'54 Gibson EB / Gibson Thunderbirds

FlyGuitars Your first Gibson bass was a 1950s Gibson EB?

Dave Kiswiney What a great little bass that started me, that got me going. I found that in a music store in the back room with the broken headstock. The owner had taken it in. In Port Huron, Michigan that's where I was going to school. and he said it's useless you can have it for scrap so... ten bucks.. and I took it . We glued it, and screwed it together, put a metal plate on the front and back of the headstock and clamped it. Oh it was great, and I played it for a long, long time.

Dave using the the 1954 Gibson EB bass, serial number 4 1999, with '58 Precision pickup

FlyGuitars Did it have all it's parts?

The restored Gibson EB with Dimarzio model 1 pickup

Dave Kiswiney Yeah it had everything: it had the pickguard; it didn't have the peg to play it upright, didn't have that; never did find that.. we looked but.. I played that for a long time and then I ‘Frankensteined’ it. Somebody gave me an old Fender bass. Jack Scott - do you remember Jack Scott? Well he sang songs like Burning Bridges Behind Me, What in the World's Come Over You?. I recorded with him and I used that Gibson bass in the studio, and he said you've got to have a Fender. So he brings me a Fender bass that he had.. it was like a '58.. it was white, Precision. He gave it to me and I used it on his sessions and I gave it back to him, and he said I can't pay you for the sessions, but keep the bass. So I kept the bass but, you know, I liked it, but I still liked that Gibson.. but I like the sound of the Fender.. so you know - this is terrible - I Frankensteined that little Gibson bass. Tore those pickups out of that Fender and carved a hole in the EB and plopped the Precision bass pickups in there and off I went. It was awesome. Absolutely amazing.

FlyGuitars Did you record with the EB? Did it make it to record?

Dave Kiswiney Yes I did. I made records with Michael Quatro, Suzi's brother. In Collaboration with the Gods, it's on that album. We did all that Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C# minor. It was kind of cool stuff really. He was playing a Mellotron and some synthesizer, Moogs and things like that. It was that kind of glam symphonic rock stuff. But yes that's the bass I used on that. With those Precision pickups that I still have out of that '58. I've still got the pickups. In fact I did the same thing to the Ripper that I used. I gouged it out and put those pick-ups in that Ripper. I'll get to that.

FlyGuitars Later, when you were a Gibson endorsing artist they restored it for you?

They threw the headstock away that had the serial number on it, it was ink. I said god you've got to find the parts.. the only thing they could find was the bridge.. and the one that's on there is a new version.. I have the original bridge, that's it. I don't have the pickguard, I don't have the tuners. I couldn't believe it. That was 1979 they did that. You know, just threw it in the trash. They could have used the parts. They were doing me a favour and updating it. They had already come out with a reissue in '68 of that bass. My son has the EB, the '54; I gave it to him for his 40th birthday

Dave Kiswiney I never owned an EB3 - I wish I had. I have an EB0 which is a '68.. its brand new I've got it in the original case, a friend of mine was hoarding it.. and I finally talked him out of it.. it's got an open headstock

Gibson Thunderbird

Early 1960s Gibson Thunderbird II bass

Dave Kiswiney I used that Gibson (EB) bass until I bought a Thunderbird. I took the frets out of the Thunderbird - ruined it. But the Easy Rider and Concrete and Clay, those are probably that Thunderbird and the EB.

I remember pulling the frets out of it... I wanted to play a fretless and I ruined the bass, and I took it to a guitar shop, they took the frets out of it then they filled it and all that but it was never the same. I thought I was something more than I really actually was. I needed the frets and the intonation to play what I was playing.

I had another T-Bird for a minute that I Grabbed from Hewittts Music where I worked and traded it for an SB over at Mt. Clemens Music. I wish I still had that. That was my second attempt at a fretless bass. It's actually better to have a bass that's built to be fretless than to try and make one fretless, I found that out, at least with a Thunderbird. I traded it off for an SB350 or SB400 Gibson, long scale. it was always Gibsons. I just liked the Gibsons.

I got another Thunderbird from Gibson when they were moving out of Kalamazoo they had one that had a bgn: you know what a b g n was right? And I bought it for $200. It had two pickups in it, and it was a great bass. I didn't see anything wrong with it. I don't know why they made it a bargain, but I bought that and an acoustic guitar.

