Gibson Les Paul bass

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The Gibson Les Paul bass was first manufactured in 1969, just after the relaunch of the Les Paul guitar in 1968. Initially it was a short scale bass guitar, like the EB0 and EB3.

It featured the latest low impedance circuitry, especially designed for recording in the studio, and sometimes goes under the name of the Les Paul recording bass. Like the solid-body EB basses, and the Les Paul guitar, it had a mahogany body with set mahogany neck.

In 1971 the model was redesigned slightly, and given the name Les Paul Triumph. This model had built in switching to change from low to high impedance, but was, in essence, much the same, using the same woods and construction.

A hollow body version was created in 1973, named the Les Paul Signature bass. This was a long scale bass (34 1/2") with double cutaways. Very different from the preceding models, but still bearing the Les Paul name.

All Les Paul Bass models were discontinued in 1979.

In recent times Gibson has concentrated on its classic designs, and in the early nineties decided to give the Les Paul bass another chance. Offerings included flattop versions (Deluxe and Special) and a carved-top Standard model. Les Paul basses were available in 4 or 5-string models. The first 90's version of the Standard model featured Bartolini electronics and pickups. This version is recognizable because there is no pickup selector switch.

The most recent incarnation of the Les Paul Standard bass, introduced in 1997, featured a chambered body which reduced the weight. This Standard model also featured a carved maple top and saw a switch to passive electronics with TB Plus pickups, which are very high output humbuckers with ceramic magnets. This version features a three-way pickup selector switch. The Les Paul Standard bass was discontinued in 2006.