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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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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!
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Vintage Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock

Vintage Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock

San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

This vintage Epiphone by Gibson Rock Bass is a rare find for any collector or musician. With a solid body type and an ebony black color, this electric bass guitar boasts a unique hockey stick headstock design that is sure to turn heads. The maple neck material and 20 frets , need some work and restoration the frist fret board pop out and need repair no neck plate and tunner you got what see in the picture
The four string configuration and Accu series model year of 86-93
... more
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Epiphone ET285 Bass guitar Pickup Used condition SEE DETAILS

Epiphone ET285 Bass guitar Pickup Used condition SEE DETAILS

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

$225

Epiphone ET285 Bass guitar Pickup. 1970's. Used but fully functional with signs of use but in good condition for its age. 9 63K ohm at 22 5 C / 72 5 F. Length of braided lead wire is 10 inches. Ceramic magnets. No mounting screws or springs included. Pickup being sold as is. Other items in photos (multimeter and thermometer) are not included, they were only used to show the output and the temperature at which the output was taken at. Photos are part of item description. Presently only shipping... 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
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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
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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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Vintage 1990s Epiphone Power Bass Guitar Black Frets Removed MIK Project Jazz P

Vintage 1990s Epiphone Power Bass Guitar Black Frets Removed MIK Project Jazz P

Elmwood Park, New Jersey, 074**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$325

Up for sale is a Vintage Bass Guitar, Very Good Overall Condition As Shown, Please see photos for details, A true beast ready to be put back in action, Electronics work, Frets have been removed, Neck is straight, Rosewood fingerboard, String through body construction, Made in Korea, Heavy duty, Weighs 8 pounds 12 ounces as shown, Body shows normal play with minor nicks-scuffs & buckle rash, It should just need a set of strings but can be re-fretted or customized, The small foil sticker on ... more
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Epiphone Embassy Bass Guitar - Wanderlust Metallic Green. Lightly used and clean

Epiphone Embassy Bass Guitar - Wanderlust Metallic Green. Lightly used and clean

Stevenson Ranch, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$325

Lightly used Epiphone Embassy Bass Guitar in Wanderlust Metallic Green. The guitar is made by Epiphone, a well-known brand in the musical instrument industry, and is specifically designed for bassists who demand the best. It features a range of incredible tones and a comfortable feel that allows for extended playing sessions without any discomfort. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, this Epiphone Embassy Bass is the perfect addition to your collection
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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 - Black

Epiphone Embassy Bass - Black

Blackwood, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Description:
Pre-owned, in very good condition. Only defect is a dent on side of fretboard at third fret on treble side, it is not effecting playability. Clean overall, setup well with clean electronics. Gig bag NOT included
Photo:
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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 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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VINTAGE 1970S GIBSON SB 450 BASS GUITAR PICKUP

VINTAGE 1970'S GIBSON SB 450 BASS GUITAR PICKUP

Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$499

Vintage Gibson 1970's SB 450 Bass guitar pickup. Pickup is in good condition over all showing a little wear from over the years but nothing all that serious. Pickup read 6 02 and works as it should. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at anytime. Please continue to follow my listings for more vintage guitar parts and accessories to be listed in the following weeks. Thanks
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Epiphone Thunderbird Bass Vintage Sunburst with Hard Case (PD5029783)

Epiphone Thunderbird Bass Vintage Sunburst with Hard Case (PD5029783)

Covington, Louisiana, 704**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

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Epiphone Rock Bass 1980s - Ebony with case - Hockey Stick Made in Korea

Epiphone Rock Bass 1980s - Ebony with case - Hockey Stick Made in Korea

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$550

Sourced from a local musician with more guitars than he needs??and a wife who doesn??t appreciate them as much. I think many of us can relate to where this is going
This is a rare hockey stick version with its original case. You don??t see that often, do you? It??s the first time I??ve ever seen one with the original case included. Also, has the thumb rest that can be mounted on the pickup. Not pictured, but it is in the case
The bass is in perfect working condition, well cared for, and ... more
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Epiphone ET285 Electric Bass Guitar - Sunburst  - Really Cool

Epiphone ET285 Electric Bass Guitar - Sunburst - Really Cool

Spencerport, New York, 145**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

Up for grabs:
Epiphone ET285 Electric Bass Guitar - Sunburst
PLEASE ASK FIRST ABOUT INTL SHIPMENTS AND WE DO NOT LOWER VALUES. NEW Please inquire about international shipments before you buy, please! We cannot ship everywhere due to box size limits
All guitars ship insured FEDEX, international shipments must meet country specific size limitations and shipping constraints and we will not lower the value for customs and may not ship the same day, we have our handling time as 5 days. ... more
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Epiphone by Gibson Power Bass guitar With Case

Epiphone by Gibson Power Bass guitar With Case

San Tan Valley, Arizona, 851**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

In good condition with minor wear. Please view all photos for condition. It includes the case and cords. The case has the carrying strap
... more
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