Description from the current owner:
“This lined fretless “Battle Bass” is from our personal collection & a very documented early production bass of Carl’s completed on May 8th, 1976 & sold through Gracin’s Music in Hempstead, New York on Long Island, my stomping ground as a kid. My wife & I at the time used to live at Gracin’s as often as possible when I saw my 1st Carl Thompson Bass hanging up new. I thought I’d never be able to afford one. Its original owner, a Mr. Richard Graziadel from Hempstead, put it on layaway on June 9th, 1976 & proceeded to make payments over the next 90 days & on September 9th it was all his! Its Bill of Sale is irreplaceable & a time when Carl was just starting out & finding his way & consigned some basses to Gracin’s & We Buy Guitars in Manhattan. It’s made in the typical Carl design having both traits – it’s lightweight & has a & completely “upright” sound when necessary. This remained in its 1st owners closet thru 2021. My buddy Rick found this gem for me but too many basses I have indeed.”
1974 Carl Thompson with no serial number, likely the 10th bass built. The electronics feature both a wood covered pick-up (likely an Armstrong) plus a classic P bass pickup.
