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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 1964 Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Vintage 1964 Epiphone Rivoli Bass

Wantagh, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3300

Vintage 1964 Epiphone Gibson EBV232 Rivoli Electric Bass Serial Number 177 522
This rare Vintage Bass is in excellent condition
This Rivoli model remains one the best sounding vintage basses, which I used personally for many genres of performance and recording. This fine bass has been maintained over the years by master craftsman and maker David Segal or New York Bass Works.
The bass comes with a newer Epiphone hardshell case
Please note: This fine instrument will be sold ... more
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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
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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
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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 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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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.

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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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Epiphone Rivoli EBV232 Vintage 63 Semi-Acoustic Electric Bass Made In Kalamazoo

Epiphone Rivoli EBV232 Vintage '63 Semi-Acoustic Electric Bass Made In Kalamazoo

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
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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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Epiphone Rivoli II Bass Guitar

Epiphone Rivoli II Bass Guitar

Grimsby, DN32***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1000

The Epiphone Rivoli II Bass Guitar is a high-quality electric bass guitar designed for right-handed players. With a solid body made of wood, a 4-string configuration, a rosewood fretboard, and a maple neck, this guitar boasts excellent sound quality and playability. The sunburst body colour adds a stylish touch to the instrument, making it a great choice for musicians looking for a reliable and versatile bass guitar. The set includes a hard case, making it convenient for players to transport and... more
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1959 Gibson EB-2 Semi-Hollow Electric Bass in Sunburst, with Hard Case (Used)

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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Greco SAB120 Bass guitar 1980s (Gibson EB2 copy)

Greco SAB120 Bass guitar 1980s (Gibson EB2 copy)

Cheltenham, GL52***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1016

This is a pretty rare bass from the famous 1980s 'Mint Collection' range made for Greco by Fuji-Gen - they don't come up for sale very often. Some of the later (from 1990?) models are designated as 'Clear Sound Project' but, judging from the headstock inlay and the tuners, this is a 'Mint Collection'. The serial number dates it to 1985
Obviously, it's a very good copy of a Gibson EB2 semi - acoustic bass, with the exception that it is a long, 34" scale rather than the 30" of the original. ... 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 :(