New Gibson EB

[Chris P.]

I can't post a pic yet, but Basvarken and Uwe have seen it too. Around this week Gibson will announce a new bass in 4 and 5 string.It's a set neck Tobias kinda bass with two DeCola humbuckers and, as said, with the 'modern' Tobias looks. It's available in natural and sunburst and the retail price in Europwe will be around 900 euros.

[Basvarken]

I think it looks a lot like a modern Epi Embassy.

[uwe]

In a sense that the Embassy tried to look modern for its time and this new model does as well. The usual traditional suspects here will be aghast, I'm looking forward to our discussion!

[Dave W]

Rob, do you mean the more recent Embassy?

[Basvarken]

Yes. That's the one I meant. I wrote modern because I didn't want to confuse it with the old Embassy, the ones from the sixties with the batwing headstock. ;-)

[Dave W]

That's what I thought. Uwe seemed to be thinking of the 60s Embassy, maybe he's not aware of the newer model with the Embassy name.

[uwe]

I am, but the new Gibson is not nearly as ugly as that!

Thinking about it, it has a bit of the Q-80/90's angular'ness of an otherwise rather traditional shape. Kind of bass that will look good on someone tall. I don't think its a disaster at all, actually prefer it to the EB(-13)s of a few years ago, it's their elongated, sleeker sibling, not as stunted in look.

I'm also faintly reminded of my Status Shark (now don't wet your panties about the chrome pup, the Gibson won't have one!).

[the mojo hobo]

Watch this:

http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass.aspx?ModelYear=2017

[Basvarken]

Okay here we go:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/gibson-new-eb-bass-5-string-t-2017-electric-bass

[Dave W]

And here, for the 4-string: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/gibson-2017-eb-bass-t

[D.M.N.]

You know, it's not my bag, but I dig that they're doing it. I think this is something they need in their bass line up, instead of mucking about with the established designs of say the Thunderbird as they did in 2015. It's different, but has some distinct Gibson features (thunderbird headstock), and has a pretty nice price point ($999 for the 4 string version). Good for them for trying something different in the bass department. Now just release a properly spec'd Thunderbird or EB-2 or something to make both sides of the equation (those who want modern, and those who want reissue).

[4stringer77]

Nice looking burst. The ash grain is telegraphing through the satin black on the back. This doesn't look like a neck diver but I'm sure the Fender crowd will find reasons to pick on it.

[Basvarken]

Oh yes they do. Talkbass is already slashing it. People over there seem to be sure it looks like a G&L 

[66Atlas]

Looks more like a Carvin than a G&L to me.  Either way its not really my bag, And not really sure what to make of the TB NR headstock on it.

[slinkp]

I actually think the head fits in pretty cohesively. I dislike pretty much all "elongated skinny upper horn" b bodies, but I like the sunburst one. And I'm glad they're doing it, though pessimistic as ever that Gibson has any idea how to get people to buy a new bass design.