Gibson EB4L Bass

1973 Gibson EB-4L Walnut finish

The EB-4L (often shortened to EB4, though it had no short scale counterpart) was first launched towards the end of 1972, and was very much an attempt to bring the EBO into the seventies, with its 'superhumbucking' pickup with tone selector switch, and long-scale (hence the 'L' in EB-4L) three-piece laminate maple neck. The vast majority of instruments were manufactured in 1973, but according to EB-4L shipping totals, small numbers were still being shipped as late as 1979, despite the last price list appearance being many years earlier in June 1973.

It was first listed in the October 1972 price list at $420 (zone 1); roughly midway between the EB-0 ($385) and EB-3 ($450) basses. Then in November 1972, Gibson took the unusual step of including a full-colour flyer in Guitar Player magazine. 'The Bass Place' featured a number of SG-style basses old and new (EB-0, EB-3 and SB bass, but the EB-4L was the main feature, with a 2 page spread (compared to half a page for other models).

SG basses had been selling very well over the preceding years, and Gibson must have been confident that they were going to sell a lot more. Orders for the EB-4L probably didn't live up to their hopes though. It sold reasonably well (992 basses in the first full year, 1973), but by the end of that year the L-9S Ripper was available and sales of all SG basses were very much in decline.

Gibson EB-4L bass superhumbucker

The EB4L super-humbucker actually contains 4 coils, one around each pole. Externally the difference can be seen in that the top two pole pieces are nearer the bridge, the bottom two nearer the neck. This design separates the top two strings (coils) from the bottom two, and allows them to be heard in (i) series, (ii) series/parallel, (iii) series/parallel plus tone choke. The concept of this pickup is described in the 'Bass Place' flyer: This revolutionary new pickup design separates the top two strings completely from the bottom two. You get more tonal response than ever, for a full, natural sound. And Gibson's new Super Humbucking Pickup design delivers more highs and "overtones" for a new sound that's packed with cutting power.

In such a short production run, there were not too many design changes, although one difference between the earliest (1972 and early 1973 examples) and later ones was the choice of bridge. Initially a Gibson two-point, later a Gibson three-point.

The EB-4L was available in two finishes: cherry and walnut, although shipping figures also mention one ebony EB-4L made in 1975.

1972 This bass is the one pictured in Gibson promotional literature for the EB-4L: the 1972 bass place, flyer and the 1973 price list. Note the slab-like body with very few contours, particularly around the cutaways.

1972 Another really early example. This bass has the very deep cutaway contours as seen in relatively small numbers of EB bass around 1972 (see this 1972 EB0). The knobs are most likely replacements, but another interesting feature of this bass was the truss-rod cover, which was engraved with the model name, EB-4. Perhaps this was also added later. Have you seen another EB4L with this feature?

1973 By 1973, the design had been finalised to some extent; at least with regard body shape. The guitar shown, in walnut finish, is typical of most early 1973 instruments. Have a closer look at this 1973 EB-4L in Walnut finish.

1973 The last change to this model also occurred in 1973; the two point bridge was swapped for the new three-point. This lead to the bridge cover also being positioned a little bit further forward, but otherwise this bass is identical to the two-point version. Have a closer look at this 1973 EB-4L in Cherry finish.

Shipping figures for Gibson EB-4L bass guitar

	1972	1973	1974	1975	1976	1977	1978	1979	total
EB-4L (Cherry)	12	579	22			6	2	1	622
EB-4L (Walnut)	10	413	14			6			443
EB-4L (Ebony)				1					1

Shipping figures from Gibson Shipment Totals by Larry Meiners. The EB4L bass was first mentioned in the October 1972 price list, and only a handful were shipped that year. The majority of all EB-4L basses were shipped in 1973, but this was a period in which Gibson was trying a number of new models, such as the Gibson Ripper. EB-4L production proper ceased in 1974, although the figures show small numbers leaving the factory right up until 1979.

Gibson EB-4L bass guitars for sale

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GIBSON EB-4L BASS - 1972 with Original Case

Redditch, Worcestershire, B98***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1650

An absolute gem really rare in UK. I think it is either a 1971 or 1972 extremely rare Gibson EB-4L bass, based on the SG shape. Originally bought in 1972 and played by its owner in college bands, I bought it off him in 1991 when he moved to Solihull. I have never gigged it since, and for most of the last 33 years it has been lying in its case under the bed. It is in absolutely excellent condition for its age although there is a little evidence of being gigged on its early years. Just a few ... more

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