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NBD: 1972 Gibson EB-0

the federalist

the federalist

Aug 10, 2014
540
1,154
#1
I'd been toying with the idea of buying an Epiphone EB-0 or EB-3 because I wanted a bass with that sound and they're inexpensive, especially used. But I never pulled the trigger. The videos for the Epiphone were generally positive, but the Epiphone sound in the videos didn't quite seem to be the Gibson EB-0 sound featured in sound clips on the FlyGuitars site.

A Gibson EB-0 appeared on Craigslist last night. Looked good in the photos and the price, while certainly more than an Epiphone, was extremely attractive. The seller assured me everything was original. When I went to see it, everything seemed as it should be, so I bought it.

What a nice chunk of mahogany! And, oh man, is that a heavy sound or what!

Disassembly and cleaning confirmed the parts are all original with the possible exception of the tuners. (If anyone with more knowledge thinks otherwise, please let me know.) The seller had it set up nicely and I only made a few tweaks. I'm likely going to replace the roundwounds with flatwounds.

I lucked out with this purchase.

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#2
the federalist said:
I'd been toying with the idea of buying an Epiphone EB-0 or EB-3 because I wanted a bass with that sound and they're inexpensive, especially used. But I never pulled the trigger. The videos for the Epiphone were generally positive, but the Epiphone sound in the videos didn't quite seem to be the Gibson EB-0 sound featured in sound clips on the FlyGuitars site.

A Gibson EB-0 appeared on Craigslist last night. Looked good in the photos and the price, while certainly more than an Epiphone, was extremely attractive. The seller assured me everything was original. When I went to see it, everything seemed as it should be, so I bought it.

What a nice chunk of mahogany! And, oh man, is that a heavy sound or what!

Disassembly and cleaning confirmed the parts are all original with the possible exception of the tuners. (If anyone with more knowledge thinks otherwise, please let me know.) The seller had it set up nicely and I only made a few tweaks. I'm likely going to replace the roundwounds with flatwounds.

I lucked out with this purchase.

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My kind of NBD! Congratulations! EB0s are often overlooked and maligned. They are thier own unique animal, admittedly limited to bass heavy tones but with the right strings, technique (by technique I mean use a pick) and eq the EB0 can be a useable bass. I have a number of EB0s and EB3s great basses!
 
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#3
I have a 1966 Gibson EB-O all original. Here are the differences that I can detect.

There is some sort of emblem placed midway between the top 2 tuner poles and the bottom 2 tuner poles It's the same goldish color as the Gibson emblem.

Bridge is that awful Gibson/Epi that falls apart when you take the pressure off and is very difficult to work with.

I'd post pics, but my camera is acting up at the moment.

Congrats on the score and enjoy. :)
 
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#5
In regards to the two point bridge it is a poor design but the most important thing to know is that before you try and adjust the bridge loosen the strings completely, take all tension off. To adjust the anchors the Allen screws need to be lossened, they are located on the back edge of the bridge, once the bridge is set at the height you want tighten the Allen screws as snug as possible but be careful not to strip it out. If your bridge continues to tilt I have often used a wood shim placed discretely under the front of the bridge. Of course the Hipshot replacement is a good option.
Sorry your NBD didn't get a lot of love, folks don't know what they are missing!
 
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#6
hell, I'll make up for any lack of love right now cos that is an awesome bass and deal not matter the price. goes to show these old Gibsons are out there for even less than seen online typically, and they're already the best bang 4 vintage buck out there. they get maligned but after lusting over all of them for years I've concluded that long scale is my primary focus and PU placement / design isn't of paramount concern. since I have a vintage mudbucker in waiting I can always mod that in for full bombast but I want to appreciate the type of model you have for it's own merits ...and it looks really cool!
 
#9
Cool, congrats! I've been waiting for a vintage EB-0 to come along at the right time & price, locally. Honestly hoping for a husk or one with a dead pickup so I can get a Novak EB-BSx for it. Would actually be perfect with a 70's one like you have, with the middle position pickup.
Anyway, the stock mudbuckers are awesome in their own right too! If you know how to get full potential out of them, they're a beastly cool machine!
 
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#11
the federalist said:
I'd been toying with the idea of buying an Epiphone EB-0 or EB-3 because I wanted a bass with that sound and they're inexpensive, especially used. But I never pulled the trigger. The videos for the Epiphone were generally positive, but the Epiphone sound in the videos didn't quite seem to be the Gibson EB-0 sound featured in sound clips on the FlyGuitars site.

A Gibson EB-0 appeared on Craigslist last night. Looked good in the photos and the price, while certainly more than an Epiphone, was extremely attractive. The seller assured me everything was original. When I went to see it, everything seemed as it should be, so I bought it.

What a nice chunk of mahogany! And, oh man, is that a heavy sound or what!

Disassembly and cleaning confirmed the parts are all original with the possible exception of the tuners. (If anyone with more knowledge thinks otherwise, please let me know.) The seller had it set up nicely and I only made a few tweaks. I'm likely going to replace the roundwounds with flatwounds.

I lucked out with this purchase.

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Nice! Congrats on a cool Gibby.
 
#13
Older EBOs definitely have their shortcomings but they are cool if you love them. The two point bridges aren’t easy to find intact, they’re so prone to falling apart. I subbed a Hipshot two point replacement on mine years ago and got great performance and adjustability. Cool bass. That old mahogany neck will sing if you give it a more stable bridge.
 
#14
the federalist said:
I'd been toying with the idea of buying an Epiphone EB-0 or EB-3 because I wanted a bass with that sound and they're inexpensive, especially used. But I never pulled the trigger. The videos for the Epiphone were generally positive, but the Epiphone sound in the videos didn't quite seem to be the Gibson EB-0 sound featured in sound clips on the FlyGuitars site.

A Gibson EB-0 appeared on Craigslist last night. Looked good in the photos and the price, while certainly more than an Epiphone, was extremely attractive. The seller assured me everything was original. When I went to see it, everything seemed as it should be, so I bought it.

What a nice chunk of mahogany! And, oh man, is that a heavy sound or what!

Disassembly and cleaning confirmed the parts are all original with the possible exception of the tuners. (If anyone with more knowledge thinks otherwise, please let me know.) The seller had it set up nicely and I only made a few tweaks. I'm likely going to replace the roundwounds with flatwounds.

I lucked out with this purchase.

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Well, i don't like the design, i hope the sound is god-full (perfect). Congrats.
 
#19
bassman10096 said:
Older EBOs definitely have their shortcomings but they are cool if you love them. The two point bridges aren’t easy to find intact, they’re so prone to falling apart. I subbed a Hipshot two point replacement on mine years ago and got great performance and adjustability. Cool bass. That old mahogany neck will sing if you give it a more stable bridge.
Click to expand...
Maple necks on 70's EB basses.
 
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