• Mahogany body • Set mahogany neck • Rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays • Short 30 1/2 inch scale • Single humbucking pickup • Translucent cherry red finish
The Gibson EBO was available from 1958, but only with an SG-style body from 1961. This 1964 bass has typical features of the period, most notably the nickel-plated pickup cover; it had been bakelite on '61-'63 EB basses, with nickel starting to be replaced with chrome by the end of the year.
There are several ways of finding out when a Gibson bass was made. The serial numbers up until about 1965 give a fairly reliable indication (although on instruments produced between 1965 until 1975 they can be very confusing), and combined with potentiometer codes and a look at the hardware used it's not hard to pin down most basses of this era to a single year. Both the serial number and potentiometer codes confirm this instrument to have been produced in 1964. Gibson did keep records of guitar serial numbers, and dates that they were shipped, however much of this information has been lost/destroyed, and Gibson customer service don't always have time to search for details. However, they did have the records for this bass, and kindly confirmed it was shipped from Gibson's Kalamazoo plant on August 27th 1964.
Gibson actually shipped 1133 EBO basses in 1964 - the highest number of any bass model they had produced up until that point - although this record was quickly trumped the next year, with a peak annual figure of 3018 EB0 basses shipped in 1969. See the Gibson EB0 shipping stats here. The US zone 1 list price in 1964 was $240, and it would stick at this level right into 1968.
The four corner screws hold the cover, and pickup in place. Removing these reveals the pickup itself; have a look under the cover here.
Another interesting detail visible in this picture is the colour difference of the finish that has been exposed to light (top right). The Gibson cherry finish has faded significantly, but protected areas retain their original strong red colouration.
1964 EB0 features and components
This bass has all the typical features of a mid-late '64 EB0, although is not quite the same as any shown in any Gibson catalog; the 1964 catalogue still shows the image from the previous (1962) catalogue, whilst the 1966 shows a bass with a newer bridge version with mute and Japanese-made closed-gear tuning keys.
Starting at the headstock: inlaid Gibson logo, with open o, b and dotted i. The crown inlay on the headstock is centered; older EBs had this positioned a little higher - see this 1962 EB0 for comparison. The headstock angle seems to be 17°; this was reduced to 14° sometime before 1966. The neck is still wide (width at nut 43mm) like earlier EB basses, but maybe 10% shallower than the very earliest (like this 1962 example). Like all '60s EB basses, the 30 1/2" scale calls for short scale strings - and although string choice is a matter of taste, these basses sound incredible with a set of flats.
The nickel bar bridge has no string mute - these were fitted as standard to the EB3 and later to the EB0, but at this stage they were not fitted as stock. Hardware is all nickel-plated. The most notable change from earlier versions being the pickup - although basically the same coil (EB neck humbucker), the previously bakelite cover had been upgraded to metal; nickel from late-63 into 1964 and chrome plated from then on. The hand rest shown here is nickel-plated, although this part is so often removed and replaced it is hard to say for sure when the change from nickel to chrome occurred. The machine heads are Kluson 538s - very widely used on Gibson (and many other brands) basses at this time.
'64 EB-0 wiring
The picture on the right shows the simple circuitry of this bass: just two potentiometers, one controlling volume, the other tone. the volume pot is made by CTS part number BA811-1053, dated week 20 of 1964 (May 1964). The tone pot is different; 250k part BA811-1831 and is dated week 2* of 1964 (the second digit is covered by solder). Click the image for a larger version, and a circuit wiring plan.
Gibson EB-0 soundclips
1960s EB0's are famous for their 'fat' neck humbucker tone, although they can really growl, especially when played with a pick near the bridge - for more clips check out the audio samples of a '66 EB0 through various vintage valve amps here
This clip of this bass was recorded directly into my computer sound card, with no pre-amp (bass set-up: round wound strings, treble and vol at 9/10).
This clip contrasts the tones of the EB0, but this time fitted with flatwounds and recorded at the same amp settings (1964 Ampeg B15, everything 5/10).
1) First played with a pick at the bridge - not especially hard, 2) then digging in for a real snarl. 3) Finally the bass played finger style at the neck.
Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale
1961 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
Featuring solid Honduran mahogany construction and a Brazilian rosewood fretboard, this EB-0 is lightweight at 6lbs 12oz. The famous ??Mudbucker?? pickup delivers pure, fat low-end thump and ... more
1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!
Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
... more
1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.
Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry
Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5999
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.... more
Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar
Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
1965 Gibson EB-0 bass 100% original one owner guitar w / case
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 170**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2999
READ THE DESCRIPTIONS
SCRUTINIZE THE PICTURES
ASK QUESTIONSNO RETURNS OR REFUNDS
Here's a 1965 Gibson EB-0, one owner, bass guitar. Immaculate condition with little if any wear. 100% original except strings. Very very little lacquer checking and one very minor touched up edge where your arm would rest. No neck or body to neck issues. No fade to the cherry red finish. Barely any appreciable fret wear. You'd be hard pressed to ... more
Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry
Jackson, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2795
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 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
1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3900
1965 EBO 3 / 4 Scale Gibson SG Red Mahogany Bass Guitar. Absolutely Stunning!!!!
Cave City, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
Packed securely, insured, and tracking provided.
... more
Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$175
Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
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1962 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry 100% Original w / Mudbucker
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w / Original Case READ DESCRIPTION
Missoula, Montana, 598**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2796
I have the original case, but it wasn??t easily accessible at the time of posting. I may have updated or would be happy to add pics if a serious buyer wants them. Case is in rugged condition.
Thanks. Please ask questions before bidding. ... more
1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess
Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
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
60's GIBSON EB 0 BASS - made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€1395
* refinished
* plugged hole in control cavity
* no cracks on neck / headstock
* neck needs to be glued back at heel, cos it is lose=check last pic
* fingerboard has wear
* NO other parts included
... more
Gibson EB0 Bass 1961 / 62
Abergavenny, NP7***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3500
1964 Gibson EB 0 BASS - Made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£1296
* refinished
* plugged hole in control cavity
* no cracks on neck / headstock
* neck needs to be glued back at heel, cos it is lose=check last pic
* fingerboard has wear
* NO other parts included
* SOLD AS IS - NO RETURNS... more
Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry
Firenze, 50***, ITALY
€270
Il basso Epiphone EB-0 SG, Cherry offre una forma slanciata e elegante dello strumento in scala corta, con toni richhi e potenti che si adattano ad una vasta gamma di stili musicali. Il corpo classico SG è stato costruito con legno in mogano solido e tastiera in palissandro, fornendo insieme un tono caldo e corposo.
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