1959 Gibson EB-0, Cherry (First year)

1959 marks the very beginning of Gibson’s solidbody bass story, and examples from this first year are increasingly hard to find, especially in this sort of condition. Introduced as Gibson’s answer to the growing popularity of Fender’s Precision, the EB-0 took a very different approach: shorter scale, mahogany warmth, and that unmistakable neck-position humbucker delivering deep, authoritative low end. This is a rare first-year example.

Finished in Cherry that has aged and faded beautifully over time, this early slab-body version shares its outline with the Les Paul Junior. The finish retains a lovely faded quality, sitting against the black plastics perfectly: black pickup cover, black bonnet knobs and the correct single-ply black pickguard.

The 30.5" short scale length gives the EB-0 its unique feel. There’s a suppleness and immediacy under the fingers that sets it apart from long-scale basses, and paired with the substantial but lightweight mahogany body it produces that thick, woody fundamental these early models are known for. The black plastic-covered humbucker, positioned right up at the neck, delivers huge, rounded lows with a warm, almost upright-like character when played softly, yet it will happily growl when pushed. It’s a wonderfully expressive, studio-friendly voice that has earned these early EB basses a loyal following.

The rosewood fingerboard features pearl dot inlays and sits beneath a headstock adorned with the classic crown inlay. The banjo tuners help define the look of the earliest versions of the model adding to their collectability. The nut and frets appear original, as does the nickel bridge, and the electronics show correct pots and the solder appears undisturbed.

Overall condition is excellent. It presents as an honest, well-preserved example, and completing the package is the original brown card case with its red flannel lining, a detail that collectors will appreciate and one that rarely survives in such tidy order.

First-year EB-0s occupy a special place in Gibson history. They represent the company’s first serious foray into the solidbody bass market and have a feel and tonal character entirely of their own. For the player, this is a wonderfully vibey short-scale with huge personality; for the collector, it’s a rare and increasingly sought-after piece of late-’50s Gibson production.

A superb example of a rare debut-year model, and a bass that looks every bit as good as it sounds!