Gibson basses

Bob in the late 60s playing his EB2

FlyGuitars You have a number of Gibson bass guitars in your collection - what was the first?

Bob Daisley The first Gibson I ever had was when I was about 16 and I bought a Gibson EB-2 that was popular in the 60's. So many bass players had an EB-2 in the 60's, either the Gibson EB-2 or the Epiphone Rivoli, which was the same bass - one had Gibson written on it and one had Epiphone written on it.

Kahvas Jute - Wide Open

I used to be in a band when I was very young, about 20, called Kahvas Jute. We were sort of like a progressive rock band with an influence of Cream. I did like that growly bass sound that Jack Bruce got so I got a Gibson EB-3. I think it was in 1969. Another very versatile, great bass - especially the one that I had when I was in Kahvas Jute. I really loved that bass but when I got to London I didn't really have enough money to have more than one bass and people were sort of frowning on those a little bit. They probably just preferred the Fender sound so I had to swap it in and I got a Precision.

FlyGuitars So when did you get another Gibson?

Bob Daisley For the first album I did with Ozzy when we were called The Blizzard Of Ozz. I know a lot of people refer to it as Ozzy's solo career but when we formed that band it was a band and it was called The Blizzard Of Ozz. That first album that we did I used a Gibson EB-3 on it because for those songs I'd tried various basses and to me they just didn't sound quite right. I actually brought the first one I could get, I just went out a bought an EB-3 and used that on that album. I had my Fender down there but like I say nothing sounded quite right on those songs for some reason and I had my Ampeg and I probably had an Acoustic amp cause I had an Acoustic bass amp that I'd bought from Boz Burrell from Bad Company. He'd done that first Bad Company album with it then I bought it off him after that. For a Gibson EB-3 you really need a Marshall stack you know for the best match for sound. So when I got the EB-3 to use on that album I used one of Randy's stacks cause he had a couple of these Marshall 100 Watt stacks and a couple of cabinets and a couple of heads and that so I used one head and one 4X12 mic'd for that album.

Bob recording Blizzard of Ozz with an early 60s EB3

FlyGuitars So did you just mic the cabs on that, was that close mic'ing?

Bob Daisley Yeah, yeah. One of Randy's 100 Watt Marshall heads through a 4X12 cab. Cause I had experience using an EB-3 before and I knew what sounded best with an EB-3 and it's the Marshall.

FlyGuitars Yeah cause I use an EB-3, I've got a couple of EB-3's myself and I use mine through a Marshall 100 Watt Valve Head and 4x12 cabinet

Bob Daisley They sound best through those don't they?

FlyGuitars Well I think so yeah, mine's one of the JCM 800 Bass heads. You used one of Randy's guitar heads, have you used any of the Super Bass heads at all?

Bob Daisley Well funnily enough even in the earlier days when I got my first EB-3 I got a Marshall 100 Watt head, that was a guitar head as well.

FlyGuitars So you've just always used guitar heads with them?

Bob Daisley Yeah it was just one that came available and I just bought it but there's not that much difference in a guitar head and a bass head anyway. I heard that the funny thing was that I think Jack Bruce was supposed to have used guitar heads anyway and Jimi Hendrix used bass heads.

FlyGuitars Going back to the Gary Moore record Power Of The Blues, you used an EB-3 on that. Did you also use guitar heads again?

Bob Daisley Yeah, I think was a 50 Watt guitar head. A Marshall vintage one that Gary had through a 4X12 cab. I know Gary because he's in touch with Jack Bruce, he said to him that he told him what I was using and he said "oh that's what I used to use". Some of the tracks I did use the Fender Precision, an Olympic White one. I think it's about 1962 and I used that on a few of the tracks on Gary's album through an Ampeg SVT with an 8X10 cab. The EB-3's on a lot of the tracks on that album.

FlyGuitars When you approached that album did you think I want to use an EB-3?

Bob Daisley No, Gary had that in mind because he'd worked with Jack. He had a band with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker.

FlyGuitars Yeah the BBM project

Bob Daisley BBM, that was it, Bruce Baker and Moore. Gary actually brought Jack an EB-3 and he didn't use it, he used the Gibson solid body violin shaped one, the EB. People refer to as an EB-1 but in actual fact the real title of it is just EB.

Little Richard bassplayer Olsie Robinson (2nd left) playing the 1956 EB bass, and below the bass today in Bob Daisley's collection

FlyGuitars You've got one of those yourself haven't you?

Bob Daisley Yeah it's one that belonged to the bass player of Little Richard (Olsie Robinson) that he actually used on the early records; the guy that was with Little Richard for a good few years in the early days around I think late 56, 57. I already had one of those that I had bought in LA early 90s. Mine was a 1958 I think and then that other one came up for sale. There's this guy in America that I know had this bass that had come from Olsie, the bass player of Little Richard and what I did was I swapped my 58 EB for that one and I gave him some dough on top. Not a lot but he got my bass and I got that other one and I gave him some money on top. So it's a nice piece of history to have because if you listen to those early Little Richards records you know there it is that bass on them.

