'54 Gibson EB / Gibson Thunderbirds

FlyGuitars Your first Gibson bass was a 1950s Gibson EB?

Dave Kiswiney What a great little bass that started me, that got me going. I found that in a music store in the back room with the broken headstock. The owner had taken it in. In Port Huron, Michigan that's where I was going to school. and he said it's useless you can have it for scrap so... ten bucks.. and I took it . We glued it, and screwed it together, put a metal plate on the front and back of the headstock and clamped it. Oh it was great, and I played it for a long, long time.

Dave using the the 1954 Gibson EB bass, serial number 4 1999, with '58 Precision pickup

FlyGuitars Did it have all it's parts?

The restored Gibson EB with Dimarzio model 1 pickup

Dave Kiswiney Yeah it had everything: it had the pickguard; it didn't have the peg to play it upright, didn't have that; never did find that.. we looked but.. I played that for a long time and then I ‘Frankensteined’ it. Somebody gave me an old Fender bass. Jack Scott - do you remember Jack Scott? Well he sang songs like Burning Bridges Behind Me, What in the World's Come Over You?. I recorded with him and I used that Gibson bass in the studio, and he said you've got to have a Fender. So he brings me a Fender bass that he had.. it was like a '58.. it was white, Precision. He gave it to me and I used it on his sessions and I gave it back to him, and he said I can't pay you for the sessions, but keep the bass. So I kept the bass but, you know, I liked it, but I still liked that Gibson.. but I like the sound of the Fender.. so you know - this is terrible - I Frankensteined that little Gibson bass. Tore those pickups out of that Fender and carved a hole in the EB and plopped the Precision bass pickups in there and off I went. It was awesome. Absolutely amazing.

FlyGuitars Did you record with the EB? Did it make it to record?

Dave Kiswiney Yes I did. I made records with Michael Quatro, Suzi's brother. In Collaboration with the Gods, it's on that album. We did all that Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C# minor. It was kind of cool stuff really. He was playing a Mellotron and some synthesizer, Moogs and things like that. It was that kind of glam symphonic rock stuff. But yes that's the bass I used on that. With those Precision pickups that I still have out of that '58. I've still got the pickups. In fact I did the same thing to the Ripper that I used. I gouged it out and put those pick-ups in that Ripper. I'll get to that.

FlyGuitars Later, when you were a Gibson endorsing artist they restored it for you?

They threw the headstock away that had the serial number on it, it was ink. I said god you've got to find the parts.. the only thing they could find was the bridge.. and the one that's on there is a new version.. I have the original bridge, that's it. I don't have the pickguard, I don't have the tuners. I couldn't believe it. That was 1979 they did that. You know, just threw it in the trash. They could have used the parts. They were doing me a favour and updating it. They had already come out with a reissue in '68 of that bass. My son has the EB, the '54; I gave it to him for his 40th birthday

Dave Kiswiney I never owned an EB3 - I wish I had. I have an EB0 which is a '68.. its brand new I've got it in the original case, a friend of mine was hoarding it.. and I finally talked him out of it.. it's got an open headstock

Gibson Thunderbird

Early 1960s Gibson Thunderbird II bass

Dave Kiswiney I used that Gibson (EB) bass until I bought a Thunderbird. I took the frets out of the Thunderbird - ruined it. But the Easy Rider and Concrete and Clay, those are probably that Thunderbird and the EB.

I remember pulling the frets out of it... I wanted to play a fretless and I ruined the bass, and I took it to a guitar shop, they took the frets out of it then they filled it and all that but it was never the same. I thought I was something more than I really actually was. I needed the frets and the intonation to play what I was playing.

I had another T-Bird for a minute that I Grabbed from Hewittts Music where I worked and traded it for an SB over at Mt. Clemens Music. I wish I still had that. That was my second attempt at a fretless bass. It's actually better to have a bass that's built to be fretless than to try and make one fretless, I found that out, at least with a Thunderbird. I traded it off for an SB350 or SB400 Gibson, long scale. it was always Gibsons. I just liked the Gibsons.

I got another Thunderbird from Gibson when they were moving out of Kalamazoo they had one that had a bgn: you know what a b g n was right? And I bought it for $200. It had two pickups in it, and it was a great bass. I didn't see anything wrong with it. I don't know why they made it a bargain, but I bought that and an acoustic guitar.

I recorded a lot of stuff that you probably never heard, like Barry T Goldberg (Sorry I Missed You), I recorded that with the Thunderbird in Ann Arbor Michigan. I used that Thunderbird like crazy on that. I ended up (selling that to) Thunderbird to Chase Chitty who is playing for Derek St Holmes in Atlanta. He had to have it: he said man I'll give you 500 Bucks - I was like ok! You know it was just a guitar, it was what we did, we bought, traded, sold, you know, and you only needed one. I wish I'd have kept it. I'd still like to get one from Gibson.

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3995

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!. Slotted headstock with original Gibson tuners!! Perfect for the collector!! This bass is in exceptional condition and so is the original case!! You will not find one in better condition!! Simply amazing!! Has new strings and comes with a beautiful vintage ??Made in Mexico?? leather strap!! Everything 100% original!! Thanks for looking!!
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1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.

Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case. See pic of original owner with the bass in the early ?70s ! Both the bass and case show wear from decades of use. There are scuffs, scratches, dings, and dents as you would expect. There is a split in the headstock that extends for approximately 7 inches, see photo. Electronics appear to be untouched all original. As shown in pic, date code on pot reads 6833, so bass was built in late 1968 or possibly early 1969. Serial number... more

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9000

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
 
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more

1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more

Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare

Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare.
These were made from 1986-93 according to the internet. The serial number sticker has been peeled of, but I believe this is an earlier one
Very nice looking bass
Sealed tuners, new strings, brass saddles, black on black with matching headstock, all original
The body has a few light nicks and scratches, in the clear coat. None major
No apparent fret wear or groves
The bass has just had a ... 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

Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'

Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

This a killer bass and a total P bass killer. Gibson released these to compete with the p bass and they are far, far, better quality. Mahogany body, Mable neck, brass nut, active and passive humbuckers with MOOG electronics! All original with the original case. The original case is pretty beat up with a buckle replaced but still road Worthy. Original paperwork still with it. The guitar is set up to play easy with a low action and great sound. One bridge saddle is missing the riser but works ... more

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan.
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
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Gibson / Epiphone Newport Bass Guitar 65-66 Vintage USA

Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1979

Used beautiful in very good condition I have owned this bass for over 40 years in the late 70??s this bass was refinished and refurbished by Virgil Lay founder of Lays guitar repair in Akron Ohio everything that is on this bass was done in 1978 it has many awesome upgrades a Bartolini split coil muddbucker pick up with two 2 position toggle switches a Badass bridge and Grover tuners. Bass is strung with Thomastik flat wound strings plays smooth and flawless very nice action. It??s not perfect ... more

1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

Bridgeport, West Virginia, 263**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

This Gibson EB2D bass is in very good condition. We listedit as "very good" because of the neck repairs, but if not for thatissue, it probably could be considered "excellent " The best we candetermine, the bass is a 1968. The pots are clearly marked 1967, and the dateranges for the bass is 1966-1969. Also has the mini humbucker in bridge. Itappears they only made 2000 of these with the mini humbuckers throughout theentire 60's. It has had the common repair where the headstock meets the neck, and... more

Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird Bass

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird is a dream come true for any rockstar. With a right-handed design, this electric bass guitar is perfect for those who want to take their music to the next level. The body is made of mahogany, giving it a warm and rich sound that is perfect for any occasion. The satin black color adds a touch of elegance to the instrument, making it a true beauty
The fretboard is made of ebony, which adds a unique touch to the guitar. The neck material ... more

1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass Sunburst

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Very good condition 1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass. All original, outside of the removal of the Moog electronics. Original pickups sound MASSIVE and have tons of low end on tap. Really a special bass from Gibson that was not made that long. Original sunburst finish looks great on this specific bass. Some signs of play as pictured, but nothing crazy. All electronics have been tested to be working perfectly. Recently set up as well. Kept in a smoke free, pet free studio for recording purposes. Comes ... more

1980'S SCHALLER ROLLER BASS BRIDGE CHROME W / SCREWS GUILD KRAMER ARIA GIBSON

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$129

SALE PRICE & FREE USA SHIPPING!
This is one of the all-time great bass bridge designs! It's massive yet low-profile and you can adjust string height as well as string spacing quite easily. The roller saddle design places a lot less strain on string windings and this adds to sustain. Made in Germany with the DBP patent # so you know it's an early one, Some minor oxidation but no rust or pitting and all the adjustment screws turn freely. Includes the (3) original mounting screws.
FREE ... more

1980s BLACK SCHALLER M4 TUNERS 2 RIGHT 1 LEFT + BONUS GIBSON SCHALLER

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$65

FREE USA SHIPPING!
I took these off a 1982 Gibson Les Paul bass after one of the tuner shafts broke. These are Black Schaller M4 tuners with (2) right side and (1) left side that are complete and marked with the Schaller 'S'. The broken one is branded 'Gibson' but I've included it because all it needs is a new string post. These will fit many models including Pedulla, Ken Smith, Spector and tons of others. FREE USA SHIPPING and a 30-day return privilege for any reason. The Bass Palace will be... more

Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2312

Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar. Up for sale used Original Gibson .
I do not know much about vintage guitars , but i took this guitar to the nearest Guitar center store and was told that is a 1966 Gibson Electric Bass( if someone thinks differently , please let me know).
There are some scratches here and there ( please see the pictures)
Comes without a original case. ( still in a nice soft case)
Plays great.
Original big fat Gibson pickup is super warm and sounds ... 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 Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13495

These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more

USA GIBSON EB BASS Guitar Bridge Tailpiece STUD Post Set Vintage Parts

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

$149

Steel construction, Chrome finish, Normal vintage wear with patina, some driver marks, threads are Good,   ORIGINAL GIBSON PARTs, See pics for dimensions. THANKS for looking!
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Gibson L-9 S The Ripper Bass Guitar (Serial # 00157884)

Raleigh, North Carolina, 276**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

This vintage Gibson L9S RIPPER electric bass guitar is a rare find for any musician. Made in the United States in 1976, this guitar features a solid body type with a natural wood / clear body color. I inherited this bass and I am not a very musical person. I know it is in good shape and in working order. I will provide more pictures upon request. Serious inquiries only please
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"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition

Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3795

Here we a have a Pre-Owned Excellent Condition 1973 VINTAGE GIBSON EB-3 BASS. I Just put it through the Shop to make sure everything is up to snuff. I am very meticulous when it comes to my gear, I baby my stuff. Everything is in perfect working order. I just had it completely set up with brand New FENDER FLATOUND 45-100'S so it plays wonderful. Truss Rod is in good working condition Neck is Straight action is perfect. (I like the action low) so it set perfect and plays like a dream. All the ... more

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