2017 Gibson EB redesign

[Gaolee]

I actually really liked the EB from day 1. I thought they were cool basses with a great rock tone and a decent price.

It took me a little while to warm up to them, but then I played one and bought a used one. I play the Thunderbirds more, but I like it a whole lot. Because they are a bit obscure, I expect they will be great bargains on the used market. Assuming they don't get discovered too completely.

 

[PluffMudQueen]

Nope. Another Meh

 

[engedi1]

It took me a little while to warm up to them, but then I played one and bought a used one. I play the Thunderbirds more, but I like it a whole lot. Because they are a bit obscure, I expect they will be great bargains on the used market. Assuming they don't get discovered too completely.

I will say the 5 string version I played had a totally crap B string. But the 4 string bass had a muscular sound yet with clarity that I preferred over the T-bird and I loved the look. You can get a used 4 banger for like $600.

 

[petrus61]

Why don't they come up with a new name? Not sure why they chose the EB moniker for this or even the last incarnation but I would think they'd take the opportunity to introduce an entirely new idea (for them) without having to ride on back of the EB designation. It's almost like if Fender did away with the Precision bass and then released a "new improved" P bass with soap bars, single rail bridge, single cutaway and a 35" scale...doesn't make sense to me.

 

[woodyng2]

I liked my cream color 4 string overall,but traded it in a fit of GAS,after less than a year.
The fretwork left a lot to be desired,and the superhot pickups were not what i look for.
The overall design was great,very light and comfortable,and worked really well. Loved the Babicz bridge. I was never a big fan of the finish,though.

 

[Gaolee]

I will say the 5 string version I played had a totally crap B string. But the 4 string bass had a muscular sound yet with clarity that I preferred over the T-bird and I loved the look. You can get a used 4 banger for like $600.

I got my four string for $500. I haven't seen one that inexpensive since. I don't prefer it over Thunderbirds, but I still like it very much. At the price I paid for it, I like it even more.

 

[engedi1]

I got my four string for $500. I haven't seen one that inexpensive since. I don't prefer it over Thunderbirds, but I still like it very much. At the price I paid for it, I like it even more.

That's a killer deal. I haven't seen less than $600.

 

[GretschWretch]

Never owned a Lincoln. But I do have a T-40. The Peavey is a lot heavier. And I've played late '70s/early '80s JBs that were heavier too.

It's true there were some very heavy Victories. But most were well within the usual weight range of basses for that period.

My very small sample of Victories (and RDs as well) was all boat anchors, which alone was enough to put me off the model; but in addition to that was the neck -- just too chunky for me to navigate. No knock on the objective virtues of the instruments; they just were an ergonomic mismatch for me.

 

[GBassNorth]

I will say the 5 string version I played had a totally crap B string. But the 4 string bass had a muscular sound yet with clarity that I preferred over the T-bird and I loved the look. You can get a used 4 banger for like $600.

Guess I got lucky then, my 2014 EB 5 string is a monster across the entire board. The B string is earth shaking and makes for some if the best dub and club beat music I've ever heard.

 

[engedi1]

Guess I got lucky then, my 2014 EB 5 string is a monster across the entire board. The B string is earth shaking and makes for some if the best dub and club beat music I've ever heard.

cool. Maybe they are like Fenders where the quality control can provide results all over the map.

 

[Shortie]

So now Gibson's copying G&L. Hmmm. Still rather have a G&L I think.

Price is very competitive - worth trying IMO.

 

[theevilplankton]

I actually really like the look of the 'old' EB bass, very nice.

A shame, as Gibson clearly have a pedigree - EB3/SG, Ripper. Grabber, T-Bird....

 

[RoyalWe91]

THATS NOT AN EB! What the hell Gibson? How about we fix that awful thunderbird design first, make it actually balanced? You know, like a professional quality instrument should be?

 

[Sandman64]

I have never really been a fan of Gibson basses. However I really liked this one (see picture) and was actually thinking of getting it until I saw how poorly it was put together. This new EB model does remind me of my G&L M2000. So it'll be yet another pass for me and probably another fail from Gibson. I'm beginning to wonder if anybody is listening over there and whether or not there even care?

 

[Mvilmany]

There was nothing at all wrong with their previous EB solid body design, had at least a slight taste of originality, so of course, they had to change it to something less interesting.

I liked the previous EB design as well. It looked cool. The problem was that is was a meh bass. Felt weird and construction was crap.

 

[40Hz]

My very small sample of Victories (and RDs as well) was all boat anchors, which alone was enough to put me off the model; but in addition to that was the neck -- just too chunky for me to navigate. No knock on the objective virtues of the instruments; they just were an ergonomic mismatch for me.

No argument from me. It's important to take that into consideration. Lotta players with chronic shoulder and neck problems because of too heavy instruments and too narrow straps.

In my case, I always preferred a fairly high action on my basses. And after 48 years of playing, I can see where that's taken its toll.

I've since lowered my strings, but the damage has already been done.

 

[knigel]

I owned one of these. Sold it when I quit playing. Wish I hadn't. Wish I had it back. Would buy another if offered again. GREAT bass!

Also had the Victory Artist. Loved it. You would not believe the price I paid, considering what they are selling for now.

And the Victories weighed as much as a Lincoln Town Car. Or a Peavey T-40.

I wouldn't say it was a featherweight, but I don't recall it being super heavy. Certainly not as heavy as some of the T40s I have owned.

 

[Herrick]

I'll take a decent-looking generic bass over something that looks "original" but doesn't look good. Check out one of the older EB threads and you'll see posts saying it looks like a Mosrite.

If this thing remains consistently light weight like the previous EB generation, then I might look into it. I'm selling my 5-string EB because I couldn't get along with the looks. Playability, weight, & sound were all very nice though! Oh and I love that there's no pickguard on this new EB.

 

[calypsocoral302]

Hmm... Yeah, the shape is a little derivative-- it kind of reminds me of an ESP B-series-- it does look like it was actually designed to be a bass guitar, instead of the usual guitar body jury-rigged into a bass that has been Gibson's MO since lord-knows-when. Ultimately, I think this shape is going to be tweaked at some point down the road, but as-is, sure, I'd be willing to give it a shot.

I would love to try one in 4-string with a Sunburst finish. Those pickups certainly look capable of more than a little bit of growl and snarl!

 

[Christine]

I like it, a 4 string would suit me better too but I still like it