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Average Price: $2,000

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover the sonic power and versatility of the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass, a true testament to Gibson's innovative spirit and commitment to bass players. This top-tier bass guitar, hailing from the 70's, boasts Les Paul-designed low-impedance pickups that deliver incredibly smooth and clear sound. Thanks to its feature-heavy control setup, it offers exceptional flexibility, allowing you to easily switch between different tones and styles. Whether you're laying down grooves in the studio or rocking out on stage, the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass is your ticket to unrivaled musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Les Paul-designed low-impedance pickups for smooth, clear sound
  • Feature-heavy control setup for exceptional tonal versatility
  • Top-tier Gibson design, a testament to the brand's innovative spirit
  • Ideal for both studio recording and live performances.

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Triumph Bass
Finish Walnut, White
Year 1971 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Color Family Brown, White
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass?

The Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass has a scale length of 30.5 inches (775 mm), making it a short-scale bass ideal for players seeking a more compact instrument.

What kind of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass have?

The Triumph Bass features passive humbucking pickups, providing a warm and rich tone suitable for various musical styles.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass offers quality craftsmanship and sound, its vintage nature and specific features may be better suited for experienced players looking for a unique and classic instrument.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass?

The body and neck of the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass are made of mahogany, with a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm tonal characteristics.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass have an active preamp?

No, the Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass does not have an active preamp, relying instead on its passive pickups for sound production.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1975 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1975 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1975 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Triumph bass 1972 All original !!!! by peps579

Gibson Les Paul Triumph bass 1972 All original !!!!

peps579

peps579

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass - Sounds by Tom Goode

1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass - Sounds

Tom Goode

Tom Goode

Video thumbnail for All The Basses 013: Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass // Serek Basses by Serek Basses

All The Basses 013: Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass // Serek Basses

Serek Basses

Serek Basses

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Triumph bass 1972 test drive slap by peps579

Gibson Les Paul Triumph bass 1972 test drive slap

peps579

peps579

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass 1972 Walnut by WelcomeGuitars

Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass 1972 Walnut

WelcomeGuitars

WelcomeGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Comes with original hardshell case, adding vintage value and unique "grandma's basement" scent, indicative of its age and storage history.

    Source
  • The bass is notably heavy due to its solid mahogany construction, which can be uncomfortable for players with back issues.

    Source
  • The Babicz full contact bridge is praised for its superior tone transfer, but installation is more complicated than other models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the rarity and vintage appeal, often using it primarily for studio purposes rather than live performance.

    Source
  • Despite criticism, some owners find the Les Paul Junior bass model to be lighter and more comfortable, with a nice low action and great tone.

    Source
  • Owners find the necks on 1970s Les Paul Triumph basses surprisingly thin, contrasting with the thicker necks of other models like the Stingray.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite being a vintage piece, owners express a desire to play it, suggesting its appeal isn't purely as a collectible.

    Source
  • The Les Paul bass is praised for its unique low midrange tone, suitable for classic tracks like Fiona Apple's "Sleep to Dream" and "Criminal."

    Source
  • Robert Sledge of Ben Folds Five used a Les Paul bass with a Big Muff pedal for lead-like bass lines, demonstrating its versatility in a trio setting.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Original strings are noted for their dulled, short-sustain tone, prompting consideration for string updates.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck pickup's placement right on the neck results in a muddy tone, which some players find unique but is generally considered poor for bass.

    Source
  • The Babicz bridge saddles make full contact with strings, enhancing tonal transfer, a feature appreciated by several users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners suggest trying the Epiphone Thunderbird for a similar tone without the neck dive, offering better necks and overall features.

    Source
  • The Epiphone Les Paul Standard bass is valued around $600, while the Special model is priced between $300-400, offering budget alternatives to Gibsons.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • To achieve a similar sound to the LP bass, consider Reverend Guitars' Dub King, which offers a similar vibe with better ergonomics.

    Source
  • Some owners replace stock bridges with Babicz for improved performance, though it's noted as a complex installation.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Ocean uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Frank Ocean

Singer, Rapper

Odd Future

...
Verified
Color/Finish: Alpine White Year: 1975

During Frank Ocean's 2017 live performances at FYF Fest, WayHome, and Way Out West, his bassist - Ben Reed - was seen using a Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass, notably during the live renditions of "Self Control," "Good Guy," and "Close To You." The bass is seen in his FYF Fest performance while the stage assistant hands over a Gibson SG Bass as a replacement for the track "Futura Free." at 1:04:29. Additionally, the bass appeared in an I-D photoshoot, held by Austin Feinstein.

See how Chris Squire uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Chris Squire

Singer, Bassist

Yes

...
Verified via Photo

Squire can be seen in this photo with a Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass among his other basses.

See how Adam Clayton uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Adam Clayton

Bassist

U2

...
Verified via Tripod

The link has more notes but he used this bass on the Achtung Baby sessions and live on One on the U2 360 tour.

See how Alex James uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Alex James

Bassist

Blur

...
Verified via Photo

James can be seen in this photo playing a Les Paul Triumph Bass.

See how Tina Weymouth uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Tina Weymouth

Singer, Bassist

Talking Heads

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Weymouth can be seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass.

See how Walter Becker uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Walter Becker

Guitarist, Bassist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via Julienslive

"A 1970 Les Paul Studio bass with solid ebony-lined mahogany body and neck. Dual oval low-impedence humbucking pickups, hi-lo output switch and phase switch. Headstock stamped with serial number 631205 and “MADE IN USA.” Accompanied by the potentially original hard shell case to quote the cite.

See how Paul McGuigan uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Paul McGuigan

Bassist

Oasis

...
Verified via YouTube

"Noel told me to buy that Gibson bass originally, after he'd seen it in the shop," comments Oasis basser Paul 'Guigs' McGuigan. "I think it was £450 the shop wanted; I got it for £350. I think it's top. We've used it in the studio a few times and I've tried to use it on rehersals, but it just doesn't suit, it's too boomy. It's good, though, I like it like that but it drowns other things out. I think Gibsons are a bit over the top with bass sound that way."

See how Greg Norton uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Greg Norton

Bassist, Composer

Hüsker Dü

...
Verified via Thirdav

In the notes on playing equipment within Thirdav's article, Greg Norton is mentioned using a Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass.

See how Gerard Love uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Gerard Love

Singer, Bassist

Teenage Fanclub

...
Verified via YouTube

Gerard Love is seen playing a blue/green Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass in the music video for "Sparky's Dream".

See how Brad Smith uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Brad Smith

Bassist

Blind Melon

...
Verified via Photo

The photo show's smith using a walnut triumph bass.

See how Patrick Dahlheimer uses Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Patrick Dahlheimer

Bassist

Live

...
Verified

According to a 2016 article archived on Wayback Machine, Patrick Dahlheimer is listed as using a Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass.

J

Joseph Pope III

Bassist

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

...
Verified via Instagram

Joseph Pope III is confirmed to use a Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass, as evidenced by an Instagram post by @missamericabywheary, which features him with the instrument. Additionally, he was seen performing live with it on Jimmy Kimmel on October 6, 2025.

Album Usage

The Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass 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 Triumph Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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tlb29898

tlb29898

Gear IQ 278

gustavo_ariel_farenzena

gustavo_ariel_farenzena

Gear IQ 150

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