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1969 Gibson EB-0 bass

Gibson bass guitars | EB-0 main page | 1969 Gibson EB-0

• Mahogany one-piece body • One-piece mahogany neck • Brazilian rosewood 20-fret fretboard • Gibson EB humbucker pickup • 30 1/2 inch scale length

A superb example of a Gibson EB0 bass from the peak year of their production; one of 3018 shipped in 1969 (see EB-0 shipping stats). This one is in Gibson's famous translucent cherry finish, showing (especially on the reverse) plenty of mahogany grain patterning. The finish on this example has faded to some extent, and in more extreme examples can lead people to believe their guitar to be stained with a walnut rather than cherry finish. Walnut was another finish option first offered in the late 1960s, but was noticeably darker still - and a look under the scratchplate will usually reveal the original finish colour; it is primarily sunlight after all that causes the colour change. Have a look at a less faded 1960s EB-0 in cherry finish here.

This is a fantastic rumbly bass.. masses of low end and incredibly easy to play. This is a function of the heavily wound pickup, positioned right up against the neck, the choice of mahogany and rosewood, with set neck construction, and the short (30 1/2") scale. Naturally these basses require short scale strings - and although any type will work, they sound best with a decent set of flats.

1969 Gibson EB-0 bass

Late 60s Gibson EB-0 features

Notice the thin neck (on the back of the headstock), inlaid Gibson logo and solid headstock with crown inlay. Two point tune-o-matic bridge with chrome bridge cover and EB humbucker without surround, positioned directly at the end of the neck. This bass has Japanese-made closed gear tuning keys usually seen on the Melody Maker, and Kalamazoo KB bass, but also found on some EB0s, and even a few EB3s in the late 60's.

Determining a shipping date

According to published Gibson serial number information, the number stamped onto the reverse headstock of this bass (802***) was potentially used in 1966, 1969, and maybe two or three more times in the early 1970s. A little knowledge of body styles, heel joints and components suggests a 1969 bass, as do the potentiometers which are dated the last week of December 1968. Finally the lack of 'MADE IN THE USA' stamped below the serial number rules out anything beyond very early 1970. 1969 was Gibson's most successful year with the EBO - 3018 basses were shipped; 1000 more than the previous best, 1965.

The 1969 zone 1 USA price for the Gibson EBO bass was $275, whilst the EB3 was $390.

1969 Gibson EB0 body detail
The Cherry finish on early EB basses tends to turn a more orange with exposure to light, but late sixties EB's tend to turn a reddy brown, as can be seen here. This bass is fitted with typical 1969 body components: EB humbucker (with narrow, tall, chrome cover), two point bridge (that could be intonated!) with mute, bridge cover, witch hat control knobs. Gone is the old handrest, and bar bridge - compare this to a 1966 EB0.
1969 Gibson EB0
The joint where the body meets the neck, or heel varied over the course of EB bass production - this style is quite specific to 1969. Have a look at some other heel joints here.
1969 Gibson EB0 humbucker pickup with nickel cover
Humbucker pickup with tall, narrow chrome-plated cover - compare this to the wider, shallower cover of a mid-sixties EB bass.
1969 Gibson EB0 Volume and tone knobs, output jack
The EBO has one volume and one tone control. It has witch-hat knobs with position pointers. The output jack is front-mounted, although a year later and they were positioned on the body side - see a 1970 EBO.

EB humbucker pickup. The cover is chrome-plated, as opposed to the nickel, and is taller yet narrower than the earlier mid-sixties basses. Compare this to a 1966 EB0 with an older 'wide' pickup. This is just the cover of course, the pickup itself is unchanged.

By the following year however, the pickup was given a black plastic surround, and was spring-mounted in order to raise or lower the pickup within it's housing. This obvious improvement stayed with the model for the rest of it's period of manufacture. See a 1970 EB0

1969 Gibson EB0 - Two-point tune-o-matic bridge, with mute and bridge cover
This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with under-bridge string mute, and chrome bridge cover - this is quite in contrast to the old bar bridge seen on EB bass just a year or so earlier.
1969 Gibson EB0 Two-point tune-o-matic bridge, with mute
The saddles are made of a plastic called Delrin. The mute is operated by pulling the handle on the left away from the bridge, which pushes the felt upwards against the strings. One drawback of this bridge design is the proximity of string anchors to saddles; the string windings are actually going over the saddles on this bridge, which is obviously undesirable. Compare this bridge with the previous version fitted to a 1966 EB0.
1969 Gibson EB0
This EBO bass has a one-piece mahogany body and one-piece mahogany neck. This bass is fitted with closed-gear tuning keys manufactured in Japan, as opposed to the more often seen tuners by Kluson or Schaller. These were used on some EB basses in the late 1960s - though more often seen on the Kalamazoo KB, and Gibson Melody Maker basses.
1969 Gibson EB0 - Serial number on the back of the headstock
The serial number (read more about Gibson serial numbers here) was stamped on the back of the headstock, usually above the tuning keys. Serial numbers were often re-used, especial in the mid-late 1960s and early 1970s, so drawing conclusions about an instrument from this alone can be problematic. Just a year later all instruments were also stamped 'Made in USA', which tells us that this is a sixties bass. See a 1970 EBO for comparison.
1969 Gibson EB0 Solid headstock with centered crown inlay, and inlaid Gibson logo
Mid-late 1960s EBs had an inlaid Gibson logo with centered crown inlay. But in 1969 the logo had no dot on the letter i. Compare this headstock with an earlier EBO to see the difference; 1966 EB0.
1969 Gibson EB0 - Solid headstock and Japanese covered tuners. These tuners appeared occasionally on mid-late 60s EBs
The one-piece neck and solid headstock. Gibson EB necks were thinner at this stage than they had been in previous years; this one is just 1 1/2" at the nut, compared to 1 3/4" of the earliest EBOs.

