Gibson Victory, Gibson Explorer

As well as an artist, Dave is known for his publicity work for Gibson, particularly the Gibson Victory adverts of 1981. In fact Dave had three Victory basses from Gibson: a red Victory Artist (that appears in the advertisements), a white single pickup Artist (single pickup like a Standard, but with active circuitry like a Artist) which was stolen, and another identical replacement.

FlyGuitars When did you first hear about the Gibson Victory?

Dave Kiswiney Pat Aldworth, the artist rep, told me they were making a bass, more like a Fender type of thing, and did I have any input. And i'd get with Chuck (Burge - read his interview on the development of the Victory bass) and and we'd talk about it, and he'd say what do I like, you know. The V came from the way the pickup configuration is that's how they named it Victory... because they had a slanted front and straight treble one, and they slanted it like that and got 24 frets out of the first string.. and then they looked at it and it looks like a V, so they just decided that's why they call it the Victory. That's what they told me because it looks like you're holding a letter V.

FlyGuitars Can you remember what input you gave Chuck back then?

Dave Kiswiney A bigger, more massive, more adjustable bridge... the thing they ended up with, that's a Schaller. And active pickups. Lots of boost on the low end, and on the high end I liked a lot more variations. I like active basses, just wanted it to be active. Other than that, balance; some of the Gibsons i've had fall down.

Chuck Burge was the king, and if you went to his shop.. my gosh.. he would make some incredible stuff.. he was an artist, really a genius.. just a way lot of stuff going on in his brain, you know, he was really something. And he made that Victory bass, and he gave it to me and I did the ad with it, and they let me leave the property with it. Chuck said it's yours, get it out of here. That’s prototype number 8. It's a monster.

We did it in a theatre in Kalamazoo, I think it's the State. It was an old movie theatre and they had a proscenium stage, and that's where we did it. I was at the edge of the stage wearing that same jacket; it was the same photo shoot.. I was holding that thing up in the air. It's not a candy apple red either, it's an awful tomato soup red.

FlyGuitars Is the back of the neck red?

Dave Kiswiney No not on that one, the back of the neck is Maple and it's got a stamp on it that says 'Gibson prototype' 08.

Two Gibson Victory basses, both active. The 1983 single pickup Artist, and the original dual pickup Artist, #08

Headstock front view, with 'Dave' truss rod cover

The reverse has Chuck Burge's 'Original Gibson Prototype' stamp, and serial number 08. This is probably one of the 'eight rack' of show instruments built before production started in full see Chuck Burge interview

FlyGuitars How did you lose your first white Victory bass?

Dave Kiswiney I took a flight to Fort Lauderdale to do an album with Pat Travers, (Hot Shot) 1983 - and I had two basses a Fender and Gibson; that white (single pickup) Gibson Artist that he made for me - and it never came off the plane. It just never came from Detroit.. and I had metal cases, hardshell cases. The Fender came off the plane but the Gibson did not.

He (Chuck Burge) started making another for me right away. There was a tour that we did where we all had white Gibsons. It was the Bound and Gagged tour I believe, anyway, at the end of the show we all stood in the middle and held up our guitars in a three-way. Ted had a skull crossbones painted on the back of his. It wasn't a Byrdland, it was a Howard Roberts Fusion maybe, and they painted on the back, it had this big skull and crossbones and he stood in the middle with that holding it by the neck, up in the air, and Derek and I would cross in front of it with our white.. he painted the neck white on that, you know, so that was the reason for that.

FlyGuitars How did your Victorys differ from stock instruments?

Dave Kiswiney Well Chuck carved the heel out on the white one; where the neck joins the body and it's square, he rounded that off so your hand fit on it really nice. The one that got stolen was even more so, and where your hand fits up like on the 21st, 22nd fret on the first string it's indented a little bit more and leaned in, carved in. He did that for me. Chuck was an artist and genius. He didn't talk much, he was a Michigan Guy and an artisan, and he built some really cool stuff. (It's) a single pickup but it's got activate electronics in it. The only other one out there Tim Shaw's got. I said "I've got the only one you made for me", he said "no you don't, I've got two!". Who knows what he walked out of Gibson with. The single pickup artist is beautiful, you should see it.. the patina on it, it's absolutely amazing what's happened to these basses over the years, you know it's 45 years old

FlyGuitars Is that the one in the bass frontiers video?

Dave Kiswiney Yes that's it, yep that's it

FlyGuitars I noticed that, unusually, it's got the black hardware, the black bridge. Is that something you asked for?

Dave Kiswiney No. I may have, but I don't think I did, I think they just did it for me that way. And it's beautiful, it's got a brass nut, it's an absolutely gorgeous bass, and not only that, they gave me a fretless neck for it. For both the guitars I have a fretless neck. just bolts on perfectly. how about that?

