Epiphone Newport Bass Cherry 1965

The Newport was built in Kalamazoo from 1961 to 1969 as Epiphone’s short-scale, single-pickup counterpart to the Gibson EB-0, with mahogany construction, a set neck, and the neck-position “Sidewinder” humbucker.

By 1964 the model adopted the asymmetrical body and 4-on-a-side batwing headstock seen on mid-sixties examples like this 1965. Production was modest compared to the EB-0, so Newports are not common.

Famous users include Colin Moulding of XTC and Marshall Grant of the Tennessee Three with Johnny Cash. The 30.5″ scale and high-output pickup make the Newport a straightforward tool for classic short-scale thump and supportive lines.

Frets are in good condition. Pickguard has been changed, the knobs are not original, and their location has been changed. A mini switch has been added. Thumb rest missing. No breaks. No case or bag. Weight is 3200g.

A lovely vintage Epi bass with standard and great-looking wear, and some changed features that make it a super affordable way to rock a proper vintage US bass. All-original examples cost 40-50% more than this one!

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model history: Introduced 1961, discontinued 1969; mid-sixties spec with batwing headstock from 1964.
• Manufacture: Gibson/Epiphone, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
• Body: Solid mahogany, double-cut
• Neck: Mahogany, set-neck construction; comfortable C profile
• Scale length: 30.5″
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with dot inlays; 20 frets; approx. 12″ radius
• Nut width: Approx. 1.5″
• Pickup: One neck-position EB “Sidewinder” humbucker (often called a mudbucker)
• Electronics: Master volume and master tone. On this bass the knob positions have been relocated and a mini switch has been added
• Hardware: Bar bridge on two-point tailpiece; 4-on-a-side tuners
• Finish: Cherry nitrocellulose
• Guard and plastics: Non-original pickguard; thumb rest missing
• Knobs: Replacement set, relocated as noted
• Weight: 3200g