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

1969 Gibson EB-2W. Walnut finish

Gibson bass guitars | EB-2 main page | 1969 Gibson EB-2W

• maple top, back, and sides • with maple centre-block • rosewood fingerboard • one piece mahogany neck • 30 1/2 inch scale • One humbucking pickup

EB2 basses were given a slightly different model designation to represent different finish options. This, being in walnut finish is an EB2W.

The EB-2 was Gibsons best selling bass in 1966 and 1967, largely influenced by the British beat boom of the mid-1960s. (although these bands were largely playing the near identical Epiphone Rivoli )

By the end of the decade it had been overtaken by two Gibson solid-body models, the EB-0 and EB-3 - again influenced by British bands such as Cream and Free.

According to shipping figures (which would seem to be incomplete for the EB-2) only 12 Walnut EB-s were produced; all single pickup models, and all in 1969, making this one of the rarest variations of the instrument. It is certain that more were produced than this, as walnut was listed as a finish option for both single pickup and double pickup basses (which certainly exist) in all price lists between June 1968 and October 1972.

1969 Gibson EB-2 bass, walnut finish

All EB series basses used the same bridge and pickups, which, in 1969, consisted of the two-point tune-o-matic bass bridge with cover (often, and in this case, with Gibson under-bridge mute), and EB humbucker. This single-pickup bass has very simple controls, just one volume and tone control, and "vari-tone" push button to activate the tone choke.

In 1969, the EB2, in all it's finishes was listed in the US at $450

Other than the finish, this is just a normal EB-2. One-piece mahogany neck without volute, short (30 1/2") scale (requiring short scale strings), maple top back and sides, with centre-block, and serial number stamped in the back of the headstock, and repeated in the soundhole.

1969 Gibson EB2W - Body detail
The hardware on this EB2 is typical for a 1969 Gibson bass: chrome-covered EB neck humbucker, two point tune-o-matic bridge with mute and cover, witch hat control knobs.
1969 Gibson EB2W
Unlike most solid body Gibson basses of the 1960s, the EB2 had no control cover to access the electronics. Any access had to be via the f-holes on the front of the body.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Humbucker pickup with chrome-plated cover
EB humbucker pickup, positioned against the guitar's neck. The cover is chrome-plated, as opposed to the nickel of the mid sixties basses.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Detail of controls: volume, tone and baritone push-button switch
Witch-hat hat knobs with position pointers, output jack and push-button baritone switch.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Two-point tune-o-matic bridge, with mute and bridge cover
This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with under-bridge string mute, and chrome bridge cover. Note the chrome bracket supporting the scratchplate.
1969 Gibson EB2W - The EB-2 was double bound, front and back, although without a bound neck
The EB2 does not have a bound neck, but the body is bound front and back. The cream binding looks particularly attractive over a walnut-finished body.
1969 Gibson EB2W
Like all Gibson ES-series guitars of this period, the neck is set (glued) into the body.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Serial number stamped on the reverse of the headstock
Serial number stamped on the back of the headstock, above Kluson 538 tuning keys
1969 Gibson EB2W - Solid headstock with centered crown inlay, and inlaid Gibson logo
Mid-late 1960s EBs had an inlaid mother or pearl Gibson logo with centered crown inlay. From late 1968 many of these basses were shipped without a dot on the i of the Gibson logo, as is the case here.
1969 Gibson EB2W - Rear headstock detail
The one-piece mahogany neck and solid headstock, with no volute. Tuning keys did vary at this time, not just from model to model, but also from bass to bass. This EB-2 is fitted with Kluson 538 open gear tuners.

For more information about EB2 basses in general, go back to the Gibson EB2 page.

Photographs courtesy of Matt Tudor, UK

Gibson EB-2 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.
1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

Bridgeport, West Virginia, 263**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

This Gibson EB2D bass is in very good condition. We listedit as "very good" because of the neck repairs, but if not for thatissue, it probably could be considered "excellent " The best we candetermine, the bass is a 1968. The pots are clearly marked 1967, and the dateranges for the bass is 1966-1969. Also has the mini humbucker in bridge. Itappears they only made 2000 of these with the mini humbuckers throughout theentire 60's. It has had the common repair where the headstock meets the neck, and... more
eBay logo
1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover

1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

This vintage hand rest cover is a must-have for any Gibson EB-3, EB-2, or EB-0 Bass guitar enthusiast. Made in the 1960s, this cover is a true piece of music history. The cover is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and is made from high-quality materials to ensure durability.

