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Gibson Les Paul 5 string?

Fishheadjoe

Fishheadjoe

May 5, 2008
3,489
6,361
Toronto Canada
#1
Hey folks,
Yesterday, I did my usual once around the local pawn shops and after chatting with the owner of one of the shops, he showed me a bass that he has in the back, he's just waiting to put up in the shop.
It's an all black, Gibson Les Paul five string with what look like Bart Soapbar p/u's. Cosmetically is has quite a number of swirls in the finish, but no cracks or gouges that I could see.
I was quite surprised to see this bass as I have never encountered one like this before.
Can anyone tell me anything about these basses? I was not able to plug it in as of yet, but it's got me thinkin about trading my Yammy 605 in, plus some cash, to get my hands on it.
Well, TB, what do you think?
Fishheadjoe
 
#3
They are great basses, I have a friend who played one from about 2000-2004.....that's when someone made him an offer on it after a gig that he could not refuse.

Unfortunately, he has never found another one around these parts to replace it.....I think he is still kicking himself in the *ss for letting it go.
 
#5
no five string experience but my son has a '94 four srtring that's a very nice bass. it's a bit different than the one you're looking at because it doesn't have the barts and we got rid of the preamp to make it passive.
very solid construction, comfortable to play, neck feels nice, easy to play. his has tb+ pickups and it sounds great in a band context. vastly under-rated basses, imo.
plug it in and see for yourself if it's suitable for your needs.

lp3.jpg

lpb1.jpg

lespaul.jpg
 
#6
It sounds like a flat top , & has a great cutting grinding rock tone if that is what you seek. Cool basses. If it has the Bart Preamp, most people remove them. A pro set up makes all the difference with these basses.
 
#7
Thanks guys... I'm gonna take a trip over there again FRiday and have a chat with the owner. I need to find out when the bass will be available as well as what he is going to consider a fair price the bass.
I'll update this thread as info becomes available.
Fishheadjoe
 
#8
Popped in again today to try and get more info re price and playability... he's still got 21 days to hold the bass before he can actually sell it. I tried to get a ball park figure from him, to find out if I'm barking up a tree I can/will afford... no dice!
So, I'll update this thread in 3 weeks.
fishheadjoe
 
#10
Hey Dog,
It's the Darth Vader of Gibson Basses! LOL
Yah, it's pretty flat on top, all black including hardware, rosewood finger board and loaded with two Bart soapbars.
That was kinda the price range I had in mind for the bass, but I will have to go over it in more detail to establish what it might be worth to me!
I've already begun thinking about what I have that I could unload, to make this purchase as little out of my pocket as possible, so it looks like my Yammy 605 and my Sunn Beta Bass combo may well be hitting the streets soon.
Fishheadjoe
 

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