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
ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case
West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3250
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
Ibanez miKros Left Handed Bass Guitar, Rosewood Fretboard, Black + Gibson case
Nutley, New Jersey, 071**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$225
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
1979 Gibson Grabber Bass Natural
Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1999
There are some scratches, dings, small cracks by the input jack, and wear on the back, giving it a well-loved appearance and earning it an overall rating of 7 5 out of 10. The input jack remains solidly secured due to the thick pickguard, even with the thin cracks around it
All components on this bass guitar are original, and ... more
Kay Japanese Lawsuit Kay SG-Style Bass K2B Gibson EB0 Copy 1968-69 Cherry
Kaufman, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$350
... more
1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case
Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5700
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
1970 GIBSON EB BASS Guitar Bridge Tailpiece STUD Post Set Vintage Parts
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$119
... more
Vintage Gibson USA Bass Guitar SB-450 70's Natural 1971 1972 1973 EB Ripper
Orange, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
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
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 VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR
Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1750
... more
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 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
Used 2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass, Inverness Green
Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1665
This bass is in Near Mint condition, as there are really no particular issues ... more
1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess
Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
1980s GIBSON VICTORY BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX RED FUZZY LINING VERY HARD-TO-FIND!
Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$289
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
Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural
Tarzana, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1595
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
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Guitar W / OHSC-Excellent!!!
Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2299
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
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 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
1980s GIBSON GUITAR KNOBS SMOKED PLEXI WITH TRIM RING SET OF FOUR
Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$39
I took this set off a Gibson Guitar in the late 1980's but never took note of what the model was. I'm pretty certain they were original to the guitar. They are a sloped design, more like a fedora than a top hat and have a rubber grip band running around the middle. They are for knurled shafts. Yes, they have an Ibanez SR look to them so any info would be appreciated. FREE USA SHIPPING and a 30-day return privilege for any reason. The Bass Palace will be listing loads of ... more
Gibson EB-0 1970s Short Scale Bass
Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1499
" Crafted in the United States the Gibson EB-0 embodies a classic era of bass guitar design.... 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.