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Average Price: $3,332

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass, a seamless fusion of classic Les Paul aesthetics and dynamic bass functionality. This semi-hollowbody electric bass is not just an instrument—it's a statement piece for any bassist seeking rich tonal depth and iconic style. The short-scale neck offers a comfortable playing experience, especially for those accustomed to guitars or players with smaller hands, while delivering a unique harmonic richness that gives your sound an undeniable presence.

Equipped with dual custom humbuckers, this bass ensures that every note cuts through with clarity and power, providing a sonic foundation that's both robust and articulate. The semi-hollowbody construction, reminiscent of the legendary ES-335, is crafted from a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple laminate, featuring a center block to minimize feedback. This design enhances the instrument's sustain and resonance, making it perfect for both stage and studio environments.

The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass doesn't just sound incredible; it also offers an exceptional playing experience. The rounded 'C' neck with rolled binding and low-profile frets create a smooth, effortless feel that will have you gliding up and down the neck with ease. Die cast alloy hipshot Ultralite tuners ensure quick, precise tuning, and the bass tune-o-matic bridge combined with the stop bar tailpiece delivers stable, reliable performance session after session.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple laminate
  • Short-scale neck for enhanced playability and tonal richness
  • Dual custom bass humbuckers for powerful, clear sound
  • Rounded 'C' neck with rolled binding for comfortable play
  • Die cast alloy hipshot Ultralite tuners for quick tuning
  • Maple center block to reduce feedback
  • Traditional Les Paul style with modern enhancements

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass
Finish Faded Darkburst, Gold Top
Year 2016 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Gold
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed, Opaque

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass suitable for?

The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass, with its humbucker pickups and maple body, delivers a warm and punchy tone ideal for rock, blues, and jazz. Its versatile sound makes it suitable for a variety of genres.

How does the short 30.2" scale length affect playability on the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass?

The 30.2" scale length offers a more compact feel, making it easier to play for musicians with smaller hands and providing a warmer, more rounded tone compared to longer scale basses.

Are the pickups on the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass active or passive?

The Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass features passive humbucker pickups, which provide a classic, organic bass tone without the need for a battery-powered preamp.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass?

This bass features a maple body and top, with a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard, offering a blend of durability and rich tonal qualities.

Does the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass have a preamp?

No, the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass does not have an active preamp, relying instead on its passive pickups for tone shaping.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass?

The neck of the Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass has a rolled binding and low-profile frets, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience that suits various playing styles.

GAK

GAK

GAK BASS : Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass

Video thumbnail for GAK BASS : Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass by GAK

GAK BASS : Gibson Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass

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GAK

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES Les Paul Bass GT | session by session

Gibson ES Les Paul Bass GT | session

session

session

Video thumbnail for Guitar Center New from NAMM 2015 - Gibson ES Les Paul Electric Bass Guitar by Guitar Center

Guitar Center New from NAMM 2015 - Gibson ES Les Paul Electric Bass Guitar

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES Les Paul Bass by AcousticMusic

Gibson ES Les Paul Bass

AcousticMusic

AcousticMusic

Video thumbnail for Twin Town Guitars - Gibson ES Les Paul Bass by Twin Town Guitars

Twin Town Guitars - Gibson ES Les Paul Bass

Twin Town Guitars

Twin Town Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautifully crafted with a flawless finish and construction

  • Lightweight and easy to handle, ideal for beginners

  • Short scale makes it easy to transition from full-scale basses

  • Rich, deep, woody sound perfect for old-school tones

  • Can be practiced unplugged due to its loud resonance

  • Shimmering sunburst appearance, highly attractive design

CONS

  • Limited tonal options due to hollow body design

  • May not suit those seeking a modern sound profile

  • Less solid feel compared to some traditional basses

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Babicz full contact bridge is lauded for its tone transfer, though installation can be complex compared to other bridges.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Common mods include humbucker-sized P90 pickups, full rewiring, a Babicz bridge upgrade, and a ZeroGlide nut for enhanced playability and tone.

    Source

Build quality

  • A Gibson ES Les Paul bass had critical build issues, including improper nut spacing, misaligned pickups, and a Tune-o-Matic bridge placed incorrectly by 1/8” and 3/8”.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Epiphone Vintage Pro bass neck is reported to be similar in feel to a Jaguar Bass neck, akin to a Jazz Bass neck profile.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its killer tone, the weight and neck dive are consistent complaints, making it less ideal for long performances.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The sunburst finish divides opinion; some prefer honey or tobacco bursts over the bright cherry burst for stage presence.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Epiphone Les Paul Standard basses are priced around $600, while Les Paul Special basses range from $300-400, offering a more affordable alternative to Gibsons.

    Source

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