FlyGuitars Sure, and you've got the early EB-O with the Les Paul double cut body?

Bob Daisley Yeah the Les Paul Junior shape. That one like a lot of Gibsons has had the head broken off and it's got a repair at the back. You can see it but it's been done well, plays well and it's probably stronger now than it was before.

FlyGuitars Yeah I think that's the case with a lot of repairs isn't it.

Bob Daisley Well that was one that I got because it was a nice shape, it was an attractive looking bass and it's got those banjo machineheads on it. It's got a nice sound and it plays well. I used that on a couple of tracks for a Kahvas Jute reunion in 2005, we did a live show, a gig here in Sydney called The Basement. We had it filmed and there's a DVD. On that I used the Gibson EB-3 and an old Fender Jazz bass but there's some studio recordings that come with the DVD, I used that EB-O on a couple of those.

Bob Daisley It turned out pretty well, the band sounded just like it did when we were together all those years ago. Quite often bands reform or try to recreate something and it doesn't quite come off but I think we really pulled it off, it sounds good. I was very pleased with it.

Kahvas Jute live. Right Bob Daisley, left Tim Gaze (with SG Custom). Bob plays his 1961 EB3

FlyGuitars So out of those three Gibsons that you've got is it the EB-3 that you tend to favour?

Bob Daisley I would say it is, I've got three EB-3s now. I bought one that I'd had from England in the late 80s or 90s, it was supposed to be one of the first in England so it would be about 1960 and that's the one I used on the Kahvas Jute reunion. Then I wanted a spare one just as a sort of back up in case something went wrong or you break a string or whatever. So I got a cheaper one I brought from a mate of mine in London, he's got the Vintage Guitar Emporium on the New Kings Road, Fat Rick. It's all original except it's been refinished, still the cherry red but when he shipped to me from London to Sydney it arrived with the head broken off so it obviously hadn't been handled right. I had to get that repaired but I had a really good repair job done on it so it plays fine and yet again probably stronger now than what it was before it got broken. I think it was last year in 2006 I got the same bloke that I got the Little Richard bass from came up with an EB-3 for me that was I think it was about a 66 or 64 somewhere round there and it's virtually mint. I mean It's been used and it's got a couple of little sort of used marks on it but it's very clean, it's certainly a 9/9.5 out of 10. Solder in tact and the case is like new so I thought it's another good one for the collection but that's the three EB-3s I've got.

FlyGuitars Have you tried other Gibson models such as The Ripper, The Grabber, the Thunderbird, any of the Les Paul basses?

Bob Daisley I did have a Les Paul Bass that I bought in late '70 I think and I ended up not liking it. It was too heavy, a bit cumbersome. Lots of tones on it not really any that I liked. I never used it much and I sold it.

Bob recording in 1970, with his early set-up of Gibson EB3 bass, and 100W Marshall head

FlyGuitars I suppose they're not for everyone but I've got one of the 71 Les Paul basses and I like the tones on that.

Bob Daisley Yeah well the thing is I was still in Kahvas Jute at the time I bought it and in those days because I didn't have much money I swapped my EB-3 on it and then didn't like it. It had some nice tones but none as appropriate for that band as an EB-3 and it didn't have that EB-3 growl so I went back and got my EB-3 back. Fortunately it was still in the shop that I'd swapped it in on and got it back.

FlyGuitars Obviously Fender over the years have been more popular than the Gibson basses. What do you think the failings of Gibson have been which have prevented them from becoming more popular?

Bob Daisley I suppose the more high profile people that use a certain sort of instrument you stand a better chance, it's like free advertising really isn't it. How many people have used a Strat, god everybody and I suppose look at Les Pauls cause so many high profile people use Les Pauls and they became very popular. They were pretty popular in the 60's the Gibsons and Epiphone basses but if you look at the Fender Precision it's gone all the way through. The Gibson EB-2 was popular with a lot of high profile people for a while and then the EB-3 with certain people like Andy Fraser and Jack Bruce and the bass player in The Zombies, he used an EB-3 and even the bass player with the Jackson 5 had an EB-3 but that was only for short periods of time but the Precision has gone all the way through with so many different high profile people for a long period of time so I suppose that really does help.

FlyGuitars If there was a Gibson Bass say for instance that you could favour over your Fenders, how would it look? If Gibson approached you and said Bob we want to make you a signature bass how do you think you'd want that to look?

