The Flickr Cocobolo Image Generatr

Tucked into a cozy corner of a Tokyo guitar shop, these two Carl Thompson Scroll Basses offer more than jaw-dropping curves—they tell a story of luthiery legend. Known for crafting each instrument by hand in his Brooklyn workshop since the 1970s, Carl Thompson is revered among bass enthusiasts for his boundary-pushing scroll design, distinctive long upper horns, and luxurious tonewoods. The pair on display here—one fretted, one fretless—feature lush cocobolo tops that shimmer under shop lights, contrasting elegantly with the natural mahogany bodies and multi-laminate necks.

The Scroll Bass design is instantly recognizable: part sculpture, part sonic weapon. The dramatic scroll at the upper horn is as functional as it is aesthetic, helping to balance the instrument physically and visually. No two Carl Thompson basses are ever the same; each piece is a singular work of art with its own quirks and voice. That’s what makes spotting two in one place such a unicorn moment for collectors and players alike.

Positioned against an exposed brick wall and flanked by vintage Fenders, these basses seem almost regal in comparison, an architectural flex of organic form meeting function. The slatwall display contrasts their fluid silhouettes, while the mirror adds a burst of depth—revealing not just the instruments, but the joy of discovery from the person photographing them. Priced in the ballpark of 2.2 million yen used, they’re not casual purchases—they’re lifelong companions.

If you’re chasing a bass with history, soul, and design bravado, it doesn’t get more "insider" than this.

These close-up images showcase the intricate craftsmanship of a Carl Thompson Scroll Bass, a true icon in the world of boutique bass guitars. Built entirely by hand in Brooklyn, New York, Carl Thompson’s instruments are as much functional art as they are tonal powerhouses. His scroll basses—known for their distinctive violin-inspired upper horn—are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors and serious players alike.

What sets this particular bass apart is its exquisite use of natural tonewoods, notably cocobolo, wenge, padauk, and possibly purpleheart, each selected for its tonal characteristics and visual contrast. The result is a layered, multi-laminate body that blends form and function with surgical precision. The carved horn and heel transitions show off seamless joinery and sculptural woodwork—there are no shortcuts here, only intention.

The pickups and control layout are minimal, allowing the organic tone of the woods to take center stage. Thompson’s basses are often customized per player, and every detail—down to the wooden pickup covers and knob choices—reflects an uncompromising aesthetic.

The scroll bass has become synonymous with players like Les Claypool of Primus, who famously uses Carl Thompson basses for their punch, clarity, and unique playability. This bass isn’t just an instrument—it’s a legacy, made by one man, in small numbers, with a cult following behind every build.

Seen here at Miki Gakki Bass Side in Osaka, this instrument stands out even in a sea of boutique beauties. For the discerning musician or collector, owning a Carl Thompson is not just a statement—it’s a lifelong relationship with a piece of musical architecture.

These close-up images showcase the intricate craftsmanship of a Carl Thompson Scroll Bass, a true icon in the world of boutique bass guitars. Built entirely by hand in Brooklyn, New York, Carl Thompson’s instruments are as much functional art as they are tonal powerhouses. His scroll basses—known for their distinctive violin-inspired upper horn—are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors and serious players alike.

What sets this particular bass apart is its exquisite use of natural tonewoods, notably cocobolo, wenge, padauk, and possibly purpleheart, each selected for its tonal characteristics and visual contrast. The result is a layered, multi-laminate body that blends form and function with surgical precision. The carved horn and heel transitions show off seamless joinery and sculptural woodwork—there are no shortcuts here, only intention.

The pickups and control layout are minimal, allowing the organic tone of the woods to take center stage. Thompson’s basses are often customized per player, and every detail—down to the wooden pickup covers and knob choices—reflects an uncompromising aesthetic.

The scroll bass has become synonymous with players like Les Claypool of Primus, who famously uses Carl Thompson basses for their punch, clarity, and unique playability. This bass isn’t just an instrument—it’s a legacy, made by one man, in small numbers, with a cult following behind every build.

Seen here at Miki Gakki Bass Side in Osaka, this instrument stands out even in a sea of boutique beauties. For the discerning musician or collector, owning a Carl Thompson is not just a statement—it’s a lifelong relationship with a piece of musical architecture.

These close-up images showcase the intricate craftsmanship of a Carl Thompson Scroll Bass, a true icon in the world of boutique bass guitars. Built entirely by hand in Brooklyn, New York, Carl Thompson’s instruments are as much functional art as they are tonal powerhouses. His scroll basses—known for their distinctive violin-inspired upper horn—are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors and serious players alike.

What sets this particular bass apart is its exquisite use of natural tonewoods, notably cocobolo, wenge, padauk, and possibly purpleheart, each selected for its tonal characteristics and visual contrast. The result is a layered, multi-laminate body that blends form and function with surgical precision. The carved horn and heel transitions show off seamless joinery and sculptural woodwork—there are no shortcuts here, only intention.

