Carl Thompson Fretless "Battle" Bass 1976 fully documented example w/original Gracin's Bill of Sale.

And now for something completely special…as a young bass player that likes anything from Rufus/Chaka Khan, Sly & James Brown to Bad Company to Blake Shelton…I am a diverse player that generally likes to funk ! I have been a Carl Thompson (made in Brooklyn since 1974) fan since 1976 when his new top line 4 string bass was a monstrous $650. vs. a Fender P Bass that was only a mere $219. Carl is an icon who against all odds has stayed back logged 2-3 years behind schedule for the last 2 decades. Carl made some great basses & his biggest endorsor is still the “Primus” bass player, Les Claypool. This Lined Fretless “Battle Bass” is from our personal collection & a very documented early production bass of Carls completed on May 8th, 1976 & sold thru 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…it was so sad. This Battle Bass is very original & 1 of his earliest better looking basses prior to his later Lobster Claw design. 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 irreplacible & a time when Carl was just starting out & finding his way & consigned some basses to Gracin’s & We Buy Guitars in Manhattan (my buddy Richie). It’s made in the typical Carl design having both traits…its lightweight as hell & 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 to many basses I have indeed. So to its next caretaker she will go. Carl cannot possibly complete all of his orders he has in house & he’s 84 years old & still workin every day. Good luck in getting 1 of his basses especially one this special & documented from day 1. She’s exceptional & comes w/its original bill of sale in it is original molded case.