'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

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Case HIPSHOT Bridge

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

$1200

2014 Gibson SG 120th Anniversary (Right Handed):
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 ... view on ebay

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8695

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass, Sunburst finish, Booming Humbucking pickup withBlack Plastic cover, Nickel parts, Full feeling neck, Fine bass! Hang tag, VG++, Original hard case... view on ebay

Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Ebony w / Case

Pine Brook, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4600

1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass in Ebony
Bass is in very good condition
All Moog electronics function
There had previously been a thumb rest which was removed and the holes patched. Still visible
There is slight damage to the finish on the back of the neck from the bass being hung
Comes with a case, but not the OHSC
... view on ebay

Vintage 1966 Gibson Kalamazoo KB-1 Electric Bass Guitar Red With A Gig Bag!

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1295

Vintage original circa 1966 Kalamazoo KB-1 electric bass
Made by Gibson in the USA
All original with a small crack in the pickgaurd
Features an original Gibson EB-0 Bass pickup. Nice and warm and fat
A killer made in the USA vintage solidbody bass for a decent price
Comes with a gig bag, too


Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $150 shipping in the USA, $180 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted ... view on ebay

Gibson Ripper 1980 4-String Solid Maple Electric Bass Natural RH w / Stand

Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

Works but position 1 and 4 do not. Comes with the original hard case... view on ebay

1974 Gibson EB 3 Bass With A Case

Ottawa, Ohio, 458**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

The 1974 Gibson EB 3 Bass is a professional-grade electric bass guitar designed for right-handed players. With its 4-string configuration, this classic instrument produces a rich and deep sound that is ideal for a wide range of music genres. This vintage piece also comes with a protective case, making it convenient for transport and storage. Perfect for bass players looking for a high-quality, reliable instrument with a touch of retro charm. Inventory #99... view on ebay

Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag! -LL

Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

Item: Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag!
Description: You are purchasing a Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag!Neck had a break but has been repaired. See PhotoIT has some wear and tear from normal usage Beautiful flamed wood finish Plays and sounds Please ask any questions before buying if you have any Shipping: $100 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping prices will vary. Overseas buyers pay their own import taxes Payment: We accept Paypal for your ... view on ebay

Gibson EB-3 Mahogany 1970-75 Electric Bass Guitar Orig. Case Slotted Head 961211

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

$2500

Available for your consideration is this stunning Gibson EB-3 bass guitar. It has a scale length of 31 inches, and a serial number of 961211.
To the best of our knowledge, this is most likely a 72 to 75 production of the EB-3 in mahogany
It is missing the original pickup cover.

You can read more about EB-3 production differences and models on FlyGuitars website.

This Beautiful and stunning EB-3 Gibson Bass guitar is in the original case and ... view on ebay

1977 Gibson RD Standard Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Ebony w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3400

Up for sale, a 1977 Gibson RD Standard Bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Dating to the era of Gibson production where the company was looking to expand their bass lineup with unique, forward-thinking designs, the short-lived RD Standard model (1977-79) was the passive entry into the RD lineup. Compared to the Artist, which sported Bob Moog-designed active electronics, the RD Standard is a no-frills tonal powerhouse, yielding ... view on ebay

Gibson RD Artist Bass 4-String Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar Natural RH

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3040

Most likely a one off build by an Gibson employee. Fret lines are in the fret board and not raise so it plays like a fretless Gibson ripper probably around 1974, 1975. never seen another one exactly like it. It??s definitely a one-of-a-kind.... view on ebay

1970 Gibson Les Paul Bass Low Impedance Pickups. VINTAGE!

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, 190**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2499

This VINTAGE, 1st generation Gibson bass is over 55 years old! The bridge is an old Leo Quan Badass Bridge. It has a changed XLR input done many years ago. The pots are master volume and master tone. This bass is quiet and heavy. It produces a thick and thumpy sound. NON original hardshell case is a dreadnaught size case. The pots are stamped 1970.... view on ebay

1979 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural

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

$3250

This Gibson Ripper was made in the USA in 1979. It shows play wear, but overall this one is quite clean with no structural damage. It is all original, although 1 pickup was re-wound. The bass is stamped "Second" but unclear why. This bass has been pro-setup in our store, plays great, and comes with the original case
If you have any questions, please message us
We ship Worldwide! Message for international shipping rates.... view on ebay

1994 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Vintage Sunburst EMG Hipshot Tuner Gig Bag

Astoria, Oregon, 971**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1995

Has been played and shows it, is in solid player condition. There are knicks and chips on the body and headstock. There is a finish crack behind the E tuner that does not go into the wood. The pots sounds clean but could be tightened up. EMG pickups, hipshot bridge and hipshot drop D tuner installed, the original three pole bridge and tuner are included. Ready to play out of the box, but would benefit from a solid tune up. Please review all photos :)... view on ebay

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar w / case. Alpine White. Original owner. USA

Harrisonburg, Virginia, 228**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3750

Serial Number stamped on back of headstock reads 83204574. Meaning it was manufactured on 11 / 16 / 1984and was the 74th guitar produced in Nashville that day. Pots are dated 44th and 45thweek of 1984 (first week of November). Basedon these dates I assume the headstock was stamped sometime well before theguitar was actually manufactured. Inthe control cavity it reads ??12 ?84?? what I believe is ??+ 3 L?? and also theinitials ??RFL??
I am the original owner of this bass ?? it was a... view on ebay

1976 Gibson The Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Natural 100% Original w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3400

Up for sale, a 1976 Gibson Ripper L-9S bass in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, this Ripper comes equipped with its original pair of Bill Lawrence designed ??Super Humbucker?? pickups and a four-way rotary switch for series, parallel, and out-of-phase pickup settings
Weighing 10lbs 3oz, the set neck, string-through body design and all-maple construction... view on ebay

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 ... view on ebay

gibson bass guitar 4 string

Maple Shade, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1188

The Gibson Bass Guitar 4 String is a high-quality electric bass guitar designed for musicians looking for a powerful and versatile sound. With its solid body construction and distinctive red color, this SG model delivers rich bass tones that are perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. Featuring four strings, this bass guitar offers a wide range of notes and harmonies, making it ideal for bass players looking to explore different genres and styles of music. Built by the renowned... view on ebay

Gibson Bass Guitar

Califon, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1375

The Gibson Bass Guitar is a 4-string electric bass guitar in a striking red color. It is part of the SG model series, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and iconic design. Perfect for musicians looking for a reliable and stylish bass guitar to enhance their playing experience. Includes original hard case.... view on ebay

60's Vintage Gibson EB-O bass 70's Fender Pickup Added With Case

Glendale, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1750

Up for grabs is this old bass from Gibson, this bass has been around, please take time to check all pictures for actual condition, has small nicks / dings around, looks all stock plus Fender 70's pickup added, original hard case included, pickups and case are around 3-400 bucks alone, I was going to remove the fender pickups but Ill see if some one takes the hole deal, if not Ill take them off and re post the bass, tested, works good, has the Gibson plate with the pots attached to it, has a nice... view on ebay

Vintage 1976 Gibson L-9S Ripper Electric Bass Guitar w / Original Case

Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3400

American Music is proud to present this beautiful Gibson Ripper Bass!
Bass was kept in its ORIGINAL case, as the case is pretty beat up
Brand New StringsTruss Rod worksNo warping in neckWeighs roughly 9lbsFret board is in good shape for a instrument of its age, but could use some fret work.... view on ebay

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co