1962 Gibson EB-0 bass

An early EB-0

Solid Mahogany body, one-piece mahogany neck with 20-fret Brazilian rosewood fretboard and pearl dot inlay markers. Single humbucking pickup. 30 1/2 inch scale. The earliest Gibson EB0 basses were characterised by the black bakelite-covered humbucker. Produced at Gibson's legendary Kalamazoo plant, USA, in the golden age of Gibson guitar production. The first thing you notice when you pick up this bass is the fat 'clubby' neck. Not actually wider than mid 1960s EBs (This one is 1 3/4" at the nut), but thicker; for example this 1964 EB0 has the same (approximately) neck width at the nut, but an everso slightly shallower profile: it is hard to measure, and is perhaps just 2-3mm (about 10% of the total thickness), but this feels far more significant than the numbers might suggest. Bodies are identical on both of these basses.

1962 Gibson EB-0 specifications

Dating this bass is not hard. The potentiometers are stamped 1346241 (which gives a pot production date of October 1962, and the serial number is either 1962 (Bishop) or very early 1963 (Blue Book). 1962 was the second year that the EB0 bass was manufactured in the SG, or 'new Les Paul' shape, and a total of 815 EB0s were made in that year. See EB-0 shipping stats.

Like all short scale basses, the EB-0 requires short scale strings - and these basses sound incredible with flatwounds.

The October 1962 Gibson price list puts the EB0 at $210 (US zone 1 price) - at the same time, the Fender Precision bass was listed at $229.50.

The components of this bass are typical early sixties: the EB humbucker has a Bakelite cover, whilst the bar bridge and hand rest were nickel plated. The underbridge mute was not fitted to the earliest EB basses at the factory, and one was never fitted to this instrument. The control knobs are 'bell' type as widely used on Gibson guitars and basses from this period.

The grain pattern on this bass clearly shows that this body is just one piece of wood. One piece of very fine South American mahogany. Cherry-finished EB basses are very prone to fading, and browning over time; this one still has some good colour to it, especially on the front, less-so on the reverse.

The Gibson EB humbucker has a massive output, creating some of the heaviest, boomiest bass sounds available.

The black Bakelite pickup cover was fitted to the EB0 bass until late 1962/early 1963 when a nickel version was introduced (see a 1964 EB-O). The pickup beneath the cover remained unchanged. The cover is simply held in place with four screws, and it sits onto the polepieces of the pickup below, holding it in place.

The controls could not be more simple; one volume and one tone control. More about the circuitry / potentiometer codes.

The bell control knobs were swapped for witch-hats around 1967.

The bridge consists of a single metal bar, and two posts with mounting holes set into the body wood of the guitar. Although not intonatable string by string, the whole bridge could be adjusted via two hex screws; one at each post. This early nickel bar bridge was replaced by a chromed version from 1965.

Gibson bass hand rests were initially nickel-plated, changing to chrome in around 1965. It is simply attached to the body wood by two small screws.

The cherry finish is fading in places, and this accentuates the mahogany grain patterns on the body. Exposure to sunlight is often the reason behind such fading, but notice that the back of the neck has also yellowed; it seems early EB basses are more prone to yellowing where they are handled (presumably due to a reaction with sweaty hands?)

Note the 'small' control cavity - compare this to the standardised cavity of a 1966 Gibson EB0.

Serial number on the back of the headstock, above Kluson 538 tuning keys. Although the neck of this bass is manufactured from one piece of mahogany, the two edges of the headstock, or headstock wings, are actually glued in place. The difference in grain can clearly be seen in this image.

Read more about Gibson serial numbers

The early 1960s EB0s had an inlaid Gibson logo, and an inlaid crown motif - but raised above center in the headstock. Compare this to the headstock of a 1966 EB0 in which the crown is more centrally positioned. Note also the typical early 1960s truss rod cover with wider revealed edge (white) that in later years.

The one-piece neck and solid headstock. Kluson 538 tuners. No volute. Note the wide neck - 1 3/4" (43mm) at the nut - very much a feature of early sixties examples; this had dropped to 1 1/2" by the end of the decade. It is also noticeably thicker than many later EB basses, perhaps only by 2-3 mm, but this is very noticeable when in use, and a feature quite sought by collectors and players.

1962 Gibson EB bass components

Notice the inlaid Gibson logo and solid headstock with crown inlay situated above centre. In late 1963/early 1964 this crown was repositioned to be more centralised on the headstock (compare with a 1964 EB-0). Components are typical for a bass of this era: Nickel two point bar bridge, nickel hand rest (positioned centrally - not to be confused with the bridge covers employed at the end of the decade, see a 1969 EB-0), black bakelite-covered EB humbucker directly at the end of the neck. Although the cover itself is black, the pickup underneath it is no different from the nickel-covered examples employed on EB basses over the following few years. This EB-0 uses Kluson 538 tuning keys.

1962 Gibson EB-0 wiring

The pictures on the right show two views of the wiring loom for this bass, accessible by removing the black plastic plate on the reverse body of the bass. It is a simple circuit, consisting of a volume and tone control (potentiometers), an output jack, and two capacitors. Both pots are identical; Centralab 500K audio taper, part number BA811-1053. Click the images for larger versions, of these images, and to see a circuit wiring plan.

This bass is typical of the EB0 shown in the 1962 and 1964 Gibson catalogues.

Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale

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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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Gibson EB-O Electric Bass Guitar 1972 Walnut Kalamazoo Short Scale Humbucker

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 089**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

Not Being A Bass Maven, The Specs On This Is The Closest That I Could Find Online So Don??t Hold Me To Every Single Detail. First Off I??ve Had This Bass For A Long Time & Used It Sparingly. It??s Been Kept In A Case & Is In Great Condition. Plays Good, Sounds Awesome, Electronics Are Quiet, No Frets Buzz & Really Has No Issues. Seems Like It??s All Original So Let??s Get Into The Details
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Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural

Stockton, California, 952**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural
Awesome storage unit find Bass has been modified to a fretless, it is also missing the bridge cover as well as the small model plaque. I acquired it as shown. "GIBSON" is missing the S Local guitar shop owner inspected and said it was in good shape for its age Bass shows some scratches as should be expected. IThe case it came with has some cracks, its in rough shape I have added many images, please be sure to look through all and ask any questions you ... more

Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale 4 String Bass - Cherry - Don Storck Custom

Edmond, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Awesome bass. Original electronics and hardware. Still has the string dampener and it works! Great tone. This is a two-owner guitar from Oklahoma City. It was played lovingly by its original owner, Don Storck, from the time that he purchased it new by in 1967 at different gigs over the years. It has earned its wonderful patina from years of playing, and it looks great. It has all the expected finish checking that you would expect to see on a guitar of this vintage. The second pick guard was ... more

Vintage 1972 Gibson EBO Walnut Bass With OHSC

Santa Monica, California, 904**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

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For those who want great vintage bass tones from a short scale bass legend, here's this Gibson EB-0 from 1972! From its debut in the '60s the Gibson EB-0 has established itself as a short scale bass with great feel and plenty of thick, punchy tones
The EB-0 features a double-cut slab mahogany body ala SG with a great walnut finish that you can really see the grain. The deep cutaways give plenty of access to the fingerboard. The set mahogany neck ... more

1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w / Original Case READ DESCRIPTION

Missoula, Montana, 598**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2796

Bass has some finish cracks all over the body. See pic 4, I??ve tried to capture it. Very common for its age. No major blemishes, but not mint condition. Mute still works great, all original pickups still sound like they did in the 60s.

I have the original case, but it wasn??t easily accessible at the time of posting. I may have updated or would be happy to add pics if a serious buyer wants them. Case is in rugged condition.

Thanks. Please ask questions before bidding. ... more

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
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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

Gibson EBO Bass Guitar 1967 solid wood cherry finish made in the US with case

Lebanon, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

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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

Gibson EB-0 Circa 1964 Electric Bass Guitar

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$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

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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

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

1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, 100% original save for a refret and carved bone nut, and complete with a hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the example seen here) in 1961. Lightweight at 7lbs 7oz with solid mahogany construction, this bass delivers pure, fat low-end thump courtesy of the famous "Mudbucker" pickup. The rich... more

Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry

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Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry.

Il basso Epiphone EB-0 SG, Cherry offre una forma slanciata e elegante dello strumento in scala corta, con toni richhi e potenti che si adattano ad una vasta gamma di stili musicali. Il corpo classico SG è stato costruito con legno in mogano solido e tastiera in palissandro, fornendo insieme un tono caldo e corposo.
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Gibson EB0 Bass 1961 / 62

Abergavenny, NP7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3500

UK SALE ONLY AND I CAN DELIVER, I WILL NOT POST. Bought this fabulous EB-0 while i was working in Cincinnati, Ohio back in 1999. It has very rarely been played basically because i'm useless at playing it !!! It has been in a room in the house that maintains a steady temperature. It is played now and then and it now is strung with flat wounds as i like the way they feel and sound. I also have the Rotosound 66s and the 77s if you'd prefer. I'll not go on about it cos as you can see it really ... more

Basso Gibson EB-0 anno 1965

Barberino di Mugello, 50***, ITALY

€3150

Basso Gibson EB 0. 1965.


Basso elettrico Gibson originale 1965, matricola N°
330561
Custodia rigida originale Gibson nuova

logo
Gibson intarsiato in madreperla sulla paletta corona intarsiata in madreperla centrata sulla paletta, truss rod in plastica a due viti coperchio senza nome del modello, meccaniche rivettate a trifoglio Kluson con viti a fessura, fessure sotto le meccaniche per accogliere le sporgenze dell'accordatore, tastiera da 20 ... more

1964 Gibson EB 0 BASS - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£1295

1964 GIBSON EB 0 BASS - made in USA :
* refinished
* plugged hole in control cavity
* no cracks on neck / headstock
* neck needs to be glued back at heel, cos it is lose=check last pic
* fingerboard has wear
* NO other parts included
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Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar - SG - Vintage

Edinburgh, EH7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2404

Gibson EB-0 bass from circa 1966. Serial number dates to Kalamazoo, MI, USA, 66-68, buts pots are dated 48th week of 1965, so '66 is very likely. All original, electrics untouched and no breaks or overspray to the original beautifully checked / glazed nitrocellulose finish. Has the original felt "mute" under the strings which is a bit stiff, but I rarely use it. Truss rod is free and working perfectly with lots of adjustment left, though it shouldn't need any unless a major ... more

Gibson EB-0 - EB-3 Bass Slotted Headstock 1971 Immense Sound!

Salford, M6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1894

So somewhere along the way a previous owner decided they wanted two pickups on their EB-0 and it??s all the better for it!

Not quite sure what the extra pickup is but it sounds monstrous and a really useful contrast with the factory pickup especially with a standard three way switch. The conversion has been done very nicely

Obviously been played but plays very nicely with recent set up, strings and electrics checked

I really like the slotted headstock which is... more

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