Gibson bass guitars

Gibson have been producing high quality bass guitars since the dawn of rock and roll, but particularly during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. In that time they have created some of the most iconic bass guitars ever produced, with the majority of current Gibson bass models conceived in this period. The ultimate rock-bass, the Thunderbird.. the supremely awesome RD Artist.. the ultimate 60s bass, the semi-acoustic EB2.. and numerous Gibson SG bass variants - there's nothing like a 1960s EB3. Most Gibson bass guitars were high quality instruments; made by skilled craftsmen using great woods, hardware and electronics, and with high quality finishes and appointments.

And though vintage basses can be expensive, vintage Gibson bass guitars generally don't sell for as high prices as vintage Gibson electric guitars, or vintage Fender basses. There are some incredibly well made instruments that sell for way under their 'worth' as functioning musical instruments. No two Gibson bass guitar models have the same features, and it really is worth having a look at some of the less-known Gibson bass guitars.

Gibson produced guitars in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in several buildings, but primarily at a plant in Parsons Street. Guitars had been built there since 1917, and almost all Gibson, and 1958-1969 Epiphones were produced here. Gibson left for Nashville in 1984, and now former Gibson guitar builders make guitars the way they were made in their heyday under the name of Heritage guitars.

The first Gibson bass guitar

Gibson had experimented with electrically amplified instruments as early as the 1920s, but they were not really considered commercially viable until the 1930s, with the popularisation of Hawaiian guitars. Gibson produced a number of instruments fitted with pickups: guitars, banjos and mandolins; and a bass, though only two models were built. 1938-40.

Production Gibson bass guitars

Gibson's first production electric bass was the 1953 Electric Bass, or EB. Les Paul's influence was never far away during these years "this was one of the first electric bass guitars Gibson made. I was responsible for the violin shape... it all came about (the electric guitar bass) from me playing my E string on the guitar as a bass using my thumb - this proved it could replace a stand up bass and Leo Fender and lots of others picked up the idea".

It was the first of numerous Gibson bass guitar models produced under the ownership of CMI, and was soon followed by the EB2, EBO, EB3, EBOF, Thunderbird bass, Melody Maker bass and finally the Les Paul bass.

As the sixties turned into the seventies CMI gave way to Norlin, and quite a number of new bass models appeared. The Gibson SG bass continued in the form of the SB series and EB4L, but it was time for new models: the Les Paul Signature, Ripper, Grabber, G3, RD bass, Victory, Flying V bass and Explorer.

Following the links below to see content on this site for the following Gibson bass guitars. In chronological order:

The Gibson bass guitar, 1950s-1980s

CMI and Norlin

Gibson Electric Bass
(named EB1 from 1958) 1953-58, 1970-73

• EB main page

Gibson EB-2 bass
EB-2 1958-61, 64-70
EB-2D 1966-72

• EB2 main page
• EB2 users
• EB2 shipping data
• EB2 technical info
• Forum posts
• Prices & publicity
• Timeline
• 1958 EB-2
• 1968 EB-2D
• 1969 EB-2 (Walnut)

Gibson EB-0 bass
EB-0 1959-79
EB-OF 1962-65
EB-OL 1970-77

• EB0 main page
• EB0 shipping data
• EB0 technical info
• Forum posts
• 1962 EB-0
• 1964 EB-0
• 1966 EB-0
• 1969 EB-0
• 1970 EB-0
• 1972 EB-0
• 1972 EB-0L

Gibson EB-3 bass
EB3 1961-79
EB-3L 1970-79

• EB3 main page
• EB3 shipping data
• EB3 technical info
• Forum posts
• Prices & publicity
• Timeline
• 1961 EB-3
• 1961 EB-3 (2)
• 1963 EB-3
• 1963 EB-3 (Sunburst)
• 1965 EB-3 (Pelham)
• 1969 EB-3
• 1971 EB-3
• 1971 EB-3L
• 1971 EB-3L restoration
• 1972 EB-3
• 1972 EB-3L
• 1973 EB-3 (Left hand stereo)
• 1978 EB-3

Gibson Thunderbird bass
1963-69, 1976-79, 1987-date

• Thunderbird
• Thunderbird custom finishes
• 1979 Thunderbird
• 1992 Thunderbird IV

