
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 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
Gibson 70s EB-3 WALNUT Used Electric Bass
Union, New Hampshire, 038**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1275
70s Japanese Bass With Gibson Logo
Trenton, New Jersey, 086**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$549
... more
VINTAGE 1981 Sunburst Gibson Victory Artist Series 4 String Bass Guitar w / Case
Interlochen, Michigan, 496**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1620
Up for sale is a rare vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Artist Series bass guitar in a beautiful sunburst finish. This model was part of Gibson??s early ??80s ??Victory?? line, designed for versatility and modern tone
Year / Model: 1981 Gibson Victory Artist Series (4-string)
Finish: Classic Sunburst
Pickups: Professionally upgraded with custom EMG pickups (not original) ... 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
1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!
Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
... more
1974 Gibson LES PAUL SIGNATURE BASS
Milford, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6900
Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art
El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
... more
1994 Gibson LPB-3 Les Paul Standard Bass ?? Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Bartolini
Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1899
Up for sale is a 1994 Gibson LPB-3 Les Paul Standard Bass in the classic Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish, complete with its original Gibson hard-shell case
This rare and powerful USA-made bass features a factory-original Bartolini TCT-B 9V preamp, delivering deep low-end response, flexible EQ control, and articulate tone across the entire spectrum. Designed as ... 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
Vintage Gibson Melody Maker Guitar 60's
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$300
... more
02 Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar Right Handed W / Hrd Shell Case LOCAL P / U OHIO
Dublin, Ohio, 430**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1450
I have to call it used but it is like new without a scratch that I can see. It has Grover tuners and comes with an authentic Gibson hard shell case
LOCAL PICKUP IN THE CENTRAL OHIO AREA ONLY!!!... more
1966-68 GIBSON CARE+SETUP GUIDE GUITAR & BASS 20 PAGES GREAT ILLUSTRATIONS RARE
Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$279
In 50 years of playing and over 30 years of selling I have never seen another one of these! This piece is way cool with its understated design, interesting layout and beautiful 2-color illustrations. It looks like they commissioned a famous illustrator to do the work! It's got 20 pages and is packed with information on setting up, caring for, handling, making adjustments and just appreciating your Gibson instrument in general. 60's Gibson... more
"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition
Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3295
Original 1962 Gibson EB-O Electric Bass Guitar Cherry Wood Finish SN: 55442
East Palatka, Florida, 321**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1950
The cherry finish guitar is in nice original condition includes a soft Fender case. Overall measures 41-1 / 2" long x 13" wide.
SN: 55442
You will receive the item shown in the pictures
Very nice piece!
Check out my shop for other unique and precious items!
... more
Gibson SG style Bass - Vintage REVO Series 'Callan' Bass See Thru Cherry Red
Boulder, Colorado, 803**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$499
I only played it a handful of times so it's in perfect condition
Body: Mahogany, edge radius 6mm
Neck: Mahogany, Set Neck
Fingerboard: Jatoba
Frets: 22
Scale Length: 30"
Tuners: Wilkinson WJBL175
Pickups: Alan Entwistle EB4 plus Alan Entwistle Bass Mini humbucker
Controls: Volume / Tone 1 / Tone 2 with 3 way TE Switch
Top Nut: GraphTech®
... more
Custom Gibson SG Bass w / Case
Simi Valley, California, 930**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
Fully customized 1997 Gibson SG Bass
I found this in the bin about ready to be tossed. Stripped down, no fretboard, no electronics, nothing. The solid mahogany ??husk" of a bass was then Finished in emerald green stain, with Gold hardware and Black / White / Black - Pick Guard, Heel-plate and Control Covers
Hipshot Bridge
Custom-wound pups - (30 3k @ Neck, Hot-wound 12 7k TV Jones Thunder'Tron at Bridge).
Stacked U S.A. CTS Vol / Tone Controls w / ... more
? For Sale: Legendary 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass ?? A Piece of Rock History! ?
Danbury, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4500
? For Sale: Legendary 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass ?? A Piece of Rock History! ?
Own a true piece of music history!
This 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass is in excellent condition and comes with an incredible pedigree.
This iconic instrument was played by some of the most legendary bassists in rock history:
John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin
Jack Bruce of Cream
Felix Pappalardi of Mountain
The bass is in excellent shape, with only the pickguard and bridge cover missing ?? a small ... more
Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'
Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3800
1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar
Mission Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
PICK UP ONLY Mission Hills, CA (LA ... more




