But I mean I love the bass.. they're the heaviest things i've ever owned but you get used to it after a while you don't even realize; they play so good. The Victory's not light, but it's lighter than the RD I think. It's 12/4 lbs, the red one. That's pretty heavy. But I can stand with it. I actually perform better standing, my parts I might learn them sitting down but, I like to stand up when I play.

FlyGuitars The red Victory had serial number #08. What about the white one?

Dave Kiswiney No serial number. It just says Gibson custom shop original, but no serial number. How about that? And this is the replacement. This one (the accompanying fretless neck) has a serial number, it's very faded 82741573 that's what it looks like. It was stamped and then it was heavily lacquered.

Gibson Explorer

Single pickup active Explorer bass. The bass appears to have a 1986 serial number (80566525) which doesn't quite make sense! See text.

Dave Kiswiney I've got an Explorer bass here, that's medium scale. I told Tim (Shaw) I said "can you make it active?" and he said "well, yeah, we don't have anything that would fit in there, but..." so they took the circuit board out of a Chet Atkins acoustic gut string. He took the circuit board from that and plopped it in this Explorer bass; cut it out and put it in the back. And it's ungodly. Like something from another planet. I played it in 1984, it was just the coolest bass, it plays so good and it's louder than bejesus. I mean it's just a monster. It's absolutely a monster. The paint job on it is a cherry red.. everything but the neck has rolled up, the body rolled up on the back and the front, and the paint, if you're not careful with it, will fall off it.. it's absolutely beautiful but the neck didn't do that, just the body

This Is what kills me about that Explorer. I got it for the '84 tour because Dave Amato was in the band, he now plays with REO Speedwagon, and he had Gibsons, and all kinds of weird shape things, Flying Vs and stuff like that, and it just seems like '84 was the year for that to come back with Ted. He didn't tour in '83, and going back out there with Brian Howe, who was the singer who went on to Bad Company. But I had that red guitar; they built it for me. Tim Shaw put the electronics in it from a Chet Atkins acoustic electric. I said wanted it active, and they didn't have anything, so Tim Shaw figured out how to wire it into that bass. I've got extra boards for it; he said I don't know what will happen but if this gets screwed up you've got a couple extra circuit boards. And they're still here some place, i've got them even to this day. When you plug that thing in it takes a second for it to fire up, you can strike a note it doesn't come out it goes...... (makes noise). And it's goes through batteries you know, I take the batteries out of it when it's on display. I don't want anything to go wrong with it, any ones that are active I go and check the batteries on them, you know like those Victorys, because I don't want this stuff to rot especially that Explorer. But I got it in 84, I swear to God I don't know why it's got a number on it like that. I got that in Kalamazoo. They gave it to me in '84. I'd moved back from Maui in '83. My father had passed away I moved back, and moved all my stuff back and had an apartment in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and that's where Nugent headquarters were, so we rehearsed for the tour in like January, February, and I was going to Gibson I was driving to Kalamazoo and they made that bass for me.. and yeah there was no talk of Heritage or any of that, so I went out on the road with the Ripper, the Explorer, and a Fender. The Fender had an 8 string conversion bridge called 'Octopus' - I cannot find another like it. I always took the Ripper out, but it was not my primary. In '84 the Explorer was the primary. I had those three basses. it's all I had and I played it for the whole tour.

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE

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

$1750

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

... view on ebay

1970s Vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob Clean

Kingston, Michigan, 487**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

The product is a vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob from the 1970s. This knob would have been used on the bass guitar of a Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph model from that era. Made by Gibson, known for their high-quality instruments, this knob is likely to be a rare and sought after collectible for vintage guitar enthusiasts.... view on ebay

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 ... view on ebay

1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC

San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar + Original Gibson Hardshell Case
" NATURAL BLONDE" FINISH
GIBSON NORLIN-ERA
Original MOOG ELECTRONICS
Made in USA (Kalamazoo Plant, MI)
Production # 102 (April 17th release)
Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free household. Kept inside case when not used

Up for sale is a BEAUTIFUL LATE-70's Gibson Bass Guitar (RD ARTIST)
EXCELLENT overall vintage condition. Standard surface scratches, light dings, marks on front / back body / ... view on ebay

1978 Gibson EB-3 Bass - Walnut With Original Case

Merrimac, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

Fantastic condition 1978 Gibson EB-3 in walnut finish. Besides two replaced rear cavity screws, the rest of the bass is in original conition, including the hard shell case. It is nicely set up and plays and sounds great. There are very few signs of play wear, dings, or scratches. In short, it's a rock and roll machine
The EB-3 features an SG shaped mahogany body, a 3 piece maple neck with volute, rosewood fingerboard, short 30 5" scale, and two pickups which include a large humbucker in the... view on ebay

GIBSON EBO BASS GUITAR (B08001896)

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

$1200

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1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass OHSC Mahogany On-Board Preamp, Stage Ready!

