Thomas Bonnett Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 Note that I previously posted this in a different forum but someone suggested I’d have better luck here. I’m new to the forums; forgive me. In the late ‘90s I received, directly from Gibson Customer Service, the bass pictured here. This was a “service recovery” gesture by Gibson after a particularly-cringeworthy repair experience with a different bass. This guitar is stunning. Pictures don’t do the finish justice. It’s a “ten top” with a flame and depth that’s indescribable. I was told at the time that this bass was owned by none other than Les Paul’s own bassist, who for whatever reason returned it to the factory. Whether this is true or not I can’t say. Note that I reached out via email to Nicki Parott, who played bass with Les Paul beginning around the year 2000, asking if she had any insights but she didn’t reply. I find myself wanting to know more about the history, uniqueness and value of this guitar. I reached out to Gibson Customer Service twice this year and both times, when providing the serial number (91007780), the representatives insisted this is a one-off Tobias-brand bass. Clearly it’s not, and whether this is due to incorrect records at Gibson or my own failed translation of the serial number, I can’t say. I’m inclined to believe the error is Gibson’s since an online serial-number lookup reveals a manufacturing date of April 1997, which is spot-on. During my most recent call to Customer Service the rep told me to email pictures of the bass to service@gibson.com for further investigation. This was five months ago and I received no response. (I also filled out the online Service form, and again: Nothing.) Can anyone tell me more about this bass? I have found similar instruments online, but nothing identical to this. Most similar basses have lesser-quality finishes. Five-string versions seem rare, at least of this quality. I’m a bit disappointed that Gibson, probably the most recognizable instrument brand in the world, apparently doesn’t check its Customer Service email or website form. I’m hoping someone is willing to go the extra mile to investigate the history of this unique, perhaps one-of-a-kind, instrument. Thanks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitefang Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 Well TOM, can't deny it's pretty. If it plays and sounds as good as it looks you hit a jackpot! Whitefang Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparquelito Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 Great looking bass guitar, Tom. You may be in a lifelong quandary here. If Gibson Customer Service first insists it's a Tobias, and won't respond to any further queries, you may be left with a mystery with no solving. It's gorgeous. I can say that much. 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariron Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 (edited) On 11/6/2021 at 3:24 PM, Thomas Bonnett said: Note that I previously posted this in a different forum but someone suggested I’d have better luck here. I’m new to the forums; forgive me. In the late ‘90s I received, directly from Gibson Customer Service, the bass pictured here. This was a “service recovery” gesture by Gibson after a particularly-cringeworthy repair experience with a different bass. This guitar is stunning. Pictures don’t do the finish justice. It’s a “ten top” with a flame and depth that’s indescribable. I was told at the time that this bass was owned by none other than Les Paul’s own bassist, who for whatever reason returned it to the factory. Whether this is true or not I can’t say. Note that I reached out via email to Nicki Parott, who played bass with Les Paul beginning around the year 2000, asking if she had any insights but she didn’t reply. I find myself wanting to know more about the history, uniqueness and value of this guitar. I reached out to Gibson Customer Service twice this year and both times, when providing the serial number (91007780), the representatives insisted this is a one-off Tobias-brand bass. Clearly it’s not, and whether this is due to incorrect records at Gibson or my own failed translation of the serial number, I can’t say. I’m inclined to believe the error is Gibson’s since an online serial-number lookup reveals a manufacturing date of April 1997, which is spot-on. During my most recent call to Customer Service the rep told me to email pictures of the bass to service@gibson.com for further investigation. This was five months ago and I received no response. (I also filled out the online Service form, and again: Nothing.) Can anyone tell me more about this bass? I have found similar instruments online, but nothing identical to this. Most similar basses have lesser-quality finishes. Five-string versions seem rare, at least of this quality. I’m a bit disappointed that Gibson, probably the most recognizable instrument brand in the world, apparently doesn’t check its Customer Service email or website form. I’m hoping someone is willing to go the extra mile to investigate the history of this unique, perhaps one-of-a-kind, instrument. Thanks. History has always interested me, since school. I was interested not so much in the history of countries, kings and states, as in the history of things that surround us. I read several articles on the website and everyday history, about the history of guitars, for example, and realized that I want to do not only music, but also research the history of this or that guitar that falls into my hands. The guitar looks incredible! Edited November 29, 2021 by Mariron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparquelito Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 (edited) I have been studying the specs on Fjestad's Blue Book. By all accounts, that looks to be a Gibson Les Paul Standard Bass 5-String, manufactured only in 1997 and 1998. MSRP back in the day was $2,630, and the Blue Book values it at $1,850 today. Reverb.com pricing is in that ballpark as well. No way to confirm previous ownership without some sort of communication between you and Les Paul's band-mates. I emailed Ms. Parrott, but not sure if her people will respond, sir. And she didn't technically join the Les Paul Trio until the year 2000, according to the interwebs. 😐 Edited November 28, 2021 by sparquelito Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparquelito Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 Perhaps if you reach out to pianist John Colianni. He might remember who played bass with the Les Paul Trio prior to Nicki. email: johnnycchops@aol.com Guitarist Lou Pallo passed away last year. 😐 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Bonnett Posted November 28, 2021 Author Share Posted November 28, 2021 Thanks to all who have chimed in so far. Sparquelito, I agree that it looks a lot like the Les Paul Standard. What sets it apart is the top. I’ve never seen anything like it, other than on a Custom Shop Les Paul guitar. I should note that I did finally hear back from Gibson. All they could confirm is that it is indeed a one-off from the Custom Shop. No details on who it was made for, or why they have it categorized as a Tobias. The primary difference between this bass and the Standard (other than the top) is that there’s no toggle switch. I’m grateful that you have the email for Les Paul’s pianist. I’ll reach out. I was aware that Nicki didn’t join ‘til 2000 but figured, what the heck. I agree, her “people” probably have better things to do than chime in on my quest. 😜 Thank you. I’ll continue to post what I find out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.