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1938 Gibson electric bass

1938 Gibson electric bass

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, produced sometime between 1938 and 1940. Only two examples were built, one going to Les Paul's bassist, brother-in-law Wally Kamin, the other pictured here. Although a nice instrument, amplifiers were not yet at a stage that they could reproduce the instrument effectively. War broke out and development of new guitars and amplifiers were put on hold.

The instrument, although technically Gibson's first electric bass, was never a production model, so the accolade tends to go to the 1950s violin-shaped Gibson EB.

This bass was heavy, and designed to be played just like an upright string bass, i.e. standing with the bass supported by it's end-pin as shown below.

Thanks to Elderly Instruments for the use of these images.

1938 Gibson electric bass, front
1938 Gibson electric bass, back
1938 Gibson electric bass, end pin
1938 Gibson electric bass, pickup


Gibson bass guitars for sale

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Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

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
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Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

Jackson, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2795

Another New Arrival!
We offer a RARE Slotted Headstock Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar "Short Scale" S / N: 928316 which I believe makes this a 1969These had what they called "Mudbucker" pickups which sound much fuller and deeper than your standard pickups. They sound really cool!I understand that these short scale basses are easier for guitar player to pick and play. I have to agree It all works as it should This Bass has seen to use but is just honest playing and not abused. Check out the pics and ... more
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Gibson L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case

Gibson L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case

Chesterfield, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

I bought this guitar around 1982. I played it in the high school marching band. It is a marvelous instrument that has always deserved a better player than myself. That being said, my only consolation in letting it go is that whoever owns it next plays the hell out it. They didn't call this model the Ripper for nothing and rock stars have long sought after this model built during this time. It sounds beautiful and it is painful for me to sell it. But I don't play it often and my home air ... more
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1969 Gibson SG 4-String Electric Bass Guitar - Short Scale - USA Mad (SS2143440)

1969 Gibson SG 4-String Electric Bass Guitar - Short Scale - USA Mad (SS2143440)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 731**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

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Vintage 1976 Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass with original hard Gibson Case

Vintage 1976 Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass with original hard Gibson Case

East Amherst, New York, 140**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

This vintage Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass is a rare gem for any musician. With a beautiful blond body made of alder and maple, this right-handed bass guitar features a rosewood, ebony, and maple fretboard, making it a dream come true for any player. The 4-string configuration and vintage series add to its uniqueness, making it a must-have for any collector. This bass guitar comes with its original hard Gibson case, making it easy to transport and store. Perfect for any musician or collector, ... more
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1971 Gibson EB-0 Slotted Headstock Cherry w / OHSC

1971 Gibson EB-0 Slotted Headstock Cherry w / OHSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1995

1971 Gibson EB-0 Slotted Headstock Cherry w / OHSC
Located At IVG Orange
In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)
All Original Specimen
Cherry Finish Shows Some Dings And Playwear
Mahogany Body And Neck
Rosewood Fingerboard
Weight 7lbs 11oz
Nut Width 1 5 "
Neck Depth At 1st Fret .85 "
Neck Depth At 12th Fret 1 03 "
Comes With Original Hardshell Case, Case Lid Detaches When Open, Fine When Closed
1971 Gibson EB-0 Bass - Slotted ... more
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1993 Gibson LP-3 Les Paul Standard 5-String Bass | Extremely Rare 5-String | Fla

1993 Gibson LP-3 Les Paul Standard 5-String Bass | Extremely Rare 5-String | Fla

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3499

For Sale: 1993 Gibson LP-3 Les Paul Standard 5-String Bass | Rare 5-String | Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Flamey Top | Bartolini Preamp | Original Case
Up for sale is an extremely rare 1993 Gibson LP-3 Les Paul Standard 5-String Bass in a gorgeous Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish, complete with its original hard-shell case. This particular bass is a true standout??not only is it one of the rare 5-string versions of the Les Paul Standard bass, but it also features a highly figured, flamey top ... more
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ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2980

UP FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Original Gibson Hard case .
HAS AMAZING TONE AND SOUND WITH A REAL NICE SMOOTH FEEL AND ACTION ALL TUNERS, ELECTRONICS, GIBSON PICK UPS, SWITCHES, VOL , TONE. WORK REAL WELL ALSO AS SHOWN HAS A TINY HAIRLINE ON GUARD BY INPUT JACK CONSIDERING THIS GEM IS APPROX. 50 YEARS OLD AS SHOWN IN REAL NICE ORIGINAL CONDITION BUT TO BE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME SCUFFS, SCRATCHES AND NORMAL USAGE WEAR .PLEASE ... more
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GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR

Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1850

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - Serial # 81831614 - 1981 - Monday July 2nd - Nashville TN - Production # 614, beautiful original guitar, professional players guitar, the case was made by Quest
I DID OFFER LOCAL PICKUP AND FREE SHIPPING BUT EBAY STATED THAT I WAS TRADING OUTSIDE OF EBAY ''''''''''''''''''''? SO when the bass sells I will refund the shipping yeah and local pickup is ok

... more
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Gibson 1975 The Grabber Bass

Gibson 1975 The Grabber Bass

Colorado Springs, Colorado, 809**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2640

1975 all original Gibson grabber bass
Some play wear and marks but overall great shape These sound amazing, booming, thick and articulate, perfect for any genre Original case... more
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1986 Gibson Explorer "Shadow" Bass rare w / Piezo Pickup its 1 of a kind & Minty !

1986 Gibson Explorer "Shadow" Bass rare w / Piezo Pickup its 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$4995

This was a very cool new solid body bass for Gibson between 1985-6. This 1986 Explorer ??Shadow?? Bass was an ingenius design of a cool design having no pickups actually mounted to the top having just 1 ??Piezo?? pickup placed under its bridge for some very interesting sounds perfect for any Rock & Roll Band. Its original Alpine White finish is nearly flawless having virtually no play time by its 1st owner. I think these are so damn cool & have a look of an almost futuristic bass like no... more
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1972 Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass Walnut Finish SG Vintage Gig Bag

1972 Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass Walnut Finish SG Vintage Gig Bag

Astoria, Oregon, 971**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1995

In great to near excellent condition. Has kill switch, two tone knobs, two volume knobs and pick up selector. With really cool vintage gig bag. From Fly Guitars site: When the EB3 was redesigned for 1972, Gibson were careful to make a less fragile bass. Some of the 1960s EB basses cracked easily when dropped, or knocked about a bit. The easily-broken mahogany neck had been replaced with a thicker three-piece maple one. It was given a thicker body, and a bigger headstock. It had a volute for neck... more
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Vintage Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock

Vintage Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock

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

$150

This vintage Epiphone by Gibson Rock Bass is a rare find for any collector or musician. With a solid body type and an ebony black color, this electric bass guitar boasts a unique hockey stick headstock design that is sure to turn heads. The maple neck material and 20 frets , need some work and restoration the frist fret board pop out and need repair no neck plate and tunner you got what see in the picture
The four string configuration and Accu series model year of 86-93
... more
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1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

This is a 1968 Gibson EB2D. There is a head stock repair made at some point in its history. The body and rest of the neck is in great condition. There are finish checkings across the body but that's to be expected
That mudbucker in the neck is wooly! And the bridge has bite! The switches and knobs work as they should with a little scratchiness as you use them. Aside from that you won't notice it.
Comes with non original case
... more
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1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA

1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Early slab body pick guard . Cut a little to fit replace pickup. Just a shave off it
... more
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Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan.
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
... more
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Vintage 1970s Gibson EB-L Bass

Vintage 1970's Gibson EB-L Bass

Harvey, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Used Vintage 70 " s Gibson EB-L Bass Needs work and can be considered as a project. Missing knobs and has dings. Hard case is in poor condition.... more
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Gibson Ripper Bass

Gibson Ripper Bass

Granite Falls, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1875

Not sure about year .looks like it could be a 73 or 74' . I bought it in the 90s .has some dings and play wear bridge pickbup died and has new seymour duncan ripper replacement .wiring went bad and has been replaced .pickguard is not original bout everything else is original .it has a brass nut was on it when i got it .epiphone hard case .see pics
... more
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Gibson EB-0 Circa 1964 Electric Bass Guitar

Gibson EB-0 Circa 1964 Electric Bass Guitar

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

$1600


Sounds and plays so good! Has all the vintage tone and good mojo. Straight neck. Fully functional. Someone has refinished the headstock while leaving the logo. Some cosmetic flaws from its age. This is a classic thumping bass that can take your playing to the next level

Don't miss your chance to own!



Items only come with case or accessories if pictured or listed in the listing

Items only come with accessories / parts pictured and or... more
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1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

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

$8995

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-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more
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