Object Details
Manufactured by
Oasis Guitars, American
Used by
Kool & the Gang, American, founded 1964
Robert "Kool" Bell, American, born 1950
Description
2015.212a: An electric bass guitar used by Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool and the Gang. The bass guitar is made of light colored wood and has brass tuning pegs. It has two pickups in black. The strings are attached to an oval shaped metal tailpiece with four smaller tuners. The bass also has four volume and tone controls on the left side of the lower front body. Two switches for pick-ups are also on the lower left side of the front body. On the headstock is gold inlay with the bass name running vertically down the center that reads “O / A / S / I / S.” The top of the headstock has an inlaid gold design. Imprinted into the wood on the back of the headstock at the top is “37 57 / USA.” On the back of the body on the lower left side is an oval-shaped black electronics cavity plate. Also on the back at the top near of the neck is a strap button.
2015.212b: Guitar is housed in a guitar case.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Robert "Kool" Bell of Kool & The Gang
Date
1976-1978
Object number
2015.212ab
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
musical instruments
guitars
Medium
wood, brass (alloy), metal and plastic
Dimensions
H x W x D: 46 1/2 × 13 7/8 × 3 in. (118.1 × 35.2 × 7.6 cm)
Place made
Juliesse Avenue, Sacramento, California, United States, North and Central America
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Musical Instruments
Exhibition
Musical Crossroads
On View
NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Disco (Music)
Funk (Music)
Instrumentalists (Musicians)
Rhythm and blues (Music)
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2015.212ab