The cover features the iconic Gibson logo and is a great addition to any vintage musical instrument collection. Whether you are a seasoned musician or a collector, this hand rest cover is a unique and... more
eBay logo
1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

This is a 1968 Gibson EB2D. There is a head stock repair made at some point in its history. The body and rest of the neck is in great condition. There are finish checkings across the body but that's to be expected
That mudbucker in the neck is wooly! And the bridge has bite! The switches and knobs work as they should with a little scratchiness as you use them. Aside from that you won't notice it.
Comes with non original case
... more
eBay logo
1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

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-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more
eBay logo
1968 Gibson EB-2 hollowbody Bass Cherry

1968 Gibson EB-2 hollowbody Bass Cherry

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2490


Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1968 Gibson EB-2 hollowbody bass in its original Cherry finish. It has a great playing neck with good frets. It's all original with the exception of the added thumbrest and is 100% complete with the exception of the bridge cover. A nice non-original vintage hardshell case is also included and is a good fit for this bass. There are minor nicks + dings, finish checking and other cosmetic wear. The bass itself ... more
eBay logo
1958 Gibson EB-2 Thinline Bass Guitar

1958 Gibson EB-2 Thinline Bass Guitar

Keene, New Hampshire, 034**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

1958 Gibson EB-2 Electric Bass. All original and in excellent condition. Tobacco Sunburst finish. Single pickup, earliest version. Laminated maple thinline body. Banjo tuners in excellent condition. Serial number is A27810. A total of 90 EB-2 basses were shipped in 1958. Comes with original case in very good condition with all functioning latches. A very nice example for any vintage Gibson collection. Shipping will be $150 00 in the CONUS. I only ship in the USA
... more
eBay logo
1968 Vintage Gibson EB-2 Bass Cherry Red Bass OHSC EB2 USA 1960s

1968 Vintage Gibson EB-2 Bass Cherry Red Bass OHSC EB2 USA 1960's

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2597

Up for sale is an Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass Cherry Red
Maple top, back, and sides. One-piece mahogany set neck. Rosewood fingerboard
All Original hardware, Missing Pickguard and Bridge Cover
GOOD cosmetic condition ~ ~ killer PLAYER!
Showing some usual play wear such as a few dents, scratches and nicks here or there, some buckle worming on the back, and usual finish checking
The neck is straight, and the action is good! The fretboard is in very good condition as well. ... more
eBay logo
Replica Gibson EB-2 Style Semi-Hollow 5-String Bass | Sire Marcus Miller Pickups

Replica Gibson EB-2 Style Semi-Hollow 5-String Bass | Sire Marcus Miller Pickups

Brookings, South Dakota, 570**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$449

This bass is a replica of a vintage bass that never existed. It brings modern & classic features together in s vintage style instrument. It looks cool and it plays & sounds great
It is in the style of a Gibson EB-2 type bass or generally the recognizable semi-hollow basses of the 60's from leading brands like Gibson, Epiphone, Guild, Hagstrom & Hofner. As far as I'm aware, there were no semi-hollow 5-string basses like this that existed back then and very few that exist even now.... more
eBay logo
1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5700

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
eBay logo
Gibson EB2-C Bass Cherry Finish OHSC Very Good Condition

Gibson EB2-C Bass Cherry Finish OHSC Very Good Condition

Sikeston, Missouri, 638**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

The Gibson EB-2C bass is a classic semi-hollowbody electric bass, known for its warm, resonant tones and sleek vintage look. The cherry finish gives this model a stunningly deep, rich red hue that complements the iconic double-cutaway shape of the body. Made from high-quality maple, the top and back of the body showcase a natural wood grain through the cherry lacquer, giving it both elegance and durability
The EB-2C has a 30 5" scale neck with a rosewood fretboard, adorned with dot inlays, ... more
eBay logo
Vintage Early 1960s Gibson EB-0  /  EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$175

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1968 Gibson EB2D *Museum* Sunburst Bass Guitar w /  OHSC & Tags *1960s*

