Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $15,359

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson EB-6 6-String Bass, crafted between 1960 and 1962, stands as a testament to the innovation of its time, merging the worlds of bass and guitar with its unique six-string configuration. With just 67 ever made, this instrument is one of the rarest finds for collectors and musicians alike. Inspired by the iconic ES-335 double cutaway style, the EB-6 boasts an alluring thinline hollowbody design that offers a rich, resonant tone.

This exquisite bass features a meticulously crafted arched maple top, paired with maple back and sides that together deliver a warm yet articulate sound. The 20-fret rosewood fingerboard, adorned with pearl dot inlays, provides a smooth playing experience that is both comfortable and responsive. The three-per-side Kluson tuners ensure stable tuning and precise adjustments, allowing you to focus on your performance without distraction.

Equipped with a covered humbucker pickup, the EB-6 delivers a robust and versatile tonal palette. From deep, resonant lows to clear, singing highs, this bass offers the expressive range to cover a multitude of genres. Whether you're a dedicated collector or a passionate performer, the Gibson EB-6 is a rare gem that promises to inspire and captivate.

Key Features:

  • Six-string configuration
  • Thinline hollowbody design
  • Arched maple top with maple back and sides
  • 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays
  • Three-per-side Kluson tuners
  • Covered humbucker pickup

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model EB-6 Thinline Hollowbody
Finish Sunburst
Year 1960 - 1962
Made In United States
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of music is the Gibson EB-6 semi-hollow bass best suited for?

The Gibson EB-6 is well-suited for jazz, blues, and rock genres due to its warm, resonant tone and semi-hollow body design, which offers a rich, full sound ideal for these styles.

How does the semi-hollow body of the Gibson EB-6 affect its sound?

The semi-hollow body of the Gibson EB-6 provides a warm, resonant tone with enhanced sustain, making it ideal for players seeking a rich, full sound with a touch of acoustic character.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson EB-6 like?

The Gibson EB-6 features a mahogany neck with a comfortable profile that allows for easy playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead bass playing.

Does the Gibson EB-6 have active or passive pickups?

The Gibson EB-6 is equipped with passive pickups, offering a natural, vintage tone without the need for a battery-powered preamp.

Is the Gibson EB-6 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson EB-6 is suitable for live performances, providing a rich, resonant tone that can fill a venue, especially in genres like jazz and blues.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson EB-6 (semi-hollow).

Mods and upgrades

  • Converting an Epiphone EB to a Bass VI typically involves hardware upgrades like adding new pickups, bridges, tuners, and nuts.

    Source
  • Creating a Bass VI from a Newport bass has been done, offering a unique alternative to traditional models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Modding a Washburn 335-clone requires precise attention to the nut and ensuring the Bigsby-style tremolo returns to pitch, which may necessitate upgrading to an authentic Bigsby.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Gretsch Baritone modded to a Bass VI provides a single cut LP shape, similar to Gibson styles but with a different tonal profile, especially if mini-buckers are added.

    Source

Critic Reviews

How the Original Gibson EB-6 Got Its ES-335 Look - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Tom Petersson uses Gibson EB-6 (semi-hollow)

Tom Petersson

Bassist

Cheap Trick

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Reverb listing claims to be selling a vintage Gibson EB-6 6-string hollowbody formerly owned by Tom Peterson of Cheap Trick for $14,995 +$110-Shipping (as of November 2022).

"About This Listing"

"1960 Gibson EB-6, Extremely Rare model with Stickered PAF, Baritone guitar with Big fat '59 neck profile, ES-335 body style with a bass bridge, '59 style knobs, Previously owned by Tom Peterson of Cheap Trick with letter of authenticity, Fine playing and huge sounding! Gorgeous and fully original, EC+, Clean Original brown hard case"

Listed: 2 years ago

Condition: Excellent (Used)

Brand: Gibson

Model: EB-6

Finish: Sunburst

Categories: 5-String or More

Year: 1960

Made In: United States

Fretboard Material: Rosewood

Body Material: Maple

Right / Left Handed: Right Handed

Pickup System: Passive

Number of Strings: 6-String

Neck Material: Mahogany

Wood Top Style: Plain

Finish Style: Gloss

Body Shape: Double Cutaway

Pickup Configuration: H

Number of Frets: 20

See how Hank Garland uses Gibson EB-6 (semi-hollow)

Hank Garland

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Vintageandrare

"Gibson / EB-6 Prototype Hank Garland Owned / 1958 / Sunburst / Bass For Sale"

"Instrument Description:"

"Hank Garland's 1958 Gibson EB-6 - 6 String Bass Guitar that Hank designed. Hank also designed the Gibson 335, the Gibson ES 345 Stereo Guitar with a Varitone switch and the Gibson 355 Guitar. I know about these Guitars because I was there when Hank designed them."

"The Gibson EB-6, 6 string Bass Guitar is the only one ever made by Gibson. The neck is 4 1/2 inches longer and has a lot of technical design. The serial number is written inside with a pen. The neck was longer and first in it's design so they did not have a case for it. They made a special Gig bag for this special Bass Guitar. It is such a Holy Grail & a piece of American Music History. All of these Gibson Guitars that Hank designed are from the original Gibson Guitar Manufacturer in Kalamazoo, Michigan."

"Have been stored in a temperature controlled vault for 44 years. Not many people have ever seen them."

"This was used on many of Elvis Presley's recordings like "Fame and Fortune", "I Got Stung", "Stuck On You", etc. Also, see the link for the article written by Wolf Marshall for our friends over at vintageguitar.com"

"http://www.vintageguitar.com/11719/hanks-protos/"

"This instrument comes with full provenance from the Garland family."

"For sale to museums only."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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