1969 Gibson EB-2W. Walnut finish

The EB-2 was Gibson's best selling bass in 1966 and 1967, largely influenced by the British beat boom of the mid-1960s (although these bands were largely playing the near identical Epiphone Rivoli). Fashions changed, rock music got louder, and by the end of the decade, the EB-2 it had been overtaken in terms of sales by two Gibson solid-body models, the EB-0 and EB-3 - again influenced by British bands such as Cream and Free.

According to shipping figures (which would seem to be incomplete for the EB-2) only 12 Walnut EB-s were produced; all single pickup models, and all in 1969, making this one of the rarest variations of the instrument. It is certain that more were produced than this, as walnut was listed as a finish option for both single pickup and double pickup basses (which certainly exist) in all price lists between June 1968 and October 1972.

EB2 basses were given a slightly different model designation to represent different finish options. This, being in walnut finish is technically an EB2W, although today these finish codes are rarely used.

1969 Gibson EB-2 specifications

All EB series basses used the same bridge and pickups, which, in 1969, consisted of the two-point tune-o-matic bass bridge with cover (often, and in this case, with Gibson under-bridge mute), and EB humbucker. This single-pickup bass has very simple controls, just one volume and tone control, and "vari-tone" push button to activate the tone choke.

In 1969, the EB2, in all it's finishes was listed in the US at $450

Other than the finish, this is just a normal EB-2. One-piece mahogany neck without volute, short (30 1/2") scale (requiring short scale strings), maple top back and sides, with centre-block, and serial number stamped in the back of the headstock, and repeated in the soundhole.

The hardware on this EB2 is typical for a 1969 Gibson bass: chrome-covered EB neck humbucker, two point tune-o-matic bridge with mute and cover, witch hat control knobs.

Unlike most solid body Gibson basses of the 1960s, the EB2 had no control cover to access the electronics. Any access had to be via the f-holes on the front of the body.

EB humbucker pickup, positioned against the guitar's neck. The cover is chrome-plated, as opposed to the nickel of the mid sixties basses.

Witch-hat hat knobs with position pointers, output jack and push-button baritone switch.

This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with under-bridge string mute, and chrome bridge cover. Note the chrome bracket supporting the scratchplate.

The EB2 does not have a bound neck, but the body is bound front and back. The cream binding looks particularly attractive over a walnut-finished body.

Like all Gibson ES-series guitars of this period, the neck is set (glued) into the body.

Serial number stamped on the back of the headstock, above Kluson 538 tuning keys

Mid-late 1960s EBs had an inlaid mother or pearl Gibson logo with centered crown inlay. From late 1968 many of these basses were shipped without a dot on the i of the Gibson logo, as is the case here.

The one-piece mahogany neck and solid headstock, with no volute. Tuning keys did vary at this time, not just from model to model, but also from bass to bass. This EB-2 is fitted with Kluson 538 open gear tuners.

For more information about EB2 basses in general, go back to the Gibson EB2 page.

Photographs courtesy of Matt Tudor, UK

Gibson EB-2 bass guitars for sale

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