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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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
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
Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness
Asheboro, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$350
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
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
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
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
1968 Gibson EB-2DC Bass it's beautiful w / 2 pickups w / all the tones you need !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3750
The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1958 & made famous by many players. Its beautiful slightly faded original Cherry Red finish is what this is all about. 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 intact. Its powerful 2 pickups along w / its original push-button switch make really fabulous tones on steroids. She has a set of witch hat knobs & chrome bridge cover to finish her off nice. Its orange ... more
1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar w / original hard-shell case.
Clarkston, Washington, 994**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5500
The 1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar is a vintage piece that comes in its original hard-shell case. This electric bass guitar is designed for professional performance, making it a high-quality option for musicians. With a classic semi-hollow body, rosewood fretboard, and maple neck, this right-handed guitar offers a rich sound that is perfect for bass players looking for a vintage feel and high-performance capabilities. The red body color adds a touch of style to this iconic Gibson model from 1964.... more
1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar
Hollywood, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5865
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
Feel free to ask me any questions
... more
1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w / OHSC
Towson, Maryland, 212**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w / OHSC
1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass in Cherry with original hardshell case??a vintage semi-hollow thumper with unmistakable Gibson character. The double-cut hollow body design delivers a deep, woody low end with a warm, blooming response, while the neck-position humbucker provides that classic ??mudbucker?? fullness that sits perfectly in the mix and a bridge humbucker with a little more bite. Its short-scale feel makes it ... more
1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass in Cherry with original hardshell case??a vintage semi-hollow thumper with unmistakable Gibson character. The double-cut hollow body design delivers a deep, woody low end with a warm, blooming response, while the neck-position humbucker provides that classic ??mudbucker?? fullness that sits perfectly in the mix and a bridge humbucker with a little more bite. Its short-scale feel makes it ... more
1968 Gibson EB-2D Bass a very original example ready to enjoy for 58 more years.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
The Gibson EB-2 Bass guitar was invented in 1958 & made famous by many players. Its beautiful unfaded original Sunburst finish is what this is all about. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel great. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. Its pickgard is missing. Its powerful 2 pickups along w / its original push-button switch make really fabulous tones. She has a set of witch hat knobs to finish her off nice. Its orange label is clean & intact. Its chrome hardware is clean. It??s still sporting ... more
Vintage Gibson EB-2 Modified Bass EB2 ES bass Electric Bass 1960??s
Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1000
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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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
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
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
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
- 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
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
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
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
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
