The Gibson SG-Z bass is one of the least known 'new' Gibson basses. When launched it was the first new bass model for over a decade. It was only available for a brief time between 1998-2002, though it does not seem to have sold well, and was most likely produced only in small numbers. It was built at Gibson's Nashville plant alongside it's sibling the SGZ six-string guitar. Both have the same 'Z' (assuming that is what it is) split diamond headstock inlays; the guitar version is actually strung through the body, and has a similar Z-style tailplate. The original specification was for an all-mahogany long scale bass with a 21 fret wenge fingerboard. By the 2001 catalogue, the specification had changed to rosewood. It was originally named the EB-Z as this Gibson Press Release from August 1998 confirms. Listed finishes were Heritage Cherry, Ebony and, Natural Oil.
A wickedly carved body and passive Z-bass pickup system combine for performance that sounds as sinister as it looks
This example hails from 2000. The style of SG body is more reminiscent of the 60s rather than 70s EB series basses, especially with the rich Cherry finish. But the pickup placement and hardware are quite different to any EB bass preceding it. And although long scale EB3s have been available as far back as 1970, they are still traditionally thought of as short scale instruments. The SG-Z is long scale, 34" with (perhaps?) a wenge rather than Gibson's more traditional rosewood fretboard. This example only has 20 frets, and it may be that the 20 fret boards are all rosewood? Gibson have always reserved the right to change specifications, and these woods are similar in appearance.
Tonally, the Gibson SG-Z bass is a long way from the sixties EB basses - and probably much more useful in a modern day band setting. The two pickups set far away from the neck. Each has a volume control, with one master tone. The mini toggles are series/parallel coil tap switches for each pickup, allowing quite a range of sounds. Though note, there is no pickup selector switch, this must be achieved via the volume controls.
Although the control cover on the back of this bass has the standard shape used by Gibson since 1965, the cavity itself is very different. The SG-Z circuitry consist three pots and two mini-toggles. Click on the image for a larger version.
This is how the SG-Z was advertised in the 2001 Gibson catalogue:
Gibson SG-Z Sound Clips
These sound clips are recorded directly into a mobilepre preamp. Recorded with round wound strings, and played finger style. All three clips have both pickups at full volume and tone at 10. Variations are changes in series / parallel switches. Turning off individual pickups and adjusting tone allows a wide range of sounds not reproduced here.
Gibson SG bass for sale
Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished)
Greenwood, Mississippi, 389**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass, 100% Original w / Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3600
Featuring solid Honduran mahogany construction and a rosewood fretboard, this EB-0 weighs 7lbs 13oz. The famous ??Mudbucker?? pickup ... more
1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass With Gigbag
Lincoln, Nebraska, 685**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1600
Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Original Case and VIDEO
San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1295
Here's a 2014 Gibson SG 120th Anniversary 4 string bass guitar in a factory original Sunburst finish.
It is in good condition with lots of playwear - see pics and video
She hhas no breaks or repairs and is all original
She has a fresh set up with Ernie Ball 45 / 105's and actually plays quite beautifully.
She's 7 4 lbs on the scale
Here's the specs - please correct us if we've missed anything
As part of their 120th Anniversary, Gibson USA has reconceived several ... more
Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Case HIPSHOT Bridge
Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
Im not a professional guitar inspector but I will do my best to present the instrument.
Excellent short scale bass with a massive low tone. I have played this on numerous gigs and have owned it for a few years so it does have some cosmetic wear
I tried to capture some of the playing scratches close to the neck pickup. Accumulated from playing towards the neck with the thumb nail scratching the wood or using a pick. It also has some ... more
Gibson SG Standard Bass - Ebony
Morgantown, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
The Gibson SG Standard Bass in Ebony offers a blend of classic style, powerful tone, and comfortable playability:
Body & Construction
Features a solid mahogany body with deep contouring and the iconic SG double-cut shape, delivering robust sustain and a commanding low end .
Constructed with a set mahogany neck in a rounded profile, supporting smooth playability .
Topped with a bound rosewood fingerboard sporting acrylic trapezoid inlays, ... more
Gibson 2025 Standard SG 4 String Electric Bass Guitar W Case Heritage Cherry
Olyphant, Pennsylvania, 184**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1380
For your review and consideration - we present you with another fine Gibson Bass from the guitar collection at Magdon Music!
Please read the description below and review the photos. The exact Bass pictured and in the description is the exact bass that you will purchasing. If there is something that you need to know that is not in this description - please message us before your time of purchase and we will be very happy to assist!
Please note that our guitars are tech inspected ... more
Gibson SG Ebony Short Scale Bass with hard case
Woking, GU24***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1200
basso elettrico Gibson SG SUPREME edizione limitata
Tortona, 15***, ITALY
€1100
Ogni modello era prodotto in 400 pezzi rendendolo un vero oggetto da collezione
Questo è il basso SG Supreme Maple top
Il classico doppio pickup Gibson, scala corta, rivisitato con un bellissimo top in acero fiammato AAA e finitura satinata naturale
Manico sottile per una suonabilità senza sforzo. Veloce e potente
Tiratura limitata di 400 pezzi ... more
Gibson SG Standard Bass in Cherry Red
Saxmundham, IP17***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1400
Gibson SG Standard Bass in Cherry Red
Huntingdon, PE28***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1170
Gibson SG Standard Bass in Cherry Red
Harlow, Essex, CM20***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1277
1972 gibson bass Guitar sg short scale.
Mortdale, NSW, 2***, AUSTRALIA
AU $6511