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The Gibson Bass Book

(59 customer reviews)

20.00

The Gibson Bass Book – An Illustrated tribute

Reduced price! From € 35 for € 20!!

Thanks to the overwhelming success of the second edition of The Gibson Bass Book (which was a limited edition) I’ve decided to make a third edition.
Just like the second edition this book features some newly discovered basses, such as the Bunny Brunel Signature Bass and the 1959 Explorer. Plus of course the ones the Gibson released after the first edition of the book was printed (in 2016). The Epiphone chapter was extended and there is a spread about Orvilles and Kalamazoo. And there’s even a spread The Heritage!
So here it is: A brandnew version of The Gibson Bass Book with 204 pages full of Gibson bass guitars.
More than 85 different Gibson bass models are featured with unique photographs and descriptions.
Softcover. Pages printed in full colour on Machine Coated paper. The page size is 210 x 297 cm (A4) 

I am based in The Netherlands. Customers outside the European Union should expect two weeks shipping time under normal circumstances.

In stock

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The Gibson Bass Book - An Illustrated tribute

Reduced price! From € 35 for € 20!

Thanks to the overwhelming success of the second edition of The Gibson Bass Book (which was a limited edition) I've decided to make a third edition.
Just like the second edition this book features some newly discovered basses, such as the Bunny Brunel Signature Bass and the 1959 Explorer. Plus of course the ones the Gibson released after the first edition of the book was printed (in 2016). The Epiphone chapter was extended and there is a spread about Orvilles and Kalamazoo. And there's even a spread The Heritage!
So here it is: A brandnew version of The Gibson Bass Book with 204 pages full of Gibson bass guitars.
More than 85 different Gibson bass models are featured with unique photographs and descriptions.
Softcover. Pages printed in full colour on Machine Coated paper. The page size is 210 x 297 cm (A4) 

I am based in The Netherlands. Customers outside the European Union should expect two weeks shipping time under normal circumstances.

Additional information

Weight 1000 g
Dimensions 29.7 × 21 × 1.1 cm

59 reviews for The Gibson Bass Book

  1. Frank Abbing

    I received the book and was very excited about the photos and information. Unfortunately it was slightly damaged in the mail and reported it to Rob to make him aware. Rob then immediately sent me a new copy which arrived in good order. I am very happy with the beautiful book and the excellent service provided!!

  2. Bryan

    Thanks for putting this book together Rob!

    By far the most extensive historic list of Gibson basses and Gibson related basses on the market to date. A 100% must have for any Gibson bass fan.

    I now have an officially acquisition list!! Ha!

    P.S. Keep building those beautiful basses Rob!!

  3. Augustus

    A great book, and an excellent addition to others documenting the historical bass guitars. I’m not a Gibson fan, but Rob’s book makes me want to have one!

  4. Dom Zarrillo

    Long overdue book documenting Gibson basses. Great photos and detailed information in chronological order. Includes some rare models as well! Thanks Rob!

  5. Morrow Scot-Brown

    I heard there was a book on Gibson basses , but that it was just sold by the author and the runs were small . So I wasn’t likely to come across the book in any of the local bookstores . It was out of print .
    I also heard it was a great book . A beauty .
    And that those that had purchased the book were really happy with it .
    So I went looking and found the site and discovered a new revised edition was getting printed .
    Well , I was excited !
    It took forever to arrive in Nova Scotia … and was well worth the wait .
    Indeed it was everything I hoped it would be . I’m pretty nerdy about basses but there were some I was never aware of , and that’s exactly why I bought the book . And that’s why I’m glad I did .
    It’s a gorgeous reference , and clearly a labour of love .
    So if you have the interest , buy the book .

  6. Martin van der Velde (Greyhound Blues Band)

    Ik heb vorige week via bol.com het boek besteld en had het de volgende dag al in huis. Het is in een woord een geweldig mooi naslagwerk geworden. Zeer informatief en zeer compleet! mijn complimenten en dan ook nog eens voor die prijs!
    Super! (zelf vaak Gibson basen in mijn bezit gehad, Grabbers, G3’s en Thunderbirds. Vaak weer spijt na verkoop en zo heb ik nu weer een Thunderbird en een Les Paul. Er staat nog een RD en een G3 op de verlanglijst. Altijd wensen houden dat maakt de hobby zo leuk!!!!

