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$1001+

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Description

The Gibson EB-0 Bass is a nod to the classic electric bass designs that continue to inspire musicians across genres. Introduced in the early 1960s, the EB-0 quickly gained a reputation for its deep, resonant sound, making it a staple for bassists who seek that distinctive, vintage tone. This short-scale bass guitar is ideal for players who prioritize comfort and playability without compromising on sound quality.

Equipped with a humbucking pickup, the EB-0 delivers a rich and powerful low-end. This pickup ensures that every note you play is full-bodied and resonant, whether you're laying down a groove in a live setting or recording in the studio. The solid mahogany body contributes to its warm tonal characteristics, while the rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability that bassists will appreciate during extended sessions.

The EB-0's simple yet effective control layout allows you to easily dial in your desired sound, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Whether you're playing rock, blues, or jazz, the Gibson EB-0 Bass is versatile enough to handle it all with ease.

Key Features:

  • Humbucking pickup for powerful, resonant sound
  • Short-scale design for enhanced playability
  • Solid mahogany body for warm tonal characteristics
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth action
  • Simple control layout for easy tone adjustments

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model EB-0
Finish Cherry, Pelham Blue, Polaris White, Sparkling Burgundy
Year 1961 - 1968
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Blue, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson EB-0 bass best suited for?

The Gibson EB-0, with its single humbucker pickup and mahogany body, is well-suited for rock, blues, and classic rock genres, offering a deep, warm tone with plenty of low-end punch.

How does the short scale of the Gibson EB-0 affect playability?

The short scale of the Gibson EB-0 makes it easier to play for those with smaller hands, providing a more comfortable reach across the fretboard and facilitating faster playing.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson EB-0's pickup?

The Gibson EB-0 features a single humbucker pickup that delivers a thick, warm tone with a pronounced low-end, ideal for bassists seeking a vintage sound with a strong presence.

Is the Gibson EB-0 suitable for beginner bass players?

Yes, the Gibson EB-0 is suitable for beginners due to its short scale, which offers easier playability and a comfortable feel, making it an excellent choice for those new to bass playing.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson EB-0 like?

The Gibson EB-0 features a rounded neck profile that provides a comfortable grip, catering to players who prefer a more traditional feel while playing.

Empire Music

Empire Music

Epiphone EB-0 Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC

Video thumbnail for Epiphone EB-0 Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Epiphone EB-0 Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for 1963 Gibson EB-0 Bass Cherry | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1963 Gibson EB-0 Bass Cherry | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1967 Gibson EB-0 Bass Cherry | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1967 Gibson EB-0 Bass Cherry | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Walnut | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Walnut | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson EB-0 Bass from 1963 presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson EB-0 Bass from 1963 presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1961 Gibson EB-0 Bass Cherry | Guitar of the Day - Greg Coates by Normans Rare Guitars

1961 Gibson EB-0 Bass Cherry | Guitar of the Day - Greg Coates

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1962 Gibson EB-0 Bass | Roberto Vally at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1962 Gibson EB-0 Bass | Roberto Vally at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson EB-0 Bass Find from Original Owner by Brian’s Unique Guitars

1965 Gibson EB-0 Bass Find from Original Owner

Brian’s Unique Guitars

Brian’s Unique Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson EB-0 bass from 1967 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson EB-0 bass from 1967 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Detlef Blanke

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a rich and powerful sound with exceptional depth and warmth

  • Lightweight and comfortable for long playing sessions

  • Ergonomic body shape allows easy access to upper frets

  • Single-coil pickup provides deep, growling bass and excellent note articulation

  • Vintage design offers a unique playing experience

  • Short scale and wide neck make playing easier

  • Perfect sound for styles like proto-punk and classic rock

  • Provides a mellow, deep tone with large neck pickup

  • Easily integrates into various musical mixes with a calm, warm sound

  • Impressive build quality and stable tuning over extended play

CONS

  • Not suitable for all musical styles

  • More of a collector's piece than a versatile player instrument

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson EB-0.

