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Gibson EB 5 String Bass
- Thread starter G On Bass
- Start date
Rehearsal update:
EB5 w/Circle K 136's through a Zoom B3 into a TC Electronics BG250. Classic Rock, mostly fingerstyle, some pick. 2 Guitars, loud drummer.
Gee. This bass has tone for days....
Great J growl. Really snappy and present with great SC and meaty HB tones. Switching coils with the taps actually makes a huge difference. More so than any bass I've owned with taps. When switched Neck-HB/Bridge-SC, it cops a great P/J tone. When reversed SC/HB, it has that nice bitey J/MM feel.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this bass, since it's a new model with new pickups. While I certainly wasn't thrilled with the need for an immediate trip to the shop, I am impressed with the pickups and the tone palette available from them. The B is good and balanced.
I still think the bass looks cool and I really like the finish and how light it is. As mentioned, I was looking for a good, passive 5 string 'J' bass, and I think I got more than that.
EB5 w/Circle K 136's through a Zoom B3 into a TC Electronics BG250. Classic Rock, mostly fingerstyle, some pick. 2 Guitars, loud drummer.
Gee. This bass has tone for days....
Great J growl. Really snappy and present with great SC and meaty HB tones. Switching coils with the taps actually makes a huge difference. More so than any bass I've owned with taps. When switched Neck-HB/Bridge-SC, it cops a great P/J tone. When reversed SC/HB, it has that nice bitey J/MM feel.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this bass, since it's a new model with new pickups. While I certainly wasn't thrilled with the need for an immediate trip to the shop, I am impressed with the pickups and the tone palette available from them. The B is good and balanced.
I still think the bass looks cool and I really like the finish and how light it is. As mentioned, I was looking for a good, passive 5 string 'J' bass, and I think I got more than that.
I hate to use the U word but that bass is ugly. So damned ugly I want one. A 5er, just like that. It sucks that you had to repair a brand new bass, but that thing looks awesome. I am very jealous, mucho grats!
Just to show we are all different - I was bummed the nut was 1.75 and not a standard 1.86. As little as it sounds it does make a difference. I am relieved that it is 19mm at the bridge. The shape of the neck makes more difference than the nut width in MHO. The 1.75 is same some of EBMM, Carvin, and sort of the standard for the scared of wide necks crowd.
I am curious about the EB5. Some of the reviews on the InterWeb vary - almost by maybe lack of QA from Gibby perhaps. Like a couple said the B rattled, another the finish felt odd. But others report all fine. I guess after being so disappointed in the Gibson Midtown (only bass I ever sent back) I fear buying site unseen. I will say that the case with fluffy white was VERY nicely done.
I am curious about the EB5. Some of the reviews on the InterWeb vary - almost by maybe lack of QA from Gibby perhaps. Like a couple said the B rattled, another the finish felt odd. But others report all fine. I guess after being so disappointed in the Gibson Midtown (only bass I ever sent back) I fear buying site unseen. I will say that the case with fluffy white was VERY nicely done.
Nice EB! I'm an admirer of those basses, especially the 5 string. If your thin nitro is like what's on my SGJ, it's a bit delicate but very nice feeling and boy does that guitar resonate. Smells woody, too. My new SG bass has more of a stained finish, and that's really nice, but yea some people hate on them.
Congrats!
Congrats!
Congrats dude, stunning looking bass. Been wanting to try one of these, definitely the best colour!
FWIW, things kinda went south for me and this bass soon after posting this, and I ended up selling this bass after fixing it up to the point where I could do so in good conscience. Gibson's customer service is, without a doubt, the worst I have ever come across (they invalidated my Lifetime Warranty when I had their broken nut changed). So much so that I have made a personable pledge to never buy another Gibson product as long as I live. it's too bad. I liked the finish and the pickups....
If you look a lot at the InterWeb. Many people are selling this bass compared to how long it has been out. I think that I am scared off. This must be one of those things you need play the one you buy.
There are actually 2 issues going on: Actually, despite flashes of glory (T-Bird) Gibson has never really "Understood Bass" - at least not since the 70s. It has never offered stuff since the 70s that have caught on. The Midtown really drilled that home. A few years ago I contacted their custom shop to see if they would build me a custom SG and was told that "the Gibson custom shop does not make custom basses". Man - what a slap that was to the bass player community! The other is that the folks at Guitar Center (as unseasoned and untrained as most are) even say they are embarrassed by the Gibby build quality while Epihone seems to have upped their act. Its Epi that has brought out 5 string neck through T-Birds, long neck SG basses, and especially the Jack Cassidy. But there is something in me that wants a USA made bass.
Sorry for the rant. But I feel for anyone that tries to buy quality and gets burned.
There are actually 2 issues going on: Actually, despite flashes of glory (T-Bird) Gibson has never really "Understood Bass" - at least not since the 70s. It has never offered stuff since the 70s that have caught on. The Midtown really drilled that home. A few years ago I contacted their custom shop to see if they would build me a custom SG and was told that "the Gibson custom shop does not make custom basses". Man - what a slap that was to the bass player community! The other is that the folks at Guitar Center (as unseasoned and untrained as most are) even say they are embarrassed by the Gibby build quality while Epihone seems to have upped their act. Its Epi that has brought out 5 string neck through T-Birds, long neck SG basses, and especially the Jack Cassidy. But there is something in me that wants a USA made bass.
