Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $21,073

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson EB-6 is a rare gem in the world of electric basses, merging the sonic depth of a bass with the playability of a guitar. Originally introduced with a semi-hollowbody design and later reimagined with the iconic SG-style body in 1962, this six-string bass is tuned an octave lower than a standard guitar. This design allows for a rich, resonant voice that can handle complex chord voicings while maintaining the punchy bass tones that bass players crave. The EB-6 stands out not only for its limited production run of just 135 units but also for its unique configuration which has become a sought-after characteristic among collectors and musicians alike.

Crafted with a mahogany body and neck, and featuring a rosewood fingerboard, the EB-6 promises a warm, full-bodied sound that resonates beautifully. The dual humbucker pickups deliver a powerful and clean output, perfect for both studio recording and live performances. Its distinctive design elements, including dot inlays and large clover-shaped tuners, add to its vintage appeal, while ensuring stable tuning and smooth playability. The EB-6 isn't just a bass; it's a piece of music history that continues to inspire and excite musicians around the globe.

Key Features:

  • SG-style double cutaway solidbody
  • Mahogany body and neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Six-string bass tuned an octave lower than a guitar
  • Two humbucker pickups for rich, powerful sound
  • Dot inlays and large clover-shaped tuners
  • Extremely limited production, making it a rare collector’s item

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model EB-6
Year 1963 - 1966
Made In United States
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Gibson EB-6?

The Gibson EB-6 features a 30.5-inch scale length, which is typical for short-scale basses and contributes to its unique tonal characteristics and playability.

What type of pickups does the Gibson EB-6 have?

The Gibson EB-6 is equipped with passive humbucking pickups in an HH configuration, providing a rich and full sound suitable for various musical styles.

Is the Gibson EB-6 suitable for players accustomed to guitar?

Yes, the Gibson EB-6, with its six-string configuration and shorter scale length, can be more comfortable for guitarists transitioning to bass, offering a familiar feel while exploring bass tones.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson EB-6?

The Gibson EB-6 features a maple body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, offering a combination of durability, warmth, and smooth playability.

Does the Gibson EB-6 have an active preamp?

No, the Gibson EB-6 does not have an active preamp; it uses passive electronics, which contribute to its classic, natural bass tones.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1964 Gibson EB-6... But Does It Black Sabbath??

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson EB-6... But Does It Black Sabbath?? by Chicago Music Exchange

1964 Gibson EB-6... But Does It Black Sabbath??

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gibson EB6 01059 by frettedamericana

1960 Gibson EB6 01059

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gibson EB-6 played by Joe Robinson by Carter Vintage Guitars

1960 Gibson EB-6 played by Joe Robinson

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1961 Gibson EB-6 | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1961 Gibson EB-6 | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1961 Gibson EB-6 played by Anthony da Costa by Carter Vintage Guitars

1961 Gibson EB-6 played by Anthony da Costa

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gibson EB-6 played by Ariel Posen by Carter Vintage Guitars

1960 Gibson EB-6 played by Ariel Posen

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • A suggested mod involves installing a top-loading Strat bridge on a 30”+ scale instrument to avoid string length issues with string-through designs.

    Source
  • One recommendation includes using a wrap-around LPJR-style bridge for easy intonation fixes when converting an SG bass to a six-string.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • An Epiphone EB-0 with a 30.5” scale is suggested as a starting point for a Bass VI conversion, though the neck might be too narrow for some.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A Bass VI tuned to drop B0 with .24-.105 strings can maintain clarity for power chords, one step below Conan's tuning.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that neck dive is a concern when converting an SG bass to a Bass VI, likely due to the 30” scale length.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Howe uses Gibson EB-6

Steve Howe

Guitarist

Yes

...
Verified via Photo

A photo of the gatefold of Howe's debut album, showing his gear; among this gear is a Gibson EB-6.

See how Benjamin Orr uses Gibson EB-6

Benjamin Orr

Singer, Bassist

The Cars

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Orr can be seen with a white Gibson EB-6.

See how Peter Holmström uses Gibson EB-6

Peter Holmström

Guitarist

The Dandy Warhols

...
Verified via Photo

Another guitar he used in the past, according to my interview done with him.

See how Tom Petersson uses Gibson EB-6

Tom Petersson

Bassist

Cheap Trick

...
Verified via Photo

Gibson had a very small production run for what is essentially an ES-335 with a bass bridge, Petersson's 6-string 1960 Gibson EB-6 bass is a very rare find. "With its PAF pickup, it's the heaviest-sounding 1960s ES-335 ever," says Petersson.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson EB-6, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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