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1972 Gibson EB-0 bass

Gibson bass guitars | EB-0 main page | 1972 Gibson EB-0

• 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.

The redesigned 1970s Gibson EB-0 is first shown in the 1972 catalogue
1972 Gibson EB-0 bass

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 EB0 body detail
The new design for '72 EBO had much of the same hardware as previous versions, but arranged slightly differently. The EB humbucker was positioned further back from the neck, to accentuate mid and high frequencies. The bridge now had no mute below it, and the output jack was moved back to the front of the bass' body where it had been prior to 1970. The scratchplate was completely different of course. Compare this bass with a 1970 EBO.
1972 Gibson EB0
Gibson's Walnut finish over a mahogany body, is particularly appealing. Other finishes available at this time were cherry (also over a mahogany body) and natural, over an alder body (see a 1972 EB-O in natural finish here).
1972 Gibson EB0 - The Gibson bass humbucking pickup did change a little over its period of manufacture. This pickup has the Gibson logo engraved into its cover
This EB humbucker has the Gibson logo engraved into its cover, generally a feature of EB basses in around 1971-72, maybe 1973. These are the last slotted-headstock basses and the first of the redesigned, 70s maple-necked EB basses.
1972 Gibson EB0 - Volume and tone knobs, output jack
Witch-hat control knobs, with silver inserts. This picture also clearly shows the finish checking that is so common on old Gibson guitars and basses.
1972 Gibson EB0 - Two-point tune-o-matic bridge, with bridge cover
EB basses were more often than not fitted with under bridge mutes (like this 1970 EBO) up until around 1971. This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge, and chrome bridge cover, but no mute.
1972 Gibson EB0 - Two-point tune-o-matic bridge
This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with metal saddles (as opposed to plastic used previously). From 1971 Gibson stopped using the mutes that were fitted under these bridges; instead a foam strip was attached to the underside of the bridge cover forming a mute of sorts - to unmute, simply remove the bridge cover! For comparison, have a look at a 1970 EBO bridge with underbridge mute and the old Delrin saddles.
1972 Gibson EB0
Note the large body contour on the back of this bass.
1972 Gibson EB0 - Serial number on the back of the headstock
Serial number stamped on the back of the headstock. The 'MADE IN USA' stamp beneath the serial number appeared on all instruments made by Gibson from 1970. Note the different quality of lettering compared to that of a 1970 EBO.
1972 Gibson EB0 - Solid headstock with silk-screened Gibson logo
The seventies solid headstock EB0s did away with inlays; they had large headstocks with the Gibson logo silk-screened in gold. Note the one-ply black truss rod cover, mounted, as usual, with two screws and standard Gibson nut.
1972 Gibson EB0 - Solid headstock and Schaller M-4-S machine heads
Three-piece maple neck and solid headstock. Elephant ear Schaller M-4-S tuning keys. Neck volute. The headstock of the post slotted headstock basses was bigger, stronger and far less breakable than any EB bass that had come before it. Breaks were not impossible, of course, but the extra strength behind the truss rod cavity (provided by the volute) certainly prevented many.

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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80s DIMARZIO BASS PICKUP for GIBSON EB 0  /  1  /  2  /  3 - 14, 4 K

80's DIMARZIO BASS PICKUP for GIBSON EB 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 - 14, 4 K

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€333

80's DIMARZIO BASS PICKUP for GIBSON EB 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 :
* 14, 4 K output
... 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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Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry

Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry

Firenze, 50***, ITALY

€270

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.
... more
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Serge Comment left 29th December 2017 13:01:50 reply
Hi! Were there any long-scale versions of this particular model (not the alder-bodied EB0L, shown on your site)? Cheers, Serge
Fly Guitars Comment left 29th December 2017 18:06:31 reply
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.
Al Whitney Comment left 21st January 2017 21:09:55 reply
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!
Aubrey Harrison Comment left 14th September 2016 16:04:01 reply
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
Fly Guitars Comment left 18th September 2017 18:06:21 reply
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.
Peter Forsyth Comment left 15th December 2015 22:10:01 reply
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
ymalaval Comment left 7th September 2012 18:06:13 reply
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.