Gibson, at least they're trying…Les Paul Junior Tribute Bass

[JW56789]

I've watched more than a few video interviews with the principals of the 'new Gibson', seen them in stores, and I am very satisfied the 'Henry Days' are dead and buried, period. Their heads and the people they have in management (thank goodness they recognized Tom Murphy and others who'd worked in Henry's Gulag for far too long) have them on the right direction big time. They even bought a groovy amp company . . . . .

But until they make a decision to build serious bass guitars (if they make that decision at all), they will be limited to repros of their classics and preaching to the faithful with new/old axes like the LP Jr. Bass. And that may fit their business model as intended.

But for me, this is why axes like TBirds and Casadys and EB-somethings will always only be specialist pieces like a Hofner, not real basses I'd consider alongside Music Mans, Fenders, Ibanez, and most other basses, but pieces I'd buy only for a certain look or tone. Maybe . . . . that's really their niche.

But it seems strange that the new owners of a big-time, best-selling line of bass amps is only sorta in the bass business.

 

[rockscott]

My les paul is about a year old now, i sent it out for a touch up fret dressing and full set up! I was blown away when i got it back. The action is now as low as my birdsong and it plays like a dream!

 

[blacktocomm]

My les paul is about a year old now, i sent it out for a touch up fret dressing and full set up! I was blown away when i got it back. The action is now as low as my birdsong and it plays like a dream!

My LP DC also handles the low action really well. It’s pretty crazy how low I can get it and still have zero fret buzz.

 

[Lex P.]

My LP DC also handles the low action really well. It’s pretty crazy how low I can get it and still have zero fret buzz.

Same with mine. The neck can be adjusted flat as a pancake, but I prefer a bit of relief.

The fret ends weren’t bad but when I had the nut slots lowered I had the fret ends dressed too.

 

[rockscott]

Im thinking gibson is running these les paul necks through the plec machine

 

[BassDaddy77]

Im thinking gibson is running these les paul necks through the plec machine

I think I read that somewhere recently. Mine plays exceptionally as well. I set it up once I received it, and haven't had to touch it since.

 

[superheavyfunk]

I think I read that somewhere recently. Mine plays exceptionally as well. I set it up once I received it, and haven't had to touch it since.

Same here. Even after having installed a new bridge, putting on some very heavy flatwounds, and tweaking the neck to compensate, I’ve still had zero issues with the instrument. Two years and two setups. Great bass!

 

[daveobieone]

But until they make a decision to build serious bass guitars (if they make that decision at all), they will be limited to repros of their classics and preaching to the faithful with new/old axes like the LP Jr. Bass. And that may fit their business model as intended.

But for me, this is why axes like TBirds and Casadys and EB-somethings will always only be specialist pieces like a Hofner, not real basses I'd consider alongside Music Mans, Fenders, Ibanez, and most other basses, but pieces I'd buy only for a certain look or tone. Maybe . . . . that's really their niche.

J Wilson...
I'm glad you think that Gibson is going in the right direction. I share that view.
However...Could you please define "serious bass guitars".
As to your comment about "repros of their classics"...Ya, Fender etc. never does that.

About the only really new and different offering I've seen from Fender in years was the Dimension (which I own one of), but it didn't sell very well. It's a good "serious" bass though.

Personally, I've been playing my SG and LP Gibson basses as my main players for quite a few years now. I consider them to be every bit as "serious" as any of the MM, Ric, or Fender basses that I own...and I own a bunch of those too. I have recently invested in a MM Short-Scale Stingray (nothing really new about that either except the scale). It's a great bass, but it does 50/50 duty with my Gibson's depending on the sound I need for a particular song. They are very different sounds, and I like having the options.

I wouldn't mind seeing some new and interesting models from Gibson. Especially now that they teamed-up with Mesa (which is also my primary gig rig). Offering options on current models to (for example)...relocate the neck PU closer to the bridge on the SG (which they have in the past), and bridge options (although I've learned to be comfortable with the 3-point) would be nice too, and they've started to dabble in that. Perhaps (optional!) active electronics on the SG and others? Mesa could do that VERY well I'd bet. That could open up some wide new varieties of tone without reinventing the wheel.

Just like Ric, or Fender, or MM basses aren't for everyone, Gibson basses aren't for everyone either. If they aren't for you, that's totally fine with me! For me, they fit me well, are very comfortable to play, and sound great. Reliability is also mighty important for a gigging player. NEVER have I been let-down at a gig or session by any Gibson bass I own. I wish I could say that for all the other brands.

So, let's just celebrate the the variety and the differences we have in basses, and consider not condemning the choice of others as not being "serious" instruments just because that may not be the right instrument for you, or for a particular tune.

Respectfully,
Dave O.

 

[Jeff K]

I kinda' miss my LP DC. I sold it mainly because I'm a pretty big guy and thought I looked like a circus bear playing it. But now that it's been gone for about a year, I wish I'd have kept it. It was a very cool sounding/playing bass, and would have been great as a traveling bass.

 

[whm3223]

Has anyone put tapes on this bass? This bass is my daily driver and I've been married to those Gibson Brite Wire rounds that it ships with, but I've been imagining what the feel of LaBella White Tapewound strings would be like.