Features and functionality

  • The neck-through construction allows easy access to higher frets and contributes to its lightweight design.

    Source
  • The 1972 model features a slotted headstock and has the neck pickup configuration, contrasting with earlier models with mid-position pickups for a potentially more versatile sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Best suited for genres like rockabilly and country due to its thumpy tone, though limited in versatility.

    Source
  • EB-0 is favored as a simple, inexpensive practice bass, suitable as a starter or spare despite its limited tone range.

    Source

User experience

  • Neck dive is noted but can be managed with a snug playing position or by adjusting the strap peg.

    Source
  • The bass is lightweight, making it ideal for travel, though not preferred for gigs by some users.

    Source
  • Some owners find the EB-3's neck dive severe, suggesting techniques like using the thumb on the neck pickup or threading the strap through a belt for balance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A thicker strap is recommended to manage neck dive, similar to recommendations for the SG bass.

    Source
  • A Guild JSII is suggested as an alternative, offering similar pricing but with additional switching options for sound versatility.

    Source
  • EB-0 offers less tonal variation compared to EB-3 due to having only one pickup, impacting sound versatility.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Intonation can be tricky with short scale models; adjustments without moving the bridge are possible.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 1972 Gibson EB-0 at $1,300 USD is around market rate; recent sales show prices as low as $1,050, indicating room for negotiation.

    Source
  • Vintage EB-3s with slotted headstocks and small tuners can be found for under $2,000, with significant variation in pricing based on condition and repairs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Magic of the EB-0—Gibson's First Solid-Body Bass | Reverb News

reverb.com

The Gibson EB-0 Bass stands as a unique relic from the late '50s and early '60s, offering a thick, dark sound that diverges from the clarity of its Fender counterparts. Its short scale is guitarist-friendly, and its Sidewinder pickup delivers a distinct thump ideal for rock settings. However, its "mudbucker" reputation signals a lack of brightness and definition, potentially limiting its appeal. Despite this, for those craving a robust low-end and vintage charm, the EB-0 is a dream to play and remains a classic choice for filling wide sonic spaces.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
eheinzelman

My Long Time Bass.

When my original bass was stolen, my roommate, also a bass player, suggested that I search out an EB-O for the music I was playing at the time. I had been borrowing one if his P-basses. It took awhile but I finally found one in pieces and the finish stripped. Another buddy put it back together and finished it in black rather than the SG red. It has the perfect sound for the proto-punk stuff we were doing in Death (the Milwaukee version) in the early 1970s. Just a flat out loud sound and extremely easy to play! Just getting back into music and this is my go to instrument to get my fingers retrained!

ebebebeb

, Warm sound of classic rock

I love this bass, it gives a calm warm and beautiful sound that is very pleasant to the ears and fits perfectly into the mix

harrisporter

My Gib

1967 Gibson EB-0. My beautiful prized possession. Crafted in the late 60s by the hands of god.

G

Excellent through the test of time

I haven't played around with this bass yet, but so far it has been incredible to use. I managed to find a 1966 (WELL used) and couldn't look at it for long without buying it. I regret absolutely nothing about it, and considering most of it is original and it has large visible damage to the body, playing it is still a dream.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thom Yorke uses Gibson EB-0

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo we see Thom performing with a vintage Gibson EB-0 in cherry red

See how Cliff Burton uses Gibson EB-0

Cliff Burton

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo we can see a young Burton with a Black Gibson EB-0.

It can be told that this is not an EB-3 by the fact that this Bass doesn't have a Bridge Pickup and this Bass may also serve as an explaination as to how Burton got the Neck Humbucker for his modified 4001 Rickenbacker.

This photo appears to have been taken in the late 70's when Burton was in the band "Fry By Night" (Originaly "Fly By Night" however the band changed it's name after a typo on a poster).

