• Mahogany body • Set mahogany neck • Rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays • Short 30 1/2 inch scale • Single humbucking pickup • Translucent cherry red finish
The Gibson EBO was available from 1958, but only with an SG-style body from 1961. This 1964 bass has typical features of the period, most notably the nickel-plated pickup cover; it had been bakelite on '61-'63 EB basses, with nickel starting to be replaced with chrome by the end of the year.
There are several ways of finding out when a Gibson bass was made. The serial numbers up until about 1965 give a fairly reliable indication (although on instruments produced between 1965 until 1975 they can be very confusing), and combined with potentiometer codes and a look at the hardware used it's not hard to pin down most basses of this era to a single year. Both the serial number and potentiometer codes confirm this instrument to have been produced in 1964. Gibson did keep records of guitar serial numbers, and dates that they were shipped, however much of this information has been lost/destroyed, and Gibson customer service don't always have time to search for details. However, they did have the records for this bass, and kindly confirmed it was shipped from Gibson's Kalamazoo plant on August 27th 1964.
Gibson actually shipped 1133 EBO basses in 1964 - the highest number of any bass model they had produced up until that point - although this record was quickly trumped the next year, with a peak annual figure of 3018 EB0 basses shipped in 1969. See the Gibson EB0 shipping stats here. The US zone 1 list price in 1964 was $240, and it would stick at this level right into 1968.
The four corner screws hold the cover, and pickup in place. Removing these reveals the pickup itself; have a look under the cover here.
Another interesting detail visible in this picture is the colour difference of the finish that has been exposed to light (top right). The Gibson cherry finish has faded significantly, but protected areas retain their original strong red colouration.
1964 EB0 features and components
This bass has all the typical features of a mid-late '64 EB0, although is not quite the same as any shown in any Gibson catalog; the 1964 catalogue still shows the image from the previous (1962) catalogue, whilst the 1966 shows a bass with a newer bridge version with mute and Japanese-made closed-gear tuning keys.
Starting at the headstock: inlaid Gibson logo, with open o, b and dotted i. The crown inlay on the headstock is centered; older EBs had this positioned a little higher - see this 1962 EB0 for comparison. The headstock angle seems to be 17°; this was reduced to 14° sometime before 1966. The neck is still wide (width at nut 43mm) like earlier EB basses, but maybe 10% shallower than the very earliest (like this 1962 example). Like all '60s EB basses, the 30 1/2" scale calls for short scale strings - and although string choice is a matter of taste, these basses sound incredible with a set of flats.
The nickel bar bridge has no string mute - these were fitted as standard to the EB3 and later to the EB0, but at this stage they were not fitted as stock. Hardware is all nickel-plated. The most notable change from earlier versions being the pickup - although basically the same coil (EB neck humbucker), the previously bakelite cover had been upgraded to metal; nickel from late-63 into 1964 and chrome plated from then on. The hand rest shown here is nickel-plated, although this part is so often removed and replaced it is hard to say for sure when the change from nickel to chrome occurred. The machine heads are Kluson 538s - very widely used on Gibson (and many other brands) basses at this time.
'64 EB-0 wiring
The picture on the right shows the simple circuitry of this bass: just two potentiometers, one controlling volume, the other tone. the volume pot is made by CTS part number BA811-1053, dated week 20 of 1964 (May 1964). The tone pot is different; 250k part BA811-1831 and is dated week 2* of 1964 (the second digit is covered by solder). Click the image for a larger version, and a circuit wiring plan.
Gibson EB-0 soundclips
1960s EB0's are famous for their 'fat' neck humbucker tone, although they can really growl, especially when played with a pick near the bridge - for more clips check out the audio samples of a '66 EB0 through various vintage valve amps here
This clip of this bass was recorded directly into my computer sound card, with no pre-amp (bass set-up: round wound strings, treble and vol at 9/10).
This clip contrasts the tones of the EB0, but this time fitted with flatwounds and recorded at the same amp settings (1964 Ampeg B15, everything 5/10).
1) First played with a pick at the bridge - not especially hard, 2) then digging in for a real snarl. 3) Finally the bass played finger style at the neck.
Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale
1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0
Arlington, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!
Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
... more
1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.
Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry
Jackson, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2795
We offer a RARE Slotted Headstock Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar "Short Scale" S / N: 928316 which I believe makes this a 1969These had what they called "Mudbucker" pickups which sound much fuller and deeper than your standard pickups. They sound really cool!I understand that these short scale basses are easier for guitar player to pick and play. I have to agree It all works as it should This Bass has seen to use but is just honest playing and not abused. Check out the pics and ... more
Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar
Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
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
1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2800
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
Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry
Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5999
This is a double cut solid body guitar, featuring banjo-style tuners and a one pickup design. Condition-wise this piece is in great playing and sounding condition, and bears typical signs of wear and tear. Small dings, checking, and scratches can be seen on the surface, as well as more checking and wear up the neck (as seen). This will include a non original case.... more
1967 Gibson EBO SG Bass Cherry Red
Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 189**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
1967 Gibson EBO SG shaped Bass Cherry RedNo caseWeight: 7 LBSMissing the cover that goes over the strings otherwise all original as far as I can tellNeck is straight and plays very good
D-Town Guitars1109 N Easton Rd Doylestown PA 18902 mon-fri 12-8pm sat 11-3pm EST- closed on sundays
... 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
Gibson EBO Bass Guitar 1967 solid wood cherry finish made in the US with case
Lebanon, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
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
Vintage 1961, Original Style Gibson EB-0 Bass, Cherry Red, GREAT PRICE
Agoura Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4750
No cracks or damage
The Cherry Red finish has faded on the front, but it has a very nice vibe and patina 1961 is the last of the Thicker Double-Cutaway body style before Gibson introduced the SG style bodies The bass plays very nicely and has just been setup with Brand New D'Addario Short scale Round wound strings
This bass is original except the Pots have been replaced.
There is also an added Strap Button on the... 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
1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA
Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess
Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale 4 String Bass - Cherry - Don Storck Custom
Edmond, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2850
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
1970 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Finish Electric Bass Guitar
San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1895
Located At IVG Burbank
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
Cherry Finish Shows Some Dings And Playwear
Added Single Coil Pickup
Mahogany Body And Neck
Rosewood Fingerboard
Weight 7lbs 8oz
Nut Width 1 514 "
Neck Depth At 1st Fret .82 "
Neck Depth At 12th Fret 1 00 "
No Case. One May Be Purchased For An Additional Fee (Please Inquire)
Made In USA
... more