The pickups and control layout are minimal, allowing the organic tone of the woods to take center stage. Thompson’s basses are often customized per player, and every detail—down to the wooden pickup covers and knob choices—reflects an uncompromising aesthetic.

The scroll bass has become synonymous with players like Les Claypool of Primus, who famously uses Carl Thompson basses for their punch, clarity, and unique playability. This bass isn’t just an instrument—it’s a legacy, made by one man, in small numbers, with a cult following behind every build.

Seen here at Miki Gakki Bass Side in Osaka, this instrument stands out even in a sea of boutique beauties. For the discerning musician or collector, owning a Carl Thompson is not just a statement—it’s a lifelong relationship with a piece of musical architecture.

I'm holding a serious unicorn — a Carl Thompson 4-string Scroll Bass with a 36-inch scale and cocobolo top, spotted at Miki Gakki Bass Side in Osaka for ¥2,420,000 (roughly ~$16,000 USD depending on exchange rate).

🔥 Why This Bass Is Rare & Special
1. Carl Thompson = Legend
Carl Thompson is a Brooklyn-based luthier who hand-builds every bass himself — often taking years to complete. He's most famous for building instruments for Les Claypool (Primus) and Stanley Clarke. Each bass is totally custom, one-of-a-kind, and built to Carl’s uncompromising standards.

2. Scroll Bass = Signature Model
The Scroll Bass is Carl’s iconic design. Instantly recognizable by its upper bout "scroll" (like a violin), it’s not just about looks — it changes the weight distribution for balance and tone. It's also a nod to traditional luthier craftsmanship.

3. 36-inch Scale = Extended Clarity
Most basses are 34” scale. A 36” scale gives greater string tension, more harmonic clarity, and punchier low end. That also makes it a bit more challenging to play — it’s a bass for serious players.

4. Cocobolo Top = Exotic & Stunning
Cocobolo is a rare tropical hardwood, highly prized for its density, figure, and tone. It’s extremely difficult to work with, which makes it an expensive upgrade. The tone is rich and warm, and the look? Just look at that top — deep reddish-brown with natural oil sheen. Breathtaking.

5. Used Carl Thompson in Japan?!
These never show up in stores, especially not in Japan. Most owners commission directly and rarely let them go. Miki Gakki scoring one — and offering it used — is like seeing a McLaren F1 in a neighborhood dealership.

TL;DR
Brand: Carl Thompson

Model: 4-String Scroll Bass

Scale: 36-inch

Top: Cocobolo (exotic tonewood)

Condition: Used (in excellent shape from the pics)

Price: ¥2,420,000 (~$16K USD)

Where: Miki Gakki Bass Side, Osaka

I'm holding a serious unicorn — a Carl Thompson 4-string Scroll Bass with a 36-inch scale and cocobolo top, spotted at Miki Gakki Bass Side in Osaka for ¥2,420,000 (roughly ~$16,000 USD depending on exchange rate).

🔥 Why This Bass Is Rare & Special
1. Carl Thompson = Legend
Carl Thompson is a Brooklyn-based luthier who hand-builds every bass himself — often taking years to complete. He's most famous for building instruments for Les Claypool (Primus) and Stanley Clarke. Each bass is totally custom, one-of-a-kind, and built to Carl’s uncompromising standards.

2. Scroll Bass = Signature Model
The Scroll Bass is Carl’s iconic design. Instantly recognizable by its upper bout "scroll" (like a violin), it’s not just about looks — it changes the weight distribution for balance and tone. It's also a nod to traditional luthier craftsmanship.

3. 36-inch Scale = Extended Clarity
Most basses are 34” scale. A 36” scale gives greater string tension, more harmonic clarity, and punchier low end. That also makes it a bit more challenging to play — it’s a bass for serious players.

4. Cocobolo Top = Exotic & Stunning
Cocobolo is a rare tropical hardwood, highly prized for its density, figure, and tone. It’s extremely difficult to work with, which makes it an expensive upgrade. The tone is rich and warm, and the look? Just look at that top — deep reddish-brown with natural oil sheen. Breathtaking.

5. Used Carl Thompson in Japan?!
These never show up in stores, especially not in Japan. Most owners commission directly and rarely let them go. Miki Gakki scoring one — and offering it used — is like seeing a McLaren F1 in a neighborhood dealership.

TL;DR
Brand: Carl Thompson

Model: 4-String Scroll Bass

Scale: 36-inch

Top: Cocobolo (exotic tonewood)

Condition: Used (in excellent shape from the pics)

Price: ¥2,420,000 (~$16K USD)

Where: Miki Gakki Bass Side, Osaka

I'm holding a serious unicorn — a Carl Thompson 4-string Scroll Bass with a 36-inch scale and cocobolo top, spotted at Miki Gakki Bass Side in Osaka for ¥2,420,000 (roughly ~$16,000 USD depending on exchange rate).

