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

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Vintage Gibson EB-3 bass guitar with slotted headstock 1969-1972, walnut

Danville, Pennsylvania, 178**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

This vintage Gibson EB-3 (1969-1972) was used on stage in a touring band as a primary instrument between 1974 and 1982. There have been some customizations, pictured. Slotted headstock, mahogany body with walnut finish. Some costmetic dings consistent with age and use; the headstock crack was repaired professionally years ago. Overall in good condition, and was last used on a recording in 2023. Comes with original case, stencilled with the name of the band.... more

Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Guitar 1973 Walnut With Original Hard Case

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

$1500

Vintage Gibson USA
1973 Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Guitar
Walnut
With Original Purple Lined, Gibson Branded Hard Case
Plays / Sounds Great!
Finish: 100% Original
Repairs: None To Note
Serial Number: Cant See Due To Thick Factory Finish (black lights perfectly)
Year: This Guitar Was Dated By The Pot Codes. Both Date 1973 With Original Solder Joints
Weight: 8 Pounds, 7 Ounces
Scale Length: 30 5 "
Nut Width: 1 63" (measured with my caliper)
Neck Specs: .860@1st ... 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 *
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1960??s Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Bass

Richardson, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

Fair condition with signs of use. Unit has been repaired for cracked neck as shown in photos. Included bass only.
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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

1968 Vintage Gibson EB-1 Violin Electric Bass Guitar (Serial Number - 882024)

Pontiac, Illinois, 617**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$61

Up for sale is this 1968 Vintage Gibson EB-1 Violin Electric Bass Guitar (Serial Number - 882024). Comes as shown. This is a 100% authentic Gibson Bass. The jack plate has a crack on it, see the last picture. Please see the video to grasp how awesome this instrument is
Shipping is calculated through your zip code
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1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5200

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case.

The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!!  It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... more

Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass

Cross Junction, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass: ESP Strat preamp with bypass mini-switch added. Badass bridge, headstock repaired. Mike Watt moved the output jack from the side to the front and added a big ol' washer to reinforce it you can see it in the picture. He also removed the side jack.
(bought from dirk vandenberg of guitar surfari. mike watts bass tech in San Pedro... more

1979 Vintage Maple Gibson RD Artist Bass Gtr with a History

Bloomfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2160

A Vintage Guitar with a History
From the private collection of artist / songwriter Martin Briley, this Gibson RD Artist bass was used exclusively on tour, in videos and in the studio by Martin Briley with the Ian Hunter / Mick Ronson Band in 1979 and 1980. It also appears on the Ian Hunter albums ?Welcome to the Club?? and ?Short Back ??n?? Sides??, it has been kept safely in storage ever since.
Considering it??s age the instrument is in excellent condition, with a little cosmetic damage ... more

1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar

Winnsboro, Louisiana, 712**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

The 1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar is a classic piece of musical history. Crafted by the renowned brand Gibson, this bass guitar is designed for right-handed players and features a semi-hollow body type. With its unique 4-string configuration, this model is perfect for bass enthusiasts looking for a vintage instrument with a timeless appeal. The sunburst finish adds to its retro charm, making it a standout choice for players seeking a vintage ... more

1979 Vintage Maple Gibson RD Artist Bass Gtr with a History

Bloomfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

A Vintage Guitar with a History
From the private collection of artist / songwriter Martin Briley, this Gibson RD Artist bass was used exclusively on tour, in videos and in the studio by Martin Briley with the Ian Hunter / Mick Ronson Band in 1979 and 1980. It also appears on the Ian Hunter albums ?Welcome to the Club?? and ?Short Back ??n?? Sides??, it has been kept safely in storage ever since.
Considering it??s age the instrument is in excellent condition, with a little cosmetic damage ... more

Vintage Gibson EB-2 Modified Bass EB2 ES bass Electric Bass 1960??s

Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1300

A really cool bass that was always in this shape. Owned for about 5 years and planned to redo it. Im more of a guitarist so Im thinning the heard. Looks great. I think the bridge is a dimarzio and there have been other pots once installed. The switches seem to be boosts for the pickups. And Volume for each pickup. No tone option. Another routes on the back. Gibson sticker gone. Some screws missing on the back and rusty input screws but everything stays together. Was also like that

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1972 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Maple neck Bass Guitar first year 1972 has Gibson logo

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

$2500

The 1972 Gibson EB-3 The first Model Mahogany Bass Guitar is a vintage electric bass guitar that exudes classic style and timeless appeal. With a short scale body made of mahogany with a maple neck 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 ... more

RARE! 1975-76 Gibson bass electric guitar "THE RIPPER" L-9S solid natural wood!

Braintree, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$274

RARE! 1975-76 Gibson "THE RIPPER" bass electric guitar w / custom case Model L-9S L9S solid body natural wood! .4 strings all parts tuners look to be original but look at pics she may have modified it or not i have no idea i dont play or know anything about guitars, well used she used to be a headbanger big time . Cant get anymore original than this fresh out of local estate from original owner who owned it since new & the husband build her the best highest quality very heavy wood custom ... more

Gibson RD Artist Bass 1977 - Natural *USA Small Business*

Hillsborough, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2199

For sale is a 1977 Gibson RD Artist in Good Condition
This bass is in good condition. There is plenty of finish checking leading to a beautifully aged look. There is stand wear along the edges of the headstock. The frets are low but in good shape and do not have any divots. It has been setup and ready to play by our in-house repair shop
There are three primary issues
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Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Natural w / Case

Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2430

ProAudioStar DJ GEAR INSTRUMENT GEAR LIVE SOUND RECORDING MICROPHONES HEADPHONES ACCESSORIES SOFTWARE LIGHTING BUNDLES Authorized Dealer - Full Warranty
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1980s Gibson Victory Bass Neck ONLY

Statesville, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

This was going to be a project, but I??ve got too many projects now, so letting it go to someone who can finish it. The truss rod works like it??s supposed to no issues other than needs to be fretted what you see in the pictures is whatyou will receive. This is for the neck only. Had to put in the specs
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1976 Gibson The Ripper Fretless L9-S Vintage Bass Ebony w / Case, Hangtag

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

$3800

Up for sale, a 1976 Gibson ??The Ripper?? Fretless L9-S in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and hangtag. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, this is the uncommon fretless version of the Ripper, equipped with its original pair of Bill Lawrence-designed ??Super Humbucking?? pickups and a four-way rotary switch for series, parallel, and out-of-phase pickup settings.
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1964 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale Bass Cherry, 100% Original w / Case

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

$3400

Up for sale, a 1964 Gibson EB-0 in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original 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 in 1961, boasting a short 30 1 / 2?? scale length
Lightweight at 6lbs 11oz, this EB-0 features solid Honduran mahogany construction and a rosewood fretboard. The famous ??Mudbucker?? pickup ... more

Gibson EB-0 Circa 1964 Electric Bass Guitar

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

$1600

Sounds and plays so good! Has all the vintage tone and good mojo. Straight neck. Fully functional. Someone has refinished the headstock while leaving the logo. Some cosmetic flaws from its age. This is a classic thumping bass that can take your playing to the next level

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 or... more

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