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 1969 Gibson EB-0L Playable Project
Madison, Alabama, 357**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$900
The main issue is one that plagues all of these late 60??s EB Basses, and that??s the horrible neck sets on them. Which usually results in crazy high action. And this example is not exempt from that
The neck is very playable up until til about the 7th fret when the action starts to get fairly high. We tried everything we could to get it to a fairly standard height, but to no avail. This is why it is being ... more
Vintage Gibson EB-2 Modified Bass EB2 ES bass Electric Bass 1960??s
Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1000
more
Used Gibson 1977 RD Artist Bass Moog - Black w / Case
Maricopa, Arizona, 851**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
This particular bass was used without the Moog portion engaged when I was in the band with the bass player back in 2006. He no longer plays... more
1968 Gibson EB-2D Bass a very original example ready to enjoy for 58 more years.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless Ebony Black OHSC Rare
Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2999
Up for sale is a 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless in Ebony Black, complete with its original hard-shell case
This is a very cool and very rare original fretless Gibson bass from the late ??70s. Original fretless Rippers do not come up often, and this one has all the bold visual presence and unmistakable feel that make these basses so appealing. With its long-scale Gibson design, ebony fingerboard, and classic Ebony Black finish, it... more
Gibson "The Ripper" L-9s Original Bass Guitar 1970's
Marquette, Wisconsin, 539**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1550
... more
1975 Gibson Grabber Bass Body ,With 1991 Music Man Stingray Neck
Lummi Island, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2700
75 gibson grabber bass with 91 musicman stingray neck
This bass has seen some action See photos.
I bought bass this way. With different neck
Body of bass has lots of dings, scratches, worn out gouge. Been played hard
Still sounds sweet in my opinion.
Pickup slides, volume and tone work ( could use cleaning on pots). Has new strings
Neck is beautiful back is pretty smooth.
Please ask any questions, I can ... more
Gibson SB-450 1973 Electric Bass Guitar Natural Finish w / Curtis Novak Pickups
Manhasset, New York, 110**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
This 1973 Gibson SB-450 electric bass is a classic early-??70s American-built instrument featuring a natural finish and period-correct construction, enhanced with modern performance upgrades for improved playability and tone
Originally built with a lightweight alder body, this long-scale bass delivers the open, resonant feel typical of Gibson??s bass designs from the era. It has been upgraded with a set of ... more
1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w / OHSC
Towson, Maryland, 212**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass in Cherry with original hardshell case??a vintage semi-hollow thumper with unmistakable Gibson character. The double-cut hollow body design delivers a deep, woody low end with a warm, blooming response, while the neck-position humbucker provides that classic ??mudbucker?? fullness that sits perfectly in the mix and a bridge humbucker with a little more bite. Its short-scale feel makes it ... more
1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar
Hollywood, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5865
Feel free to ask me any questions
... more
1980s Gibson Victory Bass Neck ONLY
Statesville, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$500
... more
GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE
Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1250
... more
Gibson Bass Hand Rest
Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$200
Vintage 1965 Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Short Scale SG Shape w / HSC GREAT PLAYER!
Berkeley, California, 947**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1800
We recently got in a vintage Gibson bass that is an excellent player. We have set it up and dressed the frets and are happy to certify it as ready to be exposed to the candor of the public
serial number 341297
The bass is in very good condition with a number of ... more
1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass Natural
Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2890
Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass in its original Natural Mahogany finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the strap buttons and the switch tip. The original hardshell case is included and has a replaced handle. There are lots of nicks + dings, belt buckle wear, a cracked corner of the pickguard and other cosmetic wear. There are a couple of very short ... more
Gibson Les Paul Bass 90??s Black Upgrades W / case
Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1950
... more
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
1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar w / original hard-shell case.
Clarkston, Washington, 994**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5500
Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Case HIPSHOT Bridge
Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
Im not a professional guitar inspector but I will do my best to present the instrument.
Excellent short scale bass with a massive low tone. I have played this on numerous gigs and have owned it for a few years so it does have some cosmetic wear
I tried to capture some of the playing scratches close to the neck pickup. Accumulated from playing towards the neck with the thumb nail scratching the wood or using a pick. It also has some ... more
Gibson Truss Rod Cover / Epiphon Thunderbird Bass Guitar
Deer Park, Washington, 990**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$599
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.