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1968 Gibson EB-2D

Gibson bass guitars | EB-2 main page | 1968 Gibson EB-2

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.

1968 Gibson EB-2D specifications

Model: Gibson EB-2D
Year: 1968
Scale: short, 30 1/2"
Body: Maple top, back, and sides.
Neck: One-piece mahogany set neck. Rosewood fingerboard
Frets: 20
Width at nut:
Weight: kg

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.

1968 Gibson EB2D bass, Sunburst finish

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.

The EB-2D, just like the ES-335 guitar, had a central maple block, within which the bridge and pickups were mounted
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.
1968 Gibson EB2D bass
The guitar has a three-tone sunburst front and back, with a walnut neck. The body is bound front and back.
From 1965, Gibson bass humbucker covers were chrome plated, as opposed to nickel, and were slightly taller and narrower. The Gibson logo on the scratchplate is a late 1960s feature, and quite unusual, appearing on no other bass model
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
1968 Gibson EB2D bass - control detail. Witch-hat knobs, baritone button, and pickup selector switch
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.
1968 Gibson EB2D bass - bridge, mute, and mini-humbucker detail
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
1968 Gibson EB2D bass
The EB2 had a bound body, front and back, but the neck remained unbound.
1968 Gibson EB2D bass
The EB2 was available in five finishes: Natural (early instruments only), Cherry, Walnut, Sparkling Burgundy and Sunburst, as shown here.
1968 Gibson EB2D bass
The Gibson EB2 fretboard was rosewood, in this case a particularly nicely grained piece.
1968 Gibson EB2D bass
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.
1968 Gibson EB2D bass
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.

1968 Gibson EB2D bass, with hard case

Gibson EB-2 bass guitars for sale

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

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
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Vintage Gibson EB-2 Modified Bass EB2 ES bass Electric Bass 1960??s

Vintage Gibson EB-2 Modified Bass EB2 ES bass Electric Bass 1960??s

Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1300

A really cool bass that was always in this shape. Owned for about 5 years and planned to redo it. Im more of a guitarist so Im thinning the heard. Looks great. I think the bridge is a dimarzio and there have been other pots once installed. The switches seem to be boosts for the pickups. And Volume for each pickup. No tone option. Another routes on the back. Gibson sticker gone. Some screws missing on the back and rusty input screws but everything stays together. Was also like that

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

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
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1958 Gibson EB-2 1st year Museum Quality 100% original its 1 of a kind & Minty !

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
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Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar

Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar

Anderson, Indiana, 460**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5790

Double cut a way Sun Burst Serial Number is 408061I purchased this bass in the sixties. I am the original owner Has been played very little. Has original strings except "G " Original hard caseOriginal cordHippie strap includedEXCELLENT CONDITION... more
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1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar

1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar

Hollywood, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6900

Near mint condition, still have an original hard case, this guitar means a lot to me, so please serious inquiries only

Feel free to ask me any questions
... more
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Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness

Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness

Asheboro, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

6 pots and 2 jacks
... more
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1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass

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
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1967 Gibson EB-2C Bass fabulous special ordered EB-2 in "Sparkling Burgundy" !

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
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1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar

1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar

Winnsboro, Louisiana, 712**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

The 1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar is a classic piece of musical history. Crafted by the renowned brand Gibson, this bass guitar is designed for right-handed players and features a semi-hollow body type. With its unique 4-string configuration, this model is perfect for bass enthusiasts looking for a vintage instrument with a timeless appeal. The sunburst finish adds to its retro charm, making it a standout choice for players seeking a vintage ... more
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1967 Epiphone EB-232 Rivoli Short Scale Electric Bass Sunburst !

