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Fly Guitars Interview: Mike Watt - part 5: other Gibson basses

Introduction/Minutemen | Other Bands | Gibson EB3 | Gibson Thunderbird | Other Gibson basses


Gibson EB2, Les Paul bass, Les Paul Signature

Mike Watt with his 1959 Gibson EB2
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.

Mike Watt with his 1969 Les Paul Bass
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
Mike Watt with his 1973 Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass
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 !

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
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1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass

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
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1967 Gibson EB-2C Bass fabulous special ordered EB-2 in "Sparkling Burgundy" !

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
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1974 Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass Goldtop Near-Mint & 100% Original w /  Case

1974 Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass Goldtop Near-Mint & 100% Original w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

Up for sale, a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass in near-mint , 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Easily among the more unique and rarer instruments to ever sport the Les Paul branding / endorsement (and designed with direct involvement from the man himself), the Signature Bass was produced from 1973-79, with only 627 instruments made in total across the duration of that seven year run. Best associated with Jack Casady (Jefferson ... more
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Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass

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
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1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar

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
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Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar

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
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1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar w / original hard-shell case.

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
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1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware

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
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1970s Vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob Clean

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
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1968 Gibson EB-2D Bass a very original example ready to enjoy for 58 more years.

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
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1968 Gibson EB-2DC Bass its beautiful w / 2 pickups w / all the tones you need !

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
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1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass OHSC Mahogany On-Board Preamp, Stage Ready!

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
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1993 Gibson LP-3 Les Paul Standard 5-String Bass | Extremely Rare 5-String | Fla

1993 Gibson LP-3 Les Paul Standard 5-String Bass | Extremely Rare 5-String | Fla

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3499

For Sale: 1993 Gibson LP-3 Les Paul Standard 5-String Bass | Rare 5-String | Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Flamey Top | Bartolini Preamp | Original Case
Up for sale is an extremely rare 1993 Gibson LP-3 Les Paul Standard 5-String Bass in a gorgeous Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish, complete with its original hard-shell case. This particular bass is a true standout??not only is it one of the rare 5-string versions of the Les Paul Standard bass, but it also features a highly figured, flamey top ... more
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1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar

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
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1971 Gibson  Les Paul Triumph Bass Natural

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
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1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w /  OHSC

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
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Gibson Les Paul Bass 90??s Black Upgrades W / case

Gibson Les Paul Bass 90??s Black Upgrades W / case

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1950

90s Les Paul Bass refurbished lace pick ups Tremelo bridge hip shot tuners with D tuner completely rebuilt from the ground up custom by Glenn Miller Ronna??s violin shop in Niagara Falls New York Glen has been mentioned in the Gibson hardcover book for his excellent reproduction of the V, the Explorer and the modern . you can Google him to read more about his excellent work ships with hardshell Case plays amazing more pictures available upon request .
... more
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Gibson Les Paul LPB-2 Deluxe Plus Bass Bartolini Pickups Heritage Cherry

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
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Vintage 1992 Gibson LPB-1 Les Paul Special Electric Bass Guitar w /  Case! RARE!!!

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
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