In the early and mid 1970s, the Les Paul Triumph was Gibson's flagship bass guitar, both in terms of build and electronics. Naturally it had a price to match (see Gibson Triumph pricing). Design was a collaboration between Gibson and Les Paul himself. It was launched in late 1971 as a replacement to the older Les Paul bass which was available from 1969-1971, and like the former was produced at Gibson's Kalamazoo plant, in Michigan, USA. The only functional change was the addition of a Hi-Lo impedance selector switch. In an interview with Dave Pomeroy, Les explains...
Have a closer look at this 1972 Triumph here
Les Paul also narrated a protional flexi-disc for the Les Paul Recording Guitar and Triumph bass - see the 1971 Gibson Low Impedance catalog.
Other changes from it's predecessor were cosmetic; all controls were situated on the front mounted control panel, rather than onto the wood itself. The standard finish was natural mahogany, with white becoming available from 1975. This bass also featured the split diamond inlays on the headstock, and block position markers (replacing dots) on the neck.
Les Paul Triumph specifications:
- Honduras mahogany body with dark binding
- Laminated mahogany set neck, with rosewood fretboard
- Natural mahogany or white finishes
- 30 1/2 inch scale (actually three eighths of an inch). 24 frets
- Two low impedance humbucking pickups
- Hi or Low immpedance modes
- Body size length: 17 1/4" width: 12 3/4" depth 2"
- Width at nut 1 1/2"
Les Paul Triumph controls
Bass, Treble and Volume Self explanetory. The bass and treble have a very wide range.
Tone Selector Three settings: hi, normal and deep bass.
Phase Control Only works when both pickups are selected
Impedance Selector Hi for live use or Low for studio use (or live use with a Low-Impedance amplifier)
The Les Paul Triumph was capable of making a wide range of sounds; deep bass, clear midtones, and bright treble - plus a whole lot more in between. Check out a 1972 LP Triumph, and hear some more sound clips.
Rarities
Prototypes at least one single pickup Triumph exists. If you are aware of another bass like this, please comment
Gibson Les Paul Triumph Frequently asked questions
Was the Les Paul Triumph available as a long scale? No, the Triumph was available as a short (30 1/2") scale bass only.
What strings were recommended for the Les Paul Triumph bass? Originally the Triumph was shipped with Gibson brand 0055 strings; flatwound, medium gauge: .048, .054, .076 and .095.
What is the recommended action for the Les Paul Triumph bass? First fret: E string 2/64", G string 3/64", twelfth fret: E string 8/64", G string 10/64".
Did Gibson produce the Les Paul Triumph bass into the 1980s? There is no official data on this, however examples exist with serial numbers dating to as late as early 1982.
Gibson Les Paul Triumph for sale
gibson les paul bass guitar
Ronkonkoma, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1250
... more
ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case
West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3860
HAS AMAZING TONE AND SOUND WITH A REAL NICE SMOOTH FEEL AND ACTION ALL TUNERS, ELECTRONICS, GIBSON PICK UPS, SWITCHES, VOL , TONE. WORK REAL WELL ALSO AS SHOWN HAS A TINY HAIRLINE ON GUARD BY INPUT JACK CONSIDERING THIS GEM IS APPROX. 50 YEARS OLD AS SHOWN IN REAL NICE ORIGINAL CONDITION BUT TO BE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME SCUFFS, SCRATCHES AND NORMAL USAGE WEAR .PLEASE ... more
1991 Gibson Les Paul Bass Guitar | Rare | Transparrent Red | Preowend | GITA
Mansfield, NG18***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1995
I am restoring my 1972 Triumph Studio bass. Does anyone know the finish they use on the body and neck?
I have one of these bass guitars. The pickguard where the controls are located is broken. Where can I find a replacement??
I have a Les Paul Triumph Bass I picked up at a pawnshop in KY about 20 years ago. Coolest bass. The headstock has the initials D F inlaid, on either side of the "diamond inlay". It looks like it must have been done by Gibson. Any ideas how I can solve the mystery of these initials?
I have a very rare one in Black,Gibson does not have production figures for it at all.....Love it.
this is a very good page for the recording triumph bass. glad I found it . I still own my original 1973 model I bought in 1973 in original case . thanks for all information. Paul
Looking for a Gibson hard shell case for my 1974 Les Paul Bass. Can anyone help?