  7. Juan M. López

    Una gran obra, no solo por el rigor a la hora de mostrar cronológicamente todo el elenco de bajos de la marca Gibson y Epiphone, sino también para comprender temas relativos a cómo están fabricados los instrumentos y demás características de cada uno. Además de numerosas curiosidades sobre los músicos que los usaron. A nivel de diseño gráfico, impecable también. Un libro imprescindible para cualquier bajista.

  8. André Dubs

    Hello From France,

    After the revelation of the intense fun of playing Gibson basses, I discovered in second revelation the intense Bass Book dedicated to the many models of this brand. Who knew that Gibson’s creations for our deep sounds desires were so numerous.
    Rob van den Broeck’s stunning search and stunning work, with high-level images and accurate and explanatory texts is an excellent source of information.
    This book is a must have for all fans convinced of the addictive qualities of Gibson instruments and to lovers of real bass sounds, hot warm and alive.
    178 pages to dream a little. To buy, to offer, to keep.
    Greetings from my four strings.

    Après la révélation de l’intense plaisir de jeu sur des basses Gibson, j’ai découvert en deuxième révélation l’intense Bass Book dédié aux nombreux modèles de cette marque. Qui se doutait que les créations Gibson pour nos envies de sons graves soit si nombreuses.
    Le beau travaille de recherche et de mise en scène de Rob van den Broeck, aux images de haut niveau et aux textes précis et explicatifs est une excellente source d’information.
    Ce livre est un must have pour tous les fans convaincus des qualités addictives des instruments Gibson et aux amateurs de vrais sons de basse ronds, chauds et vivants.
    178 pages pour rêver un peu. A acheter, à offrir, à garder.
    Salutations graves de mes 4 cordes.

  9. Peter Madsen

    This book is a must buy for anyone interested in Gibson and basses in general. Lots of models are covered, and the pics are great too. Do yourself a favour and buy this book. Highly recommended

  10. Alan Scharrer

    UNBELIEVABLE BOOK ! Finally, a book is available that gives proper acknowledgement to a much maligned series of instruments. Although Gibson made some missteps, there are some awesome instruments particularly their basses, which until now have always been overlooked. Please check this book out and you will not be disappointed. The text as well as the Fantastic photography is just worth it by itself. Enjoy the humor, facts that are unvarnished and be prepared to be wowed by the entire presentation. Don’t be surprised if you start searching the internet for a Gibson bass for yourself. You’re welcome!

  11. Jukka Hollström

    This book is a great review of Gibson basses including the history information. A lot of nice pictures and everything. Even I am more familar to Fender basses, this is a “must have” book for every bass player, who is intrested in electric basses.

  12. Dale DeMaris

    A book I’d been looking for for a long time! A complimentary companion to The Fender Bass-An Illustrated History & The Rickenbacker Electric Bass book. Well researched & full of excellent photos, The Gibson Bass Book completes what I consider the Big Three of Bass guitar reference guides. Well done!

  13. Fran Festa

    This book was so long overdue! I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Excellent design, terrific pictures, accurate info. Even purchasing it was a breeze, easy to do, great communication and quick shipping. It’s a must-have and a big victory for us vintage Gibson and Epiphone owners. Highly recommended! A++++

  14. Andy Shapiro

    First of all…the book came quickly & in perfect condition! As you read the book, you will see that it is a labor of love. Well written descriptions of the Gibson Basses. Excellent quality photographs combined with high grade, high gloss paper yields a book of excellent photographic quality. The instruments photographed are clean and in certain cases extremely rare. Buy this book. You will not be disappointed.

  15. Tom Bormans

    Great book, great pictures, great info, great brand!

  16. Ashley Gray

    Excellent book – well-researched, well-written and interesting throughout for anyone with an interest in the “poor relation” of bass guitars! Every model appears to be covered thoroughly, including all the various re-issues. Perfect for either a serious study or for just dipping in and out of whenever a question about Gibson basses crops up. A superb book.

