• Mahogany body • three-piece maple neck • 21-fret rosewood fretboard • One EB humbucking pickup • 30 1/2 inch scale
Another redesign!
The Gibson EBO was in constant flux over the course of it's production, but no more so than in the period 1970-72. The design shipped from very early 1970 was all-mahogany, and broadly resembled the 1960s bass, save the slotted headstock (see an early 1970 EB-0 here), but in 1972 the EB0 was redesigned again - an attempt to make a stronger, easier and cheaper to produce and tonally less bassy bass. Gibson tried a number of different approaches to construction and in appearance at this time, but all featured a new thicker, heavier body, a maple neck with solid headstock, and a silk-screened rather than pearl logo. This resulted in a more substantial, and certainly more robust instrument; broken headstocks and body cracks are comparatively rare in these later EBs. All also had a repositioned pickup, moved towards the bridge for a greater midrange response.
Some examples had controls mounted on a front scratchplate (see this 1972 Natural EB-0L), others had different body woods (alder), different number of neck laminations, clear or no scratchplates, clear-coated necks, different truss rod nut sizes, and a different width nut. But these guitars are very much the exception, with Gibson finally settling on the specifications shown here. The new style EB-0 (or a new style EB-0!) was first shown at the June 1972 NAMM show, with a price of $395 - a small increase on the $350 price a year earlier. The bass pictured was most likely built around, or just after, this time: the potentiometers of this bass are dated mid 1972, however the serial number suggest a very late 1972 shipping date, perhaps even early 1973.
1972 Gibson EB-0 specifications
This bass is typical of a the majority of Gibson's early seventies EB bass output: a mahogany body, three-piece maple neck, and rosewood fretboard. Like all Gibson's at this time, it was produced at the legendary Kalamazoo plant, Michigan, USA (where all their best guitars were built). Walnut was a finish widely used at this time, and was applied to almost half of the 1972 EB-0s produced: this is one of 423 walnut (compared to 507 cherry) EB-0 basses shipped in 1972. Like the majority of earlier examples, the bass had a short (30 1/2") scale and required short scale strings.
This style EB-0 was first included in the brightly coloured 1972 bass place brochure (right).
Notice the volute (on the back of the headstock) and Gibson logo on the spring mounted EB humbucker cover. The bridge is the two point tune-o-matic with cover, as used since around 1967, but now with metal, rather than plastic (Delrin) saddles, and NO underbridge mute. The three point bridge design was not in use until 1973. The tuning keys are Schaller M4-S which were used roughly in the period 1971-73. This style of pickguard was used on all EB models from 1972 until they were last produced in 1979. Finally, this EB0 has 21 frets, compared to the 19 (1970-71) or 20 (1961-69) on all previous examples.
1972 Gibson EB-0 Electronics
The controls are identical to any EB-0: just a volume and tone, each with a witch hat control knob; but the output jack has moved back to the body front (rather than on the guitars edge, as was the case for the slotted headstock models). However, the loom itself has changed from older EB-0 incarnations, presumably as a result of the move in pickup location: previously the EB-0 had two identical 500k pots, as of '72 it had a 500k volume and 250k tone.
Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale
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
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
... more
1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!
Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
... more
Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar
Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
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
1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess
Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3900
1962 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry 100% Original w / Mudbucker
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
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
1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.
Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
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
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
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
gibson ebo bass
East Greenville, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2300
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
1963 Gibson EB-0 Bass
Bristol, BS5***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2275
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
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 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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Hi! Were there any long-scale versions of this particular model (not the alder-bodied EB0L, shown on your site)? Cheers, Serge
Yes there were - check out the shipping figures. EB-OL basses shipped in small numbers throughout the 1970s, firstly with the slotted headstock, and then with the new design and solid headstock as shown above.
Just reconditioned one of these. Mid to late 73,fitted with the 3 point bridge. Wow! What a bottom end! Have had a play with a 60's EB-0 and you can see why the pickup was moved towards the bridge to give a much richer,balanced sound. Love it!
I have a EBO Bass that I got NEW between 1975 and 1977 can you help me out as to what year it was and how much it would be worth it has crack;s in the Body from playing and swett its has the case with it with the Gibson on the front the Serie# is 752757
That serial number suggests the second half of 1972, though may have also been used again later in the decade. A '72 bass will have a two-point bridge, as above.
I own this bass! It resides in the North of Scotland. Tuned to Eb for early Kiss music,as Gene used similar pickup during that period.Nearly blew my windows out 1st time I played it! Regards Peter Forsyth
I have a Gibson bass just like this, an EB0 but with the three post bridge. It has a rich sound and easy playability. I think 1974? norlin period Gibson has such a bad rap but mine is a really amazing bass. You feel pure quality when you play. If I lost this I would buy another in a second.