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.
Gibson bass guitars for sale
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gibson grabber
Farmingdale, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$350
We have a 1977 Gibson grabber original pickup with full length wire. A pickup ring is also included. Great for your project grabber Bass
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1972 Gibson EB-3L-W Bass
Indianapolis, Indiana, 462**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1350
In the shop we have a '72 Gibson EB-3L-W bass!
The "L" stands for Long Scale, as this EB-3 has a 34 5" scale length and the ??W?? stands for the Walut finish
The EB-3 line of basses from Gibson was introduced in 1961, while the Long Scaled EB-3L was later introduced in '67 / 68. The earlier models of the EB-3L had a slotted headstock design. This bass has the normal Gibson headstock design. The bass would have originally had a mute and bridge cover, but that is no longer with the bass ... more
The "L" stands for Long Scale, as this EB-3 has a 34 5" scale length and the ??W?? stands for the Walut finish
The EB-3 line of basses from Gibson was introduced in 1961, while the Long Scaled EB-3L was later introduced in '67 / 68. The earlier models of the EB-3L had a slotted headstock design. This bass has the normal Gibson headstock design. The bass would have originally had a mute and bridge cover, but that is no longer with the bass ... more
1970 Gibson USA EB-3 slotted headstock Bass Husk
Chesapeake, Virginia, 233**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$599
1970 Gibson EB bass. Was recently a working and playing bass. Has had a repair on the bottom of the body, See pics. It had a pickguard installed on the front of it, I will include that with the sale. Headstock and horns are in clean shape. There is alot to like about this guitar, it'd make a fun project for someone
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1970 Gibson EB-3 Slotted Headstock Vintage Short Scale SG Bass
Chesapeake, Virginia, 233**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$999
Players grade instrument. Has had work done to it, please see the pictures. It's a really fun guitar to thump on, it could stand to have some neck adjustments. I will include a photo of the truss nut, which looks good. Will come in a gig bag
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1979 Vintage Maple Gibson RD Artist Bass Gtr with a History
Bloomfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4900
A Vintage Guitar with a History
From the private collection of artist / songwriter Martin Briley, this Gibson RD Artist bass was used exclusively on tour, in videos and in the studio by Martin Briley with the Ian Hunter / Mick Ronson Band in 1979 and 1980. It also appears on the Ian Hunter albums ?Welcome to the Club?? and ?Short Back ??n?? Sides??, it has been kept safely in storage ever since.
Considering it??s age the instrument is in excellent condition, with a little cosmetic damage ... more
From the private collection of artist / songwriter Martin Briley, this Gibson RD Artist bass was used exclusively on tour, in videos and in the studio by Martin Briley with the Ian Hunter / Mick Ronson Band in 1979 and 1980. It also appears on the Ian Hunter albums ?Welcome to the Club?? and ?Short Back ??n?? Sides??, it has been kept safely in storage ever since.
Considering it??s age the instrument is in excellent condition, with a little cosmetic damage ... more
Gibson SG Bass Guitar right handed
Lynn Haven, Florida, 324**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
Used Gibson SG electric bass in excellent working condition and shape.... more
GIBSON NON REVERSE THUNDERBIRD BASS (P03059497)
Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1600
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Gibson EB-5 Bass
West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1050
Gibson EB-5 bass, in new like condition.
Comes with an original Gibson soft gig bag.
Local pick up in West Palm Beach or additional shipping cost will be added.... more
Comes with an original Gibson soft gig bag.
Local pick up in West Palm Beach or additional shipping cost will be added.... more
2023 Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Guitar - Hard Shell Case Free Shipping!
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1425
2023 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass ??
Excellent Playing Condition with Honest Play Wear + Original Hardshell Case, Tuner & Locking Strap
For sale is a fantastic Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird bass in excellent operating condition ?? this bass plays and sounds like a dream! It has some nicks and wear, see detailed photos, (light nicks & chips, and minor play wear on the body and edges), but nothing structural, no cracks, no major dings, and no issues with functionality. ... more
Excellent Playing Condition with Honest Play Wear + Original Hardshell Case, Tuner & Locking Strap
For sale is a fantastic Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird bass in excellent operating condition ?? this bass plays and sounds like a dream! It has some nicks and wear, see detailed photos, (light nicks & chips, and minor play wear on the body and edges), but nothing structural, no cracks, no major dings, and no issues with functionality. ... more
gibson les paul Bass Black Beauty
Mount Royal, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1450
You are bidding on a 2011 Gibson Les Paul black beauty Bass just got out of the shop. All tuned up ready to go comes in a hardshell case. As you can see in the pictures, I had a little headstock problem that was repaired. It does not hurt the playing ability. Buyer pay shipping
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Gibson SG Bass
Allen Park, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1150
Gibson SG Bass satin cherry finish. Near perfect condition no breaks, repairs or issues. Mahogany body and neck. Rosewood fingerboard. Action is outstanding. Hard case includes neck wrench great player. 120th anniversary model.... more
Gibson EB-0 - Cherry
Wylie, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1430
? USED - Excellent Condition | Minor Body Bump - Full Playability
Small shipping bump on the body ?? purely cosmetic and adds character without affecting performance. Lowest price online - get it before it's gone!
