flyguitars logo
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions

Gibson bass guitars and Epiphone bass guitars

This site is dedicated to vintage Gibson bass guitars and vintage Epiphone bass guitars: specifically electric basses produced at Gibson's legendary Kalamazoo plant, in Michigan, USA. There's a lot of detailed technical and historical information on the various Gibson bass models and the components fitted to them: follow the links on the right for specifications, shipping data, wiring charts etc.

Jump straight to the content: Gibson EB-0, EB-0F, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4L, SB300/400, SB350/450, Melody Maker bass, Thunderbird, Les Paul bass, Les Paul Triumph, Les Paul Signature, Ripper, Grabber, G-3, RD series, Victory series; Epiphone Rivoli, Newport and Embassy Deluxe

And check out the section on interviews with musicians associated with Gibson bass guitar: Jack Casady, Mike Watt, Andy Fraser and numerous others

Latest posts in the Vintage Guitar and Bass network of sites

Interview: Dave Kiswiney
Dave KiswineyDave Kiswiney has played Gibson (and latterly Heritage) bass guitars for his entire career. As a musician, he is best known for his time playing the Gibson Ripper with Ted Nugent; as a Gibson endorsing artist, he was the face of the Gibson Victory bass - appearing in all the advertising at the time. Dave has always preferred active instruments, and owns a number of (almost) unique active basses, an active single pickup Victory, an active single pickup Gibson Explorer bass, and a five string Heritage bass. Read his interview to find out about his career in music, his time with Ted Nugent and his amazing bass collection.
1981 Gibson Victory Standard
1981 Gibson Victory Standard (Candy Apple Red finish) The Victory bass series was designed by the Gibson research and development team, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, though all but a few demonstration models were produced at the newer Nashville plant. This was the first bass model to be exclusively produced there. The Victory Standard was included in price lists from 1981 until 1986, though the vast majority, like the bass featured here were built in the second half of 1981.
1964 Gibson EB0
1964 Gibson EB0 bass (cherry finish) The EB series evolved throughout the period of production, with (mostly) minor hardware and construction changes occurring every couple years. 1964 basses are typified by their mix of early features: wide, but slightly shallower neck, non-intonatable bridge, 'small' control cavity cover and nickel-plated hardware; most obviously the pickup cover (previously black bakelite - compare with a 1962 EB0, later chrome-plated - see this 1966 EB0)
1972 Gibson EB0L
1972 Gibson EB0L bass (natural finish)A very unusual long scale 1972 Gibson EB0L practically all Gibson EB-0 bass guitars had a mahogany body with a translucent Cherry or Walnut finish. This bass has an alder body with natural finish, and somewhat different hardware, with more in common with an Gibson SB-450, rather than a typical seventies EB bass. Despite being built in 1972, this bass was most likely one of just 5 natural EB-0 basses shipped in 1973, according to the EB-O shipping stats.
1978 Gibson G-3
1978 Gibson G-3 bassThe Gibson G-3 bass was first shown to the public at the 1975 NAMM show, and was an immediate success; it remained in production throughout the 70s, with small numbers being shipped in 1982 and 1985. The three in G-3 is, of course, a reference to the three pickups and associated circuitry designed by Gibson employee Bill Lawrence. The vast majority of G-3s shipped had a Natural or Ebony finish, although small numbers had a Candy Apple Red, White, Walnut, Wine Red or Tobacco Sunburst as shown here. For more, see the G-3 production totals.
1974 Gibson L-9S Ripper
1974 Gibson Ripper bassAlthough a few were completed in 1973, 1974 was the first year the Gibson Ripper bass was shipped in any numbers. It was one of the first new designs by Bill Lawrence who came to Gibson in the early 1970s. Early examples, like this, have a wider slab body, without the sculptured bevelling of later Rippers, but are essentially the same in other respects. The Ripper was in sharp contrast to the short scale 'muddy' mahogany basses that had dominated Gibsons output of the previous decade, and was immediately sucessful. Have a listen to the soundclips of this bass, through several vintage amplifiers.
1961 Gibson EB3
1961 Gibson EB3 bassA 1961 Gibson EB3 bass. 1961 was the first year of EB3 production, and the year Gibson first used the classic SG shape. Like the SG guitars, the EB3 was built at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo. Early EB3s are characterised by their chunky necks, wide-spaced controls, nickel hardware and bakelite neck pickup cover. Have a listen to the soundclips of this bass, through several vintage amplifiers.
1966 Gibson EB0
1966 Gibson EB0 bassProfile of a 1966 Gibson EB0 bass. The EB0, like it's big brother the EB3, is something of a 1960s classic; the construction (short scale, mahogany body, set mahogany neck), and the famous Gibson EB humbucker positioned at the neck, gave a deep rumble that perfectly suited the musical environment of the early-mid sixties. But by the early-mid seventies things were going long-scale and maple... Nonetheless, this is a finely built instrument, capable of some terrific sounds that really suit certain musical situations. Have a listen to the soundclips of this bass, through various vintage amplifiers.