Sorry for the rant. But I feel for anyone that tries to buy quality and gets burned.
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Would you mind going over whatever problems you had with it after your mods? You mention that you "ended up selling this bass after fixing it up to the point where I could do so in good conscience." Did it develop some sort of problem or did you just grow to dislike it? As someone who is interested in an EB but is wary of Gibson "quality" I'd like to know what the troubles are.
Thanks in Advance!
Well - just to show I am insane - I just ordered one of these! I took the advice of Grateful (original poster) and tried Sweetwater. First time for them. I was actually very impressed with the service! On their site they have a picture of each bass in the inventory. It includes the weight. The weight varied from 7.5 to 10.2 pounds. Most were 8.5 about. I took the heavy one at 10.2. Before we seeled the deal they weighed it again to be sure and also checked it for defects. None found on this one. All sorts of follow-up with these people after - it was like dealing with a small Mom & Pop place. I mentioned to the salesman that my reason for buying from them was this post and gave him the link.
I can also say Sweetwater packs MUCH BETTER than Musicians Friend. This was double boxed while MF just tosses the case loose in a box with some paper or uses the box the factory shipped in.
My bass is a bit different to. The jack is on the side, and the case is the rectangular brown case like the T-Birds get. Maybe there were shipping problems with the other case - dunno know. Apparently someone at Gibby figured outthe jack location and improved it. I will post a review when I have time. I will say the push - pull pots are huge. It is like having several basses.
I can also say Sweetwater packs MUCH BETTER than Musicians Friend. This was double boxed while MF just tosses the case loose in a box with some paper or uses the box the factory shipped in.
My bass is a bit different to. The jack is on the side, and the case is the rectangular brown case like the T-Birds get. Maybe there were shipping problems with the other case - dunno know. Apparently someone at Gibby figured outthe jack location and improved it. I will post a review when I have time. I will say the push - pull pots are huge. It is like having several basses.
From what I know, Gibson changed the jack location this year.
Gotta say, I am no fan of Gibson basses, but I am really interested in a 5 string version of one of these.
Congrats!
Gibson lagged true - but they did make a T-Bird studio 5. I got one and really love it. Had stainless frets, crown inlays, and some other pretties put on it.
Little late to the party...but I, too, bought one (on a whim) for my first 5 string (Brilliant Red). Really nice feeling and playing bass (light as all get out for a fiver) - but my one complaint is the B string flops around like a dying fish. I was surprised to see this. Honestly, I'm not really sure what to do with it, I have been using it as a "tug bar" rather than using it - which defeats the purpose of the 5th string.... 
I have checked the neck - all is fine. Head scratcher...
I have sworn off Gibson basses for the last 40 years - and the need arrived for a Fiver - so I went this route. Any suggestions??
I have checked the neck - all is fine. Head scratcher...I have sworn off Gibson basses for the last 40 years - and the need arrived for a Fiver - so I went this route. Any suggestions??
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gregbackstrom
These aren't stock curves--things move around!
I'm surprised by this comment. The tension on my EB5's B is excellent - as good as my Sadowsky NYC. I use D'Addairo ProSteel's, which are wrapped on a hex core. My B is a 130, not tapered. Make sure you're getting a good witness point at the bridge. Excellent bass!Little late to the party...but I, too, bought one (on a whim) for my first 5 string (Brilliant Red). Really nice feeling and playing bass (light as all get out for a fiver) - but my one complaint is the B string flops around like a dying fish. I was surprised to see this. Honestly, I'm not really sure what to do with it, I have been using it as a "tug bar" rather than using it - which defeats the purpose of the 5th string....
I have sworn off Gibson basses for the last 40 years - and the need arrived for a Fiver - so I went this route. Any suggestions??
I believe that the OEM strings are .45-.125 (which MIGHT be the problem). I am going to throw a new set on her and see if that doesn't solve the problem. Right now, the bass is playable - except for the B string. I have checked the neck - set up is fine. The bridge is great - I adjusted the B string up slightly - thinking that might help, but no dice. Just as bad. It looks (as a quick inspection) like the B string might be a little high on the nut - but it is setting in the groove fine. I dunno...I have never cared much for Gibson basses, but this one IS fun to play, light as a feather (especially for a fiver) and once I get this nonsense straightened out, I'm sure I will be a happy camper!
OK...put a new set of strings on...45 -130 WHAMMO did the trick! I don't know why....but it is now perfect. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but what the hell, after all these years - who cares?
So, I have solved the problem with the B string on the new bass (Thanks Gregbackstrom!) so, here goes. As any of you who have seen my posts over the years can attest - My belief (my long held belief) that Gibson can NOT build a bass is well known. I am a longtime Fender and Rickenbacker player. I recently heard about these 5 stringers from Gibson and thought "what the hell". I bought one on a whim figuring I could send it back if I don't like it.
Here are some pics per threat of death if I don't post them:
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So there, I SWORE I'd never go to a fiver (let alone) a Gibson. Actually, I believe that, for the most part, Gibson got this right.....
Here are some pics per threat of death if I don't post them:
So there, I SWORE I'd never go to a fiver (let alone) a Gibson. Actually, I believe that, for the most part, Gibson got this right.....
