The EB-0 bass had the simplest of circuitry, two pots, one each to control volume and tone, an input jack, and two capacitors. The value of the tone pot (and capacitors, but see below) did change slightly when the pickup position was moved away from the neck to a more central position in 1972 (see a 1972 EB0); and there may have been instances where unusual value parts were used, either for experimentation, by accident, or to use up stock - if you have an EB0 with non-standard circuitry, please comment.
Potentiometers were typically made by Centralab (code 134) in earlier examples, and CTS (code 137) later on. There was significant cross-over with looms with a pot by each maker also common.
1961-1971 EB0
Gibson EB-0 circuit diagram from the 1960s. Note each pot has a 500kΩ resistance and capacitors of 0.01µF and 0.033µF. This diagram also corresponds with the Gibson parts list of January 1965 which lists the EB-0 as having identical volume and tone pots: part number CBA-811-1053. Pots used were typically produced either by Centralab or CTS.
This schematic is correct for the Gibson Melody Maker, and Kalamazoo KB basses.
The two simplified wiring diagrams below show the precise connections on the looms of early examples.
The above illustration demonstrates the exact circuit connections in the schematic above, from 1961-64 approximately.
Have a closer look at some actual looms using this circuit
This illustration shows effectively the same circuit, with slight changes to the wiring of the .01 µF capacitor; in each case it sits between the volume pot contact and earth. This circuit variation starts around 1965.
Have a closer look at some actual looms using this circuit
By the time of publication of the 1971 Gibson parts list, the suggested potentiometers for the EB-0 are parts 70027 (500kΩ, volume) and 70021 (250kΩ,tone); one would assume that this refers to the slotted headstock models in production at that time (and not the newer, maple-necked, solid headstock basses that would replace them), in practise the majority of these basses actually seem to have a 500kΩ tone pot, often part BA-811-1158. What is pots are in your slotted headstock EB0? Please comment.
Early/mid 1972 transition EB0
This circuit is an intermediate between the 1961-71 and 1972 onwards circuitry. Exactly how common it is is not clear, but it was certainly used for a brief time in early/mid 1972. It has the capacitors of earlier looms, yet has the 250kΩ tone pot, typically seen on post '72 EB0s.
The pots used at this stage (in the few examples of this loom I have studied) have been a mix of CTS and Centralab (seen an exception? Please comment).
Have a closer look at some actual looms using this circuit
Typical 1970s Gibson EB0, 1972 onwards
Gibson EB-0 circuit relevant to EB basses circa 1972 and onwards. The tone capacitor values and tone pot resistance have both been lowered, having a subtle effect on tone: dropping higher and lower frequencies, and boosting mids.
Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale
gibson ebo bass
East Greenville, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2300
1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!
Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
... more
1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.
Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
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
1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3900
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
1962 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry 100% Original w / Mudbucker
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar
Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 รจ stato costruito con legno in mogano solido e tastiera in palissandro, fornendo insieme un tono caldo e corposo.
... 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
Gibson EB0 Bass 1961 / 62
Abergavenny, NP7***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3500
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
What is the purpose of the extra .01 capacitor?
The 0.01 cap kills high frequencies. I used to own both a EB-4L and an EB-0 (slotted headstock). If I had known this cap was in there, I would have disconnected one end because the cap makes the bass so dull and muddy. Way back when these basses were made, (in my opinion) Gibson and others wanted to simulate the tone of upright basses. Anything that sounded clanky or too treble-y would have been undesirable. I recently purchased a Gibson SG bass (made in 2012) and I checked that there was no 0.01uF cap installed. My ears told me it wasn't there, but I had to look inside just to be sure.
I have a 1966 EBO which I have owned since 1969. I never messed with the tone control(always all the up) because it never sounded good. After 40 years I decided to investigate and found that the .033 cap was soldered to the top of the tone pot instead of the wiper. I believe it was always that way because the solder joints appeared to be untouched. I had the bass refinished by Gibson in 2010. It is wonderful and since I have no desire to ever sell it, I don't care if it affects the "vintage" price. Regards, Terry Falk