Gibson Les Paul Bass
1969-71

• Les Paul Bass main page
• Wiring & circuitry
• 1969 Les Paul Bass

Gibson SB bass
SB-300/SB-400 1971-73
SB-350/SB-450 1972-78

• SB main page
• SB shipping data
• Forum posts
• 1971 SB-400 flyer
• Wiring diagrams
• 1971 SB-400 (Walnut)
• 1973 SB-450 (Natural)

Gibson Les Paul Triumph bass
1971-80

• Les Paul Triumph main page
• Wiring & circuitry
• Les Paul Triumph shipping data
• Forum posts
• Prices & publicity
• Users
• 1971 Triumph (single pickup prototype)
• 1972 Les Paul Triumph

Gibson EB4L bass
1972-79

• EB4L main page
• Wiring & circuitry
• 1973 EB-4L (Cherry)
• 1973 EB-4L (Walnut)

Gibson Les Paul Signature bass
1973-79

• Les Paul Signature main page
• Les Paul Signature bass shipping data
• Control descriptions

Gibson Grabber bass
1973-84

• Grabber
• Grabber shipping data
• Grabber technical info
• Forum posts
• Prices & publicity
• 1975 Grabber (Wine Red)
• 1977 Grabber (Maple Gloss)

Gibson Ripper bass
L9-S 1973-82
L9-SF 1973-79(?)

• Ripper main page
• Control descriptions
• Ripper users
• Ripper technical info
• Prices & publicity
• Forum posts
• Soundclips
• 1974 L9-S Ripper
• 1976 L9-S Ripper
• 1977 L9-FS Ripper
• 1978 L9-S Ripper

Gibson G3 bass
1975-85

• G-3 main page
• Control descriptions
• G-3 technical info
• Forum posts
• Prices & publicity
• 1976 G-3 (Maple Gloss)
• 1978 G-3 (Tobacco Sunburst)

Gibson RD bass
RD Artist 1977-81
RD Standard 1977-78

• RD series main page
• RD Artist
• RD Standard
• RD Artist control descriptions
• RD Artist technical info
• RD Standard technical info
• RD bass timeline
• Prices & publicity
• Forum posts
• Soundclips
• 1978 RD Artist (Fireburst)
• 1978 RD Standard (Natural)
• 1981 RD Artist (CMT Antique Sunburst)
• Early 1977 6-string *prototype*

Gibson Victory bass
Standard 1981-86
Artist 1981-86
Custom 1982-84

• Victory series main page
• Victory development
• Victory technical info
• Victory pricing and publicity
• Forum posts
• Soundclips
• 1981 Victory Standard (Silver)
• 1981 Victory Standard (Candy Apple Red)
• 1981 Victory Standard (Ebony)
• 1982 Victory Artist
• 1982 Victory Custom

Are Gibson bass guitars basically all the same?

As can be seen there is quite some variation amongst Gibson bass guitars. Unlike Fender, who were immediately successful with their Precision bass, Gibson only attained moderate success with their bass models, which in turn inspired them to continually develop new products. Gibson, as a brand, have always been all about quality, and numerous Gibson bass guitars that failed commercially at the time, were actually outstanding instruments, and have legions of devoted fans today. The company made some really great playing guitars, with absolutely timeless designs, and some truly innovative features; the differences between models, both in terms of look and sound is huge. Anyone who claims they don't like "Gibson bass guitars" is almost certainly guilty of lazy generalisation. An EB2 is worlds apart from a Thunderbird, which in turn is worlds apart from an EB0, or a Ripper, or an RD Artist! Other than the build quality and headstock branding Gibson bass guitars often have very little in common.

A 1960s Gibson bass vs a 1970s Gibson bass

A 1950s or 60s Gibson bass would typically have a mahogany body, set (glued in) mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, probably be 30" scale and a pickup wound or positioned for maximum bass effect. The finish would typically be Cherry or Sunburst. Gibson bass guitars were still attempting to be as close an approximation to an upright string bass as was possible. By the late 1960s, Les Paul's low impedance guitars and basses were offering new levels of tonal control for the recording studio, and such electronic experimentation was a massive feature of the following decade. Aswell as some form of new circuitry to increase tonal range, a 1970s Gibson bass guitar would more likely be 34" scale, have a maple body, neck, and potentially fretboard, often with a clear Natural finish.

