Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,300

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

here is a 1971 Gibson SB-300. This is an absolute killer bass! They're getting more and more difficult to find these days, especially in such great condition. Everything on here is original and in total working order. The action and intonation are great! Playing this bass is like butter, it's smooth and beautiful. These basses were originally made in the '70s as a more budget friendly model than the EB series. After only being in production for three years (1971-1974), they became sought after because, although budget friendly, they turned out to be many peoples favorite bass Gibson ever produced. Many critics of the EB series claim they are too heavy on the low end because of their "mudbucker" pickups - the SB 300 has none of that awful mud - it uses two single coil, switchable and blend able pickups. The few of these basses that are still left in good, original, working condition have mostly been snatched up by collectors or players who will never let go of their SB-300. You're going to want to get your hands on this one... I bought this bass about a year and half ago and the previous owner had a professional refinish the top. It came out amazing, it looks brand new and beautiful. The only original part missing is the bridge cover. Walnut Finish (slightly darker) 30 1/2" scale neck Rosewood Fingerboard Dot Inlays Maple Neck Multiplex adjustable bridge Solid Body

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SB-300
Finish Cherry, Walnut
Year 1971 - 1973
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson SB-300 bass?

The Gibson SB-300 features a comfortable short-scale neck with a maple construction, offering a smooth playing experience ideal for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact feel.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson SB-300's pickups?

The Gibson SB-300 is equipped with passive single-coil pickups, delivering a warm and punchy tone suitable for a variety of music genres, from rock to blues.

Is the Gibson SB-300 bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gibson SB-300's short scale and straightforward controls make it an excellent choice for beginners who are looking for a vintage-style bass with easy playability.

How does the body material of the Gibson SB-300 affect its sound?

The Gibson SB-300 has an alder body, which contributes to its balanced tone with a good mix of warmth and clarity, making it versatile for different playing styles.

What finish options are available for the Gibson SB-300?

The Gibson SB-300 is available in Cherry and Walnut finishes, both of which feature a glossy style that enhances the natural beauty of the wood.

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Gibson Bass Guitar - Gibson SB300 Bass Guitar Hardshell Case 1971 Walnut - 515-864-3136

Video thumbnail for Gibson Bass Guitar - Gibson SB300 Bass Guitar Hardshell Case 1971 Walnut - 515-864-3136 by Lawman Guitars

Gibson Bass Guitar - Gibson SB300 Bass Guitar Hardshell Case 1971 Walnut - 515-864-3136

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson SB-300, un Basso di 53 anni fa'! by Liuteria Marcellan

Gibson SB-300, un Basso di 53 anni fa'!

Liuteria Marcellan

Liuteria Marcellan

Video thumbnail for Un Basso Gibson del 1971 Gibson - SB-300 by Liuteria Marcellan

Un Basso Gibson del 1971 Gibson - SB-300

Liuteria Marcellan

Liuteria Marcellan

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SB-300.

Use cases and applications

  • The SB-300 excels in studio settings, particularly when paired with flatwound strings on the neck pickup and the tone rolled off by one-third.

    Source
  • This bass is noted for its exceptional performance with fuzz effects, making it a great choice for players who enjoy experimenting with overdrive and distortion.

    Source
  • An Epiphone P Bass knockoff with Fender Pure Vintage '62 pickups and La Bella Low Tension Flats was used in a production for a 60's P Bass sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SB-300 has a distinct sound that doesn't resemble the Gibson EB series, making it a unique choice for those seeking a different tonal character.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user swapped a black pickguard with a white pearl pickguard and added a Thunderbird pickup to their AccuBass for a distinct look and improved tone.

    Source
  • The Harley Benton PB20 was modified with a Fender high mass bridge and Warman high output pickup for improved performance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One owner experienced fret rattling on the 7th fret of the E string, which was resolved with a setup, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • An SX Jazz bass had fret sprout issues and required significant setup work to be playable.

    Source

Build quality

  • A Yamaha BB234 is praised for its single-piece neck, preventing ridge development over time, and features a distinctive color combination with a dark rosewood fretboard.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Gibson SB-300

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

Nick can be seen using this 70's bass guitar with vintage features.

See how Jay Watson uses Gibson SB-300

Jay Watson

Guitarist, Drummer

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Jay Watson can be seen playing a Gibson SB-300.

See how Nick Allbrook uses Gibson SB-300

Nick Allbrook

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

Allbrook uses a 1971 Gibson SB-300 which can be seen in the video above. This guitar is in a walnut color and was allegedly originally purchased by Jay Watson.

See how Chester Hansen uses Gibson SB-300

Chester Hansen

Bassist

BADBADNOTGOOD

...
Verified via Smart Bass Guitar

"I also have a Gibson SB-300 that I play on some recordings."

See how Falco uses Gibson SB-300

Falco

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

You can see Falco playing his Gibson SB-300 Bass

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 SB-300, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Malekko Omicron Series Phase
Malekko Omicron Series Phase Phaser Effects Pedals
1
Gallien-Krueger CX 410
Gallien-Krueger CX 410 Bass Amplifier Cabinets
1
Gallien-Krueger MB Fusion 500
Gallien-Krueger MB Fusion 500 Bass Amplifier Heads
1
Gallien-Krueger 800RB
Gallien-Krueger 800RB Bass Amplifier Heads
1

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