1966 Gibson EB-0 bass

The SG-shaped Gibson EB0 bass was available from 1961, and although it changed subtly over the years of production, this 1966 bass still has much in common with earliest examples: certainly in terms of materials, construction, and functionality / playability.

1966 Gibson EB-0 specifications

The EB basses are famous for their deep bassy tones, in part due to the famous Gibson EB humbucker at the neck, but also the short scale (hence requiring short scale strings), and all mahogany with set neck construction. This example has a fantastic thick neck, and plays superbly. Tones vary from deep and fat when played finger style at the neck, to a more middy growl when you dig in with a pick at the bridge. Listen to some soundclips of this bass.

Determining the date of EB bass production

The serial number of this bass (found on the reverse of the headstock) can be placed in several years in the 1960s and 1970s; Gibson routinely re-used serial numbers at this stage, but the potentiometers are themselves dated November 1965, suggesting a shipping date in early 1966. At this time, Gibson were struggling to keep up with demand for instruments, especially bread-and-butter models like the EB0, so it would be highly unlikely to be finished and remain at the plant unshipped. It was built at the Gibson Kalamazoo factory, in Michigan, USA; one of 1660 produced that year and one of almost 21000 produced in total. All SG-shaped instruments sold well in the mid to late 1960s, and the EB0 was no exception. Have a look at the Gibson EB0 shipping figures in more detail.

The list price (October 1966) for the EBO was $240 (US zone 1 price, excluding case).

Gibson EB-0 components

By the middle of the 1960s, the Gibson EB range was no longer fitted with nickel plated hardware; instead these were chrome plated. The EB3 basses received this treatment first, with older nickel parts being phased used up the EB0. Otherwise there is very little difference between this bass and a earlier SG-styled versions.

Gibson EB0 hardware was continually updated over the years of production. This bass is typical for a mid sixties bass, identical to the bass shown in the 1966 Gibson catalog. The Gibson bar bridge is simple; no moving parts, and would be superseded within the next year by the two point tune-o-matic bridge - surplus bar bridges were fitted to the Kalamazoo KB bass until they stopped making them. The under-bridge mute, a feature often not seen on the earliest EB-0 basses, does have moving parts, however. As the lever is pulled away from the bridge, the strip of felt raises up and touches the strings.

The EB humbucker is under the earlier-style wide, shallow cover; again a feature soon to change (see a 1969 Gibson EB0). The Kluson 538 tuning keys, however, were used right up until the change to slotted headstocks at the very end of the decade (see a 1970 Gibson EB0).

Gibson cherry finishes, such as this, are translucent; the wood grain is still visible. The pickguard is three-ply black-white-black, in contrast to the Gibson EB3 which has a five-ply guard. Compare this bass to an earlier 1962 Gibson EB0 and a later 1969 Gibson EB0

Reverse body detail, with black plastic control cover. From the mid 1960s, probably 1965, both the EB0 and EB3 had this standardised control cavity; prior to this time, the EB0 had a smaller one (see a 1962 EB0) whilst the EB3 had a larger one (see a 1961 EB3). This was most likely related to reducing production costs. The body of this bass is made of one piece of mahogany. This is typical, though occasional two-piece bodies were also produced.

The wide/shallow pickup cover was fitted to the EB0 bass from 1963-67, nickel plated at first (see a 1964 EB-O), then chrome-plated as shown here. The EB humbucker underneath the cover was broadly unchanged. This pickup is very heavily wound (some might say 'hot'). It produces a massive sound, and in conjunction with the mahogany body, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and short scale, gives nothing but incredibly rich, dark, dubby tones, especially when played finger style with flatwound strings. Have a listen to some soundclips of this bass through some vintage amplifiers of the time.

These bell control knobs were used on Gibson basses throughout the early and mid 1960s. The 'tone' label has been lost in the second knob. Gibson replaced this style knobs for 'witch hat' type in around 1967. The output jack is still mounted on the front of the guitar body (later this would be positioned on the side edge - see a 1970 slotted headstock EB0.

This bass is fitted with the second version of the Gibson bar bridge; chrome plated with curved 'arms'. Compare this bridge to the earlier nickel version on a 1962 Gibson EB-0. Note also the under-bridge mute and chrome hand rest. The mute was activated by pulling the lever (at the bottom of this picture) in a direction parallel with the body, away from the strings. This in turn pushes the black felt material up onto the strings, dampening their vibration.

Gibson guitars are characterised by certain build techniques that required a level of skill or craftsmanship to produce, unlike the guitars and basses by Fender, which were merely a collection of parts bolted together. The heel area (neck/body joint) was a good example of this. Gibson regarded a bolt-on neck as inferior, and resisted using them throughout the 1960s, in favour of the 'glued in' or 'set' neck. This joint changed over the course of production - this bass has the 'flat' heel style used between about 1966 and very early 1969. Compare this to an earlier 1964 EB-O (with smaller control cover and 'stepped' heel joint), and a later 1969 EB-O (with identical control cover and 'rounded' heel joint)

The finish is still very strong on this bass; it has not faded to the extent of many 60s guitars with a translucent cherry finish - compare with the previously mentioned 1964 EB-0.

The Kluson 538 machine heads were used on most 60s EB basses. The nickel plating on these tuners would soon be replaced by chrome.

The mid 1960s EB0s had an inlaid Gibson logo with centered crown inlay. The logo has a dotted i, and open o and b. The truss rod cover is three-ply; black-white-black, and with a much thinner revealed edge than earlier EB basses. Compare this headstock to that of a 1962 Gibson EB0.

The one-piece neck and solid headstock. Kluson 538 tuners. No volute. The six digit serial number is stamped at the top of the headstock.

Gibson EB-0 wiring

The EB-0 circuit is pretty straightforward, having just one volume and one tone control. The potentiometers are identical parts; 500K audio taper, part number BA811-1053 - in this instance produced by electronics company Centralab. Click the images for larger versions, and a circuit wiring plan.

Gibson EB-0 soundclips

The EB0 has a lovely fat tone - but depending on how it is played can really snarl. For more clips, check out numerous other audio samples of this bass through various amps.

Played through a 1964 Ampeg B15. Bass settings on full - volume 10/10, tone 10/10. You can get a a more note definition if you play down by the bridge

Played through a WEM Dominator bass amplifier. Bass settings volume 10/10, tone 10/10. Significant distortion, even with the amp at just 50% volume, especially, as here when played hard, with a pick.

Gibson EB-0 bass guitars for sale

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Vintage 1972 Gibson EBO Walnut Bass With OHSC

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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
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Another New Arrival!
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COLOGNE, GERMANY

£1295

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£1700

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