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GIBSON EB0 BASS

Gibson bass guitars | Gibson EB-0

early sixties Gibson EB0 bass in cherry

The Gibson EB0 is a true design classic. From its launch in 1959 to its demise 20 years later, it remained Gibson's most popular bass, making up almost a third of all solid body bass sales


The Gibson EB-0 was announced in the May/June 1959 issue of Gibson Gazette
The EB-0 was announced in the May/June issue of Gibson Gazette; under the title Thrilling new EB-0 electric bass

The Gibson EB-0 (usually pronounced, and sometimes written EBO) was first produced in early 1959, being shown at the Summer music trade fairs of that year priced at $180. It was announced to dealers in advance in the May/June issue of Gibson Gazette; Thrilling new EB-0 electric bass. The EB-0 basses produced from this time, and up until 1961, all had the doublecutaway Les Paul Junior body style. From summer 1961 the better known SG body style was used, and proved considerably more popular.

But the vast majority of Gibson EB0 guitars were shipped in the 1960s - the peak year with 3018 is 1969 (see a typical '69 EB0), when Cream style blues rock was at its height (Jack Bruce, the bass player with Cream is famous for his EB3 bass playing). Interestingly enough, few major artists seemed to have used the EB0; the EB3 had a greater tonal range, and money is not an issue for 'rock stars', but it was popular with the garage, blues, soul and church bands of the 1960s and 70s. Notable early users include David Knights of Procol Harum, Jermaine Jackson of the Jackson Five, Billy Kinsley of the Merseybeats, Dave Ambrose of the Brian Auger Trinity, and Dennis Dunaway of the Alice Cooper group. The price difference between the two was not massive; in 1970 the EB0 was $350 compared to $410 for the EB3.

Have a closer look (and listen) to some of these EB0 basses:


Glenn Cornick of Jethro Tull/Wild Turkey
it was a 1959 EB0 which I bought on our first tour in Chicago. Was never able to use it on stage because it was far too bassy but used it on Stand Up on Nothing is Easy. It had a wonderful neck and I loved it - Glenn Cornick, Jethro Tull
I bought my EBO new.. I loved the shape of it and, switching from an Airline, I liked the shorter scale neck. I played it through an Acoustic 360, which seemed to be the biggest bottom most road durable amp of it's day - Dennis Dunaway, Alice Cooper

The Gibson EB-0 vs the Gibson EB-3

The difference between the EBO and the EB3 was the extra pickup (and associated electronics) in the bridge position on the EB3. Both used the same materials, mahogany bodies and necks (maple necked from 1972) with rosewood (and occasionally ebony) fingerboards. During much of the production run, the EB0 had a 3-ply pickguard (b-w-b) whilst the EB3s had 5-ply (b-w-b-w-b).

Production of all Gibson EB-0 bass guitars was at the main Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

EB-0 strengths

Short scale, mahogany throughout and the unique Gibson EB humbucker made for a quick playing bass with a heavy heavy sound. Obviously popular with the burgeoning rock movement of the late sixties, but also a great bass for jazz, R&B, and reggae - a true design classic that still looks as fresh as it did in '61.

EB-0 weaknesses

Sixties EBOs (sixties Gibsons in general) were prone to breaks in the headstock, around the body-neck join and also around the input jack. The back slanting headstock is unfortunate; if a guitar falls backwards, it's headstock generally hits the ground first. Mahogany can be brittle too, and such a fall can easily crack or even break the guitar. The short scale was also seen as a weakness by some, and so a long scale version was also available from 1970.

The EB0 is renowned for its deep sound. Melting butter. Or mud. Depending on your point of view. Very popular in the 1960s, but by the turn of the decade, tastes had changed. To brighten the sound (and maybe to strengthen the instrument) Gibson introduced long scale (34.5") models which did not sell overly well, and from 1972 laminated maple necks. Furthermore the pickup was repositioned, away from the neck. It was to no avail, though, as by 1974 other Gibson basses such as the Ripper (and in 1975 the Grabber) had appeared and sales of SG style basses plummeted.

