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Gibson bass guitars and Epiphone bass guitars

This site is dedicated to vintage Gibson bass guitars and vintage Epiphone bass guitars: specifically electric basses produced at Gibson's legendary Kalamazoo plant, in Michigan, USA. There's a lot of detailed technical and historical information on the various Gibson bass models and the components fitted to them: follow the links on the right for specifications, shipping data, wiring charts etc.

Jump straight to the content: Gibson EB-0, EB-0F, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4L, SB300/400, SB350/450, Melody Maker bass, Thunderbird, Les Paul bass, Les Paul Triumph, Les Paul Signature, Ripper, Grabber, G-3, RD series, Victory series; Epiphone Rivoli, Newport and Embassy Deluxe

And check out the section on interviews with musicians associated with Gibson bass guitar: Jack Casady, Mike Watt, Andy Fraser and numerous others

Latest posts in the Vintage Guitar and Bass network of sites

Interview: Dave Kiswiney
Dave KiswineyDave Kiswiney has played Gibson (and latterly Heritage) bass guitars for his entire career. As a musician, he is best known for his time playing the Gibson Ripper with Ted Nugent; as a Gibson endorsing artist, he was the face of the Gibson Victory bass - appearing in all the advertising at the time. Dave has always preferred active instruments, and owns a number of (almost) unique active basses, an active single pickup Victory, an active single pickup Gibson Explorer bass, and a five string Heritage bass. Read his interview to find out about his career in music, his time with Ted Nugent and his amazing bass collection.
1981 Gibson Victory Standard
1981 Gibson Victory Standard (Candy Apple Red finish) The Victory bass series was designed by the Gibson research and development team, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, though all but a few demonstration models were produced at the newer Nashville plant. This was the first bass model to be exclusively produced there. The Victory Standard was included in price lists from 1981 until 1986, though the vast majority, like the bass featured here were built in the second half of 1981.
1964 Gibson EB0
1964 Gibson EB0 bass (cherry finish) The EB series evolved throughout the period of production, with (mostly) minor hardware and construction changes occurring every couple years. 1964 basses are typified by their mix of early features: wide, but slightly shallower neck, non-intonatable bridge, 'small' control cavity cover and nickel-plated hardware; most obviously the pickup cover (previously black bakelite - compare with a 1962 EB0, later chrome-plated - see this 1966 EB0)
1972 Gibson EB0L
1972 Gibson EB0L bass (natural finish)A very unusual long scale 1972 Gibson EB0L practically all Gibson EB-0 bass guitars had a mahogany body with a translucent Cherry or Walnut finish. This bass has an alder body with natural finish, and somewhat different hardware, with more in common with an Gibson SB-450, rather than a typical seventies EB bass. Despite being built in 1972, this bass was most likely one of just 5 natural EB-0 basses shipped in 1973, according to the EB-O shipping stats.
1978 Gibson G-3
1978 Gibson G-3 bassThe Gibson G-3 bass was first shown to the public at the 1975 NAMM show, and was an immediate success; it remained in production throughout the 70s, with small numbers being shipped in 1982 and 1985. The three in G-3 is, of course, a reference to the three pickups and associated circuitry designed by Gibson employee Bill Lawrence. The vast majority of G-3s shipped had a Natural or Ebony finish, although small numbers had a Candy Apple Red, White, Walnut, Wine Red or Tobacco Sunburst as shown here. For more, see the G-3 production totals.
1974 Gibson L-9S Ripper
1974 Gibson Ripper bassAlthough a few were completed in 1973, 1974 was the first year the Gibson Ripper bass was shipped in any numbers. It was one of the first new designs by Bill Lawrence who came to Gibson in the early 1970s. Early examples, like this, have a wider slab body, without the sculptured bevelling of later Rippers, but are essentially the same in other respects. The Ripper was in sharp contrast to the short scale 'muddy' mahogany basses that had dominated Gibsons output of the previous decade, and was immediately sucessful. Have a listen to the soundclips of this bass, through several vintage amplifiers.
1961 Gibson EB3
1961 Gibson EB3 bassA 1961 Gibson EB3 bass. 1961 was the first year of EB3 production, and the year Gibson first used the classic SG shape. Like the SG guitars, the EB3 was built at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo. Early EB3s are characterised by their chunky necks, wide-spaced controls, nickel hardware and bakelite neck pickup cover. Have a listen to the soundclips of this bass, through several vintage amplifiers.
1966 Gibson EB0
1966 Gibson EB0 bassProfile of a 1966 Gibson EB0 bass. The EB0, like it's big brother the EB3, is something of a 1960s classic; the construction (short scale, mahogany body, set mahogany neck), and the famous Gibson EB humbucker positioned at the neck, gave a deep rumble that perfectly suited the musical environment of the early-mid sixties. But by the early-mid seventies things were going long-scale and maple... Nonetheless, this is a finely built instrument, capable of some terrific sounds that really suit certain musical situations. Have a listen to the soundclips of this bass, through various vintage amplifiers.

