Gibson EB0 circuitry

1961-1971 EB0

Gibson EB-0 circuit diagram from the 1960s. Note each pot has a 500kΩ resistance and capacitors of 0.01µF and 0.033µF. This diagram also corresponds with the Gibson parts list of January 1965 which lists the EB-0 as having identical volume and tone pots: part number CBA-811-1053. Pots used were typically produced either by Centralab or CTS.

This schematic is correct for the Gibson Melody Maker, and Kalamazoo KB basses.

The two simplified wiring diagrams below show the precise connections on the looms of early examples.

The above illustration demonstrates the exact circuit connections in the schematic above, from 1961-64 approximately.

Have a closer look at some actual looms using this circuit

1962 EB-0

This 1964 EB-0 has the same circuitry but a smaller value (250kΩ) tone pot. Click for further details.

This illustration shows effectively the same circuit, with slight changes to the wiring of the .01 µF capacitor; in each case it sits between the volume pot contact and earth. This circuit variation starts around 1965.

Have a closer look at some actual looms using this circuit

1966 EB-0

By the time of publication of the 1971 Gibson parts list, the suggested potentiometers for the EB-0 are parts 70027 (500kΩ, volume) and 70021 (250kΩ,tone); one would assume that this refers to the slotted headstock models in production at that time (and not the newer, maple-necked, solid headstock basses that would replace them), in practise the majority of these basses actually seem to have a 500kΩ tone pot, often part BA-811-1158. What is pots are in your slotted headstock EB0? Please comment.

Early/mid 1972 transition EB0

This circuit is an intermediate between the 1961-71 and 1972 onwards circuitry. Exactly how common it is is not clear, but it was certainly used for a brief time in early/mid 1972. It has the capacitors of earlier looms, yet has the 250kΩ tone pot, typically seen on post '72 EB0s.

The pots used at this stage (in the few examples of this loom I have studied) have been a mix of CTS and Centralab (seen an exception? Please comment).

Have a closer look at some actual looms using this circuit

1972 EB-0L

Typical 1970s Gibson EB0, 1972 onwards

Gibson EB-0 circuit relevant to EB basses circa 1972 and onwards. The tone capacitor values and tone pot resistance have both been lowered, having a subtle effect on tone: dropping higher and lower frequencies, and boosting mids.