Fender basses are typically an alder/ash body, a bolt-on maple neck and single coil pickups. The Jazz and Precision set a standard that the company rarely veered away from. A Gibson bass, on the other hand, could be mahogany, maple, or alder; with a set, bolt-on or through neck. Pickups are single coil, or humbuckers. Or single coils wired as humbuckers. There are very Fender-esque Gibson bass guitars - like the Grabber, or perhaps the Victory Standard, but also many models that have practically no similarities. Fender have never made anything approaching an EB2, EB3, Les Paul bass or Thunderbird, and it is for that reason that these Gibson bass models are still produced today (in one form or another) and are more popular than ever. Other models have been largely forgotten, only to enjoy a come-back when a famous artist is seen sporting them. The Les Paul Signature in the hands of Jack Casady. The RD artist, Ripper and Victory spring to mind as basses of choice for Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, the G3 for Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt, and the Les Paul Triumph for Oasis bassist Paul McGuigan.

The prime focus of this site is the great old Gibson bass models of the CMI and Norlin periods, i.e. basses produced between 1953 and 1985. Modern day Gibson bass guitars are still quite nice, but of the later output, we have a strong preference for the guitars that hark back to the classic Gibson bass, such as the SG reissue bass, Les Paul bass and Thunderbird.

• 1987 20/20
• 2000 SG-Z
• 2001 Les Paul Standard
• 2006 SG Reissue

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals it's 1 of a kind & Minty

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

$27495

These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is straight as an arrow ... more

1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !

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

$13495

These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? 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 Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more

1961 Gibson EB-3 the cleanest original extent w / hang tags 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$11495

This is a beautiful 1st year produced example of the exactly ??Cream Era?? Gibson EB-3 bass, pretty much identical the primary one used extensively by Jack Bruce from 1966 into the mid-70s. These expensive double pickup EB basses were made in fairly small quantities from 1961 into the mid-1960s but most examples that surface now are the later ??60s and early ??70s models, when they were produced in much greater numbers ?? at least partially due to the popularity of Cream ! Those are fine ... more

1958 Gibson EB-2 1st year Museum Quality 100% original its 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$9995

This is a truly superb original example of one of the rarer Gibson electric basses: the first-generation semi-hollow EB-2. The EB-2 in general is not a overly rare bass, but these earliest models built in the debut year were sold in only small numbers; many more were built in 1964-68 when production was at its peak. The ES-335 guitar from 1958 is one of Gibson??s most treasured and sought after instruments; this matching bass is actually considerably rarer, if not as highly in demand ! The EB-2 ... more

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8695

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass, Sunburst finish, Booming Humbucking pickup withBlack Plastic cover, Nickel parts, Full feeling neck, Fine bass! Hang tag, VG++, Original hard case... more

1951 Gibson ES 350

Sunnyvale, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6950

1951 Gibson ES 350 in Sunburst finish Guitar has modified wiring- Selector switch, Master Volume, Master Tone. A previous owner had the guitar over buffed, as a result , the outer ply of the body binding was over heated, as were the original knobs (included) ,causing some cracking and crumbling in the body outer ply binding only-the neck and headstock binding is fine. Guitar has Repro Tailpiece and Repro Kluson Tuners. At one time there was a strap button installed on the neck heel, and has ... more

1960 Gibson EBO a stunning rare all original example from Gibson's best era !

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

$6495

This is a very rare late production 1960 Gibson EB-0 Bass the original slab-bodied EB-0 bass weighs just 9 lbs. 6oz. and has a nice, fat nut width of just under 1 11 / 16 inches and a scale length of 30 1 / 2 inches. Solid mahogany body, one-piece mahogany neck, and unbound Brazil rosewood fretboard with 20 original jumbo frets and inlaid pearl dot position markers. Headstock with inlaid pearl ??Gibson?? logo and pearl crown inlay. Two-layer black over white plastic ?bell-shaped?? truss-rod ... more

1967 Gibson EB-2C Bass fabulous special ordered EB-2 in "Sparkling Burgundy" !

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

$6495

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-2C??s from 1967. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Sparkling Burgundy?? custom color finish is what this is all about & it??s so frickin rare. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label too. Its pickgard is missing. Its ... more