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1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogue
1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogScan of 1970 Epiphone guitar catalogue produced by Rosetti for the UK market. Undated but most likely from mid-late 1970, this was the first UK catalogue to show the new range of Japanese (Matsumoku) Epiphone guitars. Interestingly, these pages show the Epiphone solid bodies with a single-sided Fender-style headstock layout - a feature quickly replaced with a typical two-sided Epiphone headstock almost immediately. Epiphone electric guitars: 9520, 9525; bass guitars: 9521, 9526; acoustic guitars: 6730, 6830, 6834
A World of Guitars by Rosetti - 1971
1971 A World of Guitars by Rosetti catalogueScan of 1971 Rosetti catalogue (UK) featuring guitars from from numerous manufacturers worldwide: guitars by Epiphone, Hagstrom, Levin, Hoyer, Egmond, Eros, Moridaira, Kiso-Suzuki, Schaller, and Tatra.
1971 Selmer guitar catalogue
1971 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1971 Selmer guitar catalogue showing the range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Gibson, Yamaha, Selmer, Hofner and Suzuki. 1960s Selmer had always placed Hofner at the front end of their catalogues, no doubt these were the better sellers - but into the 1970s Hofner were slipping somewhat and only appear at the tail end of this publication, pride of place going to Gibson, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. In fact this is the last Selmer catalogue to include the many Hofner hollow bodies (Committee, President, Senator etc) that had defined the companies output for so many years - to be replaced in the 1972 catalogue by generic solid body 'copies' of Gibson and Fender models. A number of new Gibson models are included for the first time: the SG-100 and SG-200 six string guitars and the SB-300 and SB-400 basses.
1968 Selmer guitar catalogue
1968 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini
1961 Hofner Colorama I
1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and Hofner Diamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.
1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)
1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.
1960 Hofner Colorama II
1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

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Gibson and Epiphone bass guitars for sale

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Epiphone Embassy Bass Electric Bass, Graphite Black

Epiphone Embassy Bass Electric Bass, Graphite Black

Middletown, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$468

... more
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CLEAN! Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass!! Plays great! W /  alt Pickguard

CLEAN! Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass!! Plays great! W / alt Pickguard

Monticello, New York, 127**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This vintage Gibson Grabber Bass is a dream come true for any right-handed player looking for a solid body electric bass guitar. With its natural body color and 4-string configuration, this bass is perfect for any music genre. The alt pickguard adds a unique touch to this 1974 model year, making it a must-have for collectors and musicians alike.

The bass plays great and has been well-maintained, ensuring its quality and reliability. Whether you're a seasoned player or a ... more
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Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar

Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar

Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This is a rare and collectible 1966 Gibson Classic EBO bass guitar in a stunning red color. With its 4-string configuration, this electric bass guitar is perfect for any musician who wants to make a statement. The Gibson brand is known for its quality and excellence, and this Classic series bass guitar is no exception. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar is sure to impress. It's perfect for playing a wide range of musical styles and is ideal for both live ... more
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GIBSON LES PAUL BASS GUITAR (EXCELLENT!)

GIBSON LES PAUL BASS GUITAR (EXCELLENT!)