The EB0 illustrated in the 1970 bass catalog is very similar to the model shown above, although the EB3 in the same catalogue is a slotted headstock model; and by the time the catalogue was released most if not all EB0s being shipped had the newer slotted headstock.

Below: In it's original case, with gold plush lining.

1969 Gibson EB-0 bass in its original plush-lined case

Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale

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$2300

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1961 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Case

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

$3000

Up for sale, a 1961 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the first-year example seen here) in 1961
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
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1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w /  Original Case READ DESCRIPTION

1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w / Original Case READ DESCRIPTION

Missoula, Montana, 598**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2796

Bass has some finish cracks all over the body. See pic 4, I??ve tried to capture it. Very common for its age. No major blemishes, but not mint condition. Mute still works great, all original pickups still sound like they did in the 60s.

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

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

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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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1962 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry 100% Original w /  Mudbucker

1962 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry 100% Original w / Mudbucker

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

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Up for sale, a 1962 Gibson EB-0 in 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the example seen here) in 1961. Lightweight at 7lbs 2oz with solid mahogany construction, this bass delivers pure, fat low-end thump courtesy of the famous "Mudbucker" pickup. The rich growl of the EB-0 sits perfectly in a mix, deftly below ... more
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1965 EBO 3 / 4 Scale Gibson SG Red Mahogany Bass Guitar. Absolutely Stunning!!!!

1965 EBO 3 / 4 Scale Gibson SG Red Mahogany Bass Guitar. Absolutely Stunning!!!!

Cave City, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

Stunning nice 1965 Gibson EBO Bass, Guitar has been pro setup, and plays very nicely. Has a warm growl and soulful low end. Use the volume and it cleans up nice at lower volumes. Comes with a vintage hardshell as shown. Has a few ??bumps and bruises?? as shown which is expected of a guitar with its age but none affect the playability. Overall nice piece for players or sessionists.
Packed securely, insured, and tracking provided.
... more
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1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

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

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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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Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

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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
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1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.

1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.

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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
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Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

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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.... more
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Vintage Early 1960s Gibson EB-0  /  EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute

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Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
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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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1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w /  Mudbucker, Case

1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case

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

$3900

Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, 100% original save for a refret and carved bone nut, and complete with a hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the example seen here) in 1961. Lightweight at 7lbs 7oz with solid mahogany construction, this bass delivers pure, fat low-end thump courtesy of the famous "Mudbucker" pickup. The rich... more
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Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry

Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry

Firenze, 50***, ITALY

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Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry.

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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Gibson EB0 Bass 1961 / 62

Gibson EB0 Bass 1961 / 62

Abergavenny, NP7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3500

UK SALE ONLY AND I CAN DELIVER, I WILL NOT POST. Bought this fabulous EB-0 while i was working in Cincinnati, Ohio back in 1999. It has very rarely been played basically because i'm useless at playing it !!! It has been in a room in the house that maintains a steady temperature. It is played now and then and it now is strung with flat wounds as i like the way they feel and sound. I also have the Rotosound 66s and the 77s if you'd prefer. I'll not go on about it cos as you can see it really ... more
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1963 Gibson EB-0 Bass

1963 Gibson EB-0 Bass

Bristol, BS5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2275

It's with great pleasure, we bring to market this wonderful 1963 Gibson EB-0 bass guitar.
Simply one of the finest playing vintage instruments you're likely to pick up, this bass is a beautifully kept relic. Used to inimitable effect by players such as Cream's Jack Bruce, the booming sound of that high output humbucker is a cornerstone of that 60s sound.
It consists of all mahogany construction with a nicely worn cherry finish, original subtly tarnished nickel tuners, original scratch ... more
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1965 Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar

1965 Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar

Farnham, GU10***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1950

Fresh up for grabs is this 1965 EB0 - It has been historically converted to twin mudbucker pickups, reminiscent of very early EB3 specifications with wide control spacing and twin early 'large' pickup covers. Featuring a vintage Switchcraft switch paired with replacement CTS 'vintage taper' pots and Mojotone PIO capacitors, this bass delivers a true vintage tone
The tuners have been upgraded to aged nickel Schaller items, ensuring reliable performance. While there are some finish blemishes ... more
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1964 Gibson EB 0 BASS - Made in USA

1964 Gibson EB 0 BASS - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£1296

1964 GIBSON EB 0 BASS - made in USA :
* 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
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mattia Comment left 24th June 2018 01:01:44 reply
Hi, I have a question: i got an EB-0, the headstock serial says is from 1969 but the pot serial says 1968, the Gibson logo has the dot on "i" an the pot knobs are like the 66 version ( but with volume and tone label lost) Do you think it's from 68? if you want i can send you some pictures... thank you Mattia.