Gibson bass guitar bridge / tailpiece units are typically weightier than those employed by other manufacturers, with early examples height adjustable via heavy bolts into the guitar's body (the 'sustain sisters' as Gibson called them). These bridges are pretty effective (the three point bridge is still in use today) - despite some (especially the two-point versions) having a bad reputation. But most failings of the early bridges can easily be rectified with a little attention. Check out the detailed descriptions of Gibson bass guitar bridges, bridge covers and mutes below.
Gibson bar bridge - first version. Part number BR-655N. Nickel. Notice the straight, thin mounting arms. Although the strings can not be intonated individually, the whole bridge could be moved slightly, with adjustment of either of the hex-screws perpendicular to the bridge posts. As used on the Gibson EB bass, EB-0, EB-2, EB-3, and Epiphone Newport and Rivoli. Phased out in 1965, in favour of the chromed version, below. more
Gibson six string bass bar bridge. Part number BR-650N. Nickel. This bridge is the basically same as part number BR-655N above, except that it is made for Gibson's six-string bass, the EB-6, and the Epiphone equivalent the six-string Newport EBS-6. more
Gibson bar bridge - 1965 version. Part number BR-655CH. Chrome. Notice the rounded, wider mounting arms. Like the previous version, an approximation of intonation could be achieved by adjusting the hex screws. This bridge appeared on the EB3 in 1965, perhaps earlier, whilst the EB0 continued to use the nickel version (part BR-655N, above) until stocks were used. When the intonatable bridge came in in 1967, last stocks of this bridge were used on Gibsons budget brand bass; the Kalamazoo KB bass. more
Gibson Thunderbird bridge (1960s). Part number BR-750N. This was Gibsons first bass bridge to allow separate intonation of each string, and was used on the reverse and non-reverse body Gibson Thunderbird, and the Epiphone Embassy from 1963-69. Unlike all other Gibson bass bridges, it required a separate tailpiece, and was fitted with a damper spring, which acted as a mute by pushing felt blocks (not pictured) against the strings. The bridge posts were short-bushing type, nickel (early) or chrome (later) plated
Even though this bridge was designed to be intonatable, in practise this was not always possible, leading people to reposition the bridge slightly. A replacement bridge by Scott Dasson (Dasson or Badbird bridge is currently available that resolves this issue, with no modifications necessary to the instrument itself. more
Gibson two-point Tune-O-Matic bridge. Introduced in around 1967, the two point bridge was Gibsons first attempt at a bass bridge that allowed separate intonation of each string. The bridge attaches to its posts by means of two hex screws. When posts or hex screws are worn, the bridge can tip forward to some extent (some people call this bridge the Gibson ever-tilt), which can cause problems with action, and intonation. This is common in basses with no under-bridge mute. Notice also that the silk wraps at the ball end of the string don't always stop before the bridge saddle, avoided, by removing some of the wraps with a razor blade, or better still buying strings with no wraps. Most versions had the nylon saddles pictured here, though around late 71, early 72 some of these bridges were equipped with chrome plated metal saddles. more
Gibson three-point adjustable combination bridge. Introduced in mid 1973, and still in use today. This bridge is a sturdy, heavy-duty bridge which overcomes the tendency of its predecessor to tip forward, by having an extra post at the front. The bridge pictured has black plastic surrounding each post hole - though this is the exception rather than the rule. As used on the EB-0, EB-3, EB-4L, Thunderbird, SB-350/SB-450, Ripper, RD series basses, Les Paul Signature and Les Paul Triumph from 1973 onwards. more
Gibson Grabber bridge. Part number 10149 (1977), 81554 (1981). As used on the Gibson Grabber and Gibson G3 basses. This simple Fender-style bridge was considerably cheaper to produce than the three-point (above) in use at the same time, and far more reliable than the SB bass bridge that was Gibsons previous budget version. Size: 2 5/16" x 2". Note the G-string screw is longer (1 1/2") than the other three (1 7/32"). The spring is also slightly longer to compensate for this. more
Gibson TRI-4 wedge bridge. As used on the Gibson Victory and Explorer basses. 1981 publicity for the Victory bass summed it up: For the ultimate in player adjustment we give you the TRI-4 bridge. We start with a chrome-plated heavy cast base plate secured directly to the body, but check out its versatility. You can adjust the bridge inserts forward and back for intonation, and you can adjust your individual string action height by moving it up or down. But the adjustment that pulls everything together into a total player package is the side to side adjustment. We preset the string spacing for you but you can change it to suit your specific needs. more
EB string mute Introduced in 1960 (see the Gibson Gazette July/August 1960 and 1962 mute patent) and fitted to Kalamazoo-built basses until 1971. This mute was widely used on practically all Gibson EB3s, and very many EB0, EB2, Epiphone Newport, Epiphone Rivoli and Les Paul basses. The principle was very simple: by pulling the lever away from the bridge, it's raised part pushes a piece of felt up, under the strings, dampening vibrations. Listen to these soundclips of a muted and unmuted Gibson EB3. more
EB hand rest EB0, EB2, EB3, Epiphone Newport, Epiphone Rivoli, Kalamazoo KB bass. These hand rests were initially nickel plated, then chrome-plated from the mid 1960s, until their discontinuation circa 1968. more
Chrome bridge cover Introduced in 1963 - the earliest (nickel plated) covers were only used on the Thunderbird. From around 1967-80 these covers (now chrome) were fitted to all EB, Thunderbird, Ripper and Les Paul basses. When under-bridge mutes were phased out in the early seventies, many of these covers had a strip of foam glued to the underside, which acted as a mute. To 'unmute' the cover would be removed. more
Nickel bridge cover (small) The smaller (but actually slightly wider) bridge cover used on the SB300/400, Grabber and G3 basses was not big enough to cover the two and three point bridges used on the majority of Gibson bass guitars; it was nickel plated, with an engraved Gibson logo in the early 1970s, but typically plain thereafter. In use 1971-1980. more
Gibson bass bridge for sale
VINTAGE 1970s USA GIBSON "GRABBER" G3 BASS GUITAR BRIDGE - ORIGINAL PARTS
Tucson, Arizona, 857**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$500
ITEM SHOWS SOME OXIDIZATION & RUST
ITEM HAS NOT BEEN CLEANED, THIS IS HOW I FOUND IT, BUYER ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR / PROPER CLEANING
ORIGINAL MOUNTING SCREWS INCLUDED!
