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New Gibson EB bass
- Thread starter Primakurtz
- Start date
I was being sarcastic. I can't image that a volute would add sustain.
I think they say things like this to cover themeselves from the purists as was mentioned above concerning binding.
At first I didn't like this bass, but the more I look at and read about it, it might be worth a try. I bet this bass has thunderous low end if the pickups are anything like the old TB Humbucker. The thing I don't like about the appearance is the two tone neck/back combination. If the back of the neck were the same color as the back of the bass I think it would look a lot better. I have a fondness for Gibson basses. I have a Gibson SG reissue short scale. Last year I also had a Gibson Les Paul Money Bass that I didn't care for due to the really bad neck dive. The EBO looks like it might be a little more balanced.
gregbackstrom
These aren't stock curves--things move around!
I like this bass a lot, but IMO, it's much more a "Gibson-flavored Jazz Bass" than the classic mudbucker-driven short-scale Gibsons of yesteryear. Also, if you want to avoid the two-tone back look, the natural finished bass is the way to go. I really like the five string version. It's Gibson's first successful entry into this arena!
It's definitely not in mudbucker territory. With the coil taps you can get a Jazz-ish sound, but that's the magic of coil taps, it does a humbucker sound too. I would hesitate to say this is a Jazz Bass sort of instrument, they've really done their own thing here.
I a short guy and a p bass works fine for me, but noticed the upper horn stops short of the 12th fret on this bass. So is the reach to the first fret a lot farther than the p bass. There are none here to try locally so I need to go by what other tber's think.
I played one at the local Sam Ash this week and I liked it. It's lightweight, unique, and yet comfortable for someone like me who has played Fender basses for almost thirty years. The pickups sound nice and full with a good range of usable sounds that approach Precision and Jazz Bass territory, nothing like the Gibson EB mudbucker sound of old. I like the control layout with the coil splitting built into the volume controls and a master tone control.
Some people have compared it to a MusicMan bass due the dual humbuckers, but this doesn't sound anything like a MusicMan which is a plus in my book as I'm not really a fan of that sound. I like how it looks, but I can understand how some might be put off by the un-Gibson like appearance and the textured wood feel of the body. The fact that the back of the sunburst bass is finished in solid black is kind of odd, but not really a big deal.
Maybe this can be seen as Gibson's attempt at a Fender-like instrument, but as a comfortable and good-sounding bass that's reasonable priced and made in the USA, it stands on it's own. I may just wind up with one.
- Steve
Some people have compared it to a MusicMan bass due the dual humbuckers, but this doesn't sound anything like a MusicMan which is a plus in my book as I'm not really a fan of that sound. I like how it looks, but I can understand how some might be put off by the un-Gibson like appearance and the textured wood feel of the body. The fact that the back of the sunburst bass is finished in solid black is kind of odd, but not really a big deal.
Maybe this can be seen as Gibson's attempt at a Fender-like instrument, but as a comfortable and good-sounding bass that's reasonable priced and made in the USA, it stands on it's own. I may just wind up with one.
- Steve
I have one that I've been using as my number one live bass for about 8 months now. The reach to the first fret is very easy, I'd say overall the bass is more compact than a P-bass and would be a great fit for the smaller bassist.
I love mine so much that I have the 5 string version on order, I'm expecting to take delivery in the next couple of days.
Thanks for the answer about that, seems like Gibson is making a push to appeal to the players that like a more conventional appearing bass.
I did notice that some have said there's neck dive others say not so. Might this be where they play their bass? Up high or down low ( I like mine higher)
Maybe, or it could be variations in the weight of the body wood. I have two identical basses (Peavey Dyna 5s) and while they both neck dive one is way worse than the other. The body on that one is noticeably lighter than the other, even though they are made of the same type of wood.
It also could be different levels of tolerance for neck dive. Some people with a strap that grips don't notice that the neck dives. My back will always notice, even if the strap keeps it from actually diving. The balance is off and my back can tell after a while. But others could play that same bass and say it doesn't dive.
In other words, there are a lot of variables, and it is best to try the specific bass yourself, and if possible try it on your own strap.
You in Hawaii? Mililani here.
Since I have not been a fan of the traditional mudbucker sound and I have a soft spot for Mosrites....I think I would like it if it had some tonal flexibilty which it should if the pups work like they look....
Used to be from there (my whole life until 2 years ago) but my job caused me to move to the San Francisco bay area. Yeah I miss Hawaii and just jamming with friends as well as gigging. Much different music scene here.
When I quit college in the mid 70's, I decided to buy a new bass and made the mistake of buying a new Gibson Ripper...ebony. I tried so hard to like it, but didn't. I traded it for a G-3 which was better, but found a 1964 P that won out.
I got punked by Gibson's "new" basses twice. It won't happen anytime soon again...
...unless they come out with a 34" scale 5 string Explorer...
I got punked by Gibson's "new" basses twice. It won't happen anytime soon again...
...unless they come out with a 34" scale 5 string Explorer...
I don't think this is anything like a Fender-like instrument. Isn't as limited tonally, set neck, better quality hardware, etc. I think it's better than any of your "normal" Fender instruments. YMMV.
I honestly could happily live with mine as my only bass. I like it very much. I agree, it stands on it's own.
Probably going to order one in the next couple of days, but since it has a nitro finish I heard that the rubber on a guitar stand can affect the finish. Is this so? (Just cover the rubber with rags I guess) And for those lucky enough to actually see one is the fireburst or natural finish the best looker.
Maybe if they had a real bass player doing the demo they'd generate more interest. BTW, not saying that cause he's playing with a pick just clearly a guitar player.
+1 I thought the same thing. I mean doesn't Gibby have at least one bass endorser who could do the demos? Maybe they should've asked Nikki Six? He's played Gibsons for as long as I can recall. I think Gibson has a real deal bass with this one but they need to get it out there with some pro's and let the bass world know about it.
I'm really interested in one of these but alas funds just aren't there yet
Soon I hope.
It is true with a lot of stands, especially the cheap ones with rubber tube over metal frames. Hercules stands are generally safe for nitro finishes though, that is what I use with mine and I haven't had a problem. If you are going to invest $1000 in a bass you might as well invest another $50 in a stand to protect it.
I use this one:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/hercules-stands-single-guitar-stand-with-folding-yoke
I lived in the Bay Area for a long time in the '80s, and love it there. But I like Hawaii much better (which is why I've been here for 21 years). If I had to leave Hawaii that would be my first choice, but I hope I never have to leave.
