Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,299

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

In the world of bass guitars, the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass stands out as a true piece of musical history, bringing together the classic appeal of the Les Paul design with the deep, resonant tones that bassists crave. This instrument is a nod to vintage craftsmanship, echoing the style of the famed Les Paul Recording Guitar, yet it is purpose-built for those who march to a lower frequency. Its unique circuitry provides a wide array of tonal possibilities, allowing musicians to effortlessly shift from punchy rock riffs to smooth jazz grooves.

Crafted with precision, the Les Paul Recording Bass features a solid body that ensures durability while delivering a rich, full-bodied sound. Whether you're laying down the rhythm in a studio session or holding down the groove on stage, this bass offers an impressive range of sonic flexibility. The combination of its iconic shape and robust electronics makes it not just an instrument, but a conversation piece among both collectors and players alike. With the addition of customizable tone controls, each note resonates with clarity, making this bass an essential tool for any serious musician.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction for enhanced durability and sound quality
  • Unique circuitry for expanded tonal possibilities
  • Customizable tone controls for precise sound shaping
  • Inspired by the classic Les Paul Recording Guitar design
  • Versatile sound suitable for various music genres

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul "Recording" Bass
Finish Walnut
Year 1969 - 1971
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
Finish Style Gloss
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 type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass have?

The Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass is equipped with passive humbucking pickups, providing a warm and full-bodied tone suitable for a variety of music styles.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass is well-suited for advanced players, offering a rich tonal palette and a 24-fret neck that allows for extended range and versatility.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass?

The neck of the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass is made of mahogany, providing a sturdy feel and smooth playability, ideal for both fast playing and comfortable chord work.

How does the body material of the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass affect its sound?

The mahogany body of the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass contributes to its warm, resonant sound with a strong midrange presence, making it a great choice for both live performances and studio recordings.

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

No, the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass does not have an active preamp; it relies on its passive electronics for tone shaping.

Soundgas

Soundgas

Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass & Guyatone GA-940 Bass Head Demo

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass & Guyatone GA-940 Bass Head Demo by Soundgas

Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass & Guyatone GA-940 Bass Head Demo

Soundgas

Soundgas

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The 3-way tone switch allows selecting between coil taps, offering high-output, normal, and enhanced bass-response settings for varied tonal options.

    Source
  • The phase switch reverses one pickup, providing an out-of-phase, treble-heavy sound when both pickups are active.

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Software and compatibility

  • Low impedance pickups require a special adapter by Shure to connect to standard amplifiers, highlighting compatibility challenges.

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Build quality

  • The Babicz full contact bridge is praised for enhancing tone transfer but can be complex to install compared to standard bridges.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users recommend replacing original pickups with humbucker-sized P90s for improved sound quality.

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User experience

  • Owners find the Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass to be quite heavy, making extended playing sessions cumbersome.

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  • The neck is described as thin, contrasting with the thicker necks of other Gibson models like the Thunderbird.

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Use cases and applications

  • The bass is highlighted for its killer tone, suitable for lead-style playing in trio configurations, as demonstrated by Robert Sledge from Ben Folds Five.

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Comparisons

  • The Les Paul Recording Bass is noted to have a similar body size to the Les Paul guitar, contributing to balance issues despite not being excessively heavy.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jaki Liebezeit uses Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass

Jaki Liebezeit

Drummer

Can

...
Verified via Photo

Jaki Liebezeit can be seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass in a photo posted by can_spoon_records on Instagram, captioned "When Jaki's not playing the drums!"

See how Elijah Thomson uses Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass

Elijah Thomson

...
Verified via Amy Harris - Professional Photographer

I play a Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass 1973. I have been playing it exclusively for about 12 years. I do own several basses. The first bass I ever had was a Gibson Les Paul recording bass. My Dad was a bass player and he gave it to me."

J

Jake Bercovici

Bassist, Keyboardist

The Voidz

...
Verified via YouTube

In this performance, he can be seen playing a Gibson Les Paul 'Recording' Bass at 0:52 seconds.

Album Usage

The Gibson Les Paul Recording 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.

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