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New Gibson EB bass

#486
Joe Nerve said:
I still get a kick out of people hating on basses they only played in a samash or guitar center. If I did that I'd hate all musicmans and warwicks.
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Personally, my issue wasn't with the setup of the instrument. I've been at this long enough to be able to forgive certain things because I know it doesn't have to do explicitly with the design of the instrument its self.
In my review I specifically said that I wasn't sure if the strange resonance I was getting was a defect or a setup problem. My biggest objection was that it seemed that the build quality of the instrument was low, and that the look and feel of the instrument felt cheap to me.
Of the Gibson basses I've played, this is one of the only one's that didn't dive right away or was just completely uncomfortable to play. However, the general construction of the bass reminded me of something someone would have put together in their garage. It didn't feel or look professional.
 
#487
socialleper said:
Personally, my issue wasn't with the setup of the instrument. I've been at this long enough to be able to forgive certain things because I know it doesn't have to do explicitly with the design of the instrument its self.
In my review I specifically said that I wasn't sure if the strange resonance I was getting was a defect or a setup problem. My biggest objection was that it seemed that the build quality of the instrument was low, and that the look and feel of the instrument felt cheap to me.
Of the Gibson basses I've played, this is one of the only one's that didn't dive right away or was just completely uncomfortable to play. However, the general construction of the bass reminded me of something someone would have put together in their garage. It didn't feel or look professional.
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The resonance you heard was a setup issue. My basses had the same issue, and lowering the pickups cured it. Your other observations highlight why everyone doesn't just play a Fender (or some other bass). In my case, I instantly loved the feel, playability and sound of my EB5, and I especially love the light weight! It's not quite as light as my Sadowsky NYC J5 (7.35 lbs) but close! The general construction is excellent, and the hardware is simple, but great. As others have said, I think Gibson could have done more with the finish. Much more important to me, though, is that this is a REAL honest-to-goodness Gibson-brand kick-ass 5 STRING BASS!! The first one they've made that's any good (IMO, of course). And it's REALLY GOOD (also IMO). Now that they finally have a 5 string out-of-the-gate, I'm looking forward to their future efforts. But this one's a keeper!
 
#488
gregbackstrom said:
The resonance you heard was a setup issue. My basses had the same issue, and lowering the pickups cured it. Your other observations highlight why everyone doesn't just play a Fender (or some other bass). In my case, I instantly loved the feel, playability and sound of my EB5, and I especially love the light weight! It's not quite as light as my Sadowsky NYC J5 (7.35 lbs) but close! The general construction is excellent, and the hardware is simple, but great. As others have said, I think Gibson could have done more with the finish. Much more important to me, though, is that this is a REAL honest-to-goodness Gibson-brand kick-ass 5 STRING BASS!! The first one they've made that's any good (IMO, of course). And it's REALLY GOOD (also IMO). Now that they finally have a 5 string out-of-the-gate, I'm looking forward to their future efforts. But this one's a keeper!
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It was indeed a light instrument with a pretty playable neck. Although as I mentioned there was epoxy or some other kind of residue on the neck around the joint. That added to the "unfinished" look of the instrument.
Beyond the flat black paint that picked up more finger prints than a gloss finished (how that happens is beyond me) the milling around the horns had some very odd angles and bevels that made it look like someone was trying something and then gave up. Other people have pointed this out. It doesn't harm the playability or integrity of the bass, but is certainly an odd choice for Gibson to have made.
It is absolutely the closest Gibson has to a real bass, so I give them points for trying. The design and build of the bass is either so intentionally retro to a point that its magic is lost on me, or a result of slap-dash design by Gibson. I bet it would sound great in the studio, or work well as a knock around live bass. To me, with my personal preference that I know mean nothing to anyone else, I think its an eyesore up close.
 
#490
How bright do the two humbuckers sound with flats? All the Youtube demos seem to showcase this bass with roundwound strings. I'm very tempted to get this bass but if it's going to sound bright with flats then I'll pass.

And how's the low B? I'm interested in the 5-string.
 
#492
Herrick said:
How bright do the two humbuckers sound with flats? All the Youtube demos seem to showcase this bass with roundwound strings. I'm very tempted to get this bass but if it's going to sound bright with flats then I'll pass.



And how's the low B? I'm interested in the 5-string.
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The low B is really good, IMO. And I'm really picky about that. Regarding the tonal character of the pickups, I would not say they're bright. As a matter of fact, they're probably the least bright pickups on any of my basses. But still pretty cool sounding.
 
#493
This bass stinks, I mean it really smells bad, like it had bene left in a bar for a couple years. But it is new and not in this store very long.

I think it is only the wood from the body. Is this typical?

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FTR, I thought it played and sounded fine. Can't say I'd pay $1k for it as I'd rather apply those funds towards a new Jazz or EBMM.
 
#497
Still want to try one of these in a band setting - a couple players I know back home picked them up when they were clearing out the 13s...both said the same thing - They liked the tones they could get well enough playing alone ....but once they got in the mix the bass just sang..

I also want to have some time checking out that Babicz (sp?) Bridge..looks like a nice piece.
 
#499
pudgychef said:
Still want to try one of these in a band setting - a couple players I know back home picked them up when they were clearing out the 13s...both said the same thing - They liked the tones they could get well enough playing alone ....but once they got in the mix the bass just sang..

I also want to have some time checking out that Babicz (sp?) Bridge..looks like a nice piece.
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Saw a band last month, bass player used one. Sounded great, full and warm tone.
 
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#500
Played my first gig with the EB last night. Only reason it's taken so long is cuz I didn't like the tort guard (painted it white), and most of my gigs have been with a Zep tribute where I use my Jazz.

I can count on one hand the amount of times I remember someone going out of their way to compliment my tone, and when I was leaving the club we played last night... a guy stopped me an my wife on the way out the door, and raved about the sound of the bass. :) I don't remember his exact words as I was starving and just wanted to get outta there, but he said he was sitting dead center in the club, and the bass sounded freaking amazing. Thick, rich, full... and he went on a bit. I felt the same way. Was playing through a Fender head and what looked like Fender 6X10 cab? Is it odd that I don't pay much attention to that kind of stuff? Anyhow, I just plugged in, set the amp flat... pushed the bass on the amp up to maybe 1:00 if even that much, and had both pickups on full for most of the gig with a little bit of the tone rolled off. Awesome smooth rich and punchy sounds comin out of that thing. And they sit perfectly in the mix, even with lots going on. At certain points last night we had 2 guitars, keys, drums, harmonica and vocals. I'm very much in love. Very much. Looks great (w the white pickguard), feels great (weighs nothing), I love the neck, the action, and pretty much every thing about this bass. All I can say to any haters out there is, I feel sorry for you :). This bass is amazing.
 

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