Andover, MA, United States
About this listing
1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass – Mahogany • Pro Modded for Live Use • Original Bridge + CaseHere’s a real rarity—not just a collector's piece but a working relic: an early-production 1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass, built during the first very limited run at Kalamazoo. Original mahogany body (the heavier, denser tonewood used only in the earliest examples—later models switched to walnut). Serial number 988003 and no “Made in USA” stamp indicate 1969 manufacture date. This bass was played—respectfully, not recklessly—and carries the honest wear of actual use, while remaining remarkably original, functional, and intact.Whether you're a collector looking for an early example, or a gigging bassist in search of an incredibly versatile tone platform with real-world upgrades, this instrument is worth serious attention.🎯 Functional HighlightsSerial number 988003 (early 1969, no “Made in USA” stamp)Original mahogany body (unlike later walnut versions)Professionally modified electronics include a discreetly installed onboard 9V preampAdds modern usable output for stage use without compromising original signal pathEngaged via mini-toggle with red LED indicatorMod is clean, reversible, and lives quietly beneath the original control layoutAll original hardware remains in placeBridge and ashtray cover still presentGibson low-Z humbuckers intactFull switching and EQ matrix remains fully operationalOriginal hardshell case included with all latches, hinges, feet, and lock workingEdges taped and stenciled decades ago as a protective measureInterior is excellent for its age with no structural issuesExterior shows wear but has preserved the bass remarkably well🧵 Condition OverviewThis is a player’s instrument that saw real use, and it shows—but in the best way.Finish has lacquer checking, arm wear, and mild buckle rashNeck has natural palm-wear through the clear coat, smooth to the touchBack shows a few small dings and finish loss consistent with years of useNo breaks, no headstock repairs, no surprisesFrets show moderate wear but are very playableControl cavity is clean, shielded, and neatly modded with foam-isolated preamp and 9V batteryPickup covers and hardware show mild tarnish but remain solid and unalteredSerial number is visible and unmolested🎸 Tone & PlayabilityGibson’s Les Paul Recording Bass was never intended as a standard production instrument—it was a studio experiment designed with the help of Les Paul himself in wide-range fidelity, low-impedance clarity, and creative EQ shaping. The result is a tone that sits somewhere between an EB-2 and a direct-in DI’d P-Bass—fat and focused, but with a hi-fi sheen that cuts through in any setting.This one’s been modded to shine on stage, delivering output levels more compatible with pedalboards and amps, while preserving all the Les Paul oddball brilliance.🧳 Included1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording BassOriginal shaped Gibson hardshell case (excellent interior, rugged exterior)Original bridge and ashtray coverDiscreet onboard preamp mod with 9V battery and activation switchShips worldwide, fully insured and professionally packed, or available for pickup near 01810📣 Final WordThis isn't a museum piece—it’s a functional survivor from the golden age of American luthiery, modded by someone who understood what they had and made it better without ruining it. Perfect for the gigging bassist who wants to stand out sonically and visually, or the serious collector who respects instruments with a working history and integrity.
Price$3,500
+ $150 Shipping
