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Gibson bass guitars

Gibson have been producing high quality bass guitars since the dawn of rock and roll, but particularly during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. In that time they have created some of the most iconic bass guitars ever produced, with the majority of current Gibson bass models conceived in this period. The ultimate rock-bass, the Thunderbird.. the supremely awesome RD Artist.. the ultimate 60s bass, the semi-acoustic EB2.. and numerous Gibson SG bass variants - there's nothing like a 1960s EB3. Most Gibson bass guitars were high quality instruments; made by skilled craftsmen using great woods, hardware and electronics, and with high quality finishes and appointments.

The old Gibson, now Heritage plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan

And though vintage basses can be expensive, vintage Gibson bass guitars generally don't sell for as high prices as vintage Gibson electric guitars, or vintage Fender basses. There are some incredibly well made instruments that sell for way under their 'worth' as functioning musical instruments. No two Gibson bass guitar models have the same features, and it really is worth having a look at some of the less-known Gibson bass guitars.

Gibson produced guitars in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in several buildings, but primarily at a plant in Parsons Street. Guitars had been built there since 1917, and almost all Gibson, and 1958-1969 Epiphones were produced here. Gibson left for Nashville in 1984, and now former Gibson guitar builders make guitars the way they were made in their heyday under the name of Heritage guitars.

The first Gibson bass guitar

Gibson had experimented with electrically amplified instruments as early as the 1920s, but they were not really considered commercially viable until the 1930s, with the popularisation of Hawaiian guitars. Gibson produced a number of instruments fitted with pickups: guitars, banjos and mandolins; and a bass, though only two models were built. 1938-40.

Production Gibson bass guitars

Gibson's first production electric bass was the 1953 Electric Bass, or EB. Les Paul's influence was never far away during these years "this was one of the first electric bass guitars Gibson made. I was responsible for the violin shape... it all came about (the electric guitar bass) from me playing my E string on the guitar as a bass using my thumb - this proved it could replace a stand up bass and Leo Fender and lots of others picked up the idea".

It was the first of numerous Gibson bass guitar models produced under the ownership of CMI, and was soon followed by the EB2, EBO, EB3, EBOF, Thunderbird bass, Melody Maker bass and finally the Les Paul bass.

As the sixties turned into the seventies CMI gave way to Norlin, and quite a number of new bass models appeared. The Gibson SG bass continued in the form of the SB series and EB4L, but it was time for new models: the Les Paul Signature, Ripper, Grabber, G3, RD bass, Victory, Flying V bass and Explorer.

Following the links below to see content on this site for the following Gibson bass guitars. In chronological order:

The Gibson bass guitar, 1950s-1980s

CMI and Norlin

Gibson EB1 Bass

Gibson Electric Bass
(named EB1 from 1958) 1953-58, 1970-73

Gibson Thunderbird bass

Gibson Thunderbird bass
1963-69, 1976-79, 1987-date

Are Gibson bass guitars basically all the same?

As can be seen there is quite some variation amongst Gibson bass guitars. Unlike Fender, who were immediately successful with their Precision bass, Gibson only attained moderate success with their bass models, which in turn inspired them to continually develop new products. Gibson, as a brand, have always been all about quality, and numerous Gibson bass guitars that failed commercially at the time, were actually outstanding instruments, and have legions of devoted fans today. The company made some really great playing guitars, with absolutely timeless designs, and some truly innovative features; the differences between models, both in terms of look and sound is huge. Anyone who claims they don't like "Gibson bass guitars" is almost certainly guilty of lazy generalisation. An EB2 is worlds apart from a Thunderbird, which in turn is worlds apart from an EB0, or a Ripper, or an RD Artist! Other than the build quality and headstock branding Gibson bass guitars often have very little in common.

A 1960s Gibson bass vs a 1970s Gibson bass

A 1950s or 60s Gibson bass would typically have a mahogany body, set (glued in) mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, probably be 30" scale and a pickup wound or positioned for maximum bass effect. The finish would typically be Cherry or Sunburst. Gibson bass guitars were still attempting to be as close an approximation to an upright string bass as was possible. By the late 1960s, Les Paul's low impedance guitars and basses were offering new levels of tonal control for the recording studio, and such electronic experimentation was a massive feature of the following decade. Aswell as some form of new circuitry to increase tonal range, a 1970s Gibson bass guitar would more likely be 34" scale, have a maple body, neck, and potentially fretboard, often with a clear Natural finish.

Fender basses are typically an alder/ash body, a bolt-on maple neck and single coil pickups. The Jazz and Precision set a standard that the company rarely veered away from. A Gibson bass, on the other hand, could be mahogany, maple, or alder; with a set, bolt-on or through neck. Pickups are single coil, or humbuckers. Or single coils wired as humbuckers. There are very Fender-esque Gibson bass guitars - like the Grabber, or perhaps the Victory Standard, but also many models that have practically no similarities. Fender have never made anything approaching an EB2, EB3, Les Paul bass or Thunderbird, and it is for that reason that these Gibson bass models are still produced today (in one form or another) and are more popular than ever. Other models have been largely forgotten, only to enjoy a come-back when a famous artist is seen sporting them. The Les Paul Signature in the hands of Jack Casady. The RD artist, Ripper and Victory spring to mind as basses of choice for Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, the G3 for Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt, and the Les Paul Triumph for Oasis bassist Paul McGuigan.

