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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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Ibanez miKros  Left Handed Bass Guitar, Rosewood Fretboard, Black + Gibson case

Ibanez miKros Left Handed Bass Guitar, Rosewood Fretboard, Black + Gibson case

Nutley, New Jersey, 071**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

Ibanez miKros  Left Handed Bass Guitar, Rosewood Fretboard, Black + Gibson soft carrying case  
model GSRM20 
Excellent condition with a few very minor paint chips
Gibson soft padded carrying case
Gibson bag has both a carrying handle and shoulder straps for carrying like a backpack-- Also has 1 large zippered pocket and 1 small Velcro pocket
plays great!
Recently Tuned and intonation adjusted!
All 3 controls and jack cleaned by expert electronic ... more
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Epiphone By Gibson Bass Guitar  Hockey Stick Headstock

Epiphone By Gibson Bass Guitar Hockey Stick Headstock

Torrance, California, 905**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$199


Used in working order and decent cosmetic condition .Some nicks , scratches and small dings on the body ( see pictures ) .
Comes as shown on pictures .Nothing else included Shipping cost shown is only to the lower 48 states , others please inquire before bidding .... more
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Used 2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass, Inverness Green

Used 2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass, Inverness Green

Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1665

With unique, superb playability and absolutely dripping with style, the 2022-model Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass holds true as a fantastic bass guitar. It features a mahogany solidbody with a matching neck and an Indian rosewood fingerboard. Two Thunderbird pickups can be individually controlled via the volume control set and a master tone, while the Hipshot Ultralite tuning machines give a crisp tonal lock
This bass is in Near Mint condition, as there are really no particular issues ... more
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1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess

1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess

Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

has been tested and checked over. plays great and looks very vintage. has a decent amount of belt buckle wear and dings. please see pics for condition... more
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1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0

1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0

Arlington, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0... more
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1980s GIBSON VICTORY BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX RED FUZZY LINING VERY HARD-TO-FIND!

1980s GIBSON VICTORY BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX RED FUZZY LINING VERY HARD-TO-FIND!

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

$289

NEW YEAR'S SALE &FREE USA SHIPPING!
Kicking off 2025 The Bass Palace will be listing more cool vintage cases from The Swami's own personal collection. Most of these are in primo condition and some are actually NOS. There are even some seldom-seen ones to be offered. These are the cream-of-the-crop if you are looking for a case worthy of your own special instrument. As an intro I am offering FREE shipping to the lower 48 thru the end of January (a $40-60 savings)! But make no mistake, once... more
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Vintage Gibson USA Bass Guitar SB-450 70s Natural 1971  1972 1973 EB Ripper

Vintage Gibson USA Bass Guitar SB-450 70's Natural 1971 1972 1973 EB Ripper

Orange, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Comes as seen
original finish shows wear marks scratches dents as seen
No damage or structural issues
Neck is straight and frets are good
Pickups and electronics tested and working
Original schaller made Gibson logo tuners
One tuner bent but still works ok
Missing the bass cover. Otherwise all there and complete
Includes fender gig bag
34?? scale
Weight 7 lbs 1 oz
Pots date to 1966
Serial # dates it to early 70s
1970, 1971, 1972
Will need some cleaning... more
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1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5700

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case.

The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!!  It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... more
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Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural

Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural

Tarzana, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1595

Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural
Up for sale, here's an incredible example from a rare 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass in its original Natural finish
This is the 34" long scale version of the EB-0 bass with slotted headstock. It's been introduced in 1969 and this one is from early 1970, with no volute. The bass is super light weight (7 0 Lbs) and it sounds incredible, with a beautiful chunky round neck profile. It's has a lot of checking which makes it look and feel great and give it a great... more
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ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3260

UP FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Original Gibson Hard case .
HAS AMAZING TONE AND SOUND WITH A REAL NICE SMOOTH FEEL AND ACTION ALL TUNERS, ELECTRONICS, GIBSON PICK UPS, SWITCHES, VOL , TONE. WORK REAL WELL ALSO AS SHOWN HAS A TINY HAIRLINE ON GUARD BY INPUT JACK CONSIDERING THIS GEM IS APPROX. 50 YEARS OLD AS SHOWN IN REAL NICE ORIGINAL CONDITION BUT TO BE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME SCUFFS, SCRATCHES AND NORMAL USAGE WEAR .PLEASE ... 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
... more
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Vintage 1972 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar w / case

Vintage 1972 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar w / case

Amarillo, Texas, 791**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

Vintage 1972 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar w / case missing 2 of the orig. knobs plays and sounds good. There is a dent on back of the neck and clear is coming off in places
... more
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Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Guitar W / OHSC-Excellent!!!

Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Guitar W / OHSC-Excellent!!!

Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2299

This listing is for a
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Guitar W / OHSC

Specs / info:
Rock Like the God of Thunder
Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass reflects his tastes. Designed to meet the musical needs of modern bassists, it features the classic Reverse Thunderbird?? body and headstock shape. The G2 Thunderbird Bass is voiced with a pair of powerful T-Bird pickups, each with individual ... more
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Gibson sb400 Bass 1971-1973 READ DESCRIPTION

Gibson sb400 Bass 1971-1973 READ DESCRIPTION

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

$1800

This is a Gibson SB400, in not fully original condition. When I recieved this bass the truss rod was busted, and it contained 0 of the original electronics and hardware. Check out the full video for all my restoration work. MAKE ME AN OFFER!
https: / / youtu be / oZIYBfvSb6g?si=A5dVHv0gw1Qb6or
I replaced the crappy old broken truss rod with a modern stewmac 2 way rod, and replaced the original fretboard with a stewmac indian rosewood fingerboard and refretted. It's now a 34 inch scale, ... 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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Vintage Gibson EB-1 Walnut Brown 1970

Vintage Gibson EB-1 Walnut Brown 1970

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999


Vintage Gibson EB-1 Walnut Brown 1970
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Based on an earlier design, this gorgeous reissue from '70 retains most of the original 50's look, including the ultra cool violin-shaped body. Exquisite tone with a smooth, comfortable feel. Professionally set up & ready to play straight out of the case
Cosmetic Condition: Various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches, weather checking & some finish wear. ... more
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1972 Epiphone 1820 / ET280 Short Scale Bass Guitar  Made in Japan

1972 Epiphone 1820 / ET280 Short Scale Bass Guitar Made in Japan

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

$700

I am selling a vintage 1972 Epiphone 4 string short scale bass guitar with its original case. Made in Japan. I have another guitar just like this with a perfect pickguard and I am going to put this perfect pickguard on this bass. The case is useable
Added photo: the excellent pickguard I removed from my other ET280 and will put in place of the original pickguard in the photo
There is a hairline crack on the body top I noticed after I took these photos. Please wait to bid until I get ... more
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EPIPHONE ET-280 BASS GUITAR

EPIPHONE ET-280 BASS GUITAR

Hagerstown, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$430

PRE-OWNED EPIPHONE ET-280 BASS GUITAR 
COMES WITH SOFT CASE 
SOME COSMETIC DAMAGE TO THE BODY OF THE BASS GUITAR (AS SHOWN IN PICTURES)
TESTED AND SOUNDS GREAT 
Finish Details: Original finish. Body Material: Poplar Body Details: Solid poplar body. Neck Material: Maple Fingerboard Material: Rosewood Neck Profile: C Neck Thickness (IN): 1st - 0 89 12th - 0 96 Fingerboard Radius: 9 50 Nut Width: 1-11 / 16... more
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1970 Epiphone 1820 / ET280 Short Scale Bass Guitar  Made in Japan

1970 Epiphone 1820 / ET280 Short Scale Bass Guitar Made in Japan

Pleasant Hill, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Bass is in good used condition. The bridge and bridge cover have been moved.
The guy i bought it from said he had bought it in the mid 70's when it was nearly new and it was like that when he bought it   He said it played so well he never thought about moving it back to where it was originally
It has paint cracks in the body, no wood damage. It has buckle rash on the back
Overall it is a good working vintage guitar. Good neck, solid components. Can be set up for any type of ... more
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1980s BLACK SCHALLER M4 TUNERS 2 RIGHT 1 LEFT + BONUS GIBSON SCHALLER

1980s BLACK SCHALLER M4 TUNERS 2 RIGHT 1 LEFT + BONUS GIBSON SCHALLER

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

$65

FREE USA SHIPPING!
I took these off a 1982 Gibson Les Paul bass after one of the tuner shafts broke. These are Black Schaller M4 tuners with (2) right side and (1) left side that are complete and marked with the Schaller 'S'. The broken one is branded 'Gibson' but I've included it because all it needs is a new string post. These will fit many models including Pedulla, Ken Smith, Spector and tons of others. FREE USA SHIPPING and a 30-day return privilege for any reason. The Bass Palace will be... more
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