Fly Guitars

Interview: Dave Kiswiney

Thu, 3 Oct 2019 01:01:01 GMT

Dave 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

Fri, 4 Dec 2015 01:01:01 GMT

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

Fri, 7 Nov 2014 01:01:01 GMT

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

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 01:01:01 GMT

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

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 01:01:01 GMT

The 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

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 01:01:01 GMT

Although 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

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:01:01 GMT

A 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

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:01:01 GMT

Profile 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.

1972 Gibson EB3L

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 01:01:01 GMT

A closer look at a 1972 Gibson EB3L. In 1972, Gibson completely redesigned the EB series of basses, giving them maple necks, far more substantial bodies, and redesigned circuitry. This included moving the front pickup away from the neck, and towards the middle of the body. The result was a fine playing bass; less boomy than its's 1960s predecessor, and more durable too. Have a listen to the EB3L soundclips

Gibson EB2 and Epiphone Rivoli circuit information

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 01:01:01 GMT

Schematic and simplified wiring illustration for the 1960s single pickup Gibson EB2 and Epiphone Rivoli bass guitars. The original EB2 and Rivoli basses were very similar indeed, both being made side by side in Gibson's Kalamazoo plant in Michigan, USA. Differences were purely cosmetic, and electronically they were identical: a Gibson EB humbucker, one volume control, one tone control, and a baritone push button switch.

Interview: Jack Casady

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:01:01 GMT

Fly Guitars is delighted to feature an interview with a bass legend, Jack Casady. He talks about how he started out, and his influences, but as always, the focus is on his gear. Jack was famous for his customised instruments. There's a section on his early Fender Jazz basses, Guild Starfire basses, his Alembic number one, and of course the development of his own Epiphone Jack Casady Signature bass. In seven parts.

1968 Gibson EB-2D

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:01:01 GMT

The Gibson EB2 was initially available as a one-pickup instrument, however in 1966, the option of a second humbucker in the bridge position was added. The EB2 used the same pickup as the Gibson EB0, and likewise, the EB2D used the same pickup arrangement as the Gibson EB3, aswell as the tone choke or bass-boost. This page gives description, images and soundclips taken from a 1968 Gibson EB-2D bass guitar

Interview: Mick Hawksworth

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:01:01 GMT

The latest Fly Guitar interview is with one of Britain's unsung bass heroes. Mick Hawksworth has been performing and recording for over 40 years, in a long line up of bands, and as a session player. In the 60s he was noted for his "technically brilliant basslines" after he formed the short-lived Andromeda with Attack frontman John Cann. He's got a great taste in gear: Acoustic, Danelectro, Guild. And of course Gibson; he most often plays an RD Artist bass. Check out the youtube clips to see it in action! In six parts.

1976 Gibson G3

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:01:01 GMT

Images and description of a 1976 Gibson Grabber 3, or G3, bass guitar in Maple Gloss finish. The G3 was the upgraded version of the Gibson Grabber, essentially the same bass in every way, except the pickups. Rather than one sliding humbucker, it featured three G3 single coil pickups wired in humbucking configuration. many people regard the G3 as the best of the Grabber/G3/Ripper family of basses.

Gibson Victory Wiring Schematics

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:01:01 GMT

The Gibson Victory bass guitar had complicated circuitry designed by Kalamazoo research and development engineer Tim Shaw. The full circuit schematic for the Victory Artist and schematic for the Victory Custom are online now for the first time, along with images of the circuits themselves. The Artist circuit was redesigned shortly after introduction of the model, and named Rev B. for this reason we are calling the older circuit Rev A. Schematics for both circuits are included on this site.

1977 Gibson Grabber

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:01:01 GMT

Images and description of a 1977 Gibson Grabber bass guitar in Maple Gloss finish. As the finish name implies, this is a maple-bodied bass, in contrast to the majority of Grabbers shipped with a natural (satin) finish, which were alder, and also cheaper. Maple Gloss is an unusual colour, with just 181 such instruments shipped between 1977-79 (see Gibson Grabber shipping figures), although a few more may well have been shipped in the early 1980s.