Bob Daisley I actually got Hamer in America, they made me a bass once that I ended up not using very much cause it didn't quite feel right but I got them to make it in the shape and complete design of a Stratocaster with a slightly bigger body than the Stratocaster guitar cause it was a bass but it looked just like a Strat and I got them to put Gibson Pickups on it so it would sound like an EB-3, play like a Precision and look like a Strat. I didn't have it for that long, I think the Hard Rock put it up in one of their cafes somewhere.

Gibson bass guitars 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.

Vintage 1979 Gibson The Grabber Bass

Dickinson, Texas, 775**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2120

The Vintage 1979 Gibson The Grabber Bass is a classic electric bass guitar known for its distinctive Grabber model. Made in the United States, this right-handed bass features a solid body in natural color, perfect for players looking for a timeless sound. With 4 strings and a solid construction, this vintage Gibson bass is a must-have for any musician looking to add a piece of musical history to their collection. Other features include a double-cutaway body, maple neck and maple fingerboard! ... more

1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass With Gigbag

Lincoln, Nebraska, 685**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

The 1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass is a highly sought-after electric bass guitar known for its classic design and superior craftsmanship. Made in the United States with a solid mahogany body, this vintage Gibson bass instrument exudes a timeless charm with its rich cherry color and vintage appeal. As a part of Gibson's renowned series of electric bass guitars, the EB-0 model delivers exceptional sound quality and playability, making it a versatile and reliable choice ... more

Gibson EST 1964 / 1969 EB-0 Electric Bass

Chesapeake, Virginia, 233**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

PREOWNEDGIBSON EB-0 ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR
EST. 1964 / 1969, FEATURING RARE FIND, SLOTTED HEADSTOCK
COMES WITH ORIGINAL CASE! INSIDE OF CASE COND. IS FINE, HOWEVER THE EXTERNAL SHAPE OF THE CASE IS POOR. LOTS OF TEARS AND ATTEMPTED FIXES
THE GIBSON ITSELF IS IN FAIR SHAPE, SOME DINGS AND WEAR FROM USE. ITEM IS AS PICTURED ABOVE. MESSAGE WITH ANY QUESTIONS!
* FEDEX SHIPPING ONLY *NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE LOWER 48 STATES *
... more

RARE 1973 Gibson Ripper Bass 1st Year w / Original Tortoiseshell Pickguard & Case

Laguna Niguel, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1999

For your consideration is a rare first-year 1973 Gibson Ripper bass guitar with original case. This bass guitar is all original and features the rare tortoiseshell pick-guard which only appears on earlier models. There are some light scratches on the back as well as some checking in the finish, but overall this guitar is in great cosmetic condition for its age. I am selling this guitar at a reduced price because the input jack is a bit noisy ?? could be an easy fix, but I am not a repair ... more

Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass - Vintage Cherry

El Paso, Texas, 799**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird, Vintage Cherry
Needs strings and is missing a single bridge saddle ?? but can??t bother myself to get the part
I??m more of a Rickie backer guy anyways .
Used for a few weeks, but it does has it road knicks as pictured
Original case included.... more

1972 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Bass Guitar

Kokomo, Indiana, 469**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1400

The 1972 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Bass Guitar is a vintage electric bass guitar that exudes classic style and timeless appeal. With a short scale body made of mahogany and a right-handed design, this 4-string bass guitar features a rosewood fretboard for a smooth and rich tone. This model, part of the Gibson series, comes with a hard case for added protection and easy transport. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner looking to add a vintage touch to your collection, the Gibson EB-3 is a ... more

1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar

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

$3000

The 1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar is a classic electric bass guitar by Gibson, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and iconic design. With a sleek black body color, this guitar is sure to make a stylish statement in any musician's collection. Featuring the renowned Standard series, this bass guitar is known for its versatile sound and exceptional playability, making it a popular choice among bass players in various genres of music
PICK UP ONLY Mission Hills, CA (LA ... more

1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass Silver

Westland, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

The 1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass is a classic electric bass guitar known for its solid silver body color and durable construction. Made in the United States, this 4-string bass guitar exudes a timeless appeal with its Gibson brand pedigree and standard series design. Perfect for musicians looking for a reliable and high-quality instrument to accompany their band or recordings, the Gibson Victory Standard Bass continues to be a sought-after choice for bass players seeking a vintage yet ... more

1972 Gibson SB-450 Electric Bass Cherry - Very Good Condition

Memphis, Tennessee, 381**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1450

1972 Gibson SB-450 Bass - Cherry in Very Good Condition. The neck is straight and the action is low. The frets are in good shape. Electronics function perfectly. Normal play wear associated with a 50 + year old instrument (see photos). Serial # 771306. Comes with original Gibson chipboard case
Make: Gibson
Model: SB-450
Year: 1972
Scale length: 34 5 "
Weight: 7lbs 1oz
Nut Width: 1 66 "
Neck Width at 12th fret: 2 10 "
Neck Thickness at 1st fret: .86 "
Neck ... more

Gibson Gene Simmons Signature G2 Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar USA

Georgetown, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1710

This is a fantastic made in USA bass! Sounds and plays so good! Straight neck. Fully functional. Slight cosmetic blemishes, nothing major. This can take your joy of playing to new heights and also is a very collectible item, being a Gene Simmons USA Bass! Comes with case!


