Gibson EB2, Les Paul bass, Les Paul Signature
1959 Gibson EB-2: pickup replaced with Dimarzio model-1 pickup. "baritone" push button switch bypassed after new control pots/cap added (switch left in though). Tuners replaced with modern Firebird guitar ones (holes drilled so strings fit) - both them and originals were "banjo" style
FlyGuitars You basses are usually quite heavily customised - do you do your own tech work on your basses?
Mike Watt I do a lot. Sometimes, I take them to World of Strings in Long Beach and Eric's guitar shop in Van Nuys (both in California).
FlyGuitars What other Gibson basses do you have, and what modifications have they had?
Mike Watt 1959 Gibson EB-2: pickup replaced with Dimarzio model-1 pickup. "Baritone" push button switch bypassed after new control pots/cap added (had a little carve out under the wood, under the bridge, filled with wax called a tone dampener to get rid of the tone). It even has banjo tuners. It's a '59 I got it in Maryland for $200.
FlyGuitars I understand you own a rare Les Paul Signature and a Les Paul Recording/Triumph /Professional bass. Can you tell me about them?
Mike Watt mine's a Les Paul Signature, in fact he (Les Paul) was playing near here and I went backstage to get him to sign it and he wrote, "keep picking Mike". I don't really use a pick (in kind of a depressed voice).
I got it for a couple of hundred bucks. I got the Professional in Georgia. I snapped the headstock off, of coarse, repaired it. I put in a Preamp, with the low impedance pickups - no output. Really neat neck, really thin from front to back. It's really heavy. One had a big pickguard on it, mine has a little one, I think it's a 1969. It's got chrome rings. I use an ESP preamp for Strats. It works good. It's weird on the pickup selector switch it has a big rubber grommet. A big giant rubber grommet in a big hole. I don't know what they are thinking. A great bass. Real close string spacing. I use it with my oldest band (20 years), Dos Sound, a band with two bassists.
1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass: ESP Strat preamp with bypass mini-switch added. Badass bridge, headstock repaired. I moved the output jack from the side to the front and added a big ol' washer to reinforce it... you can see it in the picture. I removed the side jack
1973 Gibson Les Paul Signature: no modifications except getting Les Paul to sign it!
Thanks to John (Redbird) Fertig and Mike Watt for making this interview possible, and to Peter Whitfield for use of some great Photos
Why not check out some of these other sites
Mike Watt's homepage
Iggy Pop / Stooges homepage
Kelly Clarkson homepage
Gibson bass guitars for sale
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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
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
Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass
Cross Junction, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6000
1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass: ESP Strat preamp with bypass mini-switch added. Badass bridge, headstock repaired. Mike Watt moved the output jack from the side to the front and added a big ol' washer to reinforce it you can see it in the picture. He also removed the side jack.
(bought from dirk vandenberg of guitar surfari. mike watts bass tech in San Pedro... more
(bought from dirk vandenberg of guitar surfari. mike watts bass tech in San Pedro... 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
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
1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case
Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5000
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
1970s Vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob Clean
Kingston, Michigan, 487**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5000
The product is a vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob from the 1970s. This knob would have been used on the bass guitar of a Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph model from that era. Made by Gibson, known for their high-quality instruments, this knob is likely to be a rare and sought after collectible for vintage guitar enthusiasts.... 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
1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass OHSC Mahogany On-Board Preamp, Stage Ready!