1974 Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass Goldtop Near-Mint & 100% Original w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

Up for sale, a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass in near-mint , 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Easily among the more unique and rarer instruments to ever sport the Les Paul branding / endorsement (and designed with direct involvement from the man himself), the Signature Bass was produced from 1973-79, with only 627 instruments made in total across the duration of that seven year run. Best associated with Jack Casady (Jefferson ... more

Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass

Cross Junction, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass: ESP Strat preamp with bypass mini-switch added. Badass bridge, headstock repaired. Mike Watt moved the output jack from the side to the front and added a big ol' washer to reinforce it you can see it in the picture. He also removed the side jack.
(bought from dirk vandenberg of guitar surfari. mike watts bass tech in San Pedro... more

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

1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar

Hollywood, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5865

Near mint condition, still have an original hard case, this guitar means a lot to me, so please serious inquiries only

Feel free to ask me any questions
... more

Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar

Anderson, Indiana, 460**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5790

Double cut a way Sun Burst Serial Number is 408061I purchased this bass in the sixties. I am the original owner Has been played very little. Has original strings except "G " Original hard caseOriginal cordHippie strap includedEXCELLENT CONDITION... more

1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar w / original hard-shell case.

Clarkston, Washington, 994**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

The 1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar is a vintage piece that comes in its original hard-shell case. This electric bass guitar is designed for professional performance, making it a high-quality option for musicians. With a classic semi-hollow body, rosewood fretboard, and maple neck, this right-handed guitar offers a rich sound that is perfect for bass players looking for a vintage feel and high-performance capabilities. The red body color adds a touch of style to this iconic Gibson model from 1964.... more

1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware

Hackettstown, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Made in 1967 at the Kalamazoo plant this is a Gibson
EB2-C bass in very good condition. Everything original except for strings and brand new truss rod. Very little finish cracking
Works perfectly! Baritone pushbutton switch works!
We minor cosmetic damages shown. There was a chip on the left side of the head when I bought it and when the truss rod was fixed there was some bubbling on the neck and damage to the head stock
Feel free to reach out for any questions!... more

1970s Vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob Clean

Kingston, Michigan, 487**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

The product is a vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob from the 1970s. This knob would have been used on the bass guitar of a Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph model from that era. Made by Gibson, known for their high-quality instruments, this knob is likely to be a rare and sought after collectible for vintage guitar enthusiasts.... more

Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

This listing is for a rare and amazing Vintage Gibson Style J Mando Bass. To the best of my knowledge this bass was made in 1913 and these Style J Mando Basses were made in small quantities between 1912 throughout throughout the 1920's and 1930's. This one is not in great shape and will require some professional restoration but these are so rare it would be a great project for the right player or luthier to restore
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... more

? For Sale: Legendary 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass ?? A Piece of Rock History! ?

Danbury, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

? For Sale: Legendary 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass ?? A Piece of Rock History! ?
Own a true piece of music history!
This 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass is in excellent condition and comes with an incredible pedigree.
This iconic instrument was played by some of the most legendary bassists in rock history:
John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin
Jack Bruce of Cream
Felix Pappalardi of Mountain
The bass is in excellent shape, with only the pickguard and bridge cover missing ?? a small ... more

1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC

San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar + Original Gibson Hardshell Case
" NATURAL BLONDE" FINISH
GIBSON NORLIN-ERA
Original MOOG ELECTRONICS
Made in USA (Kalamazoo Plant, MI)
Production # 102 (April 17th release)
Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free household. Kept inside case when not used

Up for sale is a BEAUTIFUL LATE-70's Gibson Bass Guitar (RD ARTIST)
EXCELLENT overall vintage condition. Standard surface scratches, light dings, marks on front / back body / ... more

Vintage 1978 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural Yellow With Gator Hardcase

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

The Vintage 1978 Gibson Ripper Bass in Natural Yellow with a Gator Hardcase is a highly sought-after electric bass guitar for right-handed players. This unique instrument features a solid body design, maple fretboard and neck, and 20 frets, delivering a classic sound that is perfect for vintage music enthusiasts. With the iconic Gibson brand and quality craftsmanship, this bass guitar is a must-have for collectors and musicians looking to add a unique piece to their collection.... more

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