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 EB-2 bass
EB-2 1958-61, 64-70
EB-2D 1966-72
Gibson EB-0 bass
EB-0 1959-79
EB-OF 1962-65
EB-OL 1970-77
Gibson EB-3 bass
EB3 1961-79
EB-3L 1970-79
Gibson Thunderbird bass
1963-69, 1976-79, 1987-date
Gibson SB bass
SB-300/SB-400 1971-73
SB-350/SB-450 1972-78
Gibson Les Paul Triumph bass
1971-80
Gibson Les Paul Signature bass
1973-79
Gibson Grabber bass
1973-84
Gibson Ripper bass
L9-S 1973-82
L9-SF 1973-79(?)
Gibson G3 bass
1975-85
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
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.
Gibson bass guitars for sale
Gibson EB-5 Bass
West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1050
Comes with an original Gibson soft gig bag.
Local pick up in West Palm Beach or additional shipping cost will be added.... more
1968 Gibson Dove Vintage Acoustic Guitar Cherry Sunburst 100% Original Case 1960
Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5997
This is a 100% original vintage Gibson Dove and one of the cleanest examples you are likely to find. It is a true collector??s-grade guitar with the kind of condition that almost looks too clean for a 1968 instrument. The finish, hardware, pickguard, bridge, tuners, frets, and case all present beautifully
The guitar would be nearly ... more
Gibson "The Ripper" L-9s Original Bass Guitar 1970's
Marquette, Wisconsin, 539**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1550
... more
1985 Gibson Designer Series Explorer Bass White w / Black Stripes
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3695
Produced during a time of bold 1980s styling, this bass balances Gibson's traditional set-neck (dovetail) construction with a distinctively modern, metallic-era design. It is known to offer a thick, highly resonant output suitable for a variety of playing styles. Because production runs were limited, original Designer Series Explorer Basses are highly sought after by ... more
Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Ebony w / Case
Pine Brook, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4600
Bass is in very good condition
All Moog electronics function
There had previously been a thumb rest which was removed and the holes patched. Still visible
There is slight damage to the finish on the back of the neck from the bass being hung
Comes with a case, but not the OHSC
... more
1960 Gibson EBO a stunning rare all original example from Gibson's best era !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6495
Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass
Cross Junction, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6000
(bought from dirk vandenberg of guitar surfari. mike watts bass tech in San Pedro... more
60's Vintage Gibson EB-O bass 70's Fender Pickup Added With Case
Glendale, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1750
1977 Gibson L-9S Ripper Natural
Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2799
Quick Details
Make ?? Gibson
Model ?? The Ripper
Year -1977
Color -Natural
Weight ?? 10 72lbs
Nut Width ?? 1 9 / 16ths??
Neck Depth at 1st fret ?? 0 83??
Neck Depth at 12th fret ?? 0 98??
Case ??Original hard case
Serial # 73047092
Description
Just in is this beautiful 1977 Gibson ??The Ripper?? bass. This bass is in ... more
1979 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3250
This Gibson Ripper was made in the USA in 1979. It shows play wear, but overall this one is quite clean with no structural damage. It is all original, although 1 pickup was re-wound. The bass is stamped "Second" but unclear why. This bass has been pro-setup in our store, plays great, and comes with the original case
If you have any questions, please message us
We ship Worldwide! Message for international shipping rates.... more
all original 1964 Gibson EB-0 Bass Cherry
Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2490
Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1964 Gibson EB-0 short-scale bass in its original Cherry finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original and 100% complete along with its original soft shell case. It looks great with nicks + dings, very little minor finish checking and other cosmetic wear including one small chip in bottom edge of the body near the control cavity. The bass itself remains structurally sound with no cracks,... more
1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware
Hackettstown, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5500
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
Gibson EB-4L Long Scale 4-String Bass Guitar 1973 - Cherry
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1799
Specs include a mahogany body, 3-piece maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, 20 frets, open gear tuners, and adjustable saddle bridge. It has a single humbucker pickup with a 3-way voice control switch that offers natural, bass boost, and brilliant tonal options
This one shows light dings and scratches over its surface with some lager paint chips on the back of the ... more
Gibson EBO Bass Guitar 1967 solid wood cherry finish made in the US with case
Lebanon, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4950
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... more
1964 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale Bass Cherry, 100% Original w / Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3400
Lightweight at 6lbs 11oz, this EB-0 features solid Honduran mahogany construction and a rosewood fretboard. The famous ??Mudbucker?? pickup ... more
1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar
Winnsboro, Louisiana, 712**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
1965 Gibson EBO Bass in Custom Color "Ember Red" stunning 1 of a kind & Minty !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4495
1981 Gibson Victory Bass Red
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1595
A killer bass with a nice fat tone and superb playability
This baby is a RED BEAST!
Bass plays and sounds fantastic.
Some honest signs of age and wear throughout
Completely original
Comes with nice brown hardshell case
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted
International Buyers ? Please Note: ... more
1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar
Mission Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
PICK UP ONLY Mission Hills, CA (LA ... more
I have recently purchased a Gibson sg eb3 bass and I find the action is a bit high and wonder how I can lower it a bit thank you
looking for info on 60's Gibson mustang bass guitar. where would I get this. am wanting to purchase one and have no idea what I am looking at
Gibson's first basses were made in the 1930s. They had a Banjo Bass, an Upright and a strange looking round model. It would be neat if you added them to your site to make it complete.