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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.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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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 Johnny A. uses Gibson EB-0

Johnny A.

Guitarist

The Yardbirds

...
Verified via Guitar Aficionado

Among Johnny’s many other notable Gibsons are a 1936 L-00 (a Christmas present from his wife and daughter), a 1966 EB-0 bass, a custom Johnny A. Montana Advanced Jumbo with breathtaking woodwork, and a pink-and-white 1960 Skylark lap steel.

See how Dave Dreiwitz uses Gibson EB-0

Dave Dreiwitz

Bassist

Ween

...
Verified via Photo

We can see his Gibson Eb-O bass.

See how Trevor Bolder uses Gibson EB-0

Trevor Bolder

Bassist

Uriah Heep

...
Verified via PhotoBucket

To Bowie's far left, Bolder can be seen playing a Gibson EB-0.

See how Randy Meisner uses Gibson EB-0

Randy Meisner

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Cherry

In a photograph captured during a 1969 performance with Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band, Randy Meisner is clearly using a cherry red Gibson EB-0 bass guitar. The instrument is identifiable by its 'mudbucker' neck pickup and the absence of a bridge pickup, along with two control knobs.

See how Felix Pappalardi uses Gibson EB-0

Felix Pappalardi

Singer, Bassist

Mountain

...
Verified via Photo

A photo of Felix Pappalardi with a black Gibson EB-O

See how Gerald Casale uses Gibson EB-0

Gerald Casale

Singer, Bassist

Devo

...
Verified via Photo

Seen in this very early Devo picture.

See how Evan Mast uses Gibson EB-0

Evan Mast

Bassist, Keyboardist

Ratatat

...
Verified via Photo

Evan Mast can be seen with a Gibson EB-O in this photo.

See how Danny Sapko uses Gibson EB-0

Danny Sapko

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Danny Sapko owns a 1963 Gibson EB-0, which he has modified by adding a bridge pickup from a Rickenbacker, as confirmed in his YouTube video titled "I play every single bass I have."

See how Paul Wilson uses Gibson EB-0

Paul Wilson

Bassist, Composer

Snow Patrol

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by pablosnowpatrol, Paul Wilson is seen using a Gibson EB-0 Bass.

See how Frank Allen uses Gibson EB-0

Frank Allen

Singer, Bassist

The Searchers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 1965 promotional film for The Searchers' single "So Far Away", Frank Allen uses his cherry red Gibson EB-0 bass which he had bought in 1961 while still playing with Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers.

The Searchers' official website states that this bass was given to the Hard Rock Cafe group in the late 1980s and can now be seen in Reykjavik, Iceland.

See how Bernie Calvert uses Gibson EB-0

Bernie Calvert

Bassist, Keyboardist

The Hollies

...
Verified via Photo

In this rare performance of The Hollies, performing The Air That I Breathe, sometime in 1975 or 1976, Bernie Calvert can be seen in several frames (most particularly during the solo and after) to play a Gibson EB-0 bass. The model itself seems to be an EB-0 as the EB-3 has an extra bridge pickup, while the EB-0 only has one neck pickup. Calvert acquired this bass sometime during the mid-70s, as there were several promotional shoots with the EB-0 bass, though it is unknown on its whereabouts after his departure until the present times.

See how Gaye Advert uses Gibson EB-0

Gaye Advert

Bassist

The Adverts

...
Verified via Photo

Gaye Advert (Born Gaye Black, 1956) used a Gibson EB0, as seen in this photo.

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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