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.
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
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
Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass Guitar ~ Candy Apple Red ~ Nashville
Santa Ana, California, 927**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1300
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
1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black
San Antonio, Texas, 782**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1990
... more
Gibson Eb-3 Bass Guitar Made In The USA With Hard Shell Case
Cookeville, Tennessee, 385**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
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1987 GIBSON IV BASS Guitar Electric w Sire Marcus Miller Gig Bag Set Neck USA
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1650
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
Vintage Gibson Victory Artist Bass Sunburst 1981
Lake City, Michigan, 496**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
The guitar is a fine example of vintage craftsmanship and musical artistry. With its classic sunburst color and sleek design, ... more
gibson ebo bass
East Greenville, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2300
1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC
Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2650
1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case
Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6000
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
Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar
Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1599
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 Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w / Original Gibson Case
Huntington, Indiana, 467**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1900
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
GIBSON EB BASS 1968-1972 CHROME BASS BRIDGE (3) PLASTIC SADDLES MOUNTING STUDS
Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$269
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
1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass - Cherry #06247
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1799
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
Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass Inverness Green
Middletown, New York, 109**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2198
1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w / Case, Hangtag
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3800
The contoured alder body is a particularly rare option, only offered on the ... more
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
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
Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art
El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
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1969 Kalamazoo KB-1 Electric Bass Guitar by Gibson Original
Florida, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$695
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
Vintage 1974 GIbson The Grabber Natural W / Original Hardshell Case
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3199
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
Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural W / Good Hard Case
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3295
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
1964 Gibson EB-3 Bass as used by Jack Bruce during his Clapton / Cream stint.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4995
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
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
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.