The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: patman on August 24, 2016, 10:40:48 AM
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Gibson EB V string-decent build quality?
What is the string spacing on these things? Wide enough to allow for the possibility of slap and other R & B styles where appropriate? (no jokes please)
Do they sound "Fenderish" enough for a guy that loves "P" basses, and really only plays R & B and country and old-time rock and roll...traditional Gibson tone probably is not what I'm looking for...
AMS has them at a good price and my trigger finger is itching.
In the divorce process right now, though, and I don't want the soon-to-be ex-wife to expect to own half of it....
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I haven't played a five string EB. But the four string EB is a great bass.
Nothing Fender about it though. Full blood Gibson as far as I'm concerned.
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According to Babicz (http://www.fullcontacthardware.com/fch-5-string-bass-bridge.htm), their 5-string bridge has regular Fender 3/4" spacing.
I had the 4-string for a few months before shipping to Uwe. It's not a traditional T-bird or EB0/EB3 tone but not P-ish either. Pretty sure Uwe has a 5er also, hopefully he or someone else can comment.
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I just always associate the traditional Gibson sound with more European sounding Rock and Roll, rather than what I do. I need some highs and some mids. I associate Gibson with big bottom,and not much punch. I will admit it's been probably 40 years since I've played one. Perception could be different now.
I play with an R & B singing group sometimes, and the fare goes from Temptations to "Brick House" to "Uptown Funk" to Spinners, etc. Big bottom with nice definition.
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Hmmmm... You are aware that Gibson has made about eighty different models?
And there are quite a few that would fit the bill you just described.
The flagship, the Thunderbird, for example is a bass with very pronounced mids and lots of punch.
Or the G3. Very articulate sound and crispy clear highs.
In fact the only models that have the non articulate sub lows are the EB-0's in my point of view.
The new EB (4 string) has a lot in common (soundwise) with a Thunderbird. But it is more versatile because of the coiltap switches.
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My wife noted that it sounded much like a piano. After many years of listening to my thumping, that's the first time she ever made that comment.
(http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af119/Grog_03/2014%20Gibson%20EB-5%20String_zpsveq1dhzc.jpg) (http://s999.photobucket.com/user/Grog_03/media/2014%20Gibson%20EB-5%20String_zpsveq1dhzc.jpg.html)
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The EB sounds like a G&L L2000 crossed with a Wal to me: big bottom with character-rich low mids and highs to taste. Note definition is excellent even with the highs rolled off. Can't say about spacing, but is really is a stellar instrument that does what it does extremely well.
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After wringing my hands for days, I pulled the trigger
$900 delivered.
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Congratulations!
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Congrats. Sounds like you might want to keep that bass at work so it's not visible....
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After wringing my hands for days, I pulled the trigger
$900 delivered.
You made no mistake. That bass sounds as "modern" as a Gibson can sensibly be without being summarily shot. Of course it doesn't have a P-Bass' almost obscene attack - no set neck bass has that -, but it's anything but lame. With no maho used, it is not nearly as dark and blurry as what people normally associate with the Nashville brand's basses.
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I have a superstition.
Instruments that are "right" are "right" just out of the box with very minor tweaking...
Hopefully this will be like that. The most money I've ever dropped on a bass. Most of my basses have looked like they were drug behind a pickup truck for 50 miles before I bought them
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The guy from Blackberry Smoke seems to be happy with his.
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I have a superstition.
Instruments that are "right" are "right" just out of the box with very minor tweaking...
Hopefully this will be like that. The most money I've ever dropped on a bass. Most of my basses have looked like they were drug behind a pickup truck for 50 miles before I bought them
I share your belief. I made my biggest purchase about a year ago - $1300 on a Gretsch Thunderjet. There's not a thing to change (other than installing Labella Flats). I haven't even installed the pickguard.
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My biggest bash was the RD back in '79 at list...
Enjoy...
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Well, had to tighten the truss rod a few times...neck had a ton of relief in it...it straightened out nicely, and appears stable.
Had to set the harmonics.
Other than that it was good to go.
Was shipped tuned up under tension...thought that was odd...it was made in November 2013, and I guess was in a warehouse in Mississippi ever since, under tension.
Bass pickup tilts forward slightly...may have to re-arrange the foam underneath, but screws appear to be straight.
Pickups sound pretty wonderful. Body and neck feel very lively and musical. Very slap friendly.
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New Gibson bass necks - irrespective of type - still move quite a bit, they settle down after a couple of years.
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Took it to a Smoooth Orchestra rehearsal last night...(Temptations -style band, or singing group)
It does this style of music very well.
Tonight is a CincyRockers rehearsal...I have no doubt that it will excel at this, also.
Very pleased. Thank you Gibson.
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It's a good, versatile bass with enough character and nothing too extreme. If you can't get a good sound our of that one, you should perhaps take up stamp collecting instead.
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Took it on the first gig last night.
Very pleased. Lots of different and cool sounds
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Ran in to a burst 5 string 2014 EB with the 12th fret anniversary inlay at Manchester Music Mill in Manchester NH if anyone is looking for one. They're asking under a grand for it. Glad you're enjoying yours Patman.