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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, produced sometime between 1938 and 1940. Only two examples were built, one going to Les Paul's bassist, brother-in-law Wally Kamin, the other pictured here. Although a nice instrument, amplifiers were not yet at a stage that they could reproduce the instrument effectively. War broke out and development of new guitars and amplifiers were put on hold.
The instrument, although technically Gibson's first electric bass, was never a production model, so the accolade tends to go to the 1950s violin-shaped Gibson EB.
This bass was heavy, and designed to be played just like an upright string bass, i.e. standing with the bass supported by it's end-pin as shown below.
Thanks to Elderly Instruments for the use of these images.




Gibson bass guitars for sale
USA GIBSON EB BASS Guitar Bridge Tailpiece STUD Post Set Vintage Parts
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$149
... more
1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA
Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
Epiphone by Gibson Korean bass guitar 1980's white with case
Bordentown, New Jersey, 085**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$399
... more
Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare
Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
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
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
VINTAGE 1970'S GIBSON SB 450 BASS GUITAR PICKUP
Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$499
... more
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 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural
Stockton, California, 952**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
Awesome storage unit find Bass has been modified to a fretless, it is also missing the bridge cover as well as the small model plaque. I acquired it as shown. "GIBSON" is missing the S Local guitar shop owner inspected and said it was in good shape for its age Bass shows some scratches as should be expected. IThe case it came with has some cracks, its in rough shape I have added many images, please be sure to look through all and ask any questions you ... more
Gibson Kalamazoo KB bass 1960s
Salem, New Hampshire, 030**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
... more
GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR
Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1250
I DID OFFER LOCAL PICKUP AND FREE SHIPPING BUT EBAY STATED THAT I WAS TRADING OUTSIDE OF EBAY ''''''''''''''''''''? SO when the bass sells I will refund the shipping yeah and local pickup is ok
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Gibson Bass Guitar
Califon, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1375
1973 Gibson EB-0 Shell Pink
Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1499
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
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
1981 Gibson Victory Bass Red
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1595
A killer bass with a nice fat tone and superb playability
This baby is a RED BEAST!
Bass plays and sounds fantastic.
Some honest signs of age and wear throughout
Completely original
Comes with nice brown hardshell case
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted
International Buyers ? Please Note: ... 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 EB-0 Circa 1964 Electric Bass Guitar
Georgetown, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1600
Sounds and plays so good! Has all the vintage tone and good mojo. Straight neck. Fully functional. Someone has refinished the headstock while leaving the logo. Some cosmetic flaws from its age. This is a classic thumping bass that can take your playing to the next level
Don't miss your chance to own!
Items only come with case or accessories if pictured or listed in the listing
Items only come with accessories / parts pictured and or... 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
Gibson EB-O Electric Bass Guitar 1972 Walnut Kalamazoo Short Scale Humbucker
New Brunswick, New Jersey, 089**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1700
Gibson 1972 EB-O Mahogany Body(Walnut Finish), 3 Piece Maple Neck w / 22?? Short Scale 21 ... 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