I recorded a lot of stuff that you probably never heard, like Barry T Goldberg (Sorry I Missed You), I recorded that with the Thunderbird in Ann Arbor Michigan. I used that Thunderbird like crazy on that. I ended up (selling that to) Thunderbird to Chase Chitty who is playing for Derek St Holmes in Atlanta. He had to have it: he said man I'll give you 500 Bucks - I was like ok! You know it was just a guitar, it was what we did, we bought, traded, sold, you know, and you only needed one. I wish I'd have kept it. I'd still like to get one from Gibson.

Gibson 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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1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more

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 Victory Artist Bass 81'

Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

This a killer bass and a total P bass killer. Gibson released these to compete with the p bass and they are far, far, better quality. Mahogany body, Mable neck, brass nut, active and passive humbuckers with MOOG electronics! All original with the original case. The original case is pretty beat up with a buckle replaced but still road Worthy. Original paperwork still with it. The guitar is set up to play easy with a low action and great sound. One bridge saddle is missing the riser but works ... more

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan.
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
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Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2312

Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar. Up for sale used Original Gibson .
I do not know much about vintage guitars , but i took this guitar to the nearest Guitar center store and was told that is a 1966 Gibson Electric Bass( if someone thinks differently , please let me know).
There are some scratches here and there ( please see the pictures)
Comes without a original case. ( still in a nice soft case)
Plays great.
Original big fat Gibson pickup is super warm and sounds ... 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

Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art

El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Beautiful stunning EB three Gibson guitar Bass original case, one lady owner, left as found 1970s i??ll let the Pictures do the talking or the playing ! Enjoy laurence & sally of StorageWars and baggage battles currently www roundthebend tv
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1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13495

These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more

1981 Gibson Victory Bass Red

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1595

Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Bass in original red finish
A killer bass with a nice fat tone and superb playability
This baby is a RED BEAST!
Bass plays and sounds fantastic.
Some honest signs of age and wear throughout
Completely original
Comes with nice brown hardshell case
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted
International Buyers ? Please Note: ... more

1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case

Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... more

CLEAN! Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass!! Plays great! W / alt Pickguard

Monticello, New York, 127**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This vintage Gibson Grabber Bass is a dream come true for any right-handed player looking for a solid body electric bass guitar. With its natural body color and 4-string configuration, this bass is perfect for any music genre. The alt pickguard adds a unique touch to this 1974 model year, making it a must-have for collectors and musicians alike.

The bass plays great and has been well-maintained, ensuring its quality and reliability. Whether you're a seasoned player or a ... more

Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass 1974-1975

Allston, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

Vintage Gibson Bass. Serial numbers from this time were a little disorganized, but it seems like this was 1974 or 1975. Real rock bass.
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1961 Gibson EB-6 string Bass Sunburst w / PAF

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14900

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1961 Gibson EB-6 Bass in its original Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the earlier Gibson knobs, the switch and one tuning key. All original tuning key is included, but its tuning button had shrunken and crumbled. A vintage double-ring Gibson Deluxe tuning key is holding the place for the original. The original hardshell case is included. This ... more

Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

This listing is for a rare and amazing Vintage Gibson Style J Mando Bass. To the best of my knowledge this bass was made in 1913 and these Style J Mando Basses were made in small quantities between 1912 throughout throughout the 1920's and 1930's. This one is not in great shape and will require some professional restoration but these are so rare it would be a great project for the right player or luthier to restore
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... more

Vintage 1976 Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass with original hard Gibson Case

East Amherst, New York, 140**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

This vintage Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass is a rare gem for any musician. With a beautiful blond body made of alder and maple, this right-handed bass guitar features a rosewood, ebony, and maple fretboard, making it a dream come true for any player. The 4-string configuration and vintage series add to its uniqueness, making it a must-have for any collector. This bass guitar comes with its original hard Gibson case, making it easy to transport and store. Perfect for any musician or collector, ... more

Gibson Kalamazoo KB bass 1960s

Salem, New Hampshire, 030**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

1960s Kalamazoo KB Shortscale bass made by Gibson. Few small chips / dings on body and headstock.
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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

Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished)

Greenwood, Mississippi, 389**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished). Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... 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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