1973 Gibson EB-4L

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:01:01 GMT

Images and description of an early 1973 Gibson EB-4L bass guitar in Walnut finish. The early '73s had the two-point bridge, changing to the three-point bridge later that year (see a late 1973 EB-4L). There are no other differences; all EB4s have the same pickup (special design superhumbucker), controls, and other hardware.

Gibson Bass Guitars Pickguard Information

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 01:01:01 GMT

Fly Guitars includes quite a lot of Gibson Bass part information, predominantly pickups, machineheads and bridges. This new section details some of the scratchplates used on Gibson bass guitars. Includes downloadable templates you can use to make your own replacement guards.

Gibson SB-300 and SB-400 Circuit Information

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:01:01 GMT

The circuitry of the early SB basses (SB-300 and SB-400) was shared with a number of six-string Gibson electrics: the SG-200, SG-250, and the ES-320. This page shows the circuit in close-up, component list (with part numbers), and simplified wiring schematic.

1969 Gibson EB-2W Electric Bass Guitar

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 01:01:01 GMT

Description and photographs of a 1969 Gibson EB-2W electric bass guitar. The EB-2 was available between 1959-1961 and again 1964-1972. According to the available EB-2 shipping figures, just 12 EB-2W basses were shipped, all in 1969, although this is most likely incorrect, as the finish was listed in all price lists between June 1968 and October 1972, and was available for the two-pickup EB-2D too.

The Development of the Gibson Victory Bass

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:01:01 GMT

The Gibson Victory series was created by the then research and development team housed in the basement of the old Kalamazoo plant. The guitar itself was the work of artist/designer Charles (Chuck) Burge, whilst the electronics were created by another team member, Tim Shaw. I was lucky enough to catch up with Chuck, on my recent visit to Kalamazoo, and get some of the story on these often overlooked basses.

1962 Epiphone Newport Deluxe EBD bass

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 01:01:01 GMT

Description and photographs of a 1962 Epiphone Newport Deluxe electric bass guitar. The Newport series comprised four models, the Deluxe being the top-of-the-range two-pickup model. In reality, this bass is a Gibson EB3 with no varitone control; both are short scale, all mahogany, set-necked basses, and use the same pickups and hardware. Manufactured 1961-1963

1971 Gibson SB-400 bass

Sun, 9 Nov 2008 01:01:01 GMT

Description and photographs of a 1971 Gibson SB-400 electric bass guitar. The SB series was a new attempt to capture the lower-middle end of the bass market; Gibson quality and construction, but with a cheaper price tag. The SB-300 and longscale SB-400 were the first Gibson basses to have a maple neck, and the first solid-bodies not made of mahogany.

1981 Gibson RD Artist CMT bass

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:01:01 GMT

Description and photographs of a 1981 Gibson RD Artist electric bass guitar, in Antique Sunburst finish on a curly maple top (CMT). The CMT basses came right at the end of RD production, and perhaps as few as 100 were produced. This bass features the second version switch layout allowing expansion and compression consecutively.

Interview: Ralphe Armstrong

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:18:01 GMT

Bass player Ralphe Armstrong, (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jean-Luc Ponty, Curtis Mayfield, James Carter, D-12) talks about his playing, musical career, Gibson endorsement, and of course, his love for Gibson bass guitars. By John Fertig. In four parts.

1962 Gibson EB0 bass

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 04:49:01 GMT

Description and photographs of a 1962 Gibson EB-0 electric bass guitar, including wiring photographs. This bass has a black bakelite pickup cover, nickel hardware, 'raised' crown logo, and fat, wide, neck; typical of the early sixties.

Interview: Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:19:01 GMT

Bassist, producer, and musical director, talks about himself, his music and, of course, his Gibson bass guitars. In four parts.

Gibson Victory bass series

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 01:47:01 GMT

There were three versions of the Gibson Victory bass: the passive Standard and Custom, and the active Artist. FlyGuitars has a look at these eighties classics; descriptions, specifications, images and soundclips