FS: 1961 Epiphone Newport Bass (Gibson EB-O) - rare early model

[pharaohamps]

SOLD

This is a '61 Epiphone Newport bass in good condition. The worst of the damage is some finish wear on the back of the neck and a worn spot on the treble horn. There's a small crack at the neck heel but it looks like it was repaired a long time ago and it's stable. Finger rest was moved up top as a thumbrest but I left it there since it helps with my playing style. One of the finger rest screws is in the hole for the original chrome cover (now missing,) so only one extra hole was drilled in the top. All original except for the bottom strap button is replaced and moved. Wiring is all intact and original.

The Newport is basically a Gibson EB-O with a different body style. The early Newports (1961-63) look a lot like the Early '59-60 EB-O, before the "SG" style body shape was introduced on the Gibson. There were only 118 Epiphone Newports shipped in 1961, so this is a pretty rare piece.

More info on the Epi Newport

The pickguard is currently not attached since I don't have the correct sized screws but it's in decent shape other than the typical nitrocellulose curl. I do have an Epiphone "E" for the pickguard, but I was saving it for when I had a new pickguard made.

Sounds HUGE, the mudbucker has a tone that you can't get any other way. It's currently strung with super-old flats and plays great. The neck is narrow but a bit deeper than what you'd find on a Fender, more of a "U" than a "C" shape. Action is medium-low and frets are excellent. Truss rod adjusts correctly. Balances really well and is very light, 6 lbs. 9 oz. 30" scale.

I'm sad to see this go, it's a super-cool bass and I'm really hoping it finds a good home.

Asking $1000 shipped CONUS in a Gibson-branded gig bag.

I WILL ship this internationally but the buyer will pay for the shipping. This bass is pretty small so it should ship to most countries OK.

Possible trades (all + or - cash)
DeArmond or Guild Starfire
Epiphone Rivoli or Rivoli II
'70s Fender Precision (maybe)
Modern Player Telecaster Bass

Photos:

[emblymouse]

This is so cool, I love the aged mahogany. More versitile than you might think - Colin Moulding used one very effectively in XTC, and you'll also see one behind Johnny Cash in photos from Folsom Prison. Yeah, I'm a Newport geek

[pharaohamps]

Originally Posted by emblymouse

This is so cool, I love the aged mahogany. More versitile than you might think - Colin Moulding used one very effectively in XTC, and you'll also see one behind Johnny Cash in photos from Folsom Prison. Yeah, I'm a Newport geek

The first one I saw was the one on the cover of the San Quentin LP, though it was the "batwing" style later model. RIP Marshall Grant...

[spufman]

Cool, I didn't know Epiphone had their version, looks like a Coronet. Good luck with the sale, pretty nifty bass!

[pharaohamps]

Originally Posted by spufman

Cool, I didn't know Epiphone had their version, looks like a Coronet. Good luck with the sale, pretty nifty bass!

It's the same body as the Coronet, yes. It will actually fit in a guitar case or gig bag since it's so small Comparing this side-by-side with a Coronet or a Les Paul Special, they're almost exactly the same size.

[pharaohamps]

Bump.