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Average Price: $1,000

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$400

$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 Mike Watt uses Gibson EB-0

Mike Watt

Bassist

The Stooges

...
Verified via Hootpage

Watt states on his site that he owns a Gibson EB-0.

See how Tom Scholz uses Gibson EB-0

Tom Scholz

Guitarist, Bassist

Boston

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In this PremierGuitar article, Scholz's gear list includes a Gibson EB-0.

See how Ronnie James Dio uses Gibson EB-0

Ronnie James Dio

Singer, Bassist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Dio can be seen playing a modified 1961 Gibson EB-0 with his old band The Prophets.

As a little known fact to many of his fans, Dio actually started his career on Bass Guitar as Ronnie James Padavona in 1957 (taking on the name Dio in 1960). He played Bass only up until 1958 when he began to fill in Vocals duties aswell, he filled this role through many name and line-up changes in the band, until his Bass Guitar position was replaced by Craig Gruber in 1973 leaving Dio to preform Vocals only.

This Bass was later put up for auction in September 13, 2017, the Bass had an estimated value of $8,000-$10,000 and sold for a winning bid of $10,240.

The description for the item read:

A modified 1961 Gibson EB-0 bass guitar used by Ronnie James Dio in his time as bassist for the band Elf. The solid mahogany body has been fitted with two additional pickups, original tuners replaced. Serial number 20067 to back of headstock. Accompanied by the original hardshell case.

Strangly enough, Dio has been seen with a Cherry version and a Walnut version both with the exact same modifications. So it is possible that he had two, or that he sanded the finish down and restained it at some point after 1967.

See how Ratatat uses Gibson EB-0

Ratatat

Music Producer

Ratatat

...
Verified via Photo

He can be seen playing an EB-0.

See how Phil Lesh uses Gibson EB-0

Phil Lesh

Bassist

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via Photo

Lesh can be seen playing a modified Gibson bass. It has 2 guild bass pick ups! It is not an EB-0

See how Bob Daisley uses Gibson EB-0

Bob Daisley

Bassist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Bobdaisley

On page 1 of the slide show. This is the style of EB-0 before it became an SG-shape.

See how Glen Matlock uses Gibson EB-0

Glen Matlock

Bassist

Sex Pistols

...
Verified via YouTube

Glen Matlock on a Gibson EB0 with the earlier Les Paul junior shape.

See how Chester Hansen uses Gibson EB-0

Chester Hansen

Bassist

BADBADNOTGOOD

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen at 2:01. It appears to be from 1972, because of the pickup position.

See how Genesis P-Orridge uses Gibson EB-0

Genesis P-Orridge

Singer, Bassist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo sourced from Peterbargh, Genesis P-Orridge is seen playing an Avon Japanese copy of a Gibson EB-0 Bass, dating from the late 1960s to early 1970s. Notably, this model features a bolt-on neck, unlike the original Gibson's fixed neck. Genesis often discussed in interviews the unique modification of these basses, where a large Gibson-style pickup cover conceals a small single coil. This particular Avon model was distributed from a shop on Denmark Street, London.

See how Suzi Quatro uses Gibson EB-0

Suzi Quatro

Singer, Bassist

The Pleasure Seekers

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"I played my Gibson EB-0, then I went on to the Ripper."

See how Butch Walker uses Gibson EB-0

Butch Walker

Guitarist, Singer

Train

...
Verified via Gibson

"Calling himself an “artist first,” Walker’s got the guitar collection to back it up. With his three favorite Gibsons being his ’67 ES-335, ’71 ES-355, and a late-’60s EB0 bass, Walker says, “Those are my Gibsons that I don’t take on the road. " - Walker about his Gibson EB-0 and other Gibson guitars.

See how Jonathan Jacob Walker uses Gibson EB-0

Jonathan Jacob Walker

Singer, Guitarist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via YouTube

Jon uses this bass in the Nine ine the Afternoon music video, first seen at 0:47

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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