The Gibson EB2 was a fabulous looking bass, and this example is no exception. Being a really early example it has a number of features that set it apart from EB2s built in other years: the banjo tuning keys, early single coil pickup, and lack of baritone button.
1958 Gibson catalog, the first to include the EB2 bassThe EB2 bass was announced in February 1958, making it's print debut a month later in the 1958 Gibson catalog. Basses didn't ship from the Kalamazoo plant for several more months; the year's total was just 96 instruments - 90 in Sunburst (as shown here) and 6 in Natural. See Gibson EB-2 shipping data. The 1958 US list price for this bass was $267.50, compared to $282.50 for the Natural examples.
The EB2 was effectively a bass companion model to the ES-335, but had several features of Gibson's existing bass model, the EB bass. Both were 30 1/2" scale (and therefore require short scale strings), with a one-piece mahogany neck and were fitted with the reverse-facing Sealfast banjo tuners. Like the fore-mentioned 335, the EB2 was a hollowbody bass, but with a feedback-reducing maple center block running the length of the instrument.
Most EB2 basses were equipped with the powerful Gibson EB humbucker, but only the earliest, from 1958 and early 1959 have the original EB bass single coil pickup and no baritone switch. The pickup has it's pole pieces along one edge (rather than down the center), the plastic (Royalite) cover is black rather than the brown of the EB. Controls are very simple, just a single volume and tone, topped with gold bell knobs.
Images courtesy of frettedamericana.com
The vast majority of 1958 EB2s had Gibson's Sunburst finish; 90 out of 96. It was was fitted with the same hardware as the EB: single coil pickup and bar bridge without mute.
Headstock detail with inlaid Gibson logo and above-center crown motif. Like the bridge and pickup, the banjo-style tuning keys are also as-fitted to the EB bass.
Gibson EB-2 basses for sale
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1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass
Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$8695
1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass, Sunburst finish, Booming Humbucking pickup withBlack Plastic cover, Nickel parts, Full feeling neck, Fine bass! Hang tag, VG++, Original hard case... more
1958 Gibson EB-2 1st year Museum Quality 100% original its 1 of a kind & Minty !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$9995
This is a truly superb original example of one of the rarer Gibson electric basses: the first-generation semi-hollow EB-2. The EB-2 in general is not a overly rare bass, but these earliest models built in the debut year were sold in only small numbers; many more were built in 1964-68 when production was at its peak. The ES-335 guitar from 1958 is one of Gibson??s most treasured and sought after instruments; this matching bass is actually considerably rarer, if not as highly in demand ! The EB-2 ... more
1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case
Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
This is a 1968 Gibson EB2D. There is a head stock repair made at some point in its history. The body and rest of the neck is in great condition. There are finish checkings across the body but that's to be expected
That mudbucker in the neck is wooly! And the bridge has bite! The switches and knobs work as they should with a little scratchiness as you use them. Aside from that you won't notice it.
Comes with non original case
... more
That mudbucker in the neck is wooly! And the bridge has bite! The switches and knobs work as they should with a little scratchiness as you use them. Aside from that you won't notice it.
Comes with non original case
... more
1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case
Bridgeport, West Virginia, 263**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3700
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
1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case
Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5200
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
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
1967 Gibson EB-2C Bass fabulous special ordered EB-2 in "Sparkling Burgundy" !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6495
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-2C??s from 1967. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Sparkling Burgundy?? custom color finish is what this is all about & it??s so frickin rare. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label too. Its pickgard is missing. Its ... more
1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$8995
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
RARE 1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar In Sparkling Burgundy Metallic WITH HARDCASE
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12***, UNITED KINGDOM
£6500
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!
The finish does show signs of use and the usual checking / patina, as is to be expected of an ... more
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!
The finish does show signs of use and the usual checking / patina, as is to be expected of an ... 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
Vintage Gibson 1966 EB-2 Hollowbody Bass Guitar with Sunburst Finish
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B***, CANADA
C $3850
Vintage Hollow body Bass
Vintage original 1966 Gibson EB-2 Hollowbody Bass in original Sunburst finish.
The tone is thick and warm.
All original, except for a missing metal thumb rest.
The finish does showcase some checking, and the original case is intact but worn.
... more
Vintage original 1966 Gibson EB-2 Hollowbody Bass in original Sunburst finish.
The tone is thick and warm.
All original, except for a missing metal thumb rest.
The finish does showcase some checking, and the original case is intact but worn.
... more
Gibson 1964 EB-2 Used Electric Bass Good Condition
Thatcham, RG19***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1588
This is a 1964 Gibson EB Bass Purchased by my late father in 1985. Serial number is 68102. Collection only please.... more
Gibson 1964 EB-2 Used Electric Bass Good Condition
Widnes, WA8***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3457
This Gibson 1964 EB-2 Used Electric Bass is a great addition to any musician's collection. With a semi-hollow body type and 4 string configuration, this bass is perfect for any right-handed player. The bass comes with a hard shell original case and cable for added convenience. The unit quantity is 1 and the country / region of manufacture is the United States. This bass is a vintage piece and has a unique sound that cannot be replicated. It is perfect for any player who wants to elevate their ... more