
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
Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry
Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5999
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
Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry
Jackson, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2795
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 L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case
Chesterfield, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3800
1969 Gibson SG 4-String Electric Bass Guitar - Short Scale - USA Mad (SS2143440)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 731**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
Vintage 1976 Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass with original hard Gibson Case
East Amherst, New York, 140**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3200
1971 Gibson EB-0 Slotted Headstock Cherry w / OHSC
San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1995
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
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
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
ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case
West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2980
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
GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR
Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1850
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
Gibson 1975 The Grabber Bass
Colorado Springs, Colorado, 809**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2640
Some play wear and marks but overall great shape These sound amazing, booming, thick and articulate, perfect for any genre Original case... more
1986 Gibson Explorer "Shadow" Bass rare w / Piezo Pickup its 1 of a kind & Minty !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4995
1972 Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass Walnut Finish SG Vintage Gig Bag
Astoria, Oregon, 971**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1995
Vintage Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock
San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$150
The four string configuration and Accu series model year of 86-93
... more
1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case
Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
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
1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA
Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan
New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
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
Vintage 1970's Gibson EB-L Bass
Harvey, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
Gibson Ripper Bass
Granite Falls, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1875
... more
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
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