flyguitars logo
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions

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

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
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... view on ebay
eBay logo
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 ... view on ebay
eBay logo
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 ... view on ebay
eBay logo
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 ... view on ebay
eBay logo
Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness

Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness

Asheboro, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

6 pots and 2 jacks
... view on ebay
eBay logo
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.... view on ebay
eBay logo
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!... view on ebay
eBay logo
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 ... view on ebay
eBay logo
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 ... view on ebay
eBay logo
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... view on ebay
eBay logo
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 ... view on ebay
eBay logo
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.... view on ebay
eBay logo
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 ... view on ebay
eBay logo
1970 Gibson Les Paul Bass Low Impedance Pickups. VINTAGE!

1970 Gibson Les Paul Bass Low Impedance Pickups. VINTAGE!

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, 190**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2499

This VINTAGE, 1st generation Gibson bass is over 55 years old! The bridge is an old Leo Quan Badass Bridge. It has a changed XLR input done many years ago. The pots are master volume and master tone. This bass is quiet and heavy. It produces a thick and thumpy sound. NON original hardshell case is a dreadnaught size case. The pots are stamped 1970.... view on ebay
eBay logo
Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Body Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC

Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Body Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC

Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

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
eBay logo
1967 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar Sunburst Finish w / Soft Shell Case

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
eBay logo
1967 Gibson Eb-2 bass Guitar Cherry Red

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
eBay logo
Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-2 DC Semi-Hollow Short Scale Electric Cherry Bass w / OHSC

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
eBay logo
1972-1973ca Gibson Les Paul Triumph Electric Bass Guitar

1972-1973ca Gibson Les Paul Triumph Electric Bass Guitar

Smiths Grove, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

1972-1973ca Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass



This Bass comes with receipt of were it was purchased in Hobart, Australia decades ago. It was purchased by a US Navy Sailor that played in the ship bands around the world. I am selling it for his widdow. He recently passed away sadly. I would think the case has seen the world! I mean chain handle, It??s been well used lol!!! Still has the dealer tag from were Gibson imported from the USA to Australia. It??s a rare Bird at a ... view on ebay
eBay logo
1967 Gibson EB-2D Semi-Hollow Bass ?? All Original w /  Willies Guitar COA

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
eBay logo