The prime focus of this site is the great old Gibson bass models of the CMI and Norlin periods, i.e. basses produced between 1953 and 1985. Modern day Gibson bass guitars are still quite nice, but of the later output, we have a strong preference for the guitars that hark back to the classic Gibson bass, such as the SG reissue bass, Les Paul bass and Thunderbird.



Gibson bass guitars for sale

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Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass Guitar  ~  Candy Apple Red  ~  Nashville

Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass Guitar ~ Candy Apple Red ~ Nashville

Santa Ana, California, 927**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1300

Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass Guitar ~ Candy Apple Red ~ Nashville
Model: 1981 Gibson Victory Standard bassPickups: One Series VIIB humbucker Scale: 34 " Body: Eastern hard-rock maple. 19 1 / 2" long, 13" wide, 1 3 / 4" thick. Overall length 47 " Neck: 24 fret, two-octave maple bolt-on neck. Rosewood fingerboard. Width at nut 1 6875 " Hardware: Chrome throughout: TRI-4 wedge bridge, Gotah machine heads

Pleasetake advantage of the zoom feature on the photos to judge ... more
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1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black

San Antonio, Texas, 782**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1990

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.
... more
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Gibson Eb-3 Bass Guitar Made In The USA With Hard Shell Case

Gibson Eb-3 Bass Guitar Made In The USA With Hard Shell Case

Cookeville, Tennessee, 385**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Sounds great in very good condition made in the USA real comfortable bass to play. Serial number 13550
... more
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1987 GIBSON IV BASS Guitar Electric w Sire Marcus Miller Gig Bag Set Neck USA

1987 GIBSON IV BASS Guitar Electric w Sire Marcus Miller Gig Bag Set Neck USA

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1650

Rare Gibson IV bass100% original, made in USA
 Includes a new Marcus Miller Sire gig bag
Why this bass is rare? Gibson made this bass for two years only.
Features:
PICKUPS: 2 Passive Thunderbird Humbuckers (they are in a different location not in the same distance as in the Thunder bird bass). The sound is more PJ bass on steroids but with more body. Bassically a more balanced Tbird sound (a least to my ears). Pickups have a high output and is easy to play on the cover of the ... more
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Vintage Gibson Victory Artist Bass Sunburst 1981

Vintage Gibson Victory Artist Bass Sunburst 1981

Lake City, Michigan, 496**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Artist bass guitar in sunburst color is a solid body electric with 24 frets and a 4-string configuration. It's perfect for right-handed players who want to bring some vintage flair to their music. The brand is Gibson and the model is part of the Artist Series, making it a great choice for collectors and musicians alike

The guitar is a fine example of vintage craftsmanship and musical artistry. With its classic sunburst color and sleek design, ... more
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gibson ebo bass

gibson ebo bass

East Greenville, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

gibson ebo bass. Condition is Used. Shipped with UPS Ground.... more
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1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC

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

$2650

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC. This guitar sounds and plays excellent. There's not much fret wear. There is some minor scratches, bumps and dings and a small buckle rash spot on the back. Other than that, this is 100% original with no cracks. Damage or repairs. Missing the truss rod cover .Includes the original Gibson hard shell case. Will ship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes. ... more
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1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

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

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

$6000

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
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Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar

Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar

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

$1599

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
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Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w /  Original Gibson Case

Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w / Original Gibson Case

Huntington, Indiana, 467**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

For sale is a Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w / Original Gibson Case in Good Condition!
This bass is an absolute monster and sounds incredible! I don't know for sure (I kinda doubt it) that this would have come from the Gibson factory as fretless. However, whoever did the job has done it professionally and it looks great!
The electronics work perfectly and it has that classic "double bass" tone in the first position!
There is some bow in the neck. The truss seems to ... more
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GIBSON EB BASS 1968-1972 CHROME BASS BRIDGE (3) PLASTIC SADDLES MOUNTING STUDS

GIBSON EB BASS 1968-1972 CHROME BASS BRIDGE (3) PLASTIC SADDLES MOUNTING STUDS

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

$269

FREE USA SHIPPING!
In over 50 years of playing, complete Gibson EB Bass bridges have always been one of the hardest parts to find. Well, this one is almost complete. One of the nylon saddles somehow walked away in the 20+ years I had this bridge in my parts bin. Still it has 3 saddles with intonation screws and I believe aftermarket ones are available. This is correct for 1968-1972 EB-O, EB-2 and EB-3 models as well as 1969 & 1970 EB-1 basses. It may also fit Epiphone Rivoli basses. This... more
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1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass - Cherry #06247

