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
VINTAGE 1978 Gibson Grabber 3 Fretless (478)
Pikeville, Kentucky, 415**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1900
This bass is in good condition for it's age, but has been played and shows some moderate wear. These basses originally featured a thin satin finish which is prone to wear and tear, and that proves to be the case with this instrument. The instrument is covered in light dents and dings, as well as some scratches and scuffs. There are many spots where the finish has worn through to the bare wood underneath, and there are some areas on this bass that the finish has been ... view on ebay
1974 Gibson EB 3 Bass With A Case
Ottawa, Ohio, 458**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1700
Gibson L9-S Bass 4-String Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar Natural RH
Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3400
Gibson 4-String Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar Black Right-Hand Rosewood
Eureka, California, 955**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$600
GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE
Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1750
... view on ebay
1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case
Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5000
The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!!  It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... view on ebay
Gibson Ripper 1980 4-String Solid Maple Electric Bass Natural RH w / Stand
Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2300
Gibson RD Artist Bass 4-String Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar Natural RH
Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3040
1966 Gibson Melody Maker SG Bass
Kelseyville, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2600
Where to begin. This thing was in really bad shape when I purchased it. The following repairs were done by Sonoma County Guitarworks:
Fret level and dress
Nut replacement (bleached bone)
Studs replaced (tone pros)
Pick guard was replaced
Output jack replacement
Bridge replaced, believe it??s a leo quan badazz
Neck joint needed gluing
This has the original pickup, feels almost as light as a melody maker guitar, super fun to play. ... view on ebay
Vintage Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar Early 1970s Made in USA All Original
Van Nuys, California, 914**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1650
All parts and components are original. There are no broken parts
Its naturally aged finish displays extensive lacquer checking, scratches, chips, and wear??giving this bass the wonderful character that only decades of history can create. The warm wood... view on ebay
1976 Gibson The Ripper Fretless L9-S Vintage Bass Ebony w / Bill Lawrence, Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
Weighing 10lbs 8oz, the set neck and string-through body design ensure excellent sustain, providing an ideal platform for the L-90s. The first-ever dual rail ... view on ebay
1994 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Vintage Sunburst EMG Hipshot Tuner Gig Bag
Astoria, Oregon, 971**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1995
1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar w / case. Alpine White. Original owner. USA
Harrisonburg, Virginia, 228**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3750
I am the original owner of this bass ?? it was a... view on ebay
Vintage 1970s MIJ Gibson Style Bass 4 string
Trenton, New Jersey, 086**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$500
1964 Gibson EBO Bass Guitar
Ottawa, Ohio, 458**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
1974 Gibson EB 3 Bass With A Case
Ottawa, Ohio, 458**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1700
Gibson Triumph Les Paul Bass Mojo City! Great Player (398)
Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
In good vintage condition, this bass shows plenty of honest play wear, scratches, dings, and finish wear throughout. It's got that unmistakable vintage look that only decades of use can create!
The electronics are fully functional and work exactly as they should, delivering that big, warm, punchy Gibson bass tone with plenty of ... view on ebay
1972 Gibson EB-3 Very nice
Kokomo, Indiana, 469**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE
Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1750
... view on ebay
1973 Gibson The Ripper 4-String Solid Body Right-Handed Electric Bass Natural
Hawthorne, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
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.