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 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 ... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
Epiphone Rivoli Semi-Hollow Body Bass Guitar with Case READ DESCRIPTION
Franklin, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$800
Here is a fantastic bass with a hard to find case. It has been modified and is not original. The pickup is from a vintage 1968 Gibson bass. It has new pots and the kill switch has been removed. Also you??ll see in the pictures where there are cracks in the finish of the neck. This is from where the guy before me had it hanging on a guitar hanger and it ate through the finish. I had it checked before I bought it and all was fine no structural damage. Still selling at a huge discount because of ... view on ebay
1967 Gibson Eb-2 bass Guitar Cherry Red
Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2800
1967 Gibson EB-2 bass guitar in cherry red finish
This is a player??s guitar. The finish is faded, with a few dings and knicks on the body
The neck is nice and sleek, very slender. All cosmetic. TONE CITY!!!
It has 2 headstock cracks that have been fully repaired and the bass holds tension and intonation immaculately. The headstock is missing the pearl inlay
overall this bass is in great condition. I have GHS medium flats on it . The action is nice and low. No fret buzzing. The ... view on ebay
This is a player??s guitar. The finish is faded, with a few dings and knicks on the body
The neck is nice and sleek, very slender. All cosmetic. TONE CITY!!!
It has 2 headstock cracks that have been fully repaired and the bass holds tension and intonation immaculately. The headstock is missing the pearl inlay
overall this bass is in great condition. I have GHS medium flats on it . The action is nice and low. No fret buzzing. The ... view on ebay
Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Body Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC
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 ... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
1967 Gibson EB-2D Semi-Hollow Bass ?? All Original w / Willie's Guitar COA
Forest Lake, Minnesota, 550**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4500
Up for sale is a beautiful, highly desirable 1967 Gibson EB-2D dual-pickup semi-hollow electric bass guitar in its original Cherry finish This instrument has been professionally evaluated and certified completely original by the experts at Willie??s American Guitars (Saint Paul, MN). The original pickups (including the famous neck 'Mudbucker' and bridge mini-humbucker), the factory tuning pegs, knobs, and the push-button baritone switch are all intact and fully operational The serial number ... view on ebay
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.... view on ebay
Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness
Asheboro, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$350
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... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-2 DC Semi-Hollow Short Scale Electric Cherry Bass w / OHSC
Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5500
HomeAbout UsView all listingsContact UsShipping MenuCategories
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 ... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
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!... view on ebay
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!... view on ebay
1967 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar Sunburst Finish w / Soft Shell Case
San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2395
This Is Located At Our Brick And Mortar Store In San Diego, CA
1967 Gibson EB-2 In Sunburst
In Very Good Condition Overall - Small Marks, Nicks, And Scratches - Finish Checking Throughout
This Guitar Has Had A Headstock Repair - Visible On The Back Of The Neck - Appears To Not Have Been A Full Break - This Is An Old And Very Stable Repair
Original Frets In Very Good Condition - See Photos
Original Pickup And Electronics
Short 30" Scale
Weighs In At 8 Pounds 6 ... view on ebay
1967 Gibson EB-2 In Sunburst
In Very Good Condition Overall - Small Marks, Nicks, And Scratches - Finish Checking Throughout
This Guitar Has Had A Headstock Repair - Visible On The Back Of The Neck - Appears To Not Have Been A Full Break - This Is An Old And Very Stable Repair
Original Frets In Very Good Condition - See Photos
Original Pickup And Electronics
Short 30" Scale
Weighs In At 8 Pounds 6 ... view on ebay
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.
... view on ebay
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.
... view on ebay
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... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
Gibson EB 2 D Bass Vintage Sunburst Made In USA
Dortmund, 44***, GERMANY
€3000
Gibson EB 2 D Bass Vintage Sunburst Made In USA... view on ebay
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,... view on ebay
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,... view on ebay
Basse Gibson EB2 de 1964
La Croix, 1***, SWITZERLAND
CHF7900
Basse Gibson EB2 de 1964 entièrement restaurée et fonctionnelle avec coffre d??époque
... view on ebay
... view on ebay