• Mahogany body and neck • Rosewood fretboard • Short scale • Single humbucker at the neck • Translucent cherry finish
The Gibson EB-0 bass
The SG-shaped Gibson EB0 was available from 1961, and although it changed subtly over the years of production, this 1966 bass still has many features in common with earlier versions.
The EB basses are famous for their deep bassy tones, in part due to the famous Gibson EB humbucker at the neck, but also the short scale (hence requiring short scale strings), and all mahogany construction. This example has a fantastic thick neck, and plays superbly. Tones vary from deep and fat when played finger style at the neck, to a more middy growl when you dig in with a pick at the bridge. Listen to some soundclips of this bass.
Determining the date of production
The serial number of this bass (found on the reverse of the headstock) can be placed in several years in the 1960s and 1970s; Gibson routinely re-used serial numbers at this stage, but the potentiometers are themselves dated November 1965, suggesting a shipping date in early 1966. At this time, Gibson were struggling to keep up with demand for instruments, especially bread-and-butter models like the EB0, so it would be highly unlikely to be finished and remain at the plant unshipped. It was built at the Gibson Kalamazoo factory, in Michigan, USA; one of 1660 produced that year and one of almost 21000 produced in total. All SG-shaped instruments sold well in the mid to late 1960s, and the EB0 was no exception. Have a look at the Gibson EB0 shipping figures in more detail.
The list price (October 1966) for the EBO was $240 (US zone 1 price, excluding case).
Gibson EB-0 components
By the middle of the 1960s, the Gibson EB range was no longer fitted with nickel plated hardware; instead these were chrome plated. The EB3 basses received this treatment first, with older nickel parts being phased used up the EB0. Otherwise there is very little difference between this bass and a earlier SG-styled versions.
Gibson EB0 hardware was continually updated over the years of production. This bass is typical for a mid sixties bass, identical to the bass shown in the 1966 Gibson catalog. The Gibson bar bridge is simple; no moving parts, and would be superseded within the next year by the two point tune-o-matic bridge - surplus bar bridges were fitted to the Kalamazoo KB bass until they stopped making them. The under-bridge mute, a feature often not seen on the earliest EB-0 basses, does have moving parts, however. As the lever is pulled away from the bridge, the strip of felt raises up and touches the strings.
The EB humbucker is under the earlier-style wide, shallow cover; again a feature soon to change (see a 1969 Gibson EB0). The Kluson 538 tuning keys, however, were used right up until the change to slotted headstocks at the very end of the decade (see a 1970 Gibson EB0).
Gibson EB-0 wiring
The EB-0 circuit is pretty straightforward, having just one volume and one tone control. The potentiometers are identical parts; 500K audio taper, part number BA811-1053 - in this instance produced by electronics company Centralab. Click the images for larger versions, and a circuit wiring plan.
Gibson EB-0 soundclips
The EB0 has a lovely fat tone - but depending on how it is played can really snarl. For more clips, check out numerous other audio samples of this bass through various amps here.
Played through a 1964 Ampeg B15. Bass settings on full - volume 10/10, tone 10/10. You can get a a more note definition if you play down by the bridge
Played through a WEM Dominator bass amplifier. Bass settings volume 10/10, tone 10/10. Significant distortion, even with the amp at just 50% volume, especially, as here when played hard, with a pick.
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
I am trying to find the value of a 1966 Gibson EBO bass. It is in very clean condition. Not completely mint but certainly close on it. It has all the original parts too, no missing covers or mute like so many you see. I don't play any more, but this bass was always an attention grabber. Any idea please?
I have a similar Gibson EBO bass with cracked neck. I think 1966 also. The repair will be 300 Euros. Is it a good idea to get this bass repaired. I will make some pictures if you need them. What would you advise?