural bass tone without the need for an onboard preamp.

How does the Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 handle different music genres?

With its versatile tone and robust build, the Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 excels in genres such as rock, blues, and jazz, providing a strong bass foundation and clear articulation across styles.

bajjjan records

bajjjan records

Gibson LPB-3 Bass + Shift Line Olympic MkIIIS | quick test

Video thumbnail for Gibson LPB-3 Bass + Shift Line Olympic MkIIIS | quick test by bajjjan records

Gibson LPB-3 Bass + Shift Line Olympic MkIIIS | quick test

bajjjan records

bajjjan records

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship with an ebony fretboard and a stunning finish

  • Powerful TB pickups offer versatile tonal options

  • Warwick bridge allows detailed adjustments for personalized playability

  • Pickup selector switch provides both vintage and modern tones

  • Commands attention with its tone and room-filling presence

  • Effortless action enhances playability and comfort

  • Rare and distinctive, adding uniqueness to any collection

CONS

  • Price has increased significantly over time

  • Heavy weight may be uncomfortable for some players

  • Older models may have cosmetic wear like nicks and bumps

  • May require additional investment for optimal setup and condition

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3.

Build quality

  • It's been noted that the Babicz full contact bridge is a significant upgrade over the stock bridge, improving tone transfer from string vibrations.

    Source
  • The trapezoid inlays without binding are polarizing, with some finding the unbound appearance aesthetically unappealing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some owners describe the cherry burst finish as too bright with a sharp color transition, preferring subtler options like honey burst or tobacco burst.

    Source
  • Gibson Les Paul Basses from the mid-'90s sometimes used Warwick bridges, which some players appreciate for their sturdiness.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user upgraded their Les Paul Bass with humbucker-sized P90 pickups, a Babicz bridge, and a ZeroGlide nut for better performance.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner found their Epiphone Les Paul Bass quiet, suggesting new pickups might be necessary for better output.

    Source
  • Owners note that the bass is notably heavy, with some suggesting a 3-inch wide or bungee strap to manage the weight better.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Les Paul Bass is compared to the ESP EC series for a similar shape but with a more standard bridge setup and EMG pickups.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Duff McKagan uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Duff McKagan

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Twitter

In this Twitter (now X) post from January 2022, fan group DuffMcKaganArgentina wrote

“Two differents pictures same gig! @DuffMcKagan live @gunsnroses Tokio Dome, Tokio, Japan 🇯🇵. January 1993. Probably the first show where Duff play the Gibson Les Paul Bass.”

See how Gene Simmons uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Gene Simmons

Singer, Bassist

Kiss

...
Verified via YouTube

Rare video of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are playing Kiss song "Goin' Blind" at MTV studios. Gene has Gibson Les Paul Standard Bass LPB-3

See how Mike Inez uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Mike Inez

Bassist

Alice in Chains

...
Verified via Photo

A photograph from a website listing Mike Inez’s gear confirms that he uses the Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3, as this bass is included on the list.

See how Allen Woody uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Allen Woody

Bassist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Google

This image from Gov’t Mule on Conan performing “Mule” on 12/29/95. You can see him playing the Les Paul bass throughout the whole video.

See how Me’Shell Ndegéocello uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Me’Shell Ndegéocello

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Me’Shell Ndegéocello is known to have played a Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 during the 1990s, as evidenced by her appearances with the instrument in various photos and live performances. This is further supported by a video from Scott's Bass Lessons on YouTube titled "3 🔥🔥🔥 MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO MOMENTS," where she is seen using this specific bass guitar.

See how Jay DeMarcus uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Jay DeMarcus

Singer, Bassist

Rascal Flatts

...
Verified via YouTube

Starting in 2007, Jay started using a Tobacco sunburst Gibson LP3 Bass. The bass was only played on the Rascal Flatts song “Me & My Gang. The only official Pro shot footage of Jay playing the bass was from a special concert for “Yahoo Nissan live sets” in 2007. The bass has been caught on film being used by Jay during the Rascal Flatts “still feels good” tour from mid 2007 to mid 2008. Since then the bass has not been brought out on any more Rascal Flatts tours. Video of the Yahoo Nissan live set’s performance can no longer be found online but the official audio released by rascal Flatts can be found on their Greatest hits volume 1 record.

See how Javier Malosetti uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Javier Malosetti

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

Malosetti sumó un Gibson Les Paul Bass para sus presentaciones en vivo en 2022.

See how Pete Turner uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Pete Turner

Bassist

Elbow

...
Verified via Photo

You can see Pete playing a LP bass

See how Kevin Blades uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Kevin Blades

Bassist

Lit

...
Verified via Photo

In the image, Kevin Blades is visibly playing a Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3.

See how Henny Vrienten uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Henny Vrienten

Composer

Doe Maar

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot the study room of Henny; on the left you can spot a Gibson Les Paul bass

See how Bari Bass uses Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3

Bari Bass

Bassist

Phony Ppl

...
Unverified

Album Usage

The Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3 has been featured on the following albums:

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 Gibson Les Paul Bass LPB-3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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