Long Beach, California, 908**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

GIBSON LES PAUL BASS (1996) $2, 300

This amazing 1996 Gibson Les Paul Bass guitar is in excellent condition and comes with great sounding "Bartolini" pickups and Grove hardware

Made in USA on April 25th, 1996

Great opportunity to own this rare bass guitar
Collector's item!

Keywords: Guitar, Bass, Bass guitar, Gibson, Fender, Schecter, ESP, Ibanez, Yamaha,
... more
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Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81

Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'

Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

This a killer bass and a total P bass killer. Gibson released these to compete with the p bass and they are far, far, better quality. Mahogany body, Mable neck, brass nut, active and passive humbuckers with MOOG electronics! All original with the original case. The original case is pretty beat up with a buckle replaced but still road Worthy. Original paperwork still with it. The guitar is set up to play easy with a low action and great sound. One bridge saddle is missing the riser but works ... more
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1967 Gibson EB-2 Bass Cherry Red w / Ohsc

1967 Gibson EB-2 Bass Cherry Red w / Ohsc

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3295

1967 Gibson EB-2 Bass Cherry Red
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Non-Original Pickguard
Filled In Bridge Route

Some Finish Overspray On Back
Weighs 8lbs 14oz
With Original Hardshell Case
... more
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Epiphone Embassy Bass - Wanderlust Metallic Green

Epiphone Embassy Bass - Wanderlust Metallic Green

Howell, New Jersey, 077**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Epiphone Embassy Bass - Wanderlust Metallic Green. It's got a ding on the bottom that has been sealed up. It's smooth to the touch. Aside from that, It is in very good condition with some light signs of use (shallow surface scratches or smudges that don??t show up in pictures and can only be seen upon close inspection)
There's no signs of significant damages or evidence of repairs. Electronics function as they should. There??s little to no fret wear. There are no buzzing or dead frets and ... more
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Epiphone Embassy Special IV Bass Guitar 2 strings UNTESTED needs to be rescrewed

Epiphone Embassy Special IV Bass Guitar 2 strings UNTESTED needs to be rescrewed

Raleigh, North Carolina, 276**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$275

Untested storage unit auction find any questions feel free to ask and thanks for looking!

will need to be screwed back in? Please look at all pictures
... more
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Nice 1964 Gibson EBO Bass w /  Case

Nice 1964 Gibson EBO Bass w / Case

Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 433**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2677

For your consideration we are offering this vintage cherry red Gibson EBO Bass Guitar . This unit has some ??normal played?? wear as usual yet still very nice unit for sale. Case is most likely a shop economy unit rather than the Gibson standard issue of cases. Thanks for your viewing time today and we wish our bidding community good luck in their ventures
... more
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Gibson EB-1 Violin Bass Electric Bass w /  Original Case SN: 810964

Gibson EB-1 Violin Bass Electric Bass w / Original Case SN: 810964

Lafayette, Indiana, 479**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4899

HH139 Vintage Gibson EB-1 Violin Bass Electric Bass w / Original Case SN: 810964. Please be aware that the guitar has some spots where there's extra holes in the body crazing crackling on the Finish and some of the Gibson and the crown have come off over time. Guitar may need some work handle on case one side has popped off also exterior case has some peel up of the black around the edging as well as one strip down the neck. Please see pictures ask any questions you may have before buying. If ... more
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1975 Gibson The Ripper L9-S Vintage Electric Bass Ebony, Alder Body w /  Case

1975 Gibson The Ripper L9-S Vintage Electric Bass Ebony, Alder Body w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

Up for sale, a 1975 Gibson "The Ripper" L9-S bass in 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, the Ripper comes equipped with its original pair of Bill Lawrence designed "Super Humbucker" pickups and a four-way rotary switch for series, parallel, and out of phase pickup settings
The contoured alder body (as opposed to maple) is a particularly uncommon option, only offered ... more
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epiphone bass

epiphone bass

Onset, Massachusetts, 025**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

gibson epiphone bass guitar. Condition is Used. Shipped with UPS 2nd Day Air.... more
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1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass Sunburst