🔥 Why This Bass Is Rare & Special
1. Carl Thompson = Legend
Carl Thompson is a Brooklyn-based luthier who hand-builds every bass himself — often taking years to complete. He's most famous for building instruments for Les Claypool (Primus) and Stanley Clarke. Each bass is totally custom, one-of-a-kind, and built to Carl’s uncompromising standards.

2. Scroll Bass = Signature Model
The Scroll Bass is Carl’s iconic design. Instantly recognizable by its upper bout "scroll" (like a violin), it’s not just about looks — it changes the weight distribution for balance and tone. It's also a nod to traditional luthier craftsmanship.

3. 36-inch Scale = Extended Clarity
Most basses are 34” scale. A 36” scale gives greater string tension, more harmonic clarity, and punchier low end. That also makes it a bit more challenging to play — it’s a bass for serious players.

4. Cocobolo Top = Exotic & Stunning
Cocobolo is a rare tropical hardwood, highly prized for its density, figure, and tone. It’s extremely difficult to work with, which makes it an expensive upgrade. The tone is rich and warm, and the look? Just look at that top — deep reddish-brown with natural oil sheen. Breathtaking.

5. Used Carl Thompson in Japan?!
These never show up in stores, especially not in Japan. Most owners commission directly and rarely let them go. Miki Gakki scoring one — and offering it used — is like seeing a McLaren F1 in a neighborhood dealership.

TL;DR
Brand: Carl Thompson

Model: 4-String Scroll Bass

Scale: 36-inch

Top: Cocobolo (exotic tonewood)

Condition: Used (in excellent shape from the pics)

Price: ¥2,420,000 (~$16K USD)

Where: Miki Gakki Bass Side, Osaka

On 0514-2017 at Laurel, Embera Wounaan indigenous community located about 250 km from the capital city of Panama, in the Darién jungle on the banks of the Lara river.
Some 45 people decided to found this small community with the hope of conserving their customs and traditions. The same expects to subsist in agriculture and fishing as it has always been but with the hope of being able to receive visitors who want to live with them their traditions and the sale of their crafts.

The Embera-Wounaan are a people who live and work around rivers. They build their canoes (pirogues) with espavé wood, hawthorn cedar and yellow pine. The indigenous people are excellent goldsmiths and wood carvers. Women make basketry items; baskets, mats and decorations.

On 09-14-2017, woman weaving a basket at Laurel, Embera Wounaan indigenous community located about 250 km from the capital city of Panama, in the Darién jungle on the banks of the Lara river.
Some 45 people decided to found this small community with the hope of conserving their customs and traditions. The same expects to subsist in agriculture and fishing as it has always been but with the hope of being able to receive visitors who want to live with them their traditions and the sale of their crafts.

The Embera-Wounaan are a people who live and work around rivers. They build their canoes (pirogues) with espavé wood, hawthorn cedar and yellow pine. The indigenous people are excellent goldsmiths and wood carvers. Women make basketry items; baskets, mats and decorations.

Unfortunately this red colour doesn't remain for long... the wood darkens considerably as it ages and becomes more exposed to uv light. The fretboard will also need a protective coat of linseed oil and this tends to darken the wood too. Looks pretty spectacular at the moment though!

Guitar;
Member of Cocobolo;
Buiten Spelen voor de GRAP;
Vondelpark Openluchttheater, Amsterdam,
May 29th, 2023;

© co broerse/a dor hout production

Erik Bandt, guitar, Ties Voskamp, drums and Hilde Luytjes, bass guitar;
Buiten Spelen voor de GRAP;
Vondelpark Openluchttheater, Amsterdam,
May 29th, 2023;

© co broerse/a dor hout production

Bass guitar;
With Ties Voskamp, drums;
Members of Cocobolo;
Buiten Spelen voor de GRAP;
Vondelpark Openluchttheater, Amsterdam,
May 29th, 2023;

© co broerse/a dor hout production

www.GibsonLeather.com

Worth Brown strings against the Cocobolo and olive wood rosette on a Cocobolo tenor ukulele
(Cocobolo Ukuleles, Masaya Nicaragua)

Songwriter Harlan Howard described country music as "three chords and the truth." It's also true when you play a ukulele, although you really do have many (many) more options.
This ukulele is a tenor from Cocobolo Ukuleles of Masaya, Nicaragua.

This picture was the cover shot for my "A Year on Four Strings - 2021" ukulele photo calendar.

Overwater Hollowbody Series
6-String
Cocobolo Top
Swamp Ash Body
Ebony ​Fingerboard

Overwater Hybrid Series
6-String
Cocobolo Top
Swamp Ash Body
Ebony Fingerboard

I have a horrible feeling I may have just started another collection. Oops. I love miniatures and recently came across a maker of tiny wood turnings. This tiny pot is only 1" high from the base to the top of the lid. The base is hollowed out and made from a Betel nut while the lid and foot are Cocobolo wood. I can't tell you how tiny and delicate that lid is. I've been known to drop things, so I'm being extra careful with this one. The dried rose bud also has to be handled with a gentle touch, of course, to avoid crushing the petals.

For this week's Crazy Tuesday group theme, Fragile.