1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass - Cherry #06247

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1799

WELCOME TO EMPIRE MUSIC
Since 2002, Empire Music has aimed to deliver the finest in-store shopping experience. Now you can receive the same amazing in-store experience through our eBay store. We promise to deliver the highest quality products and services to all of our customers This Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass is in GOOD overall condition. Cosmetically, it has blemishes and wear throughout but still in good overall condition. See below for a detailed description. It has been thoroughly ... more
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Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass Inverness Green

Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass Inverness Green

Middletown, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2198

... more
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1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w /  Case, Hangtag

1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w / Case, Hangtag

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

$3800

Up for sale, a 1975 Gibson "The Ripper" L9-S bass in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and warranty card. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, the Ripper comes equipped with its original pair of Bill Lawrence designed "Super Humbucker" pickups and a four-way rotary switch for series, parallel, and out of phase pickup settings
The contoured alder body is a particularly rare option, only offered on the ... more
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GIBSON 1966 BASS CHROME PICKUP COVER LARGE HUMBUCKER EB-O EB-2 EB-3 EPI RIVOLI

GIBSON 1966 BASS CHROME PICKUP COVER LARGE HUMBUCKER EB-O EB-2 EB-3 EPI RIVOLI

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

$59

FREE USA SHIPPING!
There's nothing worse than not having a cover for that big Gibson bass humbucker. It's one butt-ugly pickup without it! This is correct for late 1965 thru 1970 EB-O, EB-2 and EB-3 models as well as 1969 & 1970 EB-1 basses. It will also fit Epiphone Rivoli basses. This version has the small-head mounting screws (4 are included but just not shown). Gibson changed the height and the position of this cover in 1970 and enlarged the mounting screw holes. It's in great shape ... more
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Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head  Art

Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art

El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Beautiful stunning EB three Gibson guitar Bass original case, one lady owner, left as found 1970s i??ll let the Pictures do the talking or the playing ! Enjoy laurence & sally of StorageWars and baggage battles currently www roundthebend tv
... more
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1969 Kalamazoo KB-1 Electric Bass Guitar by Gibson Original

1969 Kalamazoo KB-1 Electric Bass Guitar by Gibson Original

Florida, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$695

1969 Kalamazoo KB-1 Electric Bass Guitar by Gibson
This 1969 Kalamazoo bass guitar is in good cosmetic condition (please take a look at the posted images) and is in great playing order - aged so gracefully, projects an amazing vintage vibe (good luck making custom shop relic looking like that). Neck is perfectly straight with great looking and feeling Brazilian Rosewood fretboard and fretwork in great condition although few frets in the upper neck area (especially under the D and G strings)... more
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Vintage 1974 GIbson The Grabber Natural W /  Original Hardshell Case

Vintage 1974 GIbson The Grabber Natural W / Original Hardshell Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3199

Vintage pre-owned original circa 1974 Gibson The Grabber Bass in original Natural finish
Original Gibson pickup that slides back and forth has a classic vintage tone. Sliding the pickup makes for a deeper to more trebly sound.
Bass is super light and resonant. A real nice example
All original with the exception of upgraded tuners which keep it well in tune
The pickup on this example is stuck in one position its not sliding back and forth
Comes with nice original ... more
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Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural W /  Good Hard Case

Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural W / Good Hard Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3295

Vintage original circa 1974 Gibson The Ripper Model L9S in original Natural finish
A real nice example with a good straight neck, and great sounding pickups
Original Natural finish is clean and looks great. Some honest signs of wear and use
Comes with a Gretsch hardshell case that fits it well and protects it well
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted ... more
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1964 Gibson EB-3 Bass as used by Jack Bruce during his Clapton  /  Cream stint.

1964 Gibson EB-3 Bass as used by Jack Bruce during his Clapton / Cream stint.

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

$4995

This is most likely 1 of the most underated & most significant Gibson Basses ever produced. This 1964 Gibson EB-3 Bass was used by so many bass players but most significant was Mr. Royalty himself, ??Jack Bruce?? during his best period w / Eric Clapton during their ??Cream?? period. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular see-thru Cherry finish all over its neck & body. These tend to get funky like this one from playing in bars & clubs but all this patina makes ... more
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David Deeley Comment left 4th June 2016 14:02:27 reply
I have recently purchased a Gibson sg eb3 bass and I find the action is a bit high and wonder how I can lower it a bit thank you
pete stroem Comment left 20th April 2014 21:09:28 reply
looking for info on 60's Gibson mustang bass guitar. where would I get this. am wanting to purchase one and have no idea what I am looking at
Brad Putt Comment left 18th February 2013 09:09:51 reply
Gibson's first basses were made in the 1930s. They had a Banjo Bass, an Upright and a strange looking round model. It would be neat if you added them to your site to make it complete.