Andover, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass ?? Mahogany ?? Pro Modded for Live Use ?? Original Bridge + Case
Here??s a real rarity??not just a collector's piece but a working relic: an early-production 1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass, built during the first very limited run at Kalamazoo. Original mahogany body (the heavier, denser tonewood used only in the earliest examples??later models switched to walnut). Serial number 988003 and no ??Made in USA?? stamp indicate 1969 manufacture date. This ... more
Here??s a real rarity??not just a collector's piece but a working relic: an early-production 1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass, built during the first very limited run at Kalamazoo. Original mahogany body (the heavier, denser tonewood used only in the earliest examples??later models switched to walnut). Serial number 988003 and no ??Made in USA?? stamp indicate 1969 manufacture date. This ... 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
1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass Natural
Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2890
Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass in its original Natural Mahogany finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the strap buttons and the switch tip. The original hardshell case is included and has a replaced handle. There are lots of nicks + dings, belt buckle wear, a cracked corner of the pickguard and other cosmetic wear. There are a couple of very short ... more
Gibson Les Paul LPB-2 Deluxe Plus Bass Bartolini Pickups Heritage Cherry
Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1700
Gibson Les Paul LPB-2 Deluxe Plus Bass Bartolini Pickups Heritage Cherry Sunburst 1996 W / HSC
Has wear and scratches from being played. Overall in Good condition Has one chip on treble side of neck at the 5th fret (as seen in photos) 4th / G String Tuner has been remounted slightly tilted. Still functions perfectly. We would fill and remount that tuner in the original hole for free if desired. Just send us a message upon order Comes with Gibson Les Paul Bass Hard Shell Case. Combination ... more
Has wear and scratches from being played. Overall in Good condition Has one chip on treble side of neck at the 5th fret (as seen in photos) 4th / G String Tuner has been remounted slightly tilted. Still functions perfectly. We would fill and remount that tuner in the original hole for free if desired. Just send us a message upon order Comes with Gibson Les Paul Bass Hard Shell Case. Combination ... more
Vintage 1992 Gibson LPB-1 Les Paul Special Electric Bass Guitar w / Case! RARE!!!
Santee, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1599
At Top 40 Guitars, customer satisfaction is our first concern All of our items have a 14 day return policy If after 14 days you are not completely satisfiedwith your purchase, please return it for a refund .Peace be with you
all returned items must be in the same condition theywere at the time of sale. All original packing must be included
#
Up for Sale is a
Vintage 1992 Gibson LPB-1 Les Paul Special Electric Bass Guitar!
Heritage Cherry "Relic" Finish!
This is really ... more
Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness
Asheboro, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$350
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
1974 GIBSON LES PAUL SIGNATURE BASS - GOLD & FLIGHT CASE
London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£5250
NEW KINGS ROAD VINTAGE GUITAR EMPORIUM IS DELIGHTED TO OFFER FOR SALE THIS
1974 GIBSON LES PAUL SIGNATURE BASS - GOLD
Here is rare Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass in good original condition. Arched Maple top, Walnut back and sides. Single ?Super Humbucking?? pick up, semi hollow with a 34 inch scale length, 20 fret, maple centre block, a master volume and tone and a rotating three setting level switch. Laminated Mah gany neck and a Three point Tunomatic bridge. Two outputs, one high and one... more
1974 GIBSON LES PAUL SIGNATURE BASS - GOLD
Here is rare Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass in good original condition. Arched Maple top, Walnut back and sides. Single ?Super Humbucking?? pick up, semi hollow with a 34 inch scale length, 20 fret, maple centre block, a master volume and tone and a rotating three setting level switch. Laminated Mah gany neck and a Three point Tunomatic bridge. Two outputs, one high and one... 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 Les Paul Bass - Premium Plus 5 String Electric Bass in Heritage Cherry SB
Krefeld, 47***, GERMANY
€4250
Zum Verkauf steht ein außergewöhnlicher
GIBSON LES PAUL BASS ?? Premium Plus 5-String in Heritage Cherry Sunburst
Seriennummer: 94033260
Bei diesem Instrument handelt es sich nicht um ein Serienmodell im heutigen Sinne. Der Bass wurde Mitte der 1990er Jahre vom damaligen offiziellen deutschen Gibson Custom Shop unter der Leitung von Tom Launhardt speziell für mich modifiziert. Damit stammt er aus einer Phase, in der individuelle Anpassungen noch in enger Abstimmung mit Musikern ... more
GIBSON LES PAUL BASS ?? Premium Plus 5-String in Heritage Cherry Sunburst
Seriennummer: 94033260
Bei diesem Instrument handelt es sich nicht um ein Serienmodell im heutigen Sinne. Der Bass wurde Mitte der 1990er Jahre vom damaligen offiziellen deutschen Gibson Custom Shop unter der Leitung von Tom Launhardt speziell für mich modifiziert. Damit stammt er aus einer Phase, in der individuelle Anpassungen noch in enger Abstimmung mit Musikern ... more