1968 Gibson EB-2D

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

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.

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.

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.

The guitar has a three-tone sunburst front and back, with a walnut neck. The body is bound front and back.

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

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.

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

The EB2 had a bound body, front and back, but the neck remained unbound.

The EB2 was available in five finishes: Natural (early instruments only), Cherry, Walnut, Sparkling Burgundy and Sunburst, as shown here.

The Gibson EB2 fretboard was rosewood, in this case a particularly nicely grained piece.

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.

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.

Gibson EB-2 bass guitars for sale

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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

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

Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar

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

$4790

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

Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness

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

$350

6 pots and 2 jacks
... more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Epiphone Rivoli EBV232 Vintage 1963 Semi-Acoustic Bass Kalamazoo(Gibson) '63+OHC

Milano, 20***, ITALY

€2950

Epiphone Rivoli EBV232 Vintage Semi-Acoustic Bass . Qualche segno del tempo ma nessun problema strutturale, ottima la action e la suonabilità (c'è comunque margine e modo di personalizzarla come si desidera). Prodotto a Kalamazoo nel 1963 ed originale in ogni sua parte. Manca il suo battipenna ma si trovano ottime repliche anche su eBay
Suono notevole, vero vintage sound!!
Custodia rigida originale compresa
Vendita tra privati con formula AS / IS senza alcun diritto di ... more

1959 Gibson EB-2 Semi-Hollow Electric Bass in Sunburst, with Hard Case (Used)

Birmingham, B18***, UNITED KINGDOM

£5500

- Overall: Very Good condition.
- Frets: Good condition, no issues.
- Hardware: All original.
- Electronics: All original, no issues.
- Finish: This Guitar is in Very Good condition with minimal wear through age and previous usage
* Hard Case included.
* Please note all of our USED / EX-DISPLAY Guitars & Basses are checked, tested, cleaned and set up professionally by our Luthiers before dispatching. All of our Used Guitars come ... more

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