Gibson EB 5 String Bass

[ZiggyDude]

I bought mine from Sweetwater - and they actually had pictures and the weight of each bass in their inventory. Very nice detail. They had a huge fluctuation from 7.5 pounds to mine being 10.2. I asked them to check the weight before I bought it and got a picture of it on a scale. So - mine is over 10 pounds but most are about 8 and a half. But - I like a heavy bass and a wide neck.

 

[ZiggyDude]

That is so true about Gibson just not understanding bass. They lucked into a few over the years but things never panned out for them like it should have. I bought my EB5 because I wanted to support Gibby for doing a 5, the electronics seemed interesting, it was affordable - all the wrong reasons really - it was not something I lusted over for a long time. And making it look like a Fender was just plain stupid.

It has a nice wide neck, a very generous slice of rosewood on the neck, love the series parallel switches, but then the pickups are not quite wide enough for the strings and the switches feel fragile. And did I say it looks like an ugly impersonation of a Fender?

If they were to build a 34" scale 5 string of an EB3 - especially with nice inlays and all that - I would buy it on the spot and play it like crazy. No chance they wil ever figure out doing that though. Oddly - Epiphone does better at spirited bass offerings than their poppa Gibson.

They haven't been able to make up their corporate mind about basses for the 50+ years they've been making them. That's why there's 3 or 4 great ones out of a hundred attempts, I guess. I really might buy another EB5 before they sell them all.

PS, my first bass was a Grabber, new when I was 12. I wish I still had it for nostalgia's sake, but I couldn't get rid of it fast enough back then. Looked stupid, sounded bad, was hard to learn on. I didn't know any of that until I played a Ric, but the difference was so obvious I just had to flush the Gibby. This is the first time I've been back, and am very happy I overcame my prejudice.

PPS, Fenders sucked in the 70s, too. I laugh every time I see a new repro or a high priced 'vintage' axe. The Big Two opened the door for dozens of small maker and imports, just like Detroit did with foreign cars. Yamaha and Ibanez wouldn't be selling basses today if American instruments didn't blow for 15 years.

 

[gregbackstrom]

I'm considering picking one of these up and was wondering if anyone knows of any differences between the 2013 and 2014 models:

- Invalid Link Removed (2014)
- Invalid Link Removed (2013 i'm assuming since the picture of the back of headstock says so)

Price and specs wise they looks the same. Only difference seems to be the 2014 has a "120th anniversary" inlay at the 12th fret. I could care less about that. Is anyone aware of any potential differences build quality wise? Were there any issues with the 2013 version that got fixed in the 2014?

Also wondering if everyone who was raving about this bass is still happy with it? I currently play a gibson thunderbird (2012?) that is alright. While I like the feel and looks, i'm not super impressed by the build quality (it's too bad though) and it has some issues with the electronics so I am a little wary of buying another new Gibson. The look, specs and price of this EB bass is exactly what i'm looking for though so I am willing to consider it.

I still love my 2013 EB5 - excellent bass for the money! The other difference with the 2014 model is the location of the output jack. It's on the body edge instead of the pick guard. Oh, and the case is a little different too. Good luck with your decision!

 

[IM BLACK]

Funny to stumble upon this thread....I have this exact bass. I bought it from someone in middle america a few years ago (even though the op is only an hour away from me)!

 

[gravey davey]

I've put several miles on one just like it! You'll love it!