  17. Ottovonbismark

    This book is a revelation to those of us who have always had a thing about Gibson basses! Having small hands I always found long scale (34″) basses uncomfortable and difficult to play. Of course like most people who started playing in the 60’s I started on a cheap copy of a Precision and when I had the money dumped that for a real Fender. Until I tried a Hofner in a store one day I didn’t realize the difference a short scale could make for me. After awhile with the Hofner I realized that it didn’t work that well for The Who copy act we liked to do. Strangely enough it was while I was in Army basic training (I was drafted and obviously no longer playing The Who) that I got to use my first Gibson when I was in our platoon’s band in the company talent contest. The bass that was at the unit recreation center was an SG style EBO and in remarkably good condition. (probably a mid to late 60’s model as this was in the Spring of 1973). So I have the Army to thank for my love affair with Gibson basses! I took most of my first few paychecks and weekend pass to find myself a new sunburst EB2. Wish I still had that one. In any case, as a user and owner of several Gibson basses I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. I had no idea that Gibson had made this many basses. The photos are gorgeous, the text seems in some places a little thin, but considering the rarity of some of the basses understandable. It even allowed me to identify some of my Gibson’s that I was wondering about – it’s got everything. Who would imagine a beautiful living room coffee table book about one companies bass guitars? But you’ll want to read it before it becomes table top eye candy. The wife soon got tired of me hopping over to her, pushing the book in her face and saying “look at this one”. While she doesn’t particularly like loud music, she does appreciate a pretty guitar – while wishing I had a few less of them. If you’ve ever had any interest in Gibson basses, basses in general – whatever – I highly recommend this book. It was a long time coming, but worth it in the end.

  18. Steve Rickwood

    I have a decent knowledge of basses and the history of, but where Gibson basses are concerned, I’m a novice. This book was enlightening and fascinating. Makes me want a Gibson aswell!!
    Lovely pictures and very informative.
    Totally recommended.

    Great work ?

  19. Cor van Ingen

    Everything you always wanted to know about Gibson basses, and more… All models well displayed with detailed facts and notes.. It’s all in this highly enjoyable book.

  20. Christian

    Ein wundervolles Bücher über Bässe – egal ob man Gibsons mag oder nicht. Ich habe die überhaupt nicht auf dem Schirm, habe das Buch aber blind gekauft weil schon das Titelbild Lust drauf macht. Ich wurde nicht enttäuscht. Wenn Liebe zum Objekt und Sachverstand zusammen kommen, dann kommt so was raus. Vielen Dank!

  21. Anatolii

    Am I happy? No! Am over a cloud! My dream came true! Thanx a lot for this beautiful historical route!

  22. Simon

    Great book.
    Very well documented and resourced information. This book covers the full history to date of the ‘Gibson bass guitar’ through its amazingly detailed pictures and well researched information.

  23. Gérald

    A fantastic book, very nice photos, lots of information, a real work of passionate. A must have. Thanks to the author!

  24. Alan Whitney

    At last a book that covers the history of the Gibson bass, so many others just brush them aside. Beautifully photographed and put together. A must have book not just for all fans of the Gibson bass but all lovers of guitars in general.

  25. Dan Lenard

    I have been playing 2 Gibson Les Paul Triumph basses since 1972 – maybe their finest design ? Good to see these and a lot other other Gibsons in the book. I should have never sold my EB 6 – duh ! GREAT BOOK !!

  26. Will

    If you want to see shining examples of Gibson basses, from the most popular to the esoteric variants, this is the book for you.
    Excellent photographs accompanied by informative descriptions – a must for any fan of Gibsons and basses in general.
    Highly recommended!

  27. Tom Heslin

    Gibson basses – a niche market for sure, always overshadowed by the more famous Fenders, Rickenbackers, and active instruments. Or so it would seem… When I got into Gibson basses around 2004, I didn’t know a whole lot about anything beyond the T-birds, EB-0 and EB-3. In my research, I stumbled across the author Rob and a handful of other Gibson bass aficionados online and fell down the rabbit hole. There are more styles, variations, and prototypes than I ever would have imagined, and Rob’s book sheds light on essentially every one of them. The photography and graphics work are top notch, and the information and details provided are excellent. This is not only a book full of pretty pictures of Gibson basses, but a well put together resource guide as well. Highly recommended, even if you only have a casual interest in these instruments.

  28. Sander de Gier

    Mooi boek, met veel plezier gelezen/bekeken. Een mooi verzamelwerk.