? Now Offering 2-Day Shipping - Select at Checkout
?? Includes Fresh Strings & a Basic Setup - Read Our Reviews!
? Hassle-Free Returns
New Items: 30 days from delivery Used & Vintage:... more
Small shipping bump on the body ?? purely cosmetic and adds character without affecting performance. Lowest price online - get it before it's gone!
? Now Offering 2-Day Shipping - Select at Checkout
?? Includes Fresh Strings & a Basic Setup - Read Our Reviews!
? Hassle-Free Returns
New Items: 30 days from delivery Used & Vintage:... more
Tobias 1987 Fretless Pre Gibson 4-String Bass Neck Through Guitar Zebrawood Mint
Highland Park, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6000
Thanks for your interest!
Up for sale is my personal, and very much adored, Tobias Fretless Pre-Gibson Bass Guitar (Serial Number 812). I personally know Michael from when I lived in Orlando back in the 90s, when I purchased a Prototype Bass from him, which I will be putting up for sale as well. I am second owner of this Fretless beauty, and have lovingly taken care of her. I would put her up as in near mint condition as possible for an almost 40 year old beautiful girl. She was purchased... more
Up for sale is my personal, and very much adored, Tobias Fretless Pre-Gibson Bass Guitar (Serial Number 812). I personally know Michael from when I lived in Orlando back in the 90s, when I purchased a Prototype Bass from him, which I will be putting up for sale as well. I am second owner of this Fretless beauty, and have lovingly taken care of her. I would put her up as in near mint condition as possible for an almost 40 year old beautiful girl. She was purchased... more
Tobias 1992 Prototype Killer B 5 - String Bass Guitar Pre Gibson A Mint!!
Highland Park, Illinois, 600**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$12000
Thanks for your interest!
Up for sale is my personal, like new and incredibly loved, Tobias Prototype Killer B Pre-Gibson 5 - String Bass Guitar. I personally know Michael from when I lived in Orlando back in the 90s, and I purchased this beautiful guitar from him. As the title says, it is in mint condition, as it has been on display all of this time, and has only been played a handful of times in my studio.
This gorgeous bass is a one-of-a-kind prototype guitar (please see letter) ... more
Up for sale is my personal, like new and incredibly loved, Tobias Prototype Killer B Pre-Gibson 5 - String Bass Guitar. I personally know Michael from when I lived in Orlando back in the 90s, and I purchased this beautiful guitar from him. As the title says, it is in mint condition, as it has been on display all of this time, and has only been played a handful of times in my studio.
This gorgeous bass is a one-of-a-kind prototype guitar (please see letter) ... more
Epiphone Grabber Bass Natural w / Humbucker Inspired by Gibson
Las Vegas, Nevada, 891**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$969
This bass is brand new (used like new) and has been kept in its Premium Epiphone Gig Bag with original paperwork since I bought it. I have never played this outside of my home and it still has the plastic on the pick guard. I??ve only plugged this in and played it 2 times and for a very short period of time. If you??d like additional photos, please feel free to ask Serial number # 25021521291A reissue of the legendary 70s bass with modern appointments Epiphone revives a legend with the Grabber ... more
Vintage Gibson RD Standard Bass Natural 1977
Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2499
Vintage Gibson RD Standard Bass Natural 1977
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Made for only a brief moment in the late '70s, this lovely RD Standard bass offers excellent tone & feel with passive electronics. Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action so it's ready to play straight out of the case
Cosmetic Condition: Various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches & some finish wear
Neck: Semi-chunky maple neck with... more
1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass OHSC Mahogany On-Board Preamp, Stage Ready!
Andover, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass ?? Mahogany ?? Pro Modded for Live Use ?? Original Bridge + Case
Here??s a real rarity??not just a collector's piece but a working relic: an early-production 1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass, built during the first very limited run at Kalamazoo. Original mahogany body (the heavier, denser tonewood used only in the earliest examples??later models switched to walnut). Serial number 988003 and no ??Made in USA?? stamp indicate 1969 manufacture date. This ... more
Here??s a real rarity??not just a collector's piece but a working relic: an early-production 1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass, built during the first very limited run at Kalamazoo. Original mahogany body (the heavier, denser tonewood used only in the earliest examples??later models switched to walnut). Serial number 988003 and no ??Made in USA?? stamp indicate 1969 manufacture date. This ... more
1970 Gibson EB-3 Slotted Headstock Vintage Short Scale SG Bass
Chesapeake, Virginia, 233**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1299
Players grade instrument. Has had work done to it, please see the pictures. It's a really fun guitar to thump on, it could stand to have some neck adjustments. I will include a photo of the truss nut, which looks good. Will come in a gig bag
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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
GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE
Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1550
GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - Serial # 81831614 - 1981 - Monday July 2nd - Nashville TN - Production # 614, beautiful guitar, professional players guitar, the case was made by Quest
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