1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass Sunburst

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Very good condition 1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass. All original, outside of the removal of the Moog electronics. Original pickups sound MASSIVE and have tons of low end on tap. Really a special bass from Gibson that was not made that long. Original sunburst finish looks great on this specific bass. Some signs of play as pictured, but nothing crazy. All electronics have been tested to be working perfectly. Recently set up as well. Kept in a smoke free, pet free studio for recording purposes. Comes ... more
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Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920s

Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

This listing is for a rare and amazing Vintage Gibson Style J Mando Bass. To the best of my knowledge this bass was made in 1913 and these Style J Mando Basses were made in small quantities between 1912 throughout throughout the 1920's and 1930's. This one is not in great shape and will require some professional restoration but these are so rare it would be a great project for the right player or luthier to restore
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... more
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1969 Gibson Recording Bass Guitar Walnut *Headstock Repair*

1969 Gibson Recording Bass Guitar Walnut *Headstock Repair*

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

This guitar plays great. You'll definitely love this guitar and won't want to put it down
If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, Feel free to give us a call and check it out in person!
Layaway plans are also available. Message us for details.

Fast shipping! We ship same day or next business day. Feel free to message us with any questions before purchasing.
We package each guitar professionally.
For international buyers, please be advised that to minimize shipping ... more
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1967 Gibson EB-3 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass, 100% Original

1967 Gibson EB-3 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass, 100% Original

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

Up for sale, a 1967 Gibson EB-3 in 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with a padded softshell case. Introduced in 1961 and crafted at Gibson??s Kalamazoo factory, the EB-3 features a short 30 1 / 2?? scale length, mute-equipped bridge, dual pickups, and gloss Cherry nitro lacquer finish
Described in the 1967 Gibson catalog as ??the ultimate in an ultra thin, hand contoured solid body Gibson Electric Bass, ?? the EB-3 sports solid mahogany construction with a ... more
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1970 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Finish Electric Bass Guitar

1970 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Finish Electric Bass Guitar

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1895

1970 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Finish Electric Bass Guitar
Located At IVG Burbank
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Cherry Finish Shows Some Dings And Playwear
Added Single Coil Pickup
Mahogany Body And Neck
Rosewood Fingerboard
Weight 7lbs 8oz
Nut Width 1 514 "
Neck Depth At 1st Fret .82 "
Neck Depth At 12th Fret 1 00 "
No Case. One May Be Purchased For An Additional Fee (Please Inquire)
Made In USA
... more
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Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar 5 String

Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar 5 String

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

This vintage Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar is a true gem for any musician. With its customized 5 string design and powerful sound, it's sure to impress any bass player. The guitar has been well-maintained and has a beautiful finish that shines under any lighting.

The brand speaks for itself, with a reputation for quality that Gibson has built over the years. This electric bass guitar is perfect for any music style and is sure to make a statement in any band. Whether you're a ... more
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Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Electric Bass w /  Case, Setup SN: 5674

Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Electric Bass w / Case, Setup SN: 5674

Denton, Texas, 762**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

This is a Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 SG-Style Short-Scale Electric Bass w / Single Humbucker, Original Case, Professional Setup SN: #5674!This bass's serial number is #955674 This particular bass weighs 7 pounds 12 2 ounces The pictures are of the actual instrument for sale
If you have any information regarding this bass, please send us a message and let us know! We've tried our best, I promise, to make sure everything we've put in this listing is true and honest! Having said that, this ... more
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Epiphone Embassy Bass 4 String Electric Bass, Black Mfg 08-2023 MINT CONDITION!!

Epiphone Embassy Bass 4 String Electric Bass, Black Mfg 08-2023 MINT CONDITION!!

Somerset, Kentucky, 425**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$375

This Epiphone Embassy Bass guitar is a solid body, 4 / 4 size, and comes in a sleek black color. The neck is made of maple and has 20 frets. The guitar has a rosewood fretboard and is part of the Standard series. It is a right-handed electric bass guitar that is professionally leveled. The body is made of mahogany and was manufactured in China in 2023. This guitar is perfect for any musician looking for a high-quality and affordable option. SELLS NEW $499.... more
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