| YEAR |
PRICE |
NOTES |
| 1958 |
|
The Gibson EB-2 was launched in 1958, as a companion to the electric archtop the ES-335. It was initially available in two finishes, Natural and Sunburst. Sunburst being by far the most common; in the period 1958-61 the numbers produced were Sunburst - 427, Natural - 90. Check out the EB2 in the 1958 Gibson catalogue |
| 1959 |
EB-2 $285
EB-2N $300[1] |
 1959 saw the addition of the baritone button. It is announced in the May/June 1959 Gibson Gazette
This new Gibson doesn't need bulk for a fine bass sound. It's one-tenth the size (and a fraction of the cost) of a fine string bass, with volume to fit the need. It offers much more facility and handling ease for all string bass effects... tremendous sustain and tremolo, fast plucking and slap bass. It even adds a new baritone voice - popular for rock 'n roll - with its new "Vari-tone" pushbutton switch |
| 1960 |
EB-2 $285
EB-2N $300[2] |
The EB2 is in the 1960 Gibson catalogue, and it describes the new baritone button, however the picture is still the one from the previous catalogue.
1960 the first year for a mute banjo tuners replaced by Klusons?
|
| 1961 |
|
EB-2 discontinued in 1961, being replaced in the June 1961 price list by the EB-3. |
| 1964 |
|
 1964/65 Gibson EB2 promo sheet
The EB2 was reintroduced in 1964, yet it did not appear in the September price list. |
| 1965 |
EB-2 $310
EB-2C $325[3]
EB-2 $325
EB-2C $340[4] |
 The Summer 1965 issue of Gibson Gazette had an advertisement for Gibson electric thin models, including the EB2.
Two finish options are listed in 1965 promo materials, Sunburst and Cherry. |
| 1966 |
EB-2 $325
EB-2C $340
EB-2D $395
EB-2DC $410[5]
EB-2 $360
EB-2C $375
EB-2D $420
EB-2DC $435[6] |
The April 1966 price list was the first to include the two-pickup EB-2D, although in this first year, ten times as many one-pickup instruments were shipped as two-pickup.
The EB2 in the 1966 Gibson catalogue |
| 1967 |
EB-2 $395
EB-2D $435[7] |
This is the peak year with regard sales. 2746 EB-2s (all versions) were shipped in '67, making this Gibsons best selling bass, outselling the EB-0, EB-3 and Thunderbird.
Sparkling Burgundy was first listed in the September price list. This was a finish applied to cover other finishes, and related to a checking problem caused by moisture in the original finish. |
| 1968 |
EB-2 $425
EB-2D $470[8] |
 The second best year sales-wise. Once again the EB-2 is Gibsons best-selling bass. Walnut was first listed as an available finish in June of this year for both one-pickup and two-pickup models.
Have a closer look at this 1968 Gibson EB-2D |
| 1969 |
EB-2 $450
EB-2D $495[9] |
 The moisture problems which lead to the Sparkling Burgundy finish had now been solved, and this 'camoflage finish' was now discontinued.
Have a closer look at this 1969 Gibson EB-2W
|
| 1970 |
EB-2 $450
EB-2D $495[10]
EB-2D $510[11]
|
The 1970 Gibson bass catalogue was the last to show the EB-2 and EB-2D. The one-pickup EB-2 was discontinued this year; the last listing in the March price list.
February 1970: Gibson sent 150 EB-2 basses to Long Binh military base, Vietnam. Perhaps the last EB-2s shipped? |
| 1971 |
EB-2D $510[12]
EB-2D $525[13]
|
Only two-pickup EB-2Ds were available in 1971, although no shipping figures are available. |
| 1972 |
EB-2D $550[14]
|
The October '72 price list is the last one to include the EB-2D, before being dropped in favour of the Les Paul Signature as Gibsons hollow-body bass. |
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