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Rare Bass Guitars List

  • Writer: Tapetown
    Tapetown
  • Sep 19
  • 2 min read

A row of electric bass guitars with sunburst and black finishes on stands against a textured gray backdrop, showcasing various models.

A good bass guitar lays the foundation for a song, whether in the studio or live. Rare basses from the 1950s to 1970s, played by legends like James Jamerson and Paul McCartney, have tones and feel that stand out. Their limited production makes them hard to find, but they’re prized for music creation. Here are 10 rare bass guitars that can inspire your grooves.


1. Fender Precision Bass (1951)

  • Era: 1950s

  • Used By: James Jamerson on Motown hits

  • Sound: Warm, punchy single-coil tones for soul and rock.

  • Rarity: Early slab-body models are very rare.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its classic tone is perfect for recording studios.

2. Gibson EB-2

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Jack Bruce with Cream

  • Sound: Deep, resonant semi-hollow tones for rock and blues.

  • Rarity: Limited production, less popular than Fender.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its warmth inspires music creation.

3. Rickenbacker 4001

  • Era: 1960s–1970s

  • Used By: Chris Squire with Yes

  • Sound: Bright, melodic stereo tones for progressive rock.

  • Rarity: Early models with unique finishes are scarce.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its clarity suits performance gear and studios.

4. Höfner Violin Bass (1960s)

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Paul McCartney with The Beatles

  • Sound: Warm, woody hollow-body tones for pop.

  • Rarity: Early German models are hard to find.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its iconic sound drives songwriting.

5. Ampeg AUB-1

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Early rock studio players

  • Sound: Deep, fretless upright-style tones for unique grooves.

  • Rarity: Limited production, niche design.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its oddball sound sparks music creation.

6. Danelectro Longhorn Bass

  • Era: 1950s–1960s

  • Used By: Surf rock bassists

  • Sound: Bright, quirky lipstick pickup tones.

  • Rarity: High-end models from a budget brand are rare.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its unique sound inspires studio recording.

7. Guild Starfire Bass

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Jack Casady with Jefferson Airplane

  • Sound: Warm, resonant semi-hollow tones for rock.

  • Rarity: Limited production, less known brand.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its depth enhances music creation.

8. Vox Ultrasonic Bass

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: British Invasion bands

  • Sound: Bright, versatile hollow-body tones for pop.

  • Rarity: Limited UK production, niche brand.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its clarity suits performance gear.

9. Epiphone Rivoli

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Early soul studio players

  • Sound: Warm, punchy semi-hollow tones for soul and rock.

  • Rarity: Limited production, overshadowed by Gibson.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its soulful sound fits recording studios.

10. Zemaitis Custom Bass

  • Era: 1970s

  • Used By: Ronnie Lane with Faces

  • Sound: Rich, handcrafted tones for rock and blues.

  • Rarity: Custom-built, very few made.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its unique design inspires music creation.



Rare bass guitars like the Fender Precision and Rickenbacker 4001 give bassists warm, distinctive tones for music creation and performance. Their rarity makes them special for recording studios and live stages. Check out our articles on vintage amplifiers for more groove tools.


Related Reading: About a Studio: Sound City https://www.tapetownstudio.com/post/about-a-studio-sound-city

 
 
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