  29. Staffan

    The Gibson Bass Book is a most impressive description of the basses from the Gibson company, with beautiful photos of each bass. It even includes basses unknown to the most devoted Gibsonites. Ought to belong to everyone interested in bass, and guitar, history.

  30. Geoff

    Rob has produced a beautiful book that redresses a yawning gap in bass guitar books and popular bass mythology.
    Who knew Gibson had such a bass guitar history?

    (I’m a current Epiphone owner and long time Gibson fancier, since The Grabber in 70s era Kiss at least.)

  31. Neil Murray

    I’m not known as a Gibson player, but in fact in the 70s my basses had EB-3 pickups added to them, and I owned a Les Paul bass in 1976. Rob has done an amazingly thorough job, and the book is gorgeous to look at. Beautiful pictures of (mostly) beautiful basses!

  32. David

    I am a bass player of 33yrs. I play Fenders, MusicMan, Warwick and Gibson, to name a selection. There are very few books that I would class as “go to” or “browsers” in this narrowest of fields. I have a Fender one, along with The Bass Book. Until now, that has been my lot. Now I have a third and more than equal to the others. Rob has done an incredible job with this book. Were I to have more bass playing friends, I would not hesitate to shower them with copies. If he could turn an equal amount of effort to my other interest, horology, he would have another definite purchase. Who knew Gibson had a more varied history than Fender, all told. Rob, you should get commission….I just bought an EB4 2017 to go with my EB3 1979. Who says Gibson can’t do modern! Thanks for a great book. Best £30 I have spent in a long while. Stop phaffing around with reviews and buy it.

  33. Magnus

    En efterlängtad informativ bok med mycket fina bilder!
    Bra skriven och lätt att läsa, rekommenderas till alla som vill botanisera bland Gibsons basar!!

  34. Paul Dokman

    Toen ik een tijd terug bij Rob langs kwam om te kijken naar een Newport bass die hij te koop had staan, vertelde hij mij over het Gibson boek waar hij druk mee bezig was. Toen het boek gedrukt werd dus ook meteen besteld! En wat een mooi boek is het geworden! Heel veel mooie foto’s, mooi vormgegeven en heel veel nieuws geleerd! Een aanrader voor iedere bassist, gitarist, en of Gibson liefhebber!

  35. Matthew Norrie

    Superb book, or a dangerous shopping list! Lots of great photos, exhaustive coverage of the entire history of Gibson basses. My wife/Santa got me a copy for Christmas and I am very impressed with it. Just the kind of book you can read cover to cover or dip in and dip out as you please. Well done everyone involved 🙂

  36. Russell Mayo

    Excellent work, Rob. I have really enjoyed reading the book , which I find is a happy mix of the technical and the anecdotal.

  37. wilson schunemann

    Rob what a great book, I’ve been enjoying thoroughly!!!! Highly recommend to anyone that loves bass history!!! I am book aficionado and this one was missing on my library, previously Jim Roberts, Tony Bacon and Walter carter had just touch the subject. You really cover it all!!! Already looking for Volume 2 “The Gibson Bassist/Players”…

  38. WellREDman

    Brilliant book, well researched, laid out and photographed, a must have for any bass aficionado

  39. Chris Dekker

    The standard work for Gibson basses. Great book, very well documented, great pictures, very nice lay out, and did I say very well documented? A must-have for bass players, vintage bass freaks, Gibson bass players and any vintage instrument nerd in general.

  40. Søren Venema

    A welcome addition to the field of knowledge of vintage guitars, this gibson bass book written in excellent English will find it’s way to fans all over the world. Søren Venema/ Palm Guitars.

  41. Ger van den Brink

    As soon as I had knowledge of the Gibson bass book I ordered it right away.
    There are so many books about guitars and I’m happy that I have some books about the Gibson guitars, but there was one missing for the Gibson basses.
    This was the book I’ve been waiting for and I’m very happy to have one.
    It’s a great book and it was a pleasure to read it, I’m often browsing the book for the beautiful pictures.
    The Gibson bass book is not an expensive book but it will be, because of the need of buying another Gibson bass…, again…
    Thanks Rob

  42. Martin Bobbe

    Excellent book which is resting on my coffee table since it hit the doormat late November, just in time for my birthday. Been browsing every chance I got and i’m loving every spare minute of it. If you’re into Gibson basses, look no further !

