The Les Paul Bass

Though technically manufactured in the 60's, this bass has all the hallmarks of the 70's, with it's low-impedance pickups, rather elaborate controls/effects, walnut finish, etc. This was the first bass to carry the Les Paul name and was only produced in this configuration for two years. Only 33 were shipped in 1969. This one shows what should be a late 1968 serial number, but is technically a '69. The model's name was changed in '70 to better match the other guitars of the time, the Personal, Professional, Recording, Triumph, etc., all of which were very similar (pickups, finish, controls, etc.) and all of which only lasted until about 1979. I received this particular instrument as a "basket case", though it is now fully restored. See the post on "before and after" for more on this project. It should be noted that, though the low-z instruments of the 70's were never particularly popular with the public, they are the type used by Les Paul himself. I have included a photo I took of the guitar he currently uses at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York. Though highly "customized", it is a 70's style low-z instrument.