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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1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case
Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5200
1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case.
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... more
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... more
ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case
West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2910
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
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
1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass Silver
Westland, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1800
The 1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass is a classic electric bass guitar known for its solid silver body color and durable construction. Made in the United States, this 4-string bass guitar exudes a timeless appeal with its Gibson brand pedigree and standard series design. Perfect for musicians looking for a reliable and high-quality instrument to accompany their band or recordings, the Gibson Victory Standard Bass continues to be a sought-after choice for bass players seeking a vintage yet ... more
Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Burgundy Mist
McDonough, Georgia, 302**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$510
Bass is in great condition. Has some light scratches and small dings in the heads. Has 2 dings in the headstock, one on the bottom and one at the top. Can be seen in the pics. Also has a tiny ding onnthe back of the headstock and a small flaw in the clearcoat on the back of the headstock about the size of a dime. Could not get a good pic of it. Everything is in good working condition. Comes with case and every thing pictured. Free shipping. Thanks! Bass is very light!
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Gibson EB-3 FRETLESS Bass Guitar Electric Vintage Rare 60??s / 70??s SG Fret Less
Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1799
Wow look at this beast. Fretless monster from I think the 70??s. Not sure if it was made into a fretless, or if that??s stock. Either way. Its such a cool bass.
-11 pounder
-nics and dents everywhere, wear here and there. Belt rash
-extra hole from a once moved strap peg
Ive had this for a few years. Im just not a fretless player, but I always dug this thing. Was in this condition when I originally purchased it. Pots look original
Switch #4 and #1 light ... more
-11 pounder
-nics and dents everywhere, wear here and there. Belt rash
-extra hole from a once moved strap peg
Ive had this for a few years. Im just not a fretless player, but I always dug this thing. Was in this condition when I originally purchased it. Pots look original
Switch #4 and #1 light ... more
Gibson EBO Cherry 1970
Nacogdoches, Texas, 759**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
The Gibson EBO Cherry 1970 is a classic right-handed bass guitar with a solid body design and a brown color. As part of the EB-0 model series, this vintage guitar boasts a 4-string configuration, perfect for bass players looking for a traditional and versatile instrument. With its iconic Gibson brand and timeless design, this 1970 model continues to be a popular choice for musicians seeking a high-quality bass guitar
This comes with Gibson case , not original. Bass is short scale bass ... more
This comes with Gibson case , not original. Bass is short scale bass ... more
1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!
Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!. Slotted headstock with original Gibson tuners!! Perfect for the collector!! This bass is in exceptional condition and so is the original case!! You will not find one in better condition!! Simply amazing!! Has new strings and comes with a beautiful vintage ??Made in Mexico?? leather strap!! Everything 100% original!! Thanks for looking!!
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70s Japanese Bass With Gibson Logo
Trenton, New Jersey, 086**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$549
70s Japanese Bass With Gibson Logo. Neck does not have truss rod / adjustable truss rod. Features Shin-ei cap on tone knobs. Recently setup with a fret dress and new nut. Added modern Hipshot Ultralite tuners
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1992 Gibson Les Paul Bass beautiful bass autographed by Les Paul w / photo docs.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5995
This is a very rare chance to acquire a rare Les Paul Bass signed by the man himself, Mr. Les Paul. This is a very clean 1992 Les Paul Bass in a pretty faded Honey??burst finished top w / a natural mahogany finished back, sides & neck. It??s sporting a pair of 2 factory Humbucking pickups w / a 60??s type bridge setup like an EB-2 bass. Its unbound rosewood fingerboard has nice pearloid trapezoid inlays w / a nice feeling neck. Its headstock has a rare pearl inlaid ??Torch?? bringing back ... more
1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.
Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case. See pic of original owner with the bass in the early ?70s ! Both the bass and case show wear from decades of use. There are scuffs, scratches, dings, and dents as you would expect. There is a split in the headstock that extends for approximately 7 inches, see photo. Electronics appear to be untouched all original. As shown in pic, date code on pot reads 6833, so bass was built in late 1968 or possibly early 1969. Serial number... more
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
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
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
Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'
Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3800
This a killer bass and a total P bass killer. Gibson released these to compete with the p bass and they are far, far, better quality. Mahogany body, Mable neck, brass nut, active and passive humbuckers with MOOG electronics! All original with the original case. The original case is pretty beat up with a buckle replaced but still road Worthy. Original paperwork still with it. The guitar is set up to play easy with a low action and great sound. One bridge saddle is missing the riser but works ... more
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
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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
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Gibson RD Artist MOOG 1978 Natural Maple 4-String Bass w / HSC (Used)
Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4000
Has light wear and scratches from being played. Overall in great condition with no major wear or dings. Has typical flat Gibson style frets. Overall in great condition. Have some light wear but no divoting or anything to worry about. Screws for battery compartment cover have been swapped with flat head screws (as seen in photos). Corner of back plate is chipped (as seen in photos). Expander Sensitivity Control on back plate is missing the plastic cap. It does work and is accessible. Strap ... more
1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA
Kaufman, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$370
Good working condition, all the latches and hindge work, lots of wear around the edge see pics
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Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar
Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2312
Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar. Up for sale used Original Gibson .
I do not know much about vintage guitars , but i took this guitar to the nearest Guitar center store and was told that is a 1966 Gibson Electric Bass( if someone thinks differently , please let me know).
There are some scratches here and there ( please see the pictures)
Comes without a original case. ( still in a nice soft case)
Plays great.
Original big fat Gibson pickup is super warm and sounds ... more
I do not know much about vintage guitars , but i took this guitar to the nearest Guitar center store and was told that is a 1966 Gibson Electric Bass( if someone thinks differently , please let me know).
There are some scratches here and there ( please see the pictures)
Comes without a original case. ( still in a nice soft case)
Plays great.
Original big fat Gibson pickup is super warm and sounds ... more
Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Guitar
Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1599
Beautiful red sparkle non-reverse Thunderbird bass guitar professional set up excellent condition some very light scratches. Nothing to mention. Looks just like the pictures Babicz replacement bridge Bartolini Thunderbird pick ups Plays and sounds fantastic. New strings case has some scratches nothing major
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Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar
Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
This is a rare and collectible 1966 Gibson Classic EBO bass guitar in a stunning red color. With its 4-string configuration, this electric bass guitar is perfect for any musician who wants to make a statement. The Gibson brand is known for its quality and excellence, and this Classic series bass guitar is no exception. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar is sure to impress. It's perfect for playing a wide range of musical styles and is ideal for both live ... more
Gibson RD Artist Bass
Kennewick, Washington, 993**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3795
The Gibson RD Artist Bass is a high-quality electric bass guitar from the renowned brand Gibson. With a solid Maple body in a vibrant Fireburst color, this full-scale instrument is perfect for right-handed players. Featuring a Maple neck and Ebony fretboard, this 1978 model from the Artist series delivers exceptional sound and craftsmanship for bass players looking for a reliable and versatile instrument. Complete with a case, the Gibson RD Artist Bass is a classic choice for musicians seeking a... more