1972 Gibson EB-0 bass

• Mahogany body • three-piece maple neck • 21-fret rosewood fretboard • One EB humbucking pickup • 30 1/2 inch scale

Another redesign!

The Gibson EBO was in constant flux over the course of it's production, but no more so than in the period 1970-72. The design shipped from very early 1970 was all-mahogany, and broadly resembled the 1960s bass, save the slotted headstock (see an early 1970 EB-0 here), but in 1972 the EB0 was redesigned again - an attempt to make a stronger, easier and cheaper to produce and tonally less bassy bass. Gibson tried a number of different approaches to construction and in appearance at this time, but all featured a new thicker, heavier body, a maple neck with solid headstock, and a silk-screened rather than pearl logo. This resulted in a more substantial, and certainly more robust instrument; broken headstocks and body cracks are comparatively rare in these later EBs. All also had a repositioned pickup, moved towards the bridge for a greater midrange response.

Some examples had controls mounted on a front scratchplate (see this 1972 Natural EB-0L), others had different body woods (alder), different number of neck laminations, clear or no scratchplates, clear-coated necks, different truss rod nut sizes, and a different width nut. But these guitars are very much the exception, with Gibson finally settling on the specifications shown here. The new style EB-0 (or a new style EB-0!) was first shown at the June 1972 NAMM show, with a price of $395 - a small increase on the $350 price a year earlier. The bass pictured was most likely built around, or just after, this time: the potentiometers of this bass are dated mid 1972, however the serial number suggest a very late 1972 shipping date, perhaps even early 1973.

1972 Gibson EB-0 specifications

This bass is typical of a the majority of Gibson's early seventies EB bass output: a mahogany body, three-piece maple neck, and rosewood fretboard. Like all Gibson's at this time, it was produced at the legendary Kalamazoo plant, Michigan, USA (where all their best guitars were built). Walnut was a finish widely used at this time, and was applied to almost half of the 1972 EB-0s produced: this is one of 423 walnut (compared to 507 cherry) EB-0 basses shipped in 1972. Like the majority of earlier examples, the bass had a short (30 1/2") scale and required short scale strings.

This style EB-0 was first included in the brightly coloured 1972 bass place brochure (right).

Notice the volute (on the back of the headstock) and Gibson logo on the spring mounted EB humbucker cover. The bridge is the two point tune-o-matic with cover, as used since around 1967, but now with metal, rather than plastic (Delrin) saddles, and NO underbridge mute. The three point bridge design was not in use until 1973. The tuning keys are Schaller M4-S which were used roughly in the period 1971-73. This style of pickguard was used on all EB models from 1972 until they were last produced in 1979. Finally, this EB0 has 21 frets, compared to the 19 (1970-71) or 20 (1961-69) on all previous examples.

The new design for '72 EBO had much of the same hardware as previous versions, but arranged slightly differently. The EB humbucker was positioned further back from the neck, to accentuate mid and high frequencies. The bridge now had no mute below it, and the output jack was moved back to the front of the bass' body where it had been prior to 1970. The scratchplate was completely different of course. Compare this bass with a 1970 EBO.

Gibson's Walnut finish over a mahogany body, is particularly appealing. Other finishes available at this time were cherry (also over a mahogany body) and natural, over an alder body (see a 1972 EB-O in natural finish here).

This EB humbucker has the Gibson logo engraved into its cover, generally a feature of EB basses in around 1971-72, maybe 1973. These are the last slotted-headstock basses and the first of the redesigned, 70s maple-necked EB basses.

Witch-hat control knobs, with silver inserts. This picture also clearly shows the finish checking that is so common on old Gibson guitars and basses.

EB basses were more often than not fitted with under bridge mutes (like this 1970 EBO) up until around 1971. This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge, and chrome bridge cover, but no mute.

This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with metal saddles (as opposed to plastic used previously). From 1971 Gibson stopped using the mutes that were fitted under these bridges; instead a foam strip was attached to the underside of the bridge cover forming a mute of sorts - to unmute, simply remove the bridge cover! For comparison, have a look at a 1970 EBO bridge with underbridge mute and the old Delrin saddles.

Note the large body contour on the back of this bass.

Serial number stamped on the back of the headstock. The 'MADE IN USA' stamp beneath the serial number appeared on all instruments made by Gibson from 1970. Note the different quality of lettering compared to that of a 1970 EBO.