Gibson EB-0 sound clips

DI'd EB0 - no amplifier

I generally use flatwound strings on my EB basses, typically Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats (JF324) or LaBella Deep Talkin' (760FSS); both enhance the fatness of the EB0 humbucker, or for a lighter gauge string, Rotosound RS77S.



1964 EB0 (round wound strings, treble and vol pots positioned at 9/10, recorded directly into my sound card, with no pre-amp)


1970 slotted headstock EB0. Wow, what a tone!


EB-0 through vintage amps

Through three 15" tube bass amplifiers: the studio standard of the last half century, the Ampeg B15, an early 1970s British amp, the WEM Dominator bass, and Gibsons own mid 1960s bass amp, that would have been sold alongside the EB-0, the Gibson Atlas IV

1964 Ampeg B-15N

1966 Gibson EB-0 through a 1964 Ampeg B-15N

The B15 is the studio amp, and there are a lot of great tones to be had with an EB0

More soundclips with different amp/bass settings.



1973 WEM Dominator Bass Mk 1

1966 Gibson EB-0 through a 1973 WEM Dominator Bass Mk 1

This little British WEM amp has a 15" Celestion Greenback G15M - and it breaks up nicely, producing a superb snarly rumble

More WEM/EB0 soundclips.



1964 Gibson Atlas IV

1966 Gibson EB-0 through a 1964 Gibson Atlas IV

The Atlas can be pretty clean, and then turn gritty as you dig in - you can hear plenty of snarl towards the end of this clip

More Atlas / Gibson EB0 soundclips.



Gibson EB-0 Chronology

1960 EB0

1959

The EB0 was launched in 1959, with the Les Paul Special body shape of the time, and the translucent Cherry finish. It was only shipped in small numbers, and today is highly collectable. Have a look at the original publicity from the May/June 1959 issue of Gibson Gazette which announces the new model.


1960

The first catalogue appearance of the EB-0 (and the only time shown with the Les paul junior style body) was in the 1960 Gibson catalog


1964 EB0 in Pelham blue

1961

In late 1961 the more familiar 'SG' style body was introduced (see the announcement from the Summer 1961 issue of Gibson Gazette), and remained largely unchanged for the best part of 6 years. It was available in Cherry, or custom colours such as this one in Pelham blue.


Earlier SG-style EB-0 features include a black bakelite humbucker cover, raised (not centered) crown headstock inlay and a wider neck profile (width at nut, 1 3/4"). Have a closer look at a 1962 Gibson EB-0.


As the sixties progressed subtle changes were made, nickel replaced plastic as the pickup cover, though the pickup below remained unchanged, and the necks were made slightly thinner. The under bridge mute, initially optional, was fitted as standard from June 1965. Have a closer look at a 1966 Gibson EB-0.


1967

Gibson 3 point bridge

From late '67 the infamous 2 point tune-o-matic bridge, with chrome plated bridge cover was used on all EB bass models, and the handrest was discontinued. This was the first time all four strings could be intonated separately. A few intermediate instruments did have the new intonatable bridge combined with the centrally positioned handrest.

1969 EB0

1969

As the decade came to a close, Gibson started experimenting with laminate necks - the basses were no exception, and the traditional one-piece mahogany neck was replaced by a three-piece version, otherwise identical. Check out a 1969 EB-0.


1970 split headstock EB0

1970

By the very end of '69 split headstock EB0s were being produced. They were similar in most other respects to earlier models, save for the slots in the headstock, and backward facing banjo-style tuning keys. The pickup did now have a black plastic mount, and was finally height adjustable. Have a closer look at a 1970 Split headstock model.


1972 EB0

The 1972 EB0 saw a major remodelling; a new pickup design - positioned further away from the neck, solid headstock, laminated maple neck with volute, thicker, weightier body, and new pickguard. Check out a 1972 EB-0.


Gibson 3 point bridge

Gibson started using the 3 point bridge (still with chrome-plated bridge cover) in 1973. This was a far more reliable design, and is still in use today. This bridge design does not incorporate the string mute of earlier models.


