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Average Price: $387

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover the Epiphone ET-280 Bass, a classic electric bass guitar that continues to capture the hearts of musicians with its vintage appeal and robust sound. This bass guitar, known for its reliable performance, is perfect for both aspiring bassists and seasoned players seeking a versatile instrument to add to their collection. The ET-280 boasts a short-scale neck, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more compact and comfortable playing experience. Its warm, punchy tones are delivered through a dual pickup configuration, allowing for a diverse range of sonic possibilities, whether you're laying down a groovy bassline or exploring more melodic passages.

Crafted with a solid body, the ET-280 ensures durability while maintaining an excellent balance between aesthetics and functionality. Its simple yet effective control layout provides easy access to volume and tone adjustments, letting you tailor your sound with ease. The vintage-style hardware complements its classic look, making it not just a tool for music-making, but a statement piece on stage or in the studio.

With its unique blend of heritage and modern utility, the Epiphone ET-280 Bass stands out as a timeless choice for bass players who appreciate both style and substance.

Key Features:

  • Short-scale neck for comfortable playability
  • Dual pickup configuration for diverse tonal options
  • Vintage-style hardware for a classic aesthetic
  • Solid body construction for durability and balanced sound
  • Simple control layout for easy sound customization

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model ET-280
Finish Cherryburst
Year 1972 - 1978
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone ET-280
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Epiphone ET-280 Bass?

The Epiphone ET-280 Bass features a 30.5-inch scale length, making it shorter than standard basses, which can be more comfortable for players with smaller hands or those seeking a different tonal character.

Are the pickups on the Epiphone ET-280 Bass active or passive?

The Epiphone ET-280 Bass is equipped with passive pickups, which provide a warm, classic tone without the need for a battery-powered preamp.

How many frets does the Epiphone ET-280 Bass have?

The Epiphone ET-280 Bass has 20 frets, offering a range suitable for various playing styles and musical genres.

What type of body shape does the Epiphone ET-280 Bass have?

The Epiphone ET-280 Bass features a double cutaway body shape, which allows for easier access to the higher frets and contributes to its unique aesthetic.

Is the Epiphone ET-280 Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone ET-280 Bass can be a good choice for beginners due to its shorter scale length and comfortable playability, making it easier to handle for new players.

guit. vint

guit. vint

guit.vint Basse Epiphone ET280

Video thumbnail for guit.vint   Basse Epiphone ET280 by guit. vint

guit.vint Basse Epiphone ET280

guit. vint

guit. vint

Video thumbnail for 1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280) / 1964 Ampeg B15 - vintage guitar demo by Vintage Guitar and Bass

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (ET-280) / 1964 Ampeg B15 - vintage guitar demo

Vintage Guitar and Bass

Vintage Guitar and Bass

Video thumbnail for 1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (Epiphone ET-280) - vintage guitar demo by Vintage Guitar and Bass

1971 Epiphone 1820 bass (Epiphone ET-280) - vintage guitar demo

Vintage Guitar and Bass

Vintage Guitar and Bass

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone ET-280.

Mods and upgrades

  • High-mass bridges with adjustable string spacing are recommended to improve intonation issues; Guyker and Wilkinson are suggested as budget options.

    Source
  • Premium bridges like Hipshot or Babicz are noted as potential upgrades, though some question their value on an entry-level bass like the ET-280.

    Source
  • BadAss Bridges are mentioned for their universal fit and potential to enhance the ET-280’s performance.

    Source
  • Wiring schematics for the ET-280 can be found in dedicated Gibson forums, offering essential guidance for DIY electronics upgrades and repairs.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the stock bridge difficult for intonation due to its two-saddle design, often requiring compromise on string tuning.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ET-280 is favored for its unique sound, suitable for punk-funk styles, and is hard to replicate with other basses.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Epiphone ET-280's bridge is compared to Telecaster Bass designs, indicating it shares similar historical design flaws.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Intonation improvement is crucial, especially given the short scale and non-standard features of the ET-280, making adjustable bridges a practical solution.

    Source
  • Some owners suggest using a wiring diagram for similar pickups and control layouts to guide the replacement of the ET-280's aging electronics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The ET-280's existing control setup includes a switch, volume, and tone, which may require specific component values for replacement.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Murphy uses Epiphone ET-280

James Murphy

Singer, DJ

LCD Soundsystem

...
Verified via Guim

"And there's an old Epiphone bass that I use that has no name, from the '60s, that I've recorded everything with"

This no-name Epiphone he talks of is actually an Epiphone ET-280. This is the bass used in all the live performances as well, as can be seen in the source.

Genre Usage

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