2015 - Memphis ES-Les Paul Bass

[Dave W]

I think it's pretty relative.  If I were a touring bassist who played 3-5 nights a week, then a $3K bass would make some sense. But there's a reason that Fender sells so many MIM and Squier basses...those are affordable and accessible to the vast majority of bass players, who are involved in music as an avocation or hobby. For those folks, unless they're a successful lawyer or doctor by day so they have a (presumably) six-figure income, I can't see spending the money. I can't see any justification for spending that much when there are so many good instruments for a third of the price.
.....

Reminds me of this little known Bottle Rockets track.

[drbassman]

For me, spending more than $1000 on the Gretsch Thunderjet was probably a once-in-a-lifetime bass purchase, and I'm not a minimum wage worker by a long shot.

Funny you should mention the TJ bass.  I think those are overpriced for a new one and this Gibson ES LP leads it by a mile.  I checked on the selling price and it's even a bit rich for my tastes.  I'm selling and buying all the time, but I'd have to give up something significant to hook one of these.  I'm not so sure it would be worth it.  Heck, it costs more than the custom Hofner Club I had built a few years ago.  Geez!

In fact,  think I'd rather spend $800- 1000 less and get a new Gretsch Broadkaster.

[drbassman]

I talked to the HOG sales guy and he told me that there would be a limited number of these available and they are not in stock yet.  He did say that they have been selling the ES LP guitars and the folks buying those Memphis-made instruments are crazy about them.  Seems the build, finish and tonal qualities are excellent based on owner feedback.

I'd love to get one to play but the new Gibson policy is any guitar or bass the store gets, they are stuck with.  They are a little shy about a bass this expensive and worry about being able to sell it.  If I ask for one, it's mine no matter what.  Not a good scenario.  That's a lot of bucks for a bass I haven't seen or played.

[uwe]

I do collect for holes. Mark has opened my perspective.

[TBird1958]

I do collect for holes. Mark has opened my perspective.

 

You're welcome!
BTW I should be getting your sparkly cutie off to you next week - would have sooner but between Christmas at the Post Office, the band being somewhat busy and work it had to wait.
Have you arranged for the new 'Bird and this lovely?

[uwe]

It's at the shop, haven't gotten round to picking it up yet!

[stiles72]

I wasn't thrilled with the 335 either. I liked the feel and construction, but the pickups just sounded way too bright and mid rangey- quite different than they sounded in the OS Les Paul.  I actually like the Midtown much better.  This being a short scale, hollow body, with a neck pickup should sound superb. Does look a little cluttered but could be worse.

[uwe]

I like the position of the neck pup too - ram it all the way up until the little f...er booms!

[Granny Gremlin]

It's not a neck pup if it ain't 

[drbassman]

SO, just out of curiosity, which of the two finishes would you prefer on one of these?

[66Atlas]

Normally I don't like sunburst finishes, especially tobacco sunburst finishes...but in this case I think the burst a lot better with the body style.

[uwe]

SO, just out of curiosity, which of the two finishes would you prefer on one of these?

No particular taste for gold in any shape or form. Sunburst is kind of boring (women never seem to like it), but also a classic. I think this one has turned out nice.

[drbassman]

Yeah, I like the look of the burst.  I think this one is particularly nice.  I think my 335 burst from the Memphis factory is really well done too.  the short scale and hollow body are right  up my alley.

[66Atlas]

Saw this today for those interested...

[slinkp]

Maybe Gibson figures that anybody who is tight on money has a million other choices in the affordable instruments market, so they might as well charge a premium just for being Gibson.  It might be a sensible business decision, though it might leave a lot of Gibson fans out in the cold.