  43. Hans van der Zanden

    The Gibson Bass book is a true must have for every bass player. I was knocked out by the amount of detailed information and the gorgeous pictures. It clearly shows the dedication of its maker. For me, it can easily meet up with classics like The Fender Bass book and the Rickenbacker Bass book.

  44. Ruud Sempel

    Prachtig verzorgd boek. Echt een geweldige aanvulling op wat er aan basboeken te koop is.
    Vreemd, dat dit merk ontbreekt in de boeken die over basgitaren verschenen zijn. Daarom een geweldige aanvulling, welke met heel erg veel leesplezier gelezen wordt. Niet saai, eerder op diverse punten humoristies!

  45. Mick

    Een erg mooi boek over alle Gibson bassen; zo compleet en uitgebreid was er nog niets op de markt.

  46. Kai

    Great book about an ‘unknown’ bass brand. Definitely recommended!

  47. ET

    I am a Ripper bass guy since 1975 and played it for six years. My Ripper passed away due to neck/truss rod problems. I switched to a Stingray but the Ripper was always in my mind. When Gibson reissued The Ripper I bought one again. Since then it is my studio bass. The Gibson Bass Book is a pleasure to read. Every time I pick it up there is a smile on my face. A great book for the Gibson bass lover.

  48. Leo

    I found out about this book on the great Thunderbird community of Talkbass.com. Ordered the book immediately, being a proud and happy owner of several Gibson and Epiphone basses, I wanted to see whether there was more to learn about this minority addiction. And it turned out that I had just received a true treasure of Gibson bass facts and photo’s. I keep picking it up and go through it time after time. It gives a lot of NBD (that I think is Talkbass speak, look it up yourselves…) . So thank you Rob for this great piece of work. Next step of course to have sound files of all these basses on your site, especially from great players like Andy Fraser and Jack Bruce.
    Ps And I only learned he was a fellow dutchman after I got the book…

  49. Roelof

    Op ieder detail uitmuntend: vormgeving, fotografie, informatie en service. Een parel in de kast en om te lezen voor iedere muzikant of muziekliefhebber

  50. Henk van Blitterswijk

    Great book with fantastic photo’s and all the right info. This is not just your average “collectable” book, this is a book by and for (Gibson) bass & guitar enthusiasts. A must have for anyone who is a fan of basses, guitars of just beautiful design and photography.

  51. Jan Wouters

    Great book! Beautiful pics. Detailed information. I own a 1975 Grabber, and for sure, a nice bass deserves a fine case, but it also deserves a good, dedicated book. Books on stringed instruments everywhere. Now there is this wonderful book on Gibson basses. A must have for every bass instrument lover!

  52. Dennis Postma

    Een heel mooi boek met prachtige foto’s en veel informatie over de bassen en hun makers.
    A very beautiful book with wonderful photo’s and a lot of information about the basses and their makers.

  53. Mark

    A quality and meticulously researched reference about Gibson’s lesser known product range – instruments that have contributed to the sound of some of the greatest rock, blues and popular music recordings over the course of the last half century. The author’s passion for Gibson basses is obvious.

  54. Bart

    Fantastic book, a detailed overview of all Gibson bass guitars. Great pictures and detailed information as well..

  55. Rob

    What a great piece of work.
    Nice photography, well researched and best of all written by a bass player.

  56. Oliver

    Hi Rob!
    Das Buch ist gestern angekommen, vielen Dank! 🙂 Ich bin begeistert. Man merkt, wieviel Mühe und Herzblut du da reingesteckt hast, Respekt! 🙂 Hast du die Texte alle selbst auf Englisch geschrieben oder übersetzen lassen?
    Ich bin erst beim RD-Artist angekommen, aber der Winter ist ja noch lang… 😀
    An alle gibbophilen Bassicer: Kau-fen!

  57. Willem Molenaar

    What a great book! I keep returning to the beautiful pictures of awesome basses. This will stay within reach for a long time to come. An ideal present for any bass player!

  58. Colin

    Hi Rob, your book arrived today and what a great book it is too. Well written information about the models and wonderful photography all add up to being a must have for any Gibson bass player or any bass player for that matter

  59. Han

    Gefeliciteerd met het boek Rob. Het ziet er prachtig uit. Lang geleden dat ik zo’n verzorgd en met liefde gemaakt boek in handen heb gehad.

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