1968 Gibson EB-2D

Maple top, back and sides • one-piece mahogany set neck • two Gibson humbucking pickups • 30 1/2 inch scale • semi-hollow body with maple central block

The Gibson EB2D was introduced in 1966, at a time where bass sales were rising rapidly. EB2D signifies double pickups: the EB neck humbucker of the regular EB2, and an EB mini-humbucker towards the bridge.

The Gibson EB-2D has a very varied tonal palette; from the super deep rumble of the choked neck pickup, to the punchier mids of the bridge pickup. The short scale means this bass requires short scale strings - and they sound particularly at home with a nice set of flatwounds. Listen to the 1968 Gibson EB2D soundclips.

By 1968 EB2 sales had peaked and the hollow-bodies were losing ground to the solid-body EB0 and EB3 basses; to be phased out completely by the early seventies. 1968 saw the shipping of exactly 700 EB2D basses, 461 in Sunburst, and 239 in Cherry. This was Gibson's top of the line bass at the time, and their most expensive. Recommended retail price was $470, compared to EB2: $425; EB3: $365, EB0: $259.50, Melody Maker bass: $227.50.

Other hardware is essentially the same as equipped on other EB basses: the Gibson two-point tune-o-matic bridge with chrome cover, and under-bridge mute, and Kluson 538 machine heads. But note the rather interesting design on the scratchplate. Gibson did not use it for long, or seemingly on many basses, as example are comparatively uncommon.

Just like the ES-335 guitar, the EB2 had a central maple block, into which the bridge and pickups were mounted. Components fitted to this bass include neck humbucker, bridge mini-humbucker, two-point bridge with mute and cover.

The guitar has a three-tone sunburst front and back, with a walnut neck. The body is bound front and back.

From 1965, bass humbucker covers were chrome plated, as opposed to nickel, and became slightly taller and narrower. The Gibson logo on the scratchplate is a late 1960s feature, and quite unusual, appearing on no other bass model

The EB2D controls are as follows: volume and tone for each pickup, three-way pickup selector switch, and a baritone on/off button. Gold inset witch-hat knobs. The baritone button activates a choke, creating a really fat, mellow sound. Have a listen to the EB2D soundclips.

The EB mini-humbucker gives this bass considerably more versatility than the single pickup EB-2. Note the under-bridge mute. The two-point bridge is largely obscured by the chrome bridge cover

The EB2 had a bound body, front and back, but the neck remained unbound.

The EB2 was available in five finishes: Natural (early instruments only), Cherry, Walnut, Sparkling Burgundy and Sunburst, as shown here.

The Gibson EB2 fretboard was rosewood, in this case a particularly nicely grained piece.

The mother-of-pearl inlaid Gibson logo, and centralised (after 1964) crown motif. Tuning keys are chromed-plated Kluson 538. This bass has the typical 'bell-style' truss rod cover with white revealed edge, and two mounting screws.

The EB2 changed hardware over the course of it's production, but the body/neck varied very little. All instruments had the one-piece mahogany neck that Gibson was famous for, even after the Gibson EB0 and Gibson EB3 went three-piece in 1969. This neck is, of course, quite fragile, and un-repaired headstocks are the exception, rather than the rule. The tuning keys did change too, but the majority of basses were fitted with Kluson 538 machines, as shown here.

By 1968 EB2 sales had peaked and the hollow-bodies were losing ground to the solid-body EB0 and EB3 basses; to be phased out completely by the early seventies. 1968 saw the shipping of exactly 700 EB2D basses, 461 in Sunburst, and 239 in Cherry. This was Gibson's top of the line bass at the time, and their most expensive. Recommended retail price was $470, compared to EB2: $425; EB3: $365, EB0: $259.50, Melody Maker bass: $227.50.

Gibson EB-2 bass guitars for sale

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1967 GIBSON EB2-C: MADE IN KALAMAZOO, MI (WITH ORIGINAL HARD CASE) (HA2037500)

Harrison, Arkansas, 726**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

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1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

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The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more

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Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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1970s BASS HUMBUCKER PICKUP JAPAN EPIPHONE RIVOLI ARIA UNIVOX MATSUMOKU ERA 9 0K

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$79

FREE USA SHIPPING!
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1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case.

The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!!  It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... more

Gibson EB-2 1967 Sunburst Bass 335 Semi Hollow

Bari, 70***, ITALY

€4900

Gibson EB-2 1967 Sunburst. For Sale Directly From My Private Collection! In Amazing Condition .The Headstock is without any scratches, Sounds Amazing With its original "Baritone switch " ! Original Case, Truss rod key, Case key and amazing Hang Tags! Body Semi Hollow with Laminated Maple Neck Mahogany Fretboard Brasilian Rosewood Pickup Original EB Humbucking Original and Perfectly Working String mute Original Case and Documents... more

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Heanor, DE75***, UNITED KINGDOM

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Vintage 1965 Gibson EB2 D *Museum Condition* Sunburst Bass Guitar w / OHSC & Tags
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Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12***, UNITED KINGDOM

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An incredibly rare and beautiful example of a late 60s Gibson EB-2 bass (as played by the likes of Chas Chandler etc )

In a very rare factory-original Sparkling Burgundy Metallic finish. These finishes were done at the factory back in the day over the top of sunburst finishes if there were any imperfections, so these are pretty hard to find - especially in such great condition!

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Vintage 1970 1971 1972 Gibson EB2D Sunburst Bass Guitar w / OHSC *1970s* Ex JLR

Heanor, DE75***, UNITED KINGDOM

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Vintage Epiphone Rivoli Bass EB232 C 1967 In Original Translucent Cherry Finish

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An outstanding extremely rare original in Collector??s Grade Condition vintage model bass guitar

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Vintage Gibson 1966 EB-2 Hollowbody Bass Guitar with Sunburst Finish

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B***, CANADA

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Vintage original 1966 Gibson EB-2 Hollowbody Bass in original Sunburst finish.
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