The last Gibson EB0s were shipped in 1979 (only 6) compared to over 3000 in its heyday 1969.

Similar models

There were two further variations of the EB-0 available, if only briefly. The EB-0F was available between 1962-65, though only 250 were shipped. The f stood for Fuzz, as this bass had built in fuzz circuitry. Gibson also recognized demand for a long scale bass so over 1000 long scale (34 1/2 ") EB-0L basses were shipped between 1970-77.

Gibson EB0 Bass FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Gibson EB0 bass

Is the correct name for this bass the Gibson EB0 or Gibson EBO?
The correct name is EB-0 (zero), however it is usual to pronounce the name EB-O; in the same way one would pronounce a zero in a number as the letter O, e.g. 1901 (nineteen-o-one). It is rumoured in some quarters that EB-O stood for EB-ordinary, though I have never seen any evidence that this was the case. Gibson have used both EB-0 and EB-O in their literature, just to add to the confusion, although the earliest useage does refer to the bass as the EB-0. The reason it got the name is simple, and relates to the story of the EB bass series. The first was the violin-styled electric bass, or EB; which was renamed the EB-1 when the EB-2 was launched in 1958. When another new model was released in 1959, it continued the same naming convention, yet being cheaper than the EB-1 and EB-2 needed a smaller number, hence the EB-0.

What year(s) EB0s are the best?
This is an unanswerable question, for several reasons. Obviously 'best' is purely subjective, and will depend on what music you want to play with it. Some EB-0s are more fragile, some more robust. Some have more of depth of tone than others. And the neck shape changed significantly over time too. In any natural product there is variation in the density of the wood itself, from guitar to guitar, having a subtle effect on tone, but also weight of the instrument. In the early days, pickups were wound by hand, and the total number of windings on any pickup would differ between basses within any single batch. Electrically there was regular inconsistencies too (see EB-0 circuitry). All in all it makes it very hard to generalize... BUT... early examples used very fine old woods, had a nicer finish, and the deepest, richest, tones of any bass. Really early examples with the broomstick neck are particularly desired by collectors. Later examples will cut through far better in a modern band situation, have the advantage of an intonatable bridge, and won't break nearly as easily if it gets bashed at a lively performance. If you can try a few, do so! Check out also the reissue SG bass

What case will fit my vintage EB0 bass?
The current day Epiphone and SG Reissue bass hardcases will work for all SG-style vintage Gibson EB0s.

Gibson EB-0 basses for sale

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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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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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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 EB-0 Bass - 1971

Gibson EB-0 Bass - 1971

Long Lake, Minnesota, 553**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2585

The classic Gibson bass. Great playability with the short scale. 21 fret scale. Second owner since 1982. Has been used occasionally at home or small events. Only slight wear on one side of neck. Finish is in great 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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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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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 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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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 รจ stato costruito con legno in mogano solido e tastiera in palissandro, fornendo insieme un tono caldo e corposo.
... 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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Dave Comment left 4th April 2019 03:03:36 reply
Anything of significance you can tell me about the '75 models?
Bud Elliott Comment left 21st February 2019 18:06:47 reply
Your comments - I have the Gibson EB-0. Just trying to identify it. After some research, I'm thinking it's between '61 - '64. Don't think it's cherry, rather mahogany. I've used it 12yrs in a Country band and it fit the spot. The serial #187923. Is there anything you can offer to help me get the year mfg. Thanks, Bud
Fly Guitars Comment left 21st February 2019 18:06:59 reply
Serial numbers were re-used, so you should look at features and pot codes when deciding a date. Cherry finishes do fade somewhat over time, looking far less vibrant red than when first shipped. That serial number would suggest an early 1964 shipping date - March/ April maybe. Why not post some pics in the forum.
JD Peeler Comment left 27th November 2012 00:12:05 reply
I have a 1967 Gibson Bass that has been made fret-less. I either want to sell it or have it re-fretted. Any ideas?
wsuarez66 Comment left 29th September 2012 01:01:32 reply
A fine bass for the dub and the classic rock styles, but who has sucess with the EBo in jazz