What model is this old Ibanez?

Mid 70s. I don't know the exact 4-digit model code, but it's the copy of the first Gibson Les Paul Bass which debuted in 1969.

 

Model 2373


Mid 70s is correct

 

And more grist for Gibson's lawsuit mill.

 

Another blatant Gibson ripoff during the height of the infamous Ibanez Pirating Days, although a lesser known model (complete with chrome plated "string dumpers", too!).

 

It’s hard to sue over something done 50 years ago. But I bet they will try lol.

 

Hey! That's John Hall's modus operandum!!

 

They tried 50 years ago, didn't they?

Fender did the smart thing. They couldn't beat em, so they joined em! Fender Japan is now a respected mark of quality.

 

Make that 40 years. And it was only concerning a headstock shape. Norlin and Hoshino settled out of court, though.

That move, along with concentrating on QC and launching AVRI series was what got Fender off the gravedigger's shovel IMO. Having said that, I remember a lot of people back then claiming that moving a chunk of production to Japan was going to be the end of Fender...

Gibson - actually Norlin - moved the production of Epiphone range to Japan in 1970 or so. While they are some Epis from that era that I wouldn't mind owning - Genesis Custom guitar being one of them - most of that stuff is pretty "meh" IMO. Fender most certainly did a lot better in that respect.

 

Guy I know has one. I covet.

 

Looks like Ibanez's copy of a Les Paul Recording bass. Was it low impedence?

Going to guess early to mid 70's....lawsuit era.

 

There never was a Les Paul Recording bass. That name was reserved for the guitar range.

The bass that Ibanez copied here was named simply Les Paul Bass (1969-72) which was replaced by Les Paul Triumph Bass by late '72 and remained in production for another decade or so.

None of the Ibanez copies sported low impedance pickups.

 

Was the Ibanez version a set neck or bolt on?

 

Bolt-on, at least the ones that I've seen. Most of their Gibby copies were bolt on.

 

I guess if I'd studied the spec sheet helpfully provided by ReedT2000 I could've seen the bolt on neck in the photo and read about it in the description

 

Did anyone make a nice set neck Les Paul type bass as fine as the Swede bass?

 

there most certainly was a gibson les paul recording bass..I owned one years ago............Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass Walnut 1969 | Reverb

 

Who needs low impedance when you have “King’s Tone” pickups.

 

The Ibanez ad on the left is claiming a hi-low impedance switch.