Don't miss your chance to own!


Items only come with case or accessories if pictured or listed in the listing

Items only come with accessories / parts pictured and ... more

1970 or 1971 Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Guitar With Epiphone Case

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 731**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

The 1970 or 1971 Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Guitar is a vintage musical instrument that exudes classic style and timeless appeal. With its solid body and right-handed design, this 4-string bass guitar is perfect for musicians looking to add a touch of vintage flair to their collection. The Gibson brand ensures high quality craftsmanship and exceptional sound, making it a sought-after choice for bass players looking to rock out on a classic instrument. Complete with an Epiphone case, this vintage ... more

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE

Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1550

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - Serial # 81831614 - 1981 - Monday July 2nd - Nashville TN - Production # 614, beautiful guitar, professional players guitar, the case was made by Quest

... more

1976 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Bass Guitar W / Ohsc Veritone

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1850

1976 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Bass Guitar W / Ohsc Veritone. Guitars in good condition has a few little minor scratches here and there
Tuners have been changed. Everything else is 100% original. Sounds great. Will ship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes international shipping provided by eBay Global
... more

Gibson Ripper Fretless L9-FS BASS. 1976 EXCELLENT.

Prato, 591**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

€2500

BASSO GIBSON Ripper Fretless L9-FS. 1976 SUONO Straordinario .ECCELLENTE .!Aquistato vent'anni fa' al Samash Music Store New York , NY. Manico Ebano PERFETTO QUALSIASI PROVA. Valuto permuta Fender JB. NO PERDITEMPOL'oggetto si trova in Prato (PO) Toscana... more

1969 Gibson EB-0 Bass WALNUT with slotted headstock

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1390

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1969 Gibson EB-0 bass in its original Walnut finish. It has a great playing neck with good frets. All of the electronics have been replaced as the pickup is an aftermarket sidewinder pickup. The pickup cavity was modified to house this pickup. The truss rod cover has been replaced and a shim has been placed underneath the nut. The pictured hardshell case is included. This slotted headstock EB-0 looks good with ... more

Vintage Collector's Epiphone by Gibson Power Bass 1982

Cheney, Washington, 990**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$425

This Vintage Collector's Epiphone by Gibson Power Bass 1982 is a vintage electric bass guitar with a solid black body. As part of the Epiphone by Gibson brand, this 4-string bass guitar is a classic piece for collectors and musicians looking for a unique and high-quality instrument. With its iconic design and rich history, this vintage bass guitar is sure to be a prized possession for any music enthusiast
This thing has been hitting hard for over 40 years. Has a few minor cosmetic flaws as ... more

Gibson 1993 Les Paul Bass Lpb-2

Douglas, Georgia, 315**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1300

This is a 1993 bass in solid player grade condition. Everything works as it should and appears to be original parts on guitar. Has the premium flame top and ebony finger board. This bass great but depending on your playing style could need new strings and setup. There is play marks on body. No damage on body. No neck breaks. May have a scratchy pot from being stored. The case is not original to the guitar. It??s to big but does protect the bass for travel and ... more

Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Artist Bass Guitar, Black

Hampton, New Hampshire, 038**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Artist bass guitar.
The Victory Artist has two Series VIIIB humbuckers, three-ply maple neck, 24-fret rosewood fretboard, and passive / active electronics with one volume and one tone knob, bass and treble controls, a pickup selector switch, a series / parallel switch, and a three-position passive / active switch
Does not include case.... more

Custom Gibson SG Bass w / Case

Simi Valley, California, 930**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1997 Gibson SG Bass
Fully customized 1997 Gibson SG Bass
I found this in the bin about ready to be tossed. Stripped down, no fretboard, no electronics, nothing. The solid mahogany ??husk" of a bass was then Finished in emerald green stain, with Gold hardware and Black / White / Black - Pick Guard, Heel-plate and Control Covers
Hipshot Bridge
Custom-wound pups - (30 3k @ Neck, Hot-wound 12 7k TV Jones Thunder'Tron at Bridge).
Stacked U S.A. CTS Vol / Tone Controls w / ... more

Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar

Anderson, Indiana, 460**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4790

Double cut a way Sun Burst Serial Number is 408061I purchased this bass in the sixties. I am the original owner Has been played very little. Has original strings except "G " Original hard caseOriginal cordHippie strap includedEXCELLENT CONDITION
... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co