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1966 Gibson EB-0 bass

Gibson bass guitars | EB-0 main page | 1966 EB-0

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

Model: Gibson EB0
Year: 1966
Scale: short, 30 1/2"
Body: Solid mahogany body. Approx dimensions 17" long, 13" wide, 1.32" thick. Total body length 41".
Neck: One-piece mahogany, set neck. Rosewood fingerboard. 14° headstock angle
Frets: 20
Width at nut: 43mm
Weight: 3.6kg

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.

1966 Gibson EB0 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).

1966 Gibson EB0 body detail
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
1966 Gibson EB0 body detail
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.
1966 Gibson EB0 humbucker pickup with nickel cover
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.
1966 Gibson EB0 volume and tone knobs, output jack
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.
1966 Gibson EB0 nickel bar bridge, with underbridge mute, and fingerrest
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.
1966 Gibson EB0 "flat-heel" neck/body join
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)
1966 Gibson EB0 body detail
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.
1966 Gibson EB0 nickel plated Kluson 538 tuning keys
The Kluson 538 machine heads were used on most 60s EB basses. The nickel plating on these tuners would soon be replaced by chrome.
1966 Gibson EB0 solid headstock with centered crown inlay, and inlaid Gibson logo
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.
1966 Gibson EB0 Solid headstock and Kluson 538 tuners
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.
1966 Gibson EB-0 wiring loom, installed in the bass
1966 Gibson EB-0 wiring loom

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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1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

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!!
... more
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1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.

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
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Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

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
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Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar

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
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Gibson EB-0 Circa 1964 Electric Bass Guitar

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

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

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

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
Gibson 1972 EB-O Mahogany Body(Walnut Finish), 3 Piece Maple Neck w / 22?? Short Scale 21 ... more
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1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w /  Original Case READ DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

$2100

This Gibson EBO Bass Guitar is a rare gem for any musician. Crafted in the US in 1967, this solid wood guitar features a cherry finish that shines under any lighting. With its 4-string configuration and electric bass type, it's perfect for any right-handed player looking for a high-quality instrument The guitar comes with a case, making it easy to transport and protect while on the go. Its brand, Gibson, is well-known for producing top-of-the-line guitars that are both durable and powerful. This... more
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1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA

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

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
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Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural

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

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
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Vintage 1972 Gibson EBO Walnut Bass With OHSC

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
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Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry

Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Cherry

Firenze, 50***, ITALY

€270

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 รจ stato costruito con legno in mogano solido e tastiera in palissandro, fornendo insieme un tono caldo e corposo.
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80s DIMARZIO BASS PICKUP for GIBSON EB 0  /  1  /  2  /  3 - 14, 4 K

80's DIMARZIO BASS PICKUP for GIBSON EB 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 - 14, 4 K

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€299

80's DIMARZIO BASS PICKUP for GIBSON EB 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 :
* 14, 4 K output
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Gibson EB0 Bass 1961 / 62

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
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Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar - SG - Vintage

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
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1963 Gibson EB-0 in Cherry - Modified

1963 Gibson EB-0 in Cherry - Modified

Brierley Hill, DY5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1700

Mahogany BodyMahogany NeckRosewood Fretboard30 5" Scale Length20 Frets1 5" But WidthGibson 'Mudbucker' Neck PickupDimarzio Humbucker Bridge Pickup AddedOpen-Gear TunersSerial Number: 132584Weight: 7lbs 11 7ozCondition Report:
This bass is presented in good condition for its age with general play wear and finish fading that you'd expect with a bass of its age. A Dimarzio Humbucker has been added at some point in its like with a master volume, 3 way pickup selector and coil split control added ... more
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1968 Gibson bass EB-0 in Cherry 6 7lbs!

1968 Gibson bass EB-0 in Cherry 6 7lbs!

London, NW11***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1990


Here for sale 1968 Gibson bass EB-0 in Cherry. Well played and loved vintage bass from the late 60s. Great player and it sounds awesome. The comfortable short-scale neck makes it a bit easier to play. Also lightweight at 6 7lbs! The guitar has been played and there's a lot of wear but it works fine and it looks cool. Comes in a wooden box but I might post it with a newer case
... more
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grammarboy Comment left 12th September 2012 18:06:13 reply
I am trying to find the value of a 1966 Gibson EBO bass. It is in very clean condition. Not completely mint but certainly close on it. It has all the original parts too, no missing covers or mute like so many you see. I don't play any more, but this bass was always an attention grabber. Any idea please?
haarlemeer Comment left 5th September 2012 18:06:40 reply
I have a similar Gibson EBO bass with cracked neck. I think 1966 also. The repair will be 300 Euros. Is it a good idea to get this bass repaired. I will make some pictures if you need them. What would you advise?