Not every vintage Gibson bass wears a Thunderbird or EB badge. Sometimes the coolest pieces are the ones that flew under the radar.
This vintage Gibson SB-400 is one of those instruments.
Produced during the early 1970s, the SB-400 represented Gibson's fresh take on an entry-level bass while still carrying unmistakable Gibson character. Finished in a beautiful translucent Walnut finish over an alder body, the natural grain shines through and has aged gracefully over the decades. The distinctive SG-inspired body shape, chrome control plate, and unique single-coil pickups give the SB-400 a personality all its own.
One of the first things you'll notice when picking this bass up is the weight—or lack thereof. At only 6.9 lbs, it's incredibly comfortable whether you're playing a long rehearsal, recording session, or full night on stage.
This example has clearly lived an honest life and wears decades of natural cosmetic wear that only adds to its vintage appeal. There are no major breaks or structural repairs, just the kind of authentic playwear you'd hope to find on a bass that's been making music for over 50 years.
Most importantly, this bass has been professionally setup here in our shop and is playing exactly as it should. It's ready for its next owner from the moment it arrives.
Included is what appears to be its original era-correct Gibson hardshell case, making this an excellent complete vintage package.
Specs
- Gibson SB-400 Bass
- Believed Early 1970s
- Walnut Finish
- Alder Body
- Two-Piece Maple Neck
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Gibson Single-Coil Pickups
- Individual Volume & Tone Controls
- Original Style Lightweight Bridge
- Chrome Control Plate
- Gibson Tuners
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Serial Number: 953112
- Includes Original Era Gibson Hardshell Case
Condition
Very Good Vintage Condition.
This is a true vintage instrument that shows honest cosmetic wear throughout from decades of use while remaining structurally solid.
- No major breaks or structural repairs
- Beautiful vintage patina and finish wear
- Professionally setup by our shop
- Electronics function properly
- Plays comfortably up and down the neck
- Original era Gibson hardshell case included
Please review all photos carefully, as they serve as part of the description.
Our Thoughts
The SB-400 doesn't get talked about nearly enough.
Its lightweight construction, unique pickup design, and unmistakable early-'70s Gibson styling give it a voice that's different from the better-known EB series. It has a punchy, articulate character with plenty of vintage warmth while remaining surprisingly comfortable thanks to its featherweight build.
For players looking for a vintage American-made Gibson that's a little off the beaten path, this is a fantastic opportunity to own something genuinely unique.
Not every vintage Gibson bass wears a Thunderbird or EB badge. Sometimes the coolest pieces are the ones that flew under the radar.
This vintage Gibson SB-400 is one of those instruments.
Produced during the early 1970s, the SB-400 represented Gibson's fresh take on an entry-level bass while still carrying unmistakable Gibson character. Finished in a beautiful translucent Walnut finish over an alder body, the natural grain shines through and has aged gracefully over the decades. The distinctive SG-inspired body shape, chrome control plate, and unique single-coil pickups give the SB-400 a personality all its own.
One of the first things you'll notice when picking this bass up is the weight—or lack thereof. At only 6.9 lbs, it's incredibly comfortable whether you're playing a long rehearsal, recording session, or full night on stage.
This example has clearly lived an honest life and wears decades of natural cosmetic wear that only adds to its vintage appeal. There are no major breaks or structural repairs, just the kind of authentic playwear you'd hope to find on a bass that's been making music for over 50 years.
Most importantly, this bass has been professionally setup here in our shop and is playing exactly as it should. It's ready for its next owner from the moment it arrives.
Included is what appears to be its original era-correct Gibson hardshell case, making this an excellent complete vintage package.
Specs
- Gibson SB-400 Bass
- Believed Early 1970s
- Walnut Finish
- Alder Body
- Two-Piece Maple Neck
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Gibson Single-Coil Pickups
- Individual Volume & Tone Controls
- Original Style Lightweight Bridge
- Chrome Control Plate
- Gibson Tuners
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Serial Number: 953112
- Includes Original Era Gibson Hardshell Case
Condition
Very Good Vintage Condition.
This is a true vintage instrument that shows honest cosmetic wear throughout from decades of use while remaining structurally solid.
- No major breaks or structural repairs
- Beautiful vintage patina and finish wear
- Professionally setup by our shop
- Electronics function properly
- Plays comfortably up and down the neck
- Original era Gibson hardshell case included
Please review all photos carefully, as they serve as part of the description.
Our Thoughts
The SB-400 doesn't get talked about nearly enough.
Its lightweight construction, unique pickup design, and unmistakable early-'70s Gibson styling give it a voice that's different from the better-known EB series. It has a punchy, articulate character with plenty of vintage warmth while remaining surprisingly comfortable thanks to its featherweight build.
For players looking for a vintage American-made Gibson that's a little off the beaten path, this is a fantastic opportunity to own something genuinely unique.