See older updates

1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogue
1970 Rosetti Epiphone guitar catalogScan of 1970 Epiphone guitar catalogue produced by Rosetti for the UK market. Undated but most likely from mid-late 1970, this was the first UK catalogue to show the new range of Japanese (Matsumoku) Epiphone guitars. Interestingly, these pages show the Epiphone solid bodies with a single-sided Fender-style headstock layout - a feature quickly replaced with a typical two-sided Epiphone headstock almost immediately. Epiphone electric guitars: 9520, 9525; bass guitars: 9521, 9526; acoustic guitars: 6730, 6830, 6834
A World of Guitars by Rosetti - 1971
1971 A World of Guitars by Rosetti catalogueScan of 1971 Rosetti catalogue (UK) featuring guitars from from numerous manufacturers worldwide: guitars by Epiphone, Hagstrom, Levin, Hoyer, Egmond, Eros, Moridaira, Kiso-Suzuki, Schaller, and Tatra.
1971 Selmer guitar catalogue
1971 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1971 Selmer guitar catalogue showing the range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Gibson, Yamaha, Selmer, Hofner and Suzuki. 1960s Selmer had always placed Hofner at the front end of their catalogues, no doubt these were the better sellers - but into the 1970s Hofner were slipping somewhat and only appear at the tail end of this publication, pride of place going to Gibson, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. In fact this is the last Selmer catalogue to include the many Hofner hollow bodies (Committee, President, Senator etc) that had defined the companies output for so many years - to be replaced in the 1972 catalogue by generic solid body 'copies' of Gibson and Fender models. A number of new Gibson models are included for the first time: the SG-100 and SG-200 six string guitars and the SB-300 and SB-400 basses.
1968 Selmer guitar catalogue
1968 Selmer guitar catalogueScan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. Selmer were the exclusive United Kingdom distributors of Hofner and Gibson at the time, and this catalogue contains a total of 18 electric guitars, 7 bass guitars, 37 acoustics, and 2 Hawaiian guitars - all produced outside the UK and imported by Selmer, with UK prices included in guineas. This catalogue saw the (re-)introduction of the late sixties Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard (see page 69) and the short-lived Hofner Club 70. Other electric models include: HOFNER ELECTRICS: Committee, Verithin 66, Ambassador, President, Senator, Galaxie, HOFNER BASSES: Violin bass, Verithin bass, Senator bass, Professional bass GIBSON ELECTRICS: Barney Kessel, ES-330TD, ES-335TD, ES-345TD, ES-175D, ES-125CD, SG Standard, SG Junior, SG Special GIBSON BASSES: EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 - plus a LOT of acoustics branded Gibson, Hofner, Selmer and Giannini
1961 Hofner Colorama I
1961 Hofner Colorama IHofner Colorama was the name UK distributor Selmer gave to a series of solid and semi-solid guitars built by Hofner for distribution in the UK. The construction and specifications of the guitars varied over the period of production, but by 1961 it was a totally solid, double cutaway instrument, with a set neck, translucent cherry finish, six-in-a-row headstock, and Hofner Diamond logo pickups. Available as a single or dual pickup guitar, this sngle pickup version would have been sold in mainland Europe as the Hofner 161.
1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)
1971 Commodore N25 (Matsumoku)Commodore was a brand applied to a series of guitars produced in Japan at the well-respected Matsumoku plant from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s - and sold primarily (perhaps exclusively?) in the United Kingdom. The models bearing the Commodore name were all guitars available from different distributors with different branding. Although there may have been some minor changes in appointments (specifically headstock branding) most had the same basic bodies, hardware and construction. Equivalent models to the Commodore N25 (and this is by no means an exhaustive list) include the Aria 5102T, Conrad 5102T(?), Electra 2221, Lyle 5102T, Ventura V-1001, Univox Coily - and most famously the Epiphone 5102T / Epiphone EA-250.
1960 Hofner Colorama II
1960 Hofner Colorama IIThe Hofner Colorama was the name given by Selmer to a series of solid (and semi-solid) body Hofner guitars distributed in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1965. The Colorama name actually applied to some quite different guitars over the period, but in 1960 it was a very light, semi-solid, set necked guitar with one (Colorama I) or two (Colorama II, as seen here) Toaster pickups. Although an entry-level guitar, it was very well-built, and a fine playing guitar; certainly a step up (at least in terms of craftsmanship) from many of the Colorama guitars that would follow, and a good deal of the guitars available in Britain circa 1960.

