2000 Gibson SG-Z Bass

• Solid mahogany body • mahogany neck • rosewood (or wenge) fingerboard • two Z-bass pickups • 34 inch scale • split diamond inlays

The Gibson SG-Z bass is one of the least known 'new' Gibson basses. When launched it was the first new bass model for over a decade. It was only available for a brief time between 1998-2002, though it does not seem to have sold well, and was most likely produced only in small numbers. It was built at Gibson's Nashville plant alongside it's sibling the SGZ six-string guitar. Both have the same 'Z' (assuming that is what it is) split diamond headstock inlays; the guitar version is actually strung through the body, and has a similar Z-style tailplate. The original specification was for an all-mahogany long scale bass with a 21 fret wenge fingerboard. By the 2001 catalogue, the specification had changed to rosewood. It was originally named the EB-Z as this Gibson Press Release from August 1998 confirms. Listed finishes were Heritage Cherry, Ebony and, Natural Oil.

Promotional image for the 1998 Gibson EB-Z bass, with 21 frets and black toggle switches

This example hails from 2000. The style of SG body is more reminiscent of the 60s rather than 70s EB series basses, especially with the rich Cherry finish. But the pickup placement and hardware are quite different to any EB bass preceding it. And although long scale EB3s have been available as far back as 1970, they are still traditionally thought of as short scale instruments. The SG-Z is long scale, 34" with (perhaps?) a wenge rather than Gibson's more traditional rosewood fretboard. This example only has 20 frets, and it may be that the 20 fret boards are all rosewood? Gibson have always reserved the right to change specifications, and these woods are similar in appearance.

Tonally, the Gibson SG-Z bass is a long way from the sixties EB basses - and probably much more useful in a modern day band setting. The two pickups set far away from the neck. Each has a volume control, with one master tone. The mini toggles are series/parallel coil tap switches for each pickup, allowing quite a range of sounds. Though note, there is no pickup selector switch, this must be achieved via the volume controls.

This is a good looking bass; in shape, the grey tortoiseshell scratchplate is somewhat reminiscent of a 1960s SG Junior.

Reverse body view. The control cover is similar in shape and orientation to a 1970s EB0 or EB3, but in fact the cavity itself is quite different - see below.

Dual Z-bass pickups.

Three-ply grey tortoiseshell scratchplate with white revealed edge.

The controls of the SG-Z comprise a master tone, plus one volume and one series/parallel switch for each pickup. Knobs are 60s-style silver-capped black bell knobs. The output jack is situated on the side edge of the guitar body.

The adjustable bridge is black, in keeping with the pickups and other hardware. It was made by Schaller in Germany.

Reverse body detail. The contours and heel of this bass look quite '60s. The long neck less so.

The 'Z' headstock inlay of the SG-Z. Or is it a lightning bolt?

The inlaid Gibson logo and Z-inlay show this to be a quality instrument. The grey tortoiseshell truss rod cover matches the scratchplate. The black Grover tuning keys are similar to the Schaller M4 fitted to various vintage Gibson basses.

The headstock reverse holds the serial number (02230410) and MADE IN U.S.A. The serial number tells us this neck was stamped August 10th 2000. As was usually the case with mahogany-necked EB bases there is no volute.

Although the control cover on the back of this bass has the standard shape used by Gibson since 1965, the cavity itself is very different. The SG-Z circuitry consist three pots and two mini-toggles. Click on the image for a larger version.

This is how the SG-Z was advertised in the 2001 Gibson catalogue:

Gibson SG-Z Sound Clips

These sound clips are recorded directly into a mobilepre preamp. Recorded with round wound strings, and played finger style. All three clips have both pickups at full volume and tone at 10. Variations are changes in series / parallel switches. Turning off individual pickups and adjusting tone allows a wide range of sounds not reproduced here.

Gibson SG bass for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

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 SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished)

Onset, Massachusetts, 025**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

Shows some wear
... more

gibson sg bass with case

Luke, Maryland, 215**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$895

Good playing shape, has had a headstock repair and a volute added for reinforcement.... 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

Gibson USA SG Short Scale Bass Excellent Condition With OHSC -Free US Shipping

Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, 076**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

U S. made Gibson SG bass in excellent used condition
I believe it was manufactured in 2007

There??s some normal signs of use, such as a few scuffs, minor buckle rash and small nicks to the finish, but nothing major.

Easy to play short scale neck with Grover tuners
Stays in tune and sounds great

The case has some scuffs and a couple of small tears in the tolex, but is in good overall condition.

Please reference the pictures and let me know... more

Gibson EB-3 SG Short Scale Bass Vintage 1969-70 Refinished / Modified

West Chester, Pennsylvania, 193**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

vintage 1969-70 Gibson EB-3 SG Short Scale Bass. Refinished. Does not include a case
The varitone switch has been modified / replaced with a 10-position switch. The original "1 2 3 4" poker chip is missing. The bridge cover is missing, and those holes were filled (likely at the time of refinishing). Pot Code 1377018 indicates CTS (137) and 18th week of 1970. Wiring appears original but likely resoldered at some point. Original Schaller machines. Original pickups
Logo and Crown Inlay are ... more

1967 Gibson EB-3 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass, 100% Original

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

$3200

Up for sale, a 1967 Gibson EB-3 in 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with a padded softshell case. Introduced in 1961 and crafted at Gibson??s Kalamazoo factory, the EB-3 features a short 30 1 / 2?? scale length, mute-equipped bridge, dual pickups, and gloss Cherry nitro lacquer finish
Described in the 1967 Gibson catalog as ??the ultimate in an ultra thin, hand contoured solid body Gibson Electric Bass, ?? the EB-3 sports solid mahogany construction with a ... more

Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished)

Greenwood, Mississippi, 389**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished). Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more

Gibson SG Standard Bass in Cherry Red 

Saxmundham, IP17***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1400

Gibson SG Standard Bass in Cherry Red. Excellent bass all round, made in the USA in 2021. Used lightly for gig and studio work and some at home rehearsal so basically in perfect condition, I'm the second owner of the bass and it's been very well cared for, comes with Canadian made leather case. Collection only would be preferred, if that's impossible I'm sure I could figure out some method of delivery. Open to offers.... more

Fernandes Burny REB-65 - Kopie EB-3 SG Bass - Original Gibson Bass Modern Case

Berlin, 13***, GERMANY

€750

Der Burny REB-65 ist ein Nachbau eines EB-3 SG Bass
Er wird mit einem neuen original Gibson SG Bass Modern Hardshell Case geliefert
Das japanische Vertriebsunternehmen Fernandes Co. Ltd. hatte zwei Gitarrenmarken, Fernandes für die Kopien von Fender-Gitarren und Burny, für die Nachbauten von Gibson-Instrumenten
Fernandes Co. Ltd. war einer der größten Gitarrenhersteller Japans OHNE eigene Fabrik
Die Instrumente wurden ausschließlich für den japanischen Markt angeboten und ... more

basso elettrico Gibson SG SUPREME edizione limitata

Tortona, 15***, ITALY

€1100

Nel 2007 Gibson ha prodotto una serie di chitarre e bassi in edizione limitata creando un modello diverso ogni settimana
Ogni modello era prodotto in 400 pezzi rendendolo un vero oggetto da collezione
Questo è il basso SG Supreme Maple top
Il classico doppio pickup Gibson, scala corta, rivisitato con un bellissimo top in acero fiammato AAA e finitura satinata naturale
Manico sottile per una suonabilità senza sforzo. Veloce e potente
Tiratura limitata di 400 pezzi ... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co