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The EB-2 was Gibsons best selling bass in 1966 and 1967, largely influenced by the British beat boom of the mid-1960s. (although these bands were largely playing the near identical Epiphone Rivoli )
By the end of the decade it had been overtaken by two Gibson solid-body models, the EB-0 and EB-3 - again influenced by British bands such as Cream and Free.
All three basses used the same bridge and pickups, which, in 1969, consisted of the two-point tune-o-matic bass bridge with cover (often, and in this case, with Gibson under-bridge mute), and EB humbucker. Tuning keys did vary at this time, not just from model to model, but also from bass to bass. The EB-2 pictured is fitted with Kluson 538 open gear tuners.
According to shipping figures (which would seem to be incomplete for the EB-2) only 12 Walnut EB-s were produced; all single pickup models, and all in 1969, making this one of the rarest variations of the instrument. It is most likely that more were produced than this, as walnut was listed as a finish option for both single pickup and double pickup basses (which certainly exist) in all price lists between June 1968 and October 1972.
Other than the finish, this is just a normal EB-2. One-piece mahogany neck without volute, maple top back and sides, with centre-block, and serial number stamped in the back of the headstock, and repeated in the soundhole.
For more information about EB2 basses in general, go back to the Gibson EB2 page.
Photographs by XXXX and courtesy of Matt Tudor, UK
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