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1970 Gibson EB-0 bass

Gibson bass guitars | EB-0 main page | 1970 Gibson EB-0

• Solid mahogany one-piece body • Set mahogany three-piece neck • 19-fret rosewood fretboard • Gibson EB humbucking pickup • 30 1/2 inch scale

A new design for a new decade

This is an early-seventies 'slotted headstock' EB0; i.e. with two slots in the headstock, and the backwards facing banjo style Schaller M4 classic tuning keys. Like all EB-0 basses, they were produced at the Gibson Kalamazoo plant, in Michigan, USA; this example is one of 2896 EB-0s shipped in 1970 (see EB-0 shipping stats). The slotted-headstocks EB-0s came out at the peak of the models popularity, so despite the short production period (very late 1969 - very late 1971) they are not too hard to find.

Like all mahogany-necked Gibson basses, they are prone to break behind the truss rod adjustment cavity - however the banjo tuning keys exacerbate this: a fall backwards will almost certainly result in a headstock break; tuning keys hit the ground first, and the full force of the drop shears the headstock right off! It was the last EBO to feature a mahogany neck; later models used a much stronger three-piece maple neck.

A number of other changes were also made besides the headstock: the neck, for example, is now a laminate of three pieces of mahogany; actually this change seems to have occurred shortly before the move to the split headstock design, but so soon beforehand that solid headstock EB basses with three-piece mahogany necks are very much the exception. It still has the rosewood fingerboard with dot position markers, but one less fret: 19 instead of 20 of the previous years guitars (see a 1969 EB-0 here).

1970 Gibson EB-0 bass

The pickup (70s spring mounted EB humbucker) has a black plastic mount and is height adjustable for the first time. It is situated right up against the neck. Other early seventies features include the two point bar bridge with cover, and old style pickguard with no finger-rest.

Controls are still the standard volume and tone, but the output jack has moved from the front, to a plate on the side of the body.

The Gibson logo itself, whilst still mother-of-pearl, is not inlaid into the headstock as was always the case with previous EBs; in fact it is a very thin sheet, carefully cut then glued in place. This also prevented the requirement of a black-painted headstock. Both subtle changes, but quicker and cheaper to produce, relieving pressure at a time of great financial strain on all US guitar manufacturers.

1970 Gibson EB0 body detail
The original Cherry finish has faded to a rich brown. The faded Cherry can get confused with an original Walnut finish, but typically a look under the scratchplate or other concealed area will show a colour approaching the original finish.
1970 Gibson EB0
The heel area (the joint where the neck meets the body) changed over the many years that EB basses were produced. A typical 1969 heel was rounded, and it sat flush with the guitar body - see a 1969 heel joint. The new slotted headstock basses were different; a more rectangular, stepped heel characterised these basses.
1970 Gibson EB0 humbucker pickup with chrome-plated cover
The split-headstock models were the first to have a surround on the EB humbucker, allowing pickup height adjustment. The actual pickup itself was no different of course, just the way it was mounted. Compare this to an EBO from the previous year with a non-adjustable pickup here. This was a significant design improvement, and remained constant for the rest of the 1970s.
1970 Gibson EB0 - Volume and tone knobs, output jack
Witch-hat hat knobs with position pointers. Note the output jack is on the side of the bass, and is mounted on a three-ply black-white-black plate. The slotted headstock basses were the only EBs with this side jack; earlier and later models had the traditional Gibson front-mounted output.
1970 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. The mute would soon be discontinued, as the upright bass sound it was supposed to produce became less relevant to the 1970s bass player. To raise the mute the lever on the left of the image would be pulled left, pushing the felt strip on the right upwards.
1970 Gibson EB0 - Two-point tune-o-matic bridge, with mute, cover removed
This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with under-bridge string mute for a muted, upright bass sound. The saddles are made of Delrin - a low-friction plastic made by Dupont. The mute is operated by pulling the handle on the left away from the bridge, which pushes the felt upwards against the strings.
1970 Gibson EB0
From behind, the 1970 EB0 looks rather similar to the 1969 version - main differences are the slotted headstock and associated tuning keys, and a slightly less rounded heel.
1970 Gibson EB0 - Serial number on the back of the headstock
The six digit serial number is stamped on the back of the headstock. Note there is no 'MADE IN USA' stamp beneath the serial number, despite this bass being shipped in 1970. This is usually cited as proof of a pre-1970 bass; this is one of the last instruments made by Gibson without this. See a slightly later 1972 EBO with the 'Made in USA' stamp here.

The posts of the Schaller M4C clearly show how the strings pass through the post holes rather than into the top as with the Schaller M4.
1970 Gibson EB0 - Slotted headstock with mother-of-pearl Gibson logo
The slotted headstock EB basses had a mother-of-pearl Gibson logo, simply glued on to the headstock - a real contrast to the carefully inlaid headstocks of the previous decade, but still a step above a decal or silk-screened logo. Note the blocky letters and lack of dot over the i. have a look at a 1969 EBO headstock logo in comparison 1969 Gibson EBO. The slotted headstock basses also had a scripted model designation on the truss rod cover.