Visit vintageguitarandbass.com

Gibson and Epiphone bass guitars for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
Gibson The Ripper Bass

Gibson The Ripper Bass

Jersey City, New Jersey, 073**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Introducing the iconic Gibson The Ripper Bass, a must-have for all serious bass players. This electric bass guitar boasts a cool and unique design that is sure to impress any audience. Made by one of the most respected brands in the industry, this 4-string model is perfect for musicians of all levels.
With its powerful sound, sleek look, and incredible playability, this bass guitar is ideal for a wide range of genres. Whether you're playing rock, jazz, or anything in between, The Ripper... more
eBay logo
Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar

Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar

Easley, South Carolina, 296**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Rare! 2018 Gibson Thunderbird Cardinal Red with OHSC, case candy and all original paperwork. This Beautiful Gibson Bass is in like new condition and sounds great. There are no scrapes, scratches, chips or buckle rash or any other issues, it??s pretty much in unplayed condition. I have several Basses and have decided to let this one go. Thanks for looking and best of luck
... more
eBay logo
1981 Gibson Victory Fretless Bass Dino Dragon Graphic By Scott Moon w /  Soft Case

1981 Gibson Victory Fretless Bass Dino Dragon Graphic By Scott Moon w / Soft Case

Edmond, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1300

Used condition. Great vintage bass. It is one of the few that you??ll see with the fretless option from the factory. It sounds great, but the action is on the high side due to a bow in the neck. It is just bowed, not twisted. The neck bow is common in these basses. The neck plate also looks non-original. It has an awesome hand-painted dragon / dinosaur with a mohawk and sunglasses graphic by Scott Moon, dated 1988. The person who sold it to us said that the prior owner played in the band ... more
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass the mintest 100% original Polaris White example.

1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass the mintest 100% original Polaris White example.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$44995

This is most likely the rarest & most significant Gibson Bass ever produced. These 1st issue Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Polaris White all over its neck & body. This T??bird is most likely the ... more
eBay logo
1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more
eBay logo
gibson les paul bass guitar

gibson les paul bass guitar

Ronkonkoma, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

Early to mid 90s LES PAUL BASS in good condition in sg red with aftermarket case no neck issues cracks buckle rash some scratches plays great time to thin out my collection a good investment you will enjoy
... more
eBay logo
1976 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennia Ebony

