IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU READ MY STORE POLICIES REGARDING SHIPPING AND RETURNS BEFORE MAKING AN OFFER. Bidding on this item assumes that you have done so and agree to the terms published on my shop site. Shipping cost quoted is only an estimate - actual costs will be calculated and applied based upon the purchaser's shipping zip code.  

Introduced in 1961, the short-scale Epiphone Newport bass is essentially a Gibson EB-O with a different body style - both originated from the same plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Early Newports like this listing feature a symmetrical mahogany body and two tuner per-side headstock. These single pickup models made from 1961 to 1963 are among the rarest and most desirable - for example, only 118 Epiphone Newports were shipped in 1961. 

Starting in 1964, the Epiphone Newport bass design was changed to incorporate an asymmetrical body and 4-in line batwing headstock. These later models, while of interest to collectors, don't command anywhere the same price in the vintage marketplace as the '61-'63 models.    

Instrument History 

This instrument was purchased on Ebay. Contrary to the auction's written description, the bass arrived in very poor cosmetic condition (see attached photo) and was literally unplayable. A second pickup cavity had been routed in the body and then filled in some time later; the neck was unstable with all 4 strings touching the frets; the pickguard was cracked and missing a piece; and logos either were completely missing or badly damaged.    

As a result, more than $1,200 in restoration work was commissioned and performed by master luthier Steve Ryder in South Portland, ME, including:       

- Stripping and refinishing the body and neck in Gibson Wine Red to highlight the mahogany wood and hide as best as possible the second pick-up rout

- Performing all necessary repairs to ensure proper playing action and intonation, including a full neck reset and fret work

- Installing 1960 vintage Gibson "mudbucker” pickup and checking all  wiring for correctness 

- Installing and clear-coating ebony headstock veneer and vintage Epiphone gold logo 

- Installing custom-made reproduction three ply W/B/W pickguard with correct Epiphone "E" logo  

- Reassembling bass using designated original parts as well as new Gibson volume and tone knobs with dial position markers

- Swapping out "primitive” OEM non-adjustable bridge with vintage Gibson EB-O fully adjustable unit

- Sourcing and installing shorter vintage truss cover 

- Applying multiple coats of conductive shielding paint to body cavities

- Applying a final finish of period correct nitrocellulose lacquer  

The bass now plays and sounds as it should - action is low and sound is great. This instrument has been stored in a smoke-free home studio for more than 12 years. My total investment in the bass including original purchase price, parts and labor exceeds $2,400, including a non-original Epiphone hardshell case with a home-made foam insert (the original cases were chipboard). Also included are the original knobs and bridge as well as reproduction chrome handrest and finger rest.

Given that current Reverb listings for 60's Newport Epiphone basses range from a low of $2,400 to a high of $6,500, my price is very reasonable.

NOTE: My shop is set to automatically reject offers of 64% or less of the listing price as advised by reverb.com. In addition, any offer of less than 80% of the listing price will not be countered.