Gibson SG bass

by John Alden
(Annapolis, MD)

Gibson SG bass with Yamaha MIDI (bridge cover removed)

Which model is this? Is this a custom SG bass? What's it worth?

I bought this Gibson SG bass used in 1976, in Goleta, California; serial number "decal" at top of headstock back is 889564 (made in 1967, according to the Gibson Serialization PDF docs). It has 20 frets, and 2-point bridge (which tips a bit) with a white plastic wedge under each string). The bell-shaped cover over the truss rod is plain black, no markings.

I've looked at EB bass types on the flyguitars website (under /gibson/bass), and none match, though the closest is the EB-3--which has 4 knobs and rotary switch; mine has just one vol and tone knob + a 3-way lever switch (black plastic circle around the switch says RHYTHM and TREBLE).

In the picture, you can see I have removed the bridge cover and string mute damper (never used it; left the lever), added a Yamaha B1D1 MIDI pickup and Synth/Bass selector assembly (goes with a Yamaha G50 rackmount MIDI controller box).

That's the original case, and the original 1976 strap (a few staples keep it together). Very puzzling, but sounds great.

Thanks!

Hi, John--

Yes, it IS puzzling. I looked at every Gibson bass in the Blue Book, and I agree that the closest--in fact the ONLY--choice would be the EB-3. I have no idea about the 2 knobs instead of 4 and the different selector switch. It almost seems like a combination of EB-3 and EB-0. Those were the only 2 similar basses made in 1967.

So, although I can't help with the mystery, I can give you the pricing info for the EB-3:

1965-1969
Mint $3,000
Exc.+ $2,400
Exc. $1,950
Avg.+ $1,600
Avg. $1,300
General $1,000

Maybe some of our readers will have more information.

Lynne

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