1976 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennia Ebony

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4145

Very good condition 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Thunderbird bass. All original outside of the Badass bridge replacement. This bass has seen a good amount of gigging, but is in rock solid shape structurally. Some dents and buckle rash as pictured, and the headstock was clearly leaned against a wall for years. Tuners and electronics work perfectly. Frets have a good amount of life left. Comes with pictured hard shell case. Willing to ship or drive a reasonable distance
... more
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC. This guitar sounds and plays excellent. There's not much fret wear. There is some minor scratches, bumps and dings and a small buckle rash spot on the back. Other than that, this is 100% original with no cracks. Damage or repairs. Includes the original Gibson hard shell case. Will ship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes. No international shipping
... more
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
Vintage 1974 GIbson The Grabber Natural W /  Original Hardshell Case

Vintage 1974 GIbson The Grabber Natural W / Original Hardshell Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3199

Vintage pre-owned original circa 1974 Gibson The Grabber Bass in original Natural finish
Original Gibson pickup that slides back and forth has a classic vintage tone. Sliding the pickup makes for a deeper to more trebly sound.
Bass is super light and resonant. A real nice example
All original with the exception of upgraded tuners which keep it well in tune
The pickup on this example is stuck in one position its not sliding back and forth
Comes with nice original ... more
eBay logo
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
eBay logo
ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3880

UP FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Original Gibson Hard case .
HAS AMAZING TONE AND SOUND WITH A REAL NICE SMOOTH FEEL AND ACTION ALL TUNERS, ELECTRONICS, GIBSON PICK UPS, SWITCHES, VOL , TONE. WORK REAL WELL ALSO AS SHOWN HAS A TINY HAIRLINE ON GUARD BY INPUT JACK CONSIDERING THIS GEM IS APPROX. 50 YEARS OLD AS SHOWN IN REAL NICE ORIGINAL CONDITION BUT TO BE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME SCUFFS, SCRATCHES AND NORMAL USAGE WEAR .PLEASE ... more
eBay logo
Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan.
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
... more
eBay logo
1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9000

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
 
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more
eBay logo
Epiphone Embassy PRO Bass PROJECT

Epiphone Embassy PRO Bass PROJECT

Blackwood, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$220

2021 Epiphone Embassy PROJECT (Husk) with Sparkling Burgundy finish
It is in like new condition. The only blemish I can find is a small scratch on the bottom of the guitar as shown in the picture
As you can see it does not have the string claw, bridge, knobs or pickups. When you decide what pickups to put in it, it has master volume and tone controls, as well as a pickup blend knob for outstanding tonal versatility
solid mahogany double-cutaway body, a 34" scale mahogany neck capped ... more
eBay logo
Gibson L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case

Gibson L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case

Chesterfield, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

I bought this guitar around 1982. I played it in the high school marching band. It is a marvelous instrument that has always deserved a better player than myself. That being said, my only consolation in letting it go is that whoever owns it next plays the hell out it. They didn't call this model the Ripper for nothing and rock stars have long sought after this model built during this time. It sounds beautiful and it is painful for me to sell it. But I don't play it often and my home air ... more
eBay logo
SCHALLER 1980 BASS HUMBUCKER MODEL 232 GERMANY KRAMER DUKE, EPIPHONE RIVOLI MORE

SCHALLER 1980 BASS HUMBUCKER MODEL 232 GERMANY KRAMER DUKE, EPIPHONE RIVOLI MORE

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$89

FREE USA SHIPPING!
These only came as standard equipment on a few basses including early Kramer Duke and Japan Epiphone Rivoli models. It's quite hard-to-find these days as a result of limited production. Rumor has it that Carl Thompson used them but I can't substantiate that. This is a very strong pickup with 4-conductor wiring so you can wire it with a switch for dual / single coil operation. It registers a very strong 14 66k on my trusty meter so you know it means business. The bezel ... more
eBay logo
1970s Epiphone ET-285 Electric Bass with OHSC - 3 Tone Burst - Vintage

1970s Epiphone ET-285 Electric Bass with OHSC - 3 Tone Burst - Vintage

Evansville, Indiana, 477**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$899

1970s Epiphone ET-285 Electric Bass with OHSC - 3 Tone Burst - Vintage. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more
eBay logo