Custom 1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph / Recording Bass

The History Of This Bass

NOTE: I am only the second owner of this great instrument. However, I am also the furthest thing from a guitar tech or gear guru. I can provide a detailed history, but guitar specs are a completely foreign language to me. All information provided here other than history was gathered from hours of research and professional advice.

I bought this bass in pristine condition back in 1977 because a friend was desperate for money. I was a self taught newbie using a cheap Peavey T-40, but I wanted to help my buddy. This was only intended as a backup. The Peavey T-40 was a long neck bass with frets a mile wide. So the slow transition to using this Les Paul took a couple years. It was like switching from a Ford F-150 to a Mazda Miata, and extremely challenging for a newbie player. That said, this is definitely a must have for collectors!

I started playing it full time around 1980. As a teen playing rock n’ roll, all I cared about was plugging in and turning it up. There were more knobs and gadgets on this thing than I knew what to do with. ( I still don’t grasp what half the controls mean to this day ) I only wish I knew back then what I had in my hands. I would have kept it in that pristine condition! ( teens, night clubs, rock n’ roll… you get the picture )

I knew nothing about specs back then, and I still don’t today. So please understand that I can’t answer any questions that aren’t already answered here. I had it looked at by 2 different techs, and also did my Google homework to find out what I could.  ( everything you read is true to the best of my knowledge! )

Flaws: I used it for about 12 years, and unfortunately my belt caused significant buckle rash. (see photos) Also, at one gig I was rockin’ out and accidently stepped on my cord. That pulled the jack and wiring out from the face plate. Knowing I was always quite mobile on stage, my guitar tech converted the ¼ inch jack to XLR and relocated it to the side body. ( Frankly, I loved both these changes, as it was much more convenient to play at live gigs ) Two screw holes on each side of the bridge vaguely remind me of a bridge cover. I think I took this off early in its life to make changing strings faster at gigs? To be honest, I don't even remember it and have no clue what happened to it? To the best of my knowledge, these are the only real issues.

NOTICE: Someone here asked if the replacement XLR jack requires a special cord. No, it does not. it uses a standard mic-type cord with a 1/4 in jack on one end for the power, and a female XLR on the other end for the bass. Honestly, I like it better than the original set-up!

The hard shell case is very well worn with nicks, divots and no handle, but still gets the job done. I saw new cases on ebay for $200+ ( hardly worth it for me )

This is indeed a rare and unique bass with a small scale neck that plays sweet. I was going to restore it, but was told it would be worth more to collectors if I left it as is. Regrettably, Its been sitting in my closet for almost 25 years, so I guess its finally time to say goodbye. The strings are also over 20 years old. I loosened them a bit to avoid neck pressure, but the darn things can still play in tune! I’ve had the bass this long, so I can afford to wait for the right buyer.

What The Guitar Techs Told Me:

Frankly, most all of what they said went right over my head, but I can share a few of their comments…

Other than the relocated jack, everything else looks very much original.

The neck looks straight and in fine condition.

The frets are barely worn at all!

The original HS case may look beat, but the interior looks fine, including the fully working flap for gear storage. The broken handle was apparently common on these cases?

Whoever switched the ¼ inch jack to XLR and relocated it did a nice clean job!

You can tell the “nut” is original by its yellowing, goldish color. ( no clue what that means? )

The tuning pegs and all controls are still in great condition.

The serial number shows it was likely made in late 1971 to early 1972

It was noticeable that I used strap locks, but he said everyone else probably should too with this bass.

Those are just a few comments I can remember. I wish I had a tape recorder when I had it looked at!

Serial No: 730525

My research showed that Gibson has a history of mumbo jumbo in their manner of deciding serial numbers. You almost have to be a CIA decoder to track things down. Fortunately, this bass was made at a time when they had a definite formula for numbers. That said, there are 2 other instruments with this same serial number, but they are not bass guitars. Here’s how it works… The First & Fifth number represent the year it was made. The 2nd – 4th number represent the month and day the bass was finished and ready to ship from the factory. I got this info right from the Gibson website, but I also see basses that don't match this formula. Maybe you grasp it... but its well over my head?

So if you apply the formula to my bass, you see the 1st & 5th number are 7 and 2 ( meaning 1972 )

The 2nd – 4th number represent March 5th. Since these basses took 4-8 weeks to make, and since the serial number was usually the last step before shipping, its a safe bet this was made in January and February of 1972. Maybe the last number means it was the 5th one made, but honestly, I have no clue about that?

Keep in mind I’m not a photographer or a music store. I’m just a guy who was in the right place at the right time back in 1977!

Again, I'm not a dealer either. This is my personal instrument. Due to the high cost of shipping boxes, this will arrive in a "used" ESP guitar box I got for $5 from the local music store. However, It will be packed well with bubble wrap.

Specs: ( all specs were gathered from either the internet or store techs due to my total lack of knowledge in this area )

• Honduras mahogany body with dark binding

• Laminated mahogany set neck, with rosewood fretboard

• 30 1/2 inch scale with 24 frets

• Two low impedance humbucking pickups

• Hi or Low impedance modes great for studio or live!

• Body size length: 17 1/4" width: 12 3/4" depth 2"

• Width at nut 1 1/2"

• Weight:Just over 10 Lbs.

• Controls: Bass, Treble & Volume

• Tone Selector has 3 settings: High, Normal and Deep Bass

• Phase control works when both pickups are selected

That’s about all I can tell you folks. It took me a lot of time even to gather this much information. This is NOT a project. With a good polish and new set-up, this bass is ready to be played. I was told that considering its age, it was in very good condition. However, I am only listing it in Good condition. I have NO desire to haggle, and even less desire to mislead anyone.

 

I have to sell this "AS IS" because I don't have the knowledge to dispute any complaints. I’ve done my very best to tell the story in words and pictures, so what you see is what you get. There's a guy on Youtube playing his '72 Triumph. The video quality isn't great, but it gives you an idea of the countless sounds you can produce. Back in the day I really enjoyed playing this baby. I just want it to go to someone who understands and appreciates what they have here!

FINAL NOTE: I know as much about musical instruments as I do about rocket science. I was told to start this at $2,995, but I chose $2,795. Obviously the website shows this bass isn't as rare as my guitar tech thought. However, I've already dropped the price $800 over 6 months. You should know that this price is as low as it goes! Its been in my closet for 25 years. Another 5 or 10 doesn't really matter to me. You know what they say... Snooze You Lose!

Grab it now... or forever hold your peace!

Its really a shame this bass just sits in my closet month after month, year after year. I’ve now lowered the price to what I consider VERY fair. There are 6 watchers… who will be first to give it a good home?

Product Specs

Condition:Fair Make:Gibson Model:Les Paul Triumph Bass Finish:Honduras Mahogany Body with Rosewood Fretboard Categories:4-String Year:1972 Made In:United States