The Schaller M4C keys were quite similar to the regular M4 Gibson had used a few years earlier, but with string holes through the post, rather than slots at the end.
1970 Gibson EB0 - Solid headstock and Schaller M-4 classic banjo-style tuners
The three-piece neck and slotted headstock. Schaller M-4-C tuning keys. No volute. Gibson headstocks were never known for their strength, but the slotted headstock EB basses were perhaps some of the most prone to breaking of all Gibson instruments. Firstly necks were typically mahogany - a brittle wood that shatters easily. The necks had been narrowed since the earliest EBs, and the weakspot behind the truss rod cavity was pretty thin anyway. With the new banjo-style tuners, any fall backwards would land with them hitting the ground first, causing considerable force on the weak area where the neck meets the headstock. Slotted headstock EB bass without some form of damage or repair in this area are rare indeed.

A 1970 EB0?

The lack of 'MADE IN THE USA' on the back of the headstock of a Gibson instrument traditionally suggests a 1960s vintage, whilst the potentiometers are dated January 1970. To compound matters further the serial number suggests 1968 or 1970. Gibson instruments take months to build, and necks were usually stamped with a serial number, before attaching them to a body. In this case the body and neck were probably manufactured in '69, with assembly and shipping occurring in 1970. Stamping instruments as 'MADE IN U.S.A.' was phased in around this time, and although the majority of slot heads are marked as such, many are not, particularly those with serial numbers in the 91xxxx - 92xxxx range.

This split headstock model never quite made it into a Gibson catalogue, but some similar EB3s can be seen in 1970 bass catalog. It had a September 1970 price of $350. But by early 1972 it had been revamped again, back to a solid headstock style - have a look at a 1972 EB-0. Anyway, its got a fantastic tone, pure melting butter, have a listen - recorded direct output, no amplifier.

Gibson EB-0 soundclips

With DI, this bass has a lovely deep round tone. As a 30 1/2" scale bass it requires short scale strings.

Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale

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Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

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.... more
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1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

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

$3995

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!!
... 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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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

$3500

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

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 EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

Jackson, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2795

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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1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess

1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess

Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

has been tested and checked over. plays great and looks very vintage. has a decent amount of belt buckle wear and dings. please see pics for condition... 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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Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar

Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar

Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This is a rare and collectible 1966 Gibson Classic EBO bass guitar in a stunning red color. With its 4-string configuration, this electric bass guitar is perfect for any musician who wants to make a statement. The Gibson brand is known for its quality and excellence, and this Classic series bass guitar is no exception. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar is sure to impress. It's perfect for playing a wide range of musical styles and is ideal for both live ... 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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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.

Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

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

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

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

$175

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
... 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 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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60s GIBSON EB 0 BASS - made in USA

60's GIBSON EB 0 BASS - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€1395

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
... more
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John F. Comment left 28th May 2019 20:08:59 reply
Your comments I believe I have a 1970 EB0. Serial number is 957092. Can you verify? Thanks.
Larry B Comment left 24th September 2017 02:02:22 reply
My friend just bought an EB0 bass with a slotted headstock at a yard sale. And wants me to repair the electronics. It appears that it originally had one pickup but someone added a P-Bass pickup and a gibson style toggle switch which they cut a hole in the shield to isolate it? I'd think it should be grounded? No? What I don't understand is that it has two volumes and two tone controls which appear to be original with original knobs? Perhaps two were added later but they look original? A couple tone caps were added also. The jack is on the edge. One pickup seems to work and the P-Bass pickup seems to barely be audible..Not enough output . I hate working on modded stuff because it never works right. I'm wondering what the best way to repair this is? Thanks
jon morad Comment left 4th December 2015 18:06:23 reply
I cannot find a hardshell case for my 1970 EB-O Bass.
Michael Comment left 30th June 2018 06:06:42 reply
I use acoustic guitar one with strong foam to support all around body.
Deborah Smith Comment left 28th December 2014 18:06:06 reply
I love the EB0 pages. My husband and I each have an EB0, slotted head stocks. One thing I've noticed is that if the bass has a slotted headstock, the jack is located on the edge of the bass instead of the front. Is this accurate or did I miss something? Thanks for the great info.
Fly Guitars Comment left 14th January 2015 10:10:42 reply
Hi Deborah, yes that is correct, the slotted headstock EB basses had the jack on the side, mounted to a plastic plate. Once the basses were redesigned for '72 it was situated back on the front of the body.
Rob Taylor Comment left 27th June 2014 19:07:17 reply
I have one of these slotted head EBOs. Lovely warm sound and the most powerful pickup I have ever known (and I also have Musicman and Fender Jazz). MIne has no mute on the bridge - do you think it has been swopped? How do I get a shaped case? Mine is an original that is falling apart.
Fly Guitars Comment left 27th June 2014 23:11:09 reply
Hi Rob, The mute is screwed to the body with three small screws. At this time (70/71) the mute was being phased out and not all slot heads (especially later examples) had one fitted. If yours has no screw holes (2 in front of the bridge, one just behind) it had no mute. Cases are hard to find for these (most are too shallow due to the back-facing tuning keys), but If I recall correctly, the current Epiphone EB3 bass case will work (but not the Gibson SG reissue). Might be worth getting the gaffer tape out...