[barend]

just some general questions about these basses because you don't see them too often.

Are they good basses?

and how is the sound? are there any soundsamples of the different models? (SB-400, SB-450 etc)

and what are the market (Ebay) prices for them right now? are the sb-300/400 more expensive then the sb-350/450?

I like the looks of these basses.

[lxmetal]

Most people, especially those who lived through the 70's era will have plenty of complaints and disdain for these basses. They were an attempt to cut costs and remain competitive, so they were made cheaply and are bound to have shortcomings. But for those of us in the present day... I think that they are cooler than a new Epiphone, and I have seen them sell for $400-600.
I haven't played one of these, but I have played some of the guitar counterparts. If you can find one in decent shape, get it!

[jules]

I've sold my SB450, but I have an SB400 still. I'll try and record some clips tonight.

By the way, they are quite well made - the finish is good, and they are well put together

The cost-savings come from
1) no expensive mahogany - (and therefore a brighter sound) - although still SG shaped, this is a move away from the EB series
2) cheaper pickups - but also designed for less mud - again a brighter sound, and a move away from the EB series
3) cheaper bridge (on the 300 and 400)
4) a much smaller headstock angle - not sure if this saves money - perhaps can be built by less experienced staff?

So these 'cheapo' features are not at expense of Gibson quality - rather just a move away from Gibson tradition, and towards the likes of Fender, without looking like a Fender. They saved that for the Ripper/Grabber shortly afterwards.

[barend]

yes great, curious about the sound samples.

Also curious how an SB-300 sounds, with the two single coils placed close to the neck.

There is one on ebay right now. But it was first listed as an 75 EB3! I told him it was an SB-300 and now it is listed as an SB-400/450.
Seller doesn't ship to europe and also I doubt if this is the right bass me. But it looks great. Might be a nice catch for someone:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1971-Gibson ... 7C294%3A50

[butch2112]

mine is great,i had some upgrades,the look is cheaper originally but they sound and play great,well worth the cash unless your trying to profit,my sb-450 here,my sb-350 is being painted off white,i had to because it had been drilled and routed and horribly painted multiple coats.i may sell that one

[barend]

Yes, I saw that one before on this forum. That bass looks really great!
why did you remove the original pickups?

Originally Posted by barend

There is one on ebay right now. But it was first listed as an 75 EB3! I told him it was an SB-300 and now it is listed as an SB-400/450.
Seller doesn't ship to europe and also I doubt if this is the right bass me. But it looks great. Might be a nice catch for someone:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1971-Gibson ... 7C294%3A50

He says in the text that it is a shortscale, but I don't think it is because the bridge is further away than on the shorscale version. So it is a SB-400 I guess, not an SB-300.
He changed his price to a 500$ BIN. I really would have considered this bass but he doesn't sell outside the USA. Maybe for my own good.

[butch2112]

that's got to be a sb-400.i'm not sure about them,i imagine no real bridge pickup(just neck and middle position)may be a bit muddy,but i don't know

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1971ish-Gib ... 1|294%3A50

look here
http://www.flyguitars.com/gibson/bass/1 ... nSB400.php

this would be better
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/msg/1002750495.html

i took the old pickups out,these sound really almost exactly the same,i would have to compare side by side,so the old pickups will go in the sb-350 that was missing most original parts

[butch2112]

i'll end up posting my sb-350 but since i don't care if it sells and would be a nice backup for when
i have a gig that i don't want the sb-450 at,i'll probably price it a bit higher or i would like to trade
for a cool 70's fender

[jules]

I'll be quite interested to see what the ebay one goes for. I paid (IIRC) $700 for mine, but with the current exchange rate (£ -> $) it probably works out the same.

I think there are bargains to be had if you live in the right place...

It's odd that he says the flyguitars page says it is an SB300. It doesn't seem ambiguous to me. Clearly an SB400. Oh well.

[barend]

it ended on 690$

lucky for him he removed his BIN from 500$