The Gibson staff newsletter, the Gibson Amplifier was published monthly throughout much of the 1960s and 1970s. It was full of staff news, and rarely had much content about the instruments themselves, however this issue from February 1970 has a rather interesting story on the front page.
Gibson had just sent 150 EB-2 bass guitars to a US Army depot, Long Binh in Viet Nam. Long Binh was big; 50,000 soldiers, a logistics supply depot, a military prison and numerous other facilities including shops, restaurants, dentists, sports and entertainment facilities and so on. Performers would come and visit to entertain the troops here too.
Now, Norlin had taken over from CMI, as the owners of Gibson in December 1969, so this was one of the first acts of the new owners. Effectively Gibson had loaded up a trailer and sent it off, in hope that "the availability of our Gibson instruments will help to make a Viet Nam assignment seem a little shorter".
The Gibson Amplifier piece gives out no more information - except the names of three workers that loaded the lorry. Did the basses arrive? Who used them? Soldiers? Performers? Did the US army order these, or were they a gift from Gibson?
If you can add any information about this story please comment
Gibson EB-2 bass guitars for sale
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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
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
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 EB-2 Semi Hollow Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC ~ 100% Original, VG+
Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6500
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Music, Instruments Jewelry: Antique / Vintag??e MENSJEWELRY: CAMEOSJewelry: 1940-1980's VintageJewelry: 1910 - 1939 Art DecoJewelry: 1837-1910 VictorianJewelry: 1895-1910 Art NouveauJEWELRY: Necklaces, Pendants WATCHES & WATCH ACCESSORIES JEWELRY: Brooches & PinsJEWELRY: EarringsJEWELRY: BraceletsJEWELRY: LocketsJEWELRY: Charms & BraceletsJEWELRY: SetsJEWELRY: RingsJEWELRY: SILVERCHINA & PORCELAINRELIGIOUS ... 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
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
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
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
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
guitare bass Epiphone Rivoli VC année inconnu 1960? défrettés bass acoustics ty
Apremont, 85***, FRANCE
€590
pour pièces manche cassé en haut et tête manquante envoi soigné mais compliqué je ne possède pas la ^tête le manche est très droit .
Je répondrais au mieux à vos questions je ne suis pas musicien merci... more
Je répondrais au mieux à vos questions je ne suis pas musicien merci... more
1964 Epiphone Rivoli Bass in Sunburst finish
London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3200
NEW KINGS ROAD VINTAGE GUITAR EMPORIUM IS DELIGHTED TO OFFER FOR SALE THIS
1964 EPIPHONE RIVOLI - SUNBURST
We have here a fantastic Epiphone Rivoli in well used super cool condition. Naturally aged and reliced through sixty years of gigs. Structurally very sound and original. Plays nicely and has a great feel. Comes with original hard shell case. Nut width of 43 6 mm and weighs 9 pounds or 4 1 kgs
Customers please note that returns purchased through PayPalwill also incur... more
1964 EPIPHONE RIVOLI - SUNBURST
We have here a fantastic Epiphone Rivoli in well used super cool condition. Naturally aged and reliced through sixty years of gigs. Structurally very sound and original. Plays nicely and has a great feel. Comes with original hard shell case. Nut width of 43 6 mm and weighs 9 pounds or 4 1 kgs
Customers please note that returns purchased through PayPalwill also incur... 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
Suono notevole, vero vintage sound!!
Custodia rigida originale compresa
Vendita tra privati con formula AS / IS senza alcun diritto di ... more