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 1960s EB Bass Tuner Small Plate Nickel Chrome Left Side Rivoli Rick 3000
Cass City, Michigan, 487**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$75
Please refer to all photos for more details as they are the best part of the description. Photos are of the actual item that you will receive. Gibson 1960s EB Bass Tuner Small Plate Nickel Chrome Left Side Rivoli Rick 3000
Description
Our SKU: 10485026
Item Brand: Gibson
Item MPN:
This listing is for Gibson 1960s EB Bass Tuner Small Plate Nickel ... more
1980'S SCHALLER ROLLER BASS BRIDGE CHROME W / SCREWS GUILD KRAMER ARIA GIBSON
Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$129
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
USA GIBSON EB BASS Guitar Bridge Tailpiece STUD Post Set Vintage Parts
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$149
... more
Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$175
Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
... more
Ibanez miKros Left Handed Bass Guitar, Rosewood Fretboard, Black + Gibson case
Nutley, New Jersey, 071**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
Excellent condition with a few very minor paint chips
Gibson soft carrying case has slight rips to internal lining at the edges only
plays great!
Recently Tuned and intonation adjusted!
NO RETURNS!
... more
1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA
Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover
Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
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
GIBSON 1968-7O SLOT-HEAD EB-O EB-3 BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX RED LINING VERY CLEAN!
Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$349
FREE USA SHIPPING!
(for a limited time)
This month The Bass Palace will be listing 15 to 20 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 11 / 15 (a $40-60 savings)! But make no mistake, once the sale ... more
Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird
Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
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
Replica Gibson EB-2 Style Semi-Hollow 5-String Bass | Sire Marcus Miller Pickups
Brookings, South Dakota, 570**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$449
It is in the style of a Gibson EB-2 type bass or generally the recognizable semi-hollow basses of the 60's from leading brands like Gibson, Epiphone, Guild, Hagstrom & Hofner. As far as I'm aware, there were no semi-hollow 5-string basses like this that existed back then and very few that exist even now.... more
VINTAGE 1970'S GIBSON SB 450 BASS GUITAR PICKUP
Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$499
... more
gibson sg bass with case
Luke, Maryland, 215**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$895
Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished)
Onset, Massachusetts, 025**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1000
Gibson USA SG Short Scale Bass Excellent Condition With OHSC -Free US Shipping
Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, 076**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1000
I believe it was manufactured in 2007
There??s some normal signs of use, such as a few scuffs, minor buckle rash and small nicks to the finish, but nothing major.
Easy to play short scale neck with Grover tuners
Stays in tune and sounds great
The case has some scuffs and a couple of small tears in the tolex, but is in good overall condition.
Please reference the pictures and let me know... more
Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar 5 String
Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
The brand speaks for itself, with a reputation for quality that Gibson has built over the years. This electric bass guitar is perfect for any music style and is sure to make a statement in any band. Whether you're a ... more
Gibson Kalamazoo KB bass 1960s
Salem, New Hampshire, 030**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
... more
1971 Gibson EB-0 Bass Walnut w / OHSC
San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1395
This Bass Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks
In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Repaired Headstock As Shown
Finish Shows Some Cosmetic Playwear Including Small Dings, Marks, And Scratches Throughout
Original Hardware And Electronics
Made In Kalamazoo, MI
Mahogany Body And Neck With Rosewood Fingerboard And Dot Inlays
Original Humbucker Pickup In Neck Position
Original Frets Low But Playable
30 5" Scale Length
1 ... more
Gibson Victory Artist Active 4- string Bass -1981 Candy Apple Red w / Non OHSC
Huntington Station, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1499
1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0
Arlington, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Bass in original red finish
O'Fallon, Illinois, 622**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1550
The body color is a vibrant red that is sure to catch the eye of any collector or player. This bass is part of the Vintage series, which adds to its appeal. Whether you're a seasoned player or a collector, this Gibson Victory Bass is a must-have... 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.