Gibson have been producing high quality bass guitars since the dawn of rock and roll, but particularly during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. In that time they have created some of the most iconic bass guitars ever produced, with the majority of current Gibson bass models conceived in this period. The ultimate rock-bass, the Thunderbird.. the supremely awesome RD Artist.. the ultimate 60s bass, the semi-acoustic EB2.. and numerous Gibson SG bass variants - there's nothing like a 1960s EB3. Most Gibson bass guitars were high quality instruments; made by skilled craftsmen using great woods, hardware and electronics, and with high quality finishes and appointments.
And though vintage basses can be expensive, vintage Gibson bass guitars generally don't sell for as high prices as vintage Gibson electric guitars, or vintage Fender basses. There are some incredibly well made instruments that sell for way under their 'worth' as functioning musical instruments. No two Gibson bass guitar models have the same features, and it really is worth having a look at some of the less-known Gibson bass guitars.
Gibson produced guitars in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in several buildings, but primarily at a plant in Parsons Street. Guitars had been built there since 1917, and almost all Gibson, and 1958-1969 Epiphones were produced here. Gibson left for Nashville in 1984, and now former Gibson guitar builders make guitars the way they were made in their heyday under the name of Heritage guitars.
The first Gibson bass guitar
Gibson had experimented with electrically amplified instruments as early as the 1920s, but they were not really considered commercially viable until the 1930s, with the popularisation of Hawaiian guitars. Gibson produced a number of instruments fitted with pickups: guitars, banjos and mandolins; and a bass, though only two models were built. 1938-40.
Production Gibson bass guitars
Gibson's first production electric bass was the 1953 Electric Bass, or EB. Les Paul's influence was never far away during these years "this was one of the first electric bass guitars Gibson made. I was responsible for the violin shape... it all came about (the electric guitar bass) from me playing my E string on the guitar as a bass using my thumb - this proved it could replace a stand up bass and Leo Fender and lots of others picked up the idea".
It was the first of numerous Gibson bass guitar models produced under the ownership of CMI, and was soon followed by the EB2, EBO, EB3, EBOF, Thunderbird bass, Melody Maker bass and finally the Les Paul bass.
As the sixties turned into the seventies CMI gave way to Norlin, and quite a number of new bass models appeared. The Gibson SG bass continued in the form of the SB series and EB4L, but it was time for new models: the Les Paul Signature, Ripper, Grabber, G3, RD bass, Victory, Flying V bass and Explorer.
Following the links below to see content on this site for the following Gibson bass guitars. In chronological order:
The Gibson bass guitar, 1950s-1980s
CMI and Norlin
Gibson EB-2 bass
EB-2 1958-61, 64-70
EB-2D 1966-72
Gibson EB-0 bass
EB-0 1959-79
EB-OF 1962-65
EB-OL 1970-77
Gibson EB-3 bass
EB3 1961-79
EB-3L 1970-79
Gibson Thunderbird bass
1963-69, 1976-79, 1987-date
Gibson SB bass
SB-300/SB-400 1971-73
SB-350/SB-450 1972-78
Gibson Les Paul Triumph bass
1971-80
Gibson Les Paul Signature bass
1973-79
Gibson Grabber bass
1973-84
Gibson Ripper bass
L9-S 1973-82
L9-SF 1973-79(?)
Gibson G3 bass
1975-85
Gibson RD bass
RD Artist 1977-81
RD Standard 1977-78
- RD series main page
- RD Artist
- RD Standard
- RD Artist control descriptions
- RD Artist technical info
- RD Standard technical info
- RD bass timeline
- Prices & publicity
- Forum posts
- Soundclips
- 1978 RD Artist (Fireburst)
- 1978 RD Standard (Natural)
- 1981 RD Artist (CMT Antique Sunburst)
- Early 1977 6-string *prototype*
Gibson Victory bass
Standard 1981-86
Artist 1981-86
Custom 1982-84
Are Gibson bass guitars basically all the same?
As can be seen there is quite some variation amongst Gibson bass guitars. Unlike Fender, who were immediately successful with their Precision bass, Gibson only attained moderate success with their bass models, which in turn inspired them to continually develop new products. Gibson, as a brand, have always been all about quality, and numerous Gibson bass guitars that failed commercially at the time, were actually outstanding instruments, and have legions of devoted fans today. The company made some really great playing guitars, with absolutely timeless designs, and some truly innovative features; the differences between models, both in terms of look and sound is huge. Anyone who claims they don't like "Gibson bass guitars" is almost certainly guilty of lazy generalisation. An EB2 is worlds apart from a Thunderbird, which in turn is worlds apart from an EB0, or a Ripper, or an RD Artist! Other than the build quality and headstock branding Gibson bass guitars often have very little in common.
A 1960s Gibson bass vs a 1970s Gibson bass
A 1950s or 60s Gibson bass would typically have a mahogany body, set (glued in) mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, probably be 30" scale and a pickup wound or positioned for maximum bass effect. The finish would typically be Cherry or Sunburst. Gibson bass guitars were still attempting to be as close an approximation to an upright string bass as was possible. By the late 1960s, Les Paul's low impedance guitars and basses were offering new levels of tonal control for the recording studio, and such electronic experimentation was a massive feature of the following decade. Aswell as some form of new circuitry to increase tonal range, a 1970s Gibson bass guitar would more likely be 34" scale, have a maple body, neck, and potentially fretboard, often with a clear Natural finish.
