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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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1960s GOLD ALCO JAPAN KNOBS SET OF 3 TEISCO ARIA PENCO HARMONY UNIVOX EPIPHONE

1960s GOLD ALCO JAPAN KNOBS SET OF 3 TEISCO ARIA PENCO HARMONY UNIVOX EPIPHONE

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$49

SALE PRICE & FREE USA SHIPPING!
These knobs will fit many brands of 60's guitars & basses. They're Made in Japan but will fit standard 1 / 4" shafts. They each have 2 set screws so they are also suitable for use on pots with knurled shafts. Very high-quality machined aluminum that is gold anodized. Single red indicator line and vertical grooves for improved grip. Very hard-to-find! FREE USA SHIPPING and a 30-day return privilege for any reason. The Bass Palace will be listing loads of... more
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EPIPHONE by GIBSON ROCK BASS W /  HOCKEY STICK HEADSTOCK

EPIPHONE by GIBSON ROCK BASS W / HOCKEY STICK HEADSTOCK

Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$123

This Epiphone electric bass guitar is a right-handed instrument with a solid wood body type. It has a white body color and 20 frets. The guitar is a 2005 model year and has a 4-string configuration.

The brand of this guitar is Epiphone, a well-known name in the music industry. This bass guitar is perfect for any musician looking to upgrade their instrument. It is categorized under musical instruments and gear, guitars and basses, and bass guitars. Get ready to rock out with this ... more
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1980S SCHALLER ROLLER BASS BRIDGE CHROME W / SCREWS GUILD KRAMER ARIA GIBSON

1980'S SCHALLER ROLLER BASS BRIDGE CHROME W / SCREWS GUILD KRAMER ARIA GIBSON

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$129

SALE PRICE & FREE USA SHIPPING!
This is one of the all-time great bass bridge designs! It's massive yet low-profile and you can adjust string height as well as string spacing quite easily. The roller saddle design places a lot less strain on string windings and this adds to sustain. Made in Germany with the DBP patent # so you know it's an early one, Some minor oxidation but no rust or pitting and all the adjustment screws turn freely. Includes the (3) original mounting screws.
FREE ... more
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USA GIBSON EB BASS Guitar Bridge Tailpiece STUD Post Set Vintage Parts

USA GIBSON EB BASS Guitar Bridge Tailpiece STUD Post Set Vintage Parts

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$149

Steel construction, Chrome finish, Normal vintage wear with patina, some driver marks, threads are Good,   ORIGINAL GIBSON PARTs, See pics for dimensions. THANKS for looking!
... more
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Vintage Early 1960s Gibson EB-0  /  EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute

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

$175

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
... more
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Epiphone Embassy Pro Electric Bass Guitar husk w /  Pickups & Tuners - project

Epiphone Embassy Pro Electric Bass Guitar husk w / Pickups & Tuners - project

Oswego, Illinois, 605**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200



Epiphone Embassy Pro Electric Bass Guitar husk w / Pickups & Tuners - project
Any questions, please feel free to contact us!
Great item by DeMont Guitars!
10% Restock fee on cancelled or returned items
Returns not accepted from overseas and buyer should assume item is 'as-is' please feel free to ask any and all questions prior to auction end. Please email if you plan on bidder, or would like to purchase item for out-of-USA delivery
WE DO NOT DO PARTIAL ... more
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EPIPHONE Bass By GIBSON BAT WING Power BASS GUITAR Vintage

EPIPHONE Bass By GIBSON BAT WING Power BASS GUITAR Vintage

West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$229

Unique with Bat Wing headstock
Please review ALL pictures offers and questions always welcome prior to purchase thanks for looking all vintage sales final.
... more
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Epiphone Embassy Special IV Bass Guitar

Epiphone Embassy Special IV Bass Guitar

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$229

Plays great
Great condition
Small marks on headstock (see pics)
Marks on lower horn (see pics)
Ships double boxed
... more
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EPIPHONE Bass By GIBSON BAT WING Power BASS GUITAR Vintage

EPIPHONE Bass By GIBSON BAT WING Power BASS GUITAR Vintage

West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$248

Unique with Bat Wing headstock
Please review ALL pictures offers and questions always welcome prior to purchase thanks for looking all vintage sales final.
... more
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1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA

1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Early slab body pick guard . Cut a little to fit replace pickup. Just a shave off it
... more
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1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover

1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

This vintage hand rest cover is a must-have for any Gibson EB-3, EB-2, or EB-0 Bass guitar enthusiast. Made in the 1960s, this cover is a true piece of music history. The cover is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and is made from high-quality materials to ensure durability.

The cover features the iconic Gibson logo and is a great addition to any vintage musical instrument collection. Whether you are a seasoned musician or a collector, this hand rest cover is a unique 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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Epiphone Electric Bass Guitar & Case

Epiphone Electric Bass Guitar & Case

Laguna Beach, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$290

Epiphone Electric Bass Guitar & Case
Condition: Pre-owned in good to fair condition. Remnants of a sticker is present. Fittings / screw heads / bridge, except for tuning pegs, show some signs of oxidation.
Multiple ship options available.... more
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Epiphone Embassy Special IV Bass Guitar

Epiphone Embassy Special IV Bass Guitar

Harrison, Ohio, 450**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

The bass guitar you are looking at is in Very Good Condition
This Bass not only plays great but sounds even better
The frets and neck are in Perfect Shape!
Bass has light scratches on front headstock as shown in pictures
Weight 8 0Lbs 2oz
If you have any questions, please ask
Scale pictured, Case or Bag is Not Included.... more
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Red Epiphone Embassy Bass Guitar with Strap & Gig Bag

Red Epiphone Embassy Bass Guitar with Strap & Gig Bag

Jerseyville, Illinois, 620**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$369

Nice used Red Epiphone Embassy Bass Guitar with Strap & Gig Bag.

Comes as pictured.

Shipping will be $40 in the lower 48 states
... 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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Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare

Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare

Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare.
These were made from 1986-93 according to the internet. The serial number sticker has been peeled of, but I believe this is an earlier one
Very nice looking bass
Sealed tuners, new strings, brass saddles, black on black with matching headstock, all original
The body has a few light nicks and scratches, in the clear coat. None major
No apparent fret wear or groves
The bass has just had a ... more
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Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

This bass guitar string mute is a must-have for any Gibson Thunderbird owner. Made in 1966, this mute is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. It is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and provides a unique sound that is sure to impress
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... 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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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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