• Solid mahogany one-piece body • Set mahogany three-piece neck • 19-fret rosewood fretboard • Gibson EB humbucking pickup • 30 1/2 inch scale
A new design for a new decade
This is an early-seventies 'slotted headstock' EB0; i.e. with two slots in the headstock, and the backwards facing banjo style Schaller M4 classic tuning keys. Like all EB-0 basses, they were produced at the Gibson Kalamazoo plant, in Michigan, USA; this example is one of 2896 EB-0s shipped in 1970 (see EB-0 shipping stats). The slotted-headstocks EB-0s came out at the peak of the models popularity, so despite the short production period (very late 1969 - very late 1971) they are not too hard to find.
Like all mahogany-necked Gibson basses, they are prone to break behind the truss rod adjustment cavity - however the banjo tuning keys exacerbate this: a fall backwards will almost certainly result in a headstock break; tuning keys hit the ground first, and the full force of the drop shears the headstock right off! It was the last EBO to feature a mahogany neck; later models used a much stronger three-piece maple neck.
A number of other changes were also made besides the headstock: the neck, for example, is now a laminate of three pieces of mahogany; actually this change seems to have occurred shortly before the move to the split headstock design, but so soon beforehand that solid headstock EB basses with three-piece mahogany necks are very much the exception. It still has the rosewood fingerboard with dot position markers, but one less fret: 19 instead of 20 of the previous years guitars (see a 1969 EB-0 here).
The pickup (70s spring mounted EB humbucker) has a black plastic mount and is height adjustable for the first time. It is situated right up against the neck. Other early seventies features include the two point bar bridge with cover, and old style pickguard with no finger-rest.
Controls are still the standard volume and tone, but the output jack has moved from the front, to a plate on the side of the body.
The Gibson logo itself, whilst still mother-of-pearl, is not inlaid into the headstock as was always the case with previous EBs; in fact it is a very thin sheet, carefully cut then glued in place. This also prevented the requirement of a black-painted headstock. Both subtle changes, but quicker and cheaper to produce, relieving pressure at a time of great financial strain on all US guitar manufacturers.
The posts of the Schaller M4C clearly show how the strings pass through the post holes rather than into the top as with the Schaller M4.
The Schaller M4C keys were quite similar to the regular M4 Gibson had used a few years earlier, but with string holes through the post, rather than slots at the end.
A 1970 EB0?
The lack of 'MADE IN THE USA' on the back of the headstock of a Gibson instrument traditionally suggests a 1960s vintage, whilst the potentiometers are dated January 1970. To compound matters further the serial number suggests 1968 or 1970. Gibson instruments take months to build, and necks were usually stamped with a serial number, before attaching them to a body. In this case the body and neck were probably manufactured in '69, with assembly and shipping occurring in 1970. Stamping instruments as 'MADE IN U.S.A.' was phased in around this time, and although the majority of slot heads are marked as such, many are not, particularly those with serial numbers in the 91xxxx - 92xxxx range.
This split headstock model never quite made it into a Gibson catalogue, but some similar EB3s can be seen in 1970 bass catalog. It had a September 1970 price of $350. But by early 1972 it had been revamped again, back to a solid headstock style - have a look at a 1972 EB-0. Anyway, its got a fantastic tone, pure melting butter, have a listen - recorded direct output, no amplifier.
Gibson EB-0 soundclips
With DI, this bass has a lovely deep round tone. As a 30 1/2" scale bass it requires short scale strings.
Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale
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
1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.
Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess
Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!
Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
... more
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale 4 String Bass - Cherry - Don Storck Custom
Edmond, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2850
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
Gibson EBO Bass Guitar 1967 solid wood cherry finish made in the US with case
Lebanon, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
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
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
1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA
Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2800
1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0
Arlington, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
Your comments I believe I have a 1970 EB0. Serial number is 957092. Can you verify? Thanks.
My friend just bought an EB0 bass with a slotted headstock at a yard sale. And wants me to repair the electronics. It appears that it originally had one pickup but someone added a P-Bass pickup and a gibson style toggle switch which they cut a hole in the shield to isolate it? I'd think it should be grounded? No? What I don't understand is that it has two volumes and two tone controls which appear to be original with original knobs? Perhaps two were added later but they look original? A couple tone caps were added also. The jack is on the edge. One pickup seems to work and the P-Bass pickup seems to barely be audible..Not enough output . I hate working on modded stuff because it never works right. I'm wondering what the best way to repair this is? Thanks
I cannot find a hardshell case for my 1970 EB-O Bass.
I use acoustic guitar one with strong foam to support all around body.
I love the EB0 pages. My husband and I each have an EB0, slotted head stocks. One thing I've noticed is that if the bass has a slotted headstock, the jack is located on the edge of the bass instead of the front. Is this accurate or did I miss something? Thanks for the great info.
Hi Deborah, yes that is correct, the slotted headstock EB basses had the jack on the side, mounted to a plastic plate. Once the basses were redesigned for '72 it was situated back on the front of the body.
I have one of these slotted head EBOs. Lovely warm sound and the most powerful pickup I have ever known (and I also have Musicman and Fender Jazz). MIne has no mute on the bridge - do you think it has been swopped? How do I get a shaped case? Mine is an original that is falling apart.
Hi Rob, The mute is screwed to the body with three small screws. At this time (70/71) the mute was being phased out and not all slot heads (especially later examples) had one fitted. If yours has no screw holes (2 in front of the bridge, one just behind) it had no mute. Cases are hard to find for these (most are too shallow due to the back-facing tuning keys), but If I recall correctly, the current Epiphone EB3 bass case will work (but not the Gibson SG reissue). Might be worth getting the gaffer tape out...