Andover, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass ?? Mahogany ?? Pro Modded for Live Use ?? Original Bridge + Case
Here??s a real rarity??not just a collector's piece but a working relic: an early-production 1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass, built during the first very limited run at Kalamazoo. Original mahogany body (the heavier, denser tonewood used only in the earliest examples??later models switched to walnut). Serial number 988003 and no ??Made in USA?? stamp indicate 1969 manufacture date. This ... view on ebay

1994 Orville by Gibson Thunderbird IV Reverse Body Bass Vintage, Japan Terada

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

$1600

Up for sale, a 1994 Orville by Gibson Thunderbird IV bass in 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Made exclusively for the Japanese market and uncommon outside its country of origin, this Orville is an official Gibson-licensed guitar and a result of a partnership between Gibson USA and their Japanese distributor Yamano Gakki. Named after Gibson's founder, Orville Gibson, this long-since discontinued Orville model was crafted at the Terada factory
As its name would suggest, ... view on ebay

Gibson sb400 Bass 1971-1973 READ DESCRIPTION

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

This is a Gibson SB400, in not fully original condition. When I recieved this bass the truss rod was busted, and it contained 0 of the original electronics and hardware. Check out the full video for all my restoration work. MAKE ME AN OFFER!
https: / / youtu be / oZIYBfvSb6g?si=A5dVHv0gw1Qb6or
I replaced the crappy old broken truss rod with a modern stewmac 2 way rod, and replaced the original fretboard with a stewmac indian rosewood fingerboard and refretted. It's now a 34 inch scale, ... view on ebay

Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Ebony w / Case

Pine Brook, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4600

1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass in Ebony
Bass is in very good condition
All Moog electronics function
There had previously been a thumb rest which was removed and the holes patched. Still visible
There is slight damage to the finish on the back of the neck from the bass being hung
Comes with a case, but not the OHSC
... view on ebay

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 ... view on ebay

1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case

Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... view on ebay

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass

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

$8695

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass, Sunburst finish, Booming Humbucking pickup withBlack Plastic cover, Nickel parts, Full feeling neck, Fine bass! Hang tag, VG++, Original hard case... view on ebay

Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Case HIPSHOT Bridge

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

$1200

2014 Gibson SG 120th Anniversary (Right Handed):
Im not a professional guitar inspector but I will do my best to present the instrument.
Excellent short scale bass with a massive low tone. I have played this on numerous gigs and have owned it for a few years so it does have some cosmetic wear
I tried to capture some of the playing scratches close to the neck pickup. Accumulated from playing towards the neck with the thumb nail scratching the wood or using a pick. It also has some ... view on ebay

1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass Natural

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

$2890

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass in its original Natural Mahogany finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the strap buttons and the switch tip. The original hardshell case is included and has a replaced handle. There are lots of nicks + dings, belt buckle wear, a cracked corner of the pickguard and other cosmetic wear. There are a couple of very short ... view on ebay

GIBSON 1970 EB-0 Electric Bass (Excellent) ALL ORIGINAL AND CASE

Frankford, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

The Gibson 1970 EB-0 Electric Bass is a vintage right-handed electric bass guitar with a solid mahogany body, 4 strings, and 20 frets. This classic instrument is all original, comes with a case, and is a must-have for any bass player looking for a high-quality vintage sound. The brown body color and distinctive Gibson brand make this bass guitar a standout choice for musicians seeking a beautifully crafted and timeless piece.... view on ebay

Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Here we have a very historic bass guitar from Gibson, an EB-0 from 1960.
This is a double cut solid body guitar, featuring banjo-style tuners and a one pickup design. Condition-wise this piece is in great playing and sounding condition, and bears typical signs of wear and tear. Small dings, checking, and scratches can be seen on the surface, as well as more checking and wear up the neck (as seen). This will include a non original case.... view on ebay

Gibson LPB-1 Les Paul Special Bass Guitar w Case

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

$1100

Sounds and plays so good! Straight neck. Fully functional. Slight cosmetic blemishes, nothing major
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 listed in the listing
Items are all setup to play each note unless otherwise listed. Items may have to be setup by user for personal preference
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS!! If the shipping price is very high for you we ... view on ebay

Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

This listing is for a rare and amazing Vintage Gibson Style J Mando Bass. To the best of my knowledge this bass was made in 1913 and these Style J Mando Basses were made in small quantities between 1912 throughout throughout the 1920's and 1930's. This one is not in great shape and will require some professional restoration but these are so rare it would be a great project for the right player or luthier to restore
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... view on ebay

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.... view on ebay

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