1960 Gibson EB-6, Sunburst ex-Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick)

One of only 34 models shipped in 1960 and formerly owned by Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick with signed provenance! An exceptionally rare and fascinating Gibson design, this 1960 Gibson EB-6 represents the very first year of production for one of the most unusual bass instruments the company ever produced. The EB-6 was Gibson’s ambitious answer to the emerging 6-string bass concept that was gaining popularity in recording studios at the end of the 1950s.

Introduced in 1959 and first shipped in 1960, the EB-6 was built using the same semi-hollow construction as the ES-335 and EB-2, with a laminated maple body and centre block. The mahogany neck carries a rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, leading to the familiar Gibson headstock with pearl logo and crown inlay, fitted with a set of Kluson Deluxe single line/double ring tuners. The 30.5" scale length accommodates six strings tuned an octave below a guitar, placing the instrument somewhere between a bass and a baritone guitar in both feel and sonic range.

Electronics compromise of a single PAF humbucker in the neck position, delivering the warm, rounded and airy character this pickup is known for. Standard volume and tone controls are joined by Gibson’s Tone Selector circuit, which engages a choke mounted beneath the bridge to brighten the response and tighten the low end, particularly useful for the crisp, palm-muted “tic-tac” bass style popular in Nashville and West Coast studios during the early 1960s.

The EB-6 was an expensive instrument aimed at a very niche market. Production numbers remained extremely small, with just 34 examples shipped in 1960 and a further 33 in 1961, making a total of only around 67 instruments before the semi-hollow version was discontinued in favour of an SG-styled solidbody design. As such, the EB-6 stands today as one of the rarest production electric basses Gibson ever made.

In use the instrument is surprisingly comfortable, with a comfortable neck profile and excellent overall balance. The PAF pickup provides a deep, smooth voice that works equally well for traditional bass duties or baritone-style lines, giving the EB-6 a character quite unlike anything else Gibson produced during this period.

A true piece of Gibson history: a first-year example in excellent condition complete with original Lifton brown case. A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the company’s most elusive and intriguing models!