Vintage 1968 Gibson EB2D *Museum* Sunburst Bass Guitar w / OHSC & Tags *1960s*

Heanor, DE75***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3995

Vintage 1968 Gibson EB2D *Museum* Sunburst Bass Guitar w / OHSC & Tags *1960s
This is one of the nicest guitars you'll ever find - in truly museum quality condition. It dates to 1968 and is the EB2 double pickup version, complete with the original case and hang tags that have been with this guitar from new. I cannot even express how nice an example this is - one of the finest I've seen. Please check out my other items for the rest of the collection. The pictures below form part of my ... more
eBay logo
Gibson 1964 EB-2 Used Electric Bass Good Condition

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
eBay logo
Gibson EB-2 1967 Sunburst Bass 335 Semi Hollow

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
eBay logo
Vintage Gibson 1966 EB-2 Hollowbody Bass Guitar with Sunburst Finish

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
eBay logo
Vintage Epiphone Rivoli Bass EB232 C 1967 In Original Translucent Cherry Finish

Vintage Epiphone Rivoli Bass EB232 C 1967 In Original Translucent Cherry Finish

London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£4250

Vintage Epiphone Rivoli Bass EB232 C 1967 In Original Translucent Cherry Finish.

An outstanding extremely rare original in Collector??s Grade Condition vintage model bass guitar

The original 1960s Rivoli was available in Sunburst and Natural finishes, with Cherry added in 1966. Just 312 instruments (out of a total US production of 1864) shipped in Cherry between 1966 and 1968. This only amounted to 17% of the total US production. The vast majority of Rivolis had the ... more
eBay logo
Epiphone Rivoli Bass Bj. 1967, EB 232,  Made in USA Vintage

Epiphone Rivoli Bass Bj. 1967, EB 232, Made in USA Vintage

Bad Schwartau, 23***, GERMANY

€2100

Ich biete einen sehr schönen Epiphone Bass EB232 an, ähnlich dem Model von Gibson EB-2. Der Bass ist Baujahr 1967 in Cherry Red und in einem hervorragenden Zustand (near mint), mit originalem soft Case. Der Bass ist Made in USA.... more
eBay logo
Gibson Eb2d

Gibson Eb2d

Hull, HU8***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2600

For Sale Gibson EB2D 1970
This bass is in perfect working condition
As expected for a bass of this year there are signs of wear and varnish tainting
This bass was bought and imported by me from Rock and Roll music in Chicago and has been an absolute joy to play
It is fitted with the original bridge and nylon saddle but also comes with a modern replacement bridge if you wanted to swap
The case is not the original one for this bass but does the job very well
Cash on pickup only... more
eBay logo
guitare bass Epiphone Rivoli VC année inconnu 1960? défrettés bass acoustics ty

guitare bass Epiphone Rivoli VC année inconnu 1960? défrettés bass acoustics ty

Apremont, 85***, FRANCE

€590

pour pièces manche cassé en haut et tête manquante envoi soigné mais compliqué je ne possède pas la ^tête le manche est très droit .
Je répondrais au mieux à vos questions je ne suis pas musicien merci... more
eBay logo
1964 Epiphone Rivoli Bass in Cherry Sunburst

1964 Epiphone Rivoli Bass in Cherry Sunburst

London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3800

NEW KINGS ROAD VINTAGE GUITAR EMPORIUM IS DELIGHTED TO OFFER FOR SALE THIS
1964 EPIPHONE RIVOLI - CHERRY SUNBURST
A Gibson EB2 in all but name, headstock and inlays this semi hollow bodied Rivoli has a laminated maple top and solid maple centre block. The pickup is the famous EB pickup also used on the Gibson EB series. Feature the Baritone switch this has that sound these basses are renowned for. The tortoiseshell Pickguard is, as usual with these missing its silver E badge. ... more
eBay logo
There are 3 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

Comment on this article

Name
Email address
Anti-spam question - to catch web robots
How many legs does a duck have?
Joseph Baron Comment left 28th August 2022 12:12:55 reply
I do believe I own an EB-2W Mine looks VERY similar to the pics above I got it for free decades ago from a friend My next step is to get this beauty appraised!
Cees Comment left 6th March 2018 01:01:38 reply
I have a Gibson EB2 Walnut with a later added pickup (1969, I believe). I bought it 2e hand some 40 years ago in the Netherlands, and rarely used it. had no idea that it was so rare. 4 potmeters , 2 volume and 2 tone. although welldone , one can see that 2 pots and the pickup were added later.
Brian Comment left 25th May 2014 15:03:29 reply
I own a EB2-DW with 2 pickups. All original, baritone switch etc. So they were shipped and sold (at least one anyway) with the bridge pickup.