 

[daveobieone]

Has anyone put tapes on this bass? This bass is my daily driver and I've been married to those Gibson Brite Wire rounds that it ships with, but I've been imagining what the feel of LaBella White Tapewound strings would be like.

If I may make a suggestion you may not have considered...
I'm running GHS PressureWound SS strings on mine, and I really love the sound and play-ability.
Very little squeak, and easy on the fingers and frets.
Less tension than flats makes them play more easily.
The sound is sort-of in-between the rounds and flats. I think the best of both.
They fit this bass perfectly also.
They are my favorite strings these days.
Dave O.

 

[Jeff K]

Has anyone put tapes on this bass? This bass is my daily driver and I've been married to those Gibson Brite Wire rounds that it ships with, but I've been imagining what the feel of LaBella White Tapewound strings would be like.

I had GHS Short Scale Precision Flats on mine and it sounded great!

 

[superheavyfunk]

Has anyone put tapes on this bass? This bass is my daily driver and I've been married to those Gibson Brite Wire rounds that it ships with, but I've been imagining what the feel of LaBella White Tapewound strings would be like.

It’s not at all why you’re asking for info about but I ended up putting labella flats on mine. Went thru a ton of strings before settling on these, including chromes, pressurewounds, brite flats and boomers. I really love the tension and the tone that came about once I put the labellas on… the bass didn’t really feel right to me with lower tension strings.

Incidentally, if anybody wants to buy any of these sets already cut for this bass, lmk. I’ve got way too many packs of strings that were used for like two hours sitting around.

 

[JW56789]

J Wilson...
I'm glad you think that Gibson is going in the right direction. I share that view.
However...Could you please define "serious bass guitars".
As to your comment about "repros of their classics"...Ya, Fender etc. never does that.

About the only really new and different offering I've seen from Fender in years was the Dimension (which I own one of), but it didn't sell very well. It's a good "serious" bass though.

Personally, I've been playing my SG and LP Gibson basses as my main players for quite a few years now. I consider them to be every bit as "serious" as any of the MM, Ric, or Fender basses that I own...and I own a bunch of those too. I have recently invested in a MM Short-Scale Stingray (nothing really new about that either except the scale). It's a great bass, but it does 50/50 duty with my Gibson's depending on the sound I need for a particular song. They are very different sounds, and I like having the options.

I wouldn't mind seeing some new and interesting models from Gibson. Especially now that they teamed-up with Mesa (which is also my primary gig rig). Offering options on current models to (for example)...relocate the neck PU closer to the bridge on the SG (which they have in the past), and bridge options (although I've learned to be comfortable with the 3-point) would be nice too, and they've started to dabble in that. Perhaps (optional!) active electronics on the SG and others? Mesa could do that VERY well I'd bet. That could open up some wide new varieties of tone without reinventing the wheel.

Just like Ric, or Fender, or MM basses aren't for everyone, Gibson basses aren't for everyone either. If they aren't for you, that's totally fine with me! For me, they fit me well, are very comfortable to play, and sound great. Reliability is also mighty important for a gigging player. NEVER have I been let-down at a gig or session by any Gibson bass I own. I wish I could say that for all the other brands.

So, let's just celebrate the the variety and the differences we have in basses, and consider not condemning the choice of others as not being "serious" instruments just because that may not be the right instrument for you, or for a particular tune.

Respectfully,
Dave O.

For now, I'll just hold on the post you quoted. You and others love them, and that's really all that matters.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

Can anyone compare or does anyone know the relationship, if any, between the Gibson Bassbucker and the Epiphone Probucker pickups?

 

[sleepingEB0]

I've watched more than a few video interviews with the principals of the 'new Gibson', seen them in stores, and I am very satisfied the 'Henry Days' are dead and buried, period. Their heads and the people they have in management (thank goodness they recognized Tom Murphy and others who'd worked in Henry's Gulag for far too long) have them on the right direction big time. They even bought a groovy amp company . . . . .

But until they make a decision to build serious bass guitars (if they make that decision at all), they will be limited to repros of their classics and preaching to the faithful with new/old axes like the LP Jr. Bass. And that may fit their business model as intended.

But for me, this is why axes like TBirds and Casadys and EB-somethings will always only be specialist pieces like a Hofner, not real basses I'd consider alongside Music Mans, Fenders, Ibanez, and most other basses, but pieces I'd buy only for a certain look or tone. Maybe . . . . that's really their niche.

But it seems strange that the new owners of a big-time, best-selling line of bass amps is only sorta in the bass business.

There’s room in the market for A high end short scale specialist brand modeled after the Germans imo

 

[sleepingEB0]

Can anyone compare or does anyone know the relationship, if any, between the Gibson Bassbucker and the Epiphone Probucker pickups?

Epiphone pro bucker is a copy with the caveat they use whatever materials they have. Usually very low copper content wire and ceramic magnets. Can sound spot on but corrosion is an issue after a period of time.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

Epiphone pro bucker is a copy with the caveat they use whatever materials they have. Usually very low copper content wire and ceramic magnets. Can sound spot on but corrosion is an issue after a period of time.

How do you know that?

 

[sleepingEB0]

How do you know that?

I guess I don’t for sure but that’s how Duncan designed works and I assume it’s the same concept for Gibson.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

It's ok if you don't know, thanks @sleepingEB0.