Fender basses are typically an alder/ash body, a bolt-on maple neck and single coil pickups. The Jazz and Precision set a standard that the company rarely veered away from. A Gibson bass, on the other hand, could be mahogany, maple, or alder; with a set, bolt-on or through neck. Pickups are single coil, or humbuckers. Or single coils wired as humbuckers. There are very Fender-esque Gibson bass guitars - like the Grabber, or perhaps the Victory Standard, but also many models that have practically no similarities. Fender have never made anything approaching an EB2, EB3, Les Paul bass or Thunderbird, and it is for that reason that these Gibson bass models are still produced today (in one form or another) and are more popular than ever. Other models have been largely forgotten, only to enjoy a come-back when a famous artist is seen sporting them. The Les Paul Signature in the hands of Jack Casady. The RD artist, Ripper and Victory spring to mind as basses of choice for Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, the G3 for Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt, and the Les Paul Triumph for Oasis bassist Paul McGuigan.
The prime focus of this site is the great old Gibson bass models of the CMI and Norlin periods, i.e. basses produced between 1953 and 1985. Modern day Gibson bass guitars are still quite nice, but of the later output, we have a strong preference for the guitars that hark back to the classic Gibson bass, such as the SG reissue bass, Les Paul bass and Thunderbird.
Gibson bass guitars for sale
GIBSON THUNDERBIRD Used Electric Bass Guitar
Brunswick, Georgia, 315**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$900
In Good condition. No cracks that I can see. Some minor scratches.
PLEASE ASK ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING
WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE THE LOWER 48 UNITED STATES (USA), SO PLEASE DON'T ASK. PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PAY YOUR STATES SALE TAX ON PURCHASE. All PAYMENTS WILL BE PROCESSED THROUGH EBAY!
WE DO NOT SHIP TO PUERTO RICO OR HAWAII! UNLESS THE PURCHASED ITEM CAN BE MAILED FLAT RATE USPS
PLEASE CHECK MY OTHER ITEMS UP ... more
Vintage Early 70's Gibson EB3 Electric Bass Guitar
Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2600
This Bass only shows cosmetic wear due to time and being played on. Bass sounds incredible and could use a good home. Bass is stock and fully original including the finish, and no modification's
Every used instrument we have has been play tested
Make sure to contact us with any further questions!
... more
1969 Gibson Recording Bass Guitar Walnut *Headstock Repair*
Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2700
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
1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC
San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4000
" NATURAL BLONDE" FINISH
GIBSON NORLIN-ERA
Original MOOG ELECTRONICS
Made in USA (Kalamazoo Plant, MI)
Production # 102 (April 17th release)
Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free household. Kept inside case when not used
Up for sale is a BEAUTIFUL LATE-70's Gibson Bass Guitar (RD ARTIST)
EXCELLENT overall vintage condition. Standard surface scratches, light dings, marks on front / back body / ... more
1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$8995
Gibson EBO Bass Guitar 1967 solid wood cherry finish made in the US with case
Lebanon, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w / Original Case READ DESCRIPTION
Missoula, Montana, 598**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2796
I have the original case, but it wasn??t easily accessible at the time of posting. I may have updated or would be happy to add pics if a serious buyer wants them. Case is in rugged condition.
Thanks. Please ask questions before bidding. ... more
1973 Gibson EB-0 Shell Pink
Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1499
1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC
Healdsburg, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2800
1972 Gibson EB-0 - Low Action - No Fret Wear - Great Player!!
Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
Comes with Gigbag. (GB-26)
Weight: 9lb 3oz | Nut: W 1 57 H .84 | 12th:... more
Vintage 1970's Gibson EB-L Bass
Harvey, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
1965 Gibson EB-3 - 100% Original - Straight Neck - Low Action - Great Player!
Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4000
Comes with the original case and candy as shown. ... more
1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$9000
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more
Used Gibson SG Standard Bass - Ebony
Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1599
Used Gibson SG Standard Bass - Ebony
A used Gibson SG Standard Bass. This is a showroom model that has seen almost no use and is in fantastic condition. The bass will ship with all original factory documentation and packaging. Additionally, before shipment our luthiers will provide a professional inspection and full setup, so it arrives ready to play. If you have any questions about this instrument or any of our great gear, please send us a message!
Please note--these may not be ... more
Gibson sb400 Bass 1971-1973 READ DESCRIPTION
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1800
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
Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Electric Bass w / Case, Setup SN: 5674
Denton, Texas, 762**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1900
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
Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass 1974-1975
Allston, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
... more
1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2800
Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2c EB-2 Bass Guitar - Cherry
Costa Mesa, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
... more
I have recently purchased a Gibson sg eb3 bass and I find the action is a bit high and wonder how I can lower it a bit thank you
looking for info on 60's Gibson mustang bass guitar. where would I get this. am wanting to purchase one and have no idea what I am looking at
Gibson's first basses were made in the 1930s. They had a Banjo Bass, an Upright and a strange looking round model. It would be neat if you added them to your site to make it complete.