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1969 Gibson EB-2W. Walnut finish

Gibson bass guitars | EB-2 main page | 1969 Gibson EB-2W

• maple top, back, and sides • with maple centre-block • rosewood fingerboard • one piece mahogany neck • 30 1/2 inch scale • One humbucking pickup

EB2 basses were given a slightly different model designation to represent different finish options. This, being in walnut finish is an EB2W.

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.

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 certain 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.

1969 Gibson EB-2 bass, walnut finish

All EB series 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. This single-pickup bass has very simple controls, just one volume and tone control, and "vari-tone" push button to activate the tone choke.

In 1969, the EB2, in all it's finishes was listed in the US at $450

Other than the finish, this is just a normal EB-2. One-piece mahogany neck without volute, short (30 1/2") scale (requiring short scale strings), maple top back and sides, with centre-block, and serial number stamped in the back of the headstock, and repeated in the soundhole.

1969 Gibson EB2W - Body detail
The hardware on this EB2 is typical for a 1969 Gibson bass: chrome-covered EB neck humbucker, two point tune-o-matic bridge with mute and cover, witch hat control knobs.
1969 Gibson EB2W
Unlike most solid body Gibson basses of the 1960s, the EB2 had no control cover to access the electronics. Any access had to be via the f-holes on the front of the body.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Humbucker pickup with chrome-plated cover
EB humbucker pickup, positioned against the guitar's neck. The cover is chrome-plated, as opposed to the nickel of the mid sixties basses.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Detail of controls: volume, tone and baritone push-button switch
Witch-hat hat knobs with position pointers, output jack and push-button baritone switch.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Two-point tune-o-matic bridge, with mute and bridge cover
This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with under-bridge string mute, and chrome bridge cover. Note the chrome bracket supporting the scratchplate.
1969 Gibson EB2W - The EB-2 was double bound, front and back, although without a bound neck
The EB2 does not have a bound neck, but the body is bound front and back. The cream binding looks particularly attractive over a walnut-finished body.
1969 Gibson EB2W
Like all Gibson ES-series guitars of this period, the neck is set (glued) into the body.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Serial number stamped on the reverse of the headstock
Serial number stamped on the back of the headstock, above Kluson 538 tuning keys
1969 Gibson EB2W - Solid headstock with centered crown inlay, and inlaid Gibson logo
Mid-late 1960s EBs had an inlaid mother or pearl Gibson logo with centered crown inlay. From late 1968 many of these basses were shipped without a dot on the i of the Gibson logo, as is the case here.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Rear headstock detail
The one-piece mahogany neck and solid headstock, with no volute. Tuning keys did vary at this time, not just from model to model, but also from bass to bass. This EB-2 is fitted with Kluson 538 open gear tuners.

For more information about EB2 basses in general, go back to the Gibson EB2 page.

Photographs courtesy of Matt Tudor, UK

Gibson EB-2 bass guitars for sale

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

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

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

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This Gibson EB2D bass is in very good condition. We listedit as "very good" because of the neck repairs, but if not for thatissue, it probably could be considered "excellent " The best we candetermine, the bass is a 1968. The pots are clearly marked 1967, and the dateranges for the bass is 1966-1969. Also has the mini humbucker in bridge. Itappears they only made 2000 of these with the mini humbuckers throughout theentire 60's. It has had the common repair where the headstock meets the neck, and... more
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Joseph Baron Comment left 28th August 2022 12:12:55 reply
I do believe I own an EB-2W Mine looks VERY similar to the pics above I got it for free decades ago from a friend My next step is to get this beauty appraised!
Cees Comment left 6th March 2018 01:01:38 reply
I have a Gibson EB2 Walnut with a later added pickup (1969, I believe). I bought it 2e hand some 40 years ago in the Netherlands, and rarely used it. had no idea that it was so rare. 4 potmeters , 2 volume and 2 tone. although welldone , one can see that 2 pots and the pickup were added later.
Brian Comment left 25th May 2014 15:03:29 reply
I own a EB2-DW with 2 pickups. All original, baritone switch etc. So they were shipped and sold (at least one anyway) with the bridge pickup.