See how Mike Dirnt uses Gibson EB-0

Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via YouTube

In the latest Green Day music video for "Meet Me On The Roof", Mike can be seen playing a Gibson EB-0. It is definitely an EB-0 as opposed to an EB-3, hence the lack of a bridge pickup and two nob configuration. There's a very brief but clear shot of it at 1:15.

See how Peter Hook uses Gibson EB-0

Peter Hook

Singer, Bassist

Joy Division

...
Verified via Photo

In an article from Gibson.com Peter Hook tells Michael Leonard "The first bass I really invested in was a Gibson EB-0. I love the sound of Gibson basses, but I needed a double-octave scale for my style of playing. So I had to get a copy of an EB-2 made by [U.K. guitar maker] Chris Eccleshall."

See how Kim Gordon uses Gibson EB-0

Kim Gordon

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Kim Gordon can be seen playing a Gibson EB-O. On Sonic Youth's website it says:

"Used by Kim/Jim 2002-2009 NOTES:

'69 EB-0 purchased in Austin on the Murray Street North American to replace the blue P-Bass she'd been using previously, because she was unhappy with its sound. Jim used this bass on "Kool Thing" "Kissability" and "Drunken Butterfly" when Kim isn't playing. Jim didn't seem to use this (much?) in 2004. Kim says: "I've been using the EB-0 because it's just easier and smaller [than the Thunderbird]. It only sounds good with new strings, though [usually D'addario mediums]. I'd like to have another bass that has more resonance to it, but for now this one is really fun to play live." -Red body -1 pickup -Rosewood fretboard -Black pickguard -2 knobs"

See how Ty Segall uses Gibson EB-0

Ty Segall

Singer, Guitarist

Fuzz

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to this Premier Guitar Article on Ty Segall, he uses a "1968 Gibson EB-0 with flatwounds."

See how Peter Steele uses Gibson EB-0

Peter Steele

Singer, Bassist

Type O Negative

...
Verified

Peter can be seen playing a Red Gibson EB-0 during a wedding. (Credit to petersteeleforever on IG)

See how Gene Simmons uses Gibson EB-0

Gene Simmons

Singer, Bassist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Gene is shown playing the Gibson EB-O in black. According to the website Axeology this bass is "long believed to be a prototype for a possible Gibson Gene Simmons signature guitar, this bass is actually a heavily modified 60’s Gibson EB-0."

The Gibson pickup was moved closer to the bridge and a Badass bridge installed. The faux “binding” was a cosmetic modification done to highlight the guitar’s body shape and size, as Gene wanted a striking visual to go along with KISS’s image. Source: https://www.vintageguitar.com/3353/kiss-able-gibson/

See how Jack Bruce uses Gibson EB-0

Jack Bruce

Singer, Bassist

Cream

...
Verified
Color/Finish: Cherry Year: 1967

Though more often a user of the upgraded Gibson EB-3 model, Bruce was gifted a 1967 Gibson EB-0 by his frequent collaborator Felix Pappalardi. The bass has the phrase "To Jack xxx Felix" engraved into it and is now on display in the Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

See how Adrian Utley uses Gibson EB-0

Adrian Utley

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Portishead

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Adrian Utley confirmed his use of a 1969 Gibson EB-0 Bass, as indicated by his caption: "Session with Will Gregory @goldfrappmusic 1968 Gibson SG Special and 1969 Gibson EB-0."

See how Pretty Lights uses Gibson EB-0

Pretty Lights

Bassist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this November 2013 photo of Pretty Lights with the Analog Future Band.

See how Mike Rutherford uses Gibson EB-0

Mike Rutherford

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer

Mike Rutherford confirmed his use of the Gibson EB-0 Bass during the recording of Genesis's debut album, "From Genesis to Revelation," in 1969, as detailed in his interview with GuitarPlayer titled “I Was Primarily a Guitarist.”

Album Usage

The Gibson EB-0 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson EB-0, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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