ITS ALL THERE
PLEASE VIEW ALL PHOTOS PRIOR TO PURCHASE
NO RETURNS
THANK YOU!
... more
1972 USA GIBSON Bass Guitar Bridge Cover SCRIPT Nickel Vintage Part
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$495
... more
1977 Gibson Ripper Bass Bridge Pickup w / bezel
Lubbock, Texas, 794**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$314
If you are considering a purchase, please take a minute and read our feedback !!!
We strive to achieve 5 star service !! PLEASE contact us if there are ANY problems (SEE RED BELOW)!! THANKS !!
Payment within 3 days please==We pack extremely well and ship quickly as possible!
PLEASE NOTE: Normal handling time is 3 business days or less, but we are out of ... more
Vintage early-mid 1970's Gibson EB-2 or EB-3 Bass BRIDGE Pickup 5 96
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$300
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or ... more
Gibson 1960s Chrome EB-3 Bass mini-Humbucker Bridge Pickup
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$283
6 87K Lead Length: Approximately 7 inches.
ORIGINAL Black Patent No. 2, 737, 842 sticker on the bottom
Comes with original mounting Bolts and springs
SHIPPED FULLY INSURED... more
Vintage 1970's Gibson S-1 Guitar or G-3 Bass BRIDGE Pickup 5 348
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$280
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers ... more
Vintage 1981 Gibson VICTORY BASS Bridge for Artist or Standard
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$280
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.
... more
Vintage 70s USA Gibson Grabber nickel finish bass Bridge parts G-3
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
Note: If outside the USA: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or
shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please
check... more
Vintage late 60's ear. 1970's Gibson BASS Bridge for EB-0 EB-3 EB-2 Nylon Saddle
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
... more
Vintage 1970's Gibson 3-Point BASS Bridge for Ripper RD Artist or Standard
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$230
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I ... more
1968 USA Gibson EBO Bass Guitar Vintage Bridge Base Part 1969 1970
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$225
... more
1977 Gibson Ripper Bass 3-Pt Bridge
Lubbock, Texas, 794**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$224
If you are considering a purchase, please take a minute and read our feedback !!!
We strive to achieve 5 star service !! PLEASE contact us if there are ANY problems (SEE RED BELOW)!! THANKS !!
Payment within 3 days please==We pack extremely well and ship quickly as possible!
PLEASE NOTE: Normal handling time is 3 business days or less, but we are out of town on buying trips once or twice a month which might result... more
70??s EB-3 Gibson USA Mini Humbucker Bass Guitar Pickup Bridge Chrome 4 String
State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$220
... more
Vintage 1970's Gibson G-3 Bass or S-1 BRIDGE Pickup 5 41
Cincinnati, Ohio, 452**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$175
Vintage 1970's Gibson BASS Bridge cover for EB-0 EB-3
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$169
Vintage 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$150
Very Good Condition
Sold by a small local music shop
... more
Vintage 70's Gibson Grabber bass guitar bridge plate and saddles
Graham, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$150
... more
USA GIBSON EB BASS Guitar Bridge Tailpiece STUD Post Set Vintage Parts
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$149
... more
1969 Gibson EB Bass Bridge Base Original Vintage EB-2 Part
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$149
... more
Vintage late 60's early 1970's FLAT BRIDGE Gibson STUDS for Bass EB-0 EB-3 EB-2
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$70
... more
Do you have or can you get a Chrome Bridge Cover for a 1970 Les Paul bass? If so, how much for the part? 808-250-2471
Does anyone know where I might find the fret dampening material that came on the original 1969 Gibson EB3 bass? Mine is gone and I would like to replace it.
Hi Don, the material is just thick felt - note there are different grades of felt for different applications - and the precise specifications of the originals are not published, but this seems to be pretty close. F3 felt is pretty rigid, but obviously gives if compressed. The original was approximately (it's hard to measure due to it's malleability and there may also be some variance) 6mm (approximately 1/4") x 8mm x 60mm - so a 1/4" thick sheet should give you plenty of material to cut several
Any Ideas on where to get some replacement felt for the mute? What is the material made of, how thick does it need to be?
I have a epiphone les paul special edition bass the bridge is a square one looks like the hip shot type this was the factory standard for this model. can I replace it directly with the epiphone/gibson 3 point bridge or would it require drilling?
Might you know where I might find the Hand Rest for my Newport Bass?, you mention it on your website: metal hand rest EB0, EB2, EB3, Epiphone Newport, Epiphone Rivoli, Kalamazoo KB bass. These hand rests were initially nickel plated, then chrome-plated from the mid 1960s. Thanks! Rick Lucero, Denver Co.