The seventies solid headstock EB0s did away with inlays; they had large headstocks with the Gibson logo silk-screened in gold. Note the one-ply black truss rod cover, mounted, as usual, with two screws and standard Gibson nut.

Three-piece maple neck and solid headstock. Elephant ear Schaller M-4-S tuning keys. Neck volute. The headstock of the post slotted headstock basses was bigger, stronger and far less breakable than any EB bass that had come before it. Breaks were not impossible, of course, but the extra strength behind the truss rod cavity (provided by the volute) certainly prevented many.

1972 Gibson EB-0 Electronics

The controls are identical to any EB-0: just a volume and tone, each with a witch hat control knob; but the output jack has moved back to the body front (rather than on the guitars edge, as was the case for the slotted headstock models). However, the loom itself has changed from older EB-0 incarnations, presumably as a result of the move in pickup location: previously the EB-0 had two identical 500k pots, as of '72 it had a 500k volume and 250k tone.

Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale

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1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0

Arlington, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0... more

Gibson EB0 Bass 1968 Sparkling Burgundy Rare Factory Finish OSC

Manville, Rhode Island, 028**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

This a Rare Factory Custom Finish. Sparkling Burgundy. Thebass is in nice shape Unfaded deep Burgundy color & very light horizontalchecking The bass is all original but has suffered a crack to its controlcavity. The crack has been repaired & touched up. See photos Still a greatbass that plays great & sounds like an EB0. Great looking rare bass. Comesin original nice shape soft shell case
... 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

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

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, 100% original save for a refret and carved bone nut, and complete with a hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the example seen here) in 1961. Lightweight at 7lbs 7oz with solid mahogany construction, this bass delivers pure, fat low-end thump courtesy of the famous "Mudbucker" pickup. The rich... more

1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Early slab body pick guard . Cut a little to fit replace pickup. Just a shave off it
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1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

This vintage hand rest cover is a must-have for any Gibson EB-3, EB-2, or EB-0 Bass guitar enthusiast. Made in the 1960s, this cover is a true piece of music history. The cover is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and is made from high-quality materials to ensure durability.

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

A reasonably priced, 1961 Cherry Red EB-0 Bass. Very nice Condition
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 1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale 4 String Bass - Cherry - Don Storck Custom

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

$2850

Awesome bass. Original electronics and hardware. Still has the string dampener and it works! Great tone. This is a two-owner guitar from Oklahoma City. It was played lovingly by its original owner, Don Storck, from the time that he purchased it new by in 1967 at different gigs over the years. It has earned its wonderful patina from years of playing, and it looks great. It has all the expected finish checking that you would expect to see on a guitar of this vintage. The second pick guard was ... 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

This Gibson EBO Bass Guitar is a rare gem for any musician. Crafted in the US in 1967, this solid wood guitar features a cherry finish that shines under any lighting. With its 4-string configuration and electric bass type, it's perfect for any right-handed player looking for a high-quality instrument The guitar comes with a case, making it easy to transport and protect while on the go. Its brand, Gibson, is well-known for producing top-of-the-line guitars that are both durable and powerful. This... more

1970 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Finish Electric Bass Guitar

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

$1895

1970 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Finish Electric Bass Guitar
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

Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar 5 String

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

This vintage Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar is a true gem for any musician. With its customized 5 string design and powerful sound, it's sure to impress any bass player. The guitar has been well-maintained and has a beautiful finish that shines under any lighting.

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 1968 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Electric Bass w / Case, Setup SN: 5674

Denton, Texas, 762**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

This is a Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 SG-Style Short-Scale Electric Bass w / Single Humbucker, Original Case, Professional Setup SN: #5674!This bass's serial number is #955674 This particular bass weighs 7 pounds 12 2 ounces The pictures are of the actual instrument for sale
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

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
1 ... 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

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$175

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
... more

Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Here we have a very historic bass guitar from Gibson, an EB-0 from 1960.
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 eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess

Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

has been tested and checked over. plays great and looks very vintage. has a decent amount of belt buckle wear and dings. please see pics for condition... more

Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar

Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This is a rare and collectible 1966 Gibson Classic EBO bass guitar in a stunning red color. With its 4-string configuration, this electric bass guitar is perfect for any musician who wants to make a statement. The Gibson brand is known for its quality and excellence, and this Classic series bass guitar is no exception. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar is sure to impress. It's perfect for playing a wide range of musical styles and is ideal for both live ... more

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.

Thanks. Please ask questions before bidding. ... more

Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

Jackson, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2795

Another New Arrival!
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

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