1967 Epiphone EB-232 Rivoli Short Scale Electric Bass Sunburst !

Peckville, Pennsylvania, 184**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3395

The Vintage Reserve at Pristine Auctions is proud to present this awesome 1967 Epiphone Gibson EB-232 Rivoli Electric Bass Serial Number 068624. This is one of the coolest Vintage Basses we have ever encountered at our shop and it is so clean. This thing is honestly one the best sounding vintage basses we have ever had and it is ready for it next show or session in a recording studio. When you press the button, it just takes it to a whole different level of vintage sound. The low end ... more
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1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware

1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware

Hackettstown, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Made in 1967 at the Kalamazoo plant this is a Gibson
EB2-C bass in very good condition. Everything original except for strings and brand new truss rod. Very little finish cracking
Works perfectly! Baritone pushbutton switch works!
We minor cosmetic damages shown. There was a chip on the left side of the head when I bought it and when the truss rod was fixed there was some bubbling on the neck and damage to the head stock
Feel free to reach out for any questions!... more
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Gibson EB2 Bass 1967

Gibson EB2 Bass 1967

Billingshurst, RH14***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3985

Gibson EB-2 Bass 1967
Very Vibrant Sunburst colour and overall finish
Rare Mint condition with a very small amount of natural checking. Most likely spent its life in the case and in a stable environment
No discernable wear to Frets or Rosewood Board
Apologies for the Video sound. I recorded it on a snart phone which does not capture the amazing Bass low frequency sounds
Serial Number 051485 for 1967
Pots are 1966 Week 26
Orange Label
All Original Parts and ... more
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Gibson bass guitar early EB 2-point bridge - full up, everything included

Gibson bass guitar early EB 2-point bridge - full up, everything included

Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£68

Original Gibson bass 2-point saddle / bridge with adjusters and mount bolts, clamp screws and Allen key
From a 1970 EBO bass (now upgraded with the superb Hipshot product). Not altered / re-machined as many are. Nylon saddles have been lowered a fraction, but that's fine because you can adjust the bridge up a bit to compensate unless you want ultra-low action.
Very difficult to find original complete bridges for the EB's these days.
See also my Bridge Cover ad. Will do a deal if... more
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Vintage Gibson 1966 EB-2 Hollowbody Bass Guitar with Sunburst Finish

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
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Gibson EB-2 1967 Sunburst Bass 335 Semi Hollow

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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Gibson 1964 EB-2 Used Electric Bass Good Condition

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
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1967 EPIPHONE RIVOLI Bass Guitar - EB 232C in CHERRY  with hard shell case

1967 EPIPHONE RIVOLI Bass Guitar - EB 232C in CHERRY with hard shell case

London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£4650

NEW KINGS ROAD VINTAGE GUITAR EMPORIUM IS DELIGHTED TO OFFER FOR SALE THIS
1967 EPIPHONE RIVOLI Bass - EB 232C CHERRY
Incredibly clean, this exceptional condition Epiphone Rivoli was produced by Gibson in their Kalamazoo plant, after Gibson bought the brand in the late 1950s. Identical construction to a Gibson EB2, the only difference being the headstock design and inlays. In a solid 9 out of 10 condition, has a few tiny dings but overall it's in wonderful condition This Rivoli,... more
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1964 Epiphone Rivoli Bass With Epiphone Case

1964 Epiphone Rivoli Bass With Epiphone Case

Blackburn, BB6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2400

Beautiful Road Worn Condition Epiphone Rivoli Bass from around 1964
Bought by a British Bass player and toured with for many decades
All of the electronics work well just a little scratchy sometimes
No headstock repairs to my knowledge
Comes with the old belt buckle strap from the last owner
Frets worn down but playable
Tuner has an old fix to it and it works well!Full serial can be revealed to serious buyers
Shipped well wrapped and packed strings relaxed in a guitar ... more
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Basse Gibson EB2 de 1964

Basse Gibson EB2 de 1964

La Croix, 1***, SWITZERLAND

CHF7900

Basse Gibson EB2 de 1964 entièrement restaurée et fonctionnelle avec coffre d??époque
... more
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kent Comment left 30th January 2013 07:07:16 reply
just have a question.I have a 1968 Gibson eb2d bass guitar in great shape.Would like to know how much I should sell it for?
king david Comment left 19th September 2012 17:05:09 reply
That is one sweet bass. I had an EB2 back when I was starting out, just like this. An absolute tone monster, and they were as cheap as anything because nobody wanted them... now I want one again and they are 2k !!! Just wish i'd hung on to mine :(