1966 Gibson EB-0 bass

• 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 The Gibson bar bridge is simple; no moving parts, and would be superseded within the next year by the two point tune-o-matic bridge - surplus bar bridges were fitted to the Kalamazoo KB bass until they stopped making them.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 cherry finishes, such as this, are translucent; the wood grain is still visible. The pickguard is three-ply black-white-black, in contrast to the Gibson EB3 which has a five-ply guard. Compare this bass to an earlier 1962 Gibson EB0 and a later 1969 Gibson EB0

Reverse body detail, with black plastic control cover. From the mid 1960s, probably 1965, both the EB0 and EB3 had this standardised control cavity; prior to this time, the EB0 had a smaller one (see a 1962 EB0) whilst the EB3 had a larger one (see a 1961 EB3). This was most likely related to reducing production costs. The body of this bass is made of one piece of mahogany. This is typical, though occasional two-piece bodies were also produced.

The wide/shallow pickup cover was fitted to the EB0 bass from 1963-67, nickel plated at first (see a 1964 EB-O), then chrome-plated as shown here. The EB humbucker underneath the cover was broadly unchanged. This pickup is very heavily wound (some might say 'hot'). It produces a massive sound, and in conjunction with the mahogany body, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and short scale, gives nothing but incredibly rich, dark, dubby tones, especially when played finger style with flatwound strings. Have a listen to some soundclips of this bass through some vintage amplifiers of the time.

These bell control knobs were used on Gibson basses throughout the early and mid 1960s. The 'tone' label has been lost in the second knob. Gibson replaced this style knobs for 'witch hat' type in around 1967. The output jack is still mounted on the front of the guitar body (later this would be positioned on the side edge - see a 1970 slotted headstock EB0.

This bass is fitted with the second version of the Gibson bar bridge; chrome plated with curved 'arms'. Compare this bridge to the earlier nickel version on a 1962 Gibson EB-0. Note also the under-bridge mute and chrome hand rest. The mute was activated by pulling the lever (at the bottom of this picture) in a direction parallel with the body, away from the strings. This in turn pushes the black felt material up onto the strings, dampening their vibration.

Gibson guitars are characterised by certain build techniques that required a level of skill or craftsmanship to produce, unlike the guitars and basses by Fender, which were merely a collection of parts bolted together. The heel area (neck/body joint) was a good example of this. Gibson regarded a bolt-on neck as inferior, and resisted using them throughout the 1960s, in favour of the 'glued in' or 'set' neck. This joint changed over the course of production - this bass has the 'flat' heel style used between about 1966 and very early 1969. Compare this to an earlier 1964 EB-O (with smaller control cover and 'stepped' heel joint), and a later 1969 EB-O (with identical control cover and 'rounded' heel joint)

The finish is still very strong on this bass; it has not faded to the extent of many 60s guitars with a translucent cherry finish - compare with the previously mentioned 1964 EB-0 here.

The Kluson 538 machine heads were used on most 60s EB basses. The nickel plating on these tuners would soon be replaced by chrome.

The mid 1960s EB0s had an inlaid Gibson logo with centered crown inlay. The logo has a dotted i, and open o and b. The truss rod cover is three-ply; black-white-black, and with a much thinner revealed edge than earlier EB basses. Compare this headstock to that of a 1962 Gibson EB0.

The one-piece neck and solid headstock. Kluson 538 tuners. No volute. The six digit serial number is stamped at the top of the headstock.

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

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1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

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1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!. Slotted headstock with original Gibson tuners!! Perfect for the collector!! This bass is in exceptional condition and so is the original case!! You will not find one in better condition!! Simply amazing!! Has new strings and comes with a beautiful vintage ??Made in Mexico?? leather strap!! Everything 100% original!! Thanks for looking!!
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1971 Gibson EB-0 Bass Walnut w / OHSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1395

1971 Gibson EB-0 In Walnut Finish
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
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Denton, Texas, 762**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

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Edmond, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2850

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Agoura Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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No cracks or damage
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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

1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case

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1970 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Finish Electric Bass Guitar

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1895

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Located At IVG Burbank
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
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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 "
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Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

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Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 189**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

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1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w / Original Case READ DESCRIPTION

Missoula, Montana, 598**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2796

Bass has some finish cracks all over the body. See pic 4, I??ve tried to capture it. Very common for its age. No major blemishes, but not mint condition. Mute still works great, all original pickups still sound like they did in the 60s.

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.

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1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.

Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case. See pic of original owner with the bass in the early ?70s ! Both the bass and case show wear from decades of use. There are scuffs, scratches, dings, and dents as you would expect. There is a split in the headstock that extends for approximately 7 inches, see photo. Electronics appear to be untouched all original. As shown in pic, date code on pot reads 6833, so bass was built in late 1968 or possibly early 1969. Serial number... more

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