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 1958 Gibson EB-1

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Serial #: 8 2938, back of peghead

Body size at lower bout: 11", Scale length: 30 1/2" Nut: 1 23/32" Neck depth: .91/.98, 1st/12th frets

Materials: Solid Honduran mahogany body and neck; solid rosewood fingerboard with dot mother of pearl inlays.

Hardware: Original hardware includes Gibson Alnico adjustable single coil pickup with brown Bakelite cover; nickel stop tailpiece, brown Bakelite pickguard, brown barrel tone and volume controls, telescopic extension endpin. Vintage correct relic nickel Kluson Sealfast banjo tuners and jackplate.

Notes: By 1953, the Fender Precision Bass had been on the market for two years, and so completely dominated the industry that the term 'Fender Bass' had become synonymous with 'electric bass' on liner notes of the early LP era. Not to be outdone, Gibson drew on their proprietary carving technology, just as they had done with their new Les Paul guitar, which debuted the previous year.

Gibson's EB-1 was an innovative model with deep traditional roots: a violin shaped solid body bass with an arched top, Cremona style edge purfling, and delicate f-holes, carefully painted on. Designed to accommodate players doubling on traditional upright basses, the original EB-1 was supplied with a telescoping endpin that allowed the instrument to be played in a standing position, as well as on a strap. The custom designed oversized Alnico pickup produced such robust tonality that the instrument did not require felt mutes at the bridge to produce a full bass tone as well.

One of just 45 examples produced in its final model year, this example has the 11" violin shaped body, considerably more compact than its Fender counterpart, with a nimble 30 1/2" scale facilitating stretch voicings and lightning fast runs. And in a brilliant touch, Gibson borrowed the peerless Kluson Sealfast tuners from its Mastertone banjos, as fitted to their iconic Thunderbird basses a decade later.

This fine example has all original electronics and hardware, including the unique brown Bakelite pickguard, and dark brown barrel knobs, seen only on this model. The original brown lacquer finish shows normal checking, but little in the way of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Neck angle and string action are both excellent as well, with a recent neck set and a fresh high precision setup. A solid peghead repair has been professionally executed as well, with a bit of spot finish applied.

The original brown Lifton case is as unique as the instrument it protects, with an oversize accessory pocket larger enough to contain the extended black endpin, which can be screwed in directly in place of the strap button.

Years before McCarntey found his beloved Hofner violin bass, Gibson was way ahead of the pack. One only: call now.

Case: Original brown plush lined Lifton hardshell case.

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