As the name might suggest, the EB2 was Gibson's second electric bass, the first being the moderately successful EB, launched in 1953. It was a companion model to the ES-335 guitar, having the same basic construction, but the electrical circuitry of the EB. The instrument was designed by Gibson engineer Larry Allers (though naturally borrowing heavily from it's companion guitar model, the ES-335) with production occurring exclusively at the Kalamazoo plant, Michigan, USA. The model was announced in February of 1958, with an initial price was $267.50 (Sunburst) or $282.50 (Natural), though basses didn't ship until the second half of the year. The model was first displayed publicly at the Chicago NAMM show of July 58 (see EB-2 timeline). Total production was in the order of 8500 basses - see EB2 shipping figures, with an approximate split 70:30 EB2 / EB2D.
The new EB-2 Electric Bass is the approximate size of a guitar and produces the tone of a string bass. It contains a 20 fret range on all four strings. The Double-Cutaway body has arched, curly maple top and back with matching maple rims and pearl dot binding. The fast-action neck is of mahogany with rosewood fingerboard.
1958 Gibson EB2 with single coil pickup and no baritone switch. image: frettedamericana.com
By the summer of 1959, the pickup had been upgraded to the new Gibson EB bass humbucker. Although still mounted beneath a black Royalite cover, the new pickup is immediately obvious with it's centralised (rather than left-aligned) polepieces, and additional control button.
1959 Gibson EB2 in Natural finish image: Heritage Auctions
1959 Gibson EB2 in Sunburst finish image: Heritage Auctions
EB2 development
Gibson's Ted McCarty was developing the ES (Electric Spanish) series of guitars in 1957, with a specific rationale in mind
The solid body guitar had become so popular and proved that their was a sustaining tone that you couldn't get out of other types of guitars, but it never was a real comfortable guitar. It was heavy or it was too small, and the thought was to make a guitar with hollow wings but a solid centre.
The EB2 followed suit; having the same laminate maple top, back and rims, with solid maple block running the length of the body, allowing a fixed combination bridge/tailpiece.
Initially the pickup was the same single-coil unit used on the EB: "powerful Alnico magnetic pickup with individually adjustable polepieces and ebony Royalite cover", with just a simple volume and tone control. In 1959, these were upgraded with Seth Lover's new EB humbucker, and additional 'baritone' functionality, via a tone switch.
The model continued to evolve throughout this period, with Larry Allers' under bridge mute appearing in mid-1960. This was available for users to retrofit (see announcement in Gibson Gazette here) and it is impossible to determine what proportion (if any) of late 1960 / early 1961 EB2s left Kalamazoo with this mute fitted, and what proportion had them added later.
The banjo tuners were replaced by Kluson 538 open gear keys in 1960. This necessitated a somewhat wider headstock, and it seems the change from one to the other happened over a period of time, as older necks were used up.
Epiphone Rivoli
When Gibson bought Epiphone in 1957, they used the marque partially to increase dealership reach of their Kalamazoo-made instruments. New Epiphone models based largely on existing Gibsons appeared; an EB2 equivalent, the Epiphone EBV232, or Rivoli first shipped in 1959 (just one instrument), see Rivoli shipping figures. The Rivoli had a different shape headstock, and scratchplate, but was otherwise identical to the EB2.
EB2 sales in this period were marginally better than the EB, but by no means great, whilst sales of the Rivoli barely reached double figures. When, in 1960, orders halved from the previous year, the writing was on the wall for the EB2 (see EB2 shipping figures). In 1961, Gibson announced the new EB3; "A completely re-designed and re-styled Electric Bass — Model EB-3, replaces the EB-2". Likewise the Newport Deluxe replaced the Rivoli.
But although the public had been slow to patronise the new basses, they soon caught up. In post-war, pre-beat boom Britain, UK-built guitars were fairly rudimentary, and serious musicians played imported guitars: typically Hofners from West Germany. American guitars were very hard to find, and very expensive even if you could. But by 1962, distribution deals had been set up for Gibson (Selmer) and Epiphone (Rosetti); finally these brands were available in the UK, but by this time both models were discontinued. But the demand for a high quality hollow body bass was still present, and if anything, growing. With the British Beat Boom in full swing, it seems UK players were spearheading the demand for these instruments.
1964 EB-2 reissue
Production of the Rivoli resumed in 1963, with the EB2 joining it in early 1964. From this point onwards the EB2 was significantly more successful, with production increasing year on year until 1967. Natural finish was no longer offered, however translucent Cherry was (from 1965) and later Sparkling Burgundy (1967), and Walnut (1968). Prior to 1967, non-sunburst finishes were typically priced $15 higher, though prices were levelled out for the last few years of production.
Gibson EB-2D
The dual pickup EB-2D was launched towards the end of 1967, and was well received, outselling the other dual pickup basses, the EB3 and Thunderbird IV in 1967 and 1968 - see EB-2 shipping statistics. It kept the same neck pickup, and baritone button, but added an EB mini-humbucker in the bridge position. Similar to the EB3, but with a three-way pickup selector switch replacing the varitone. In fact, with the baritone button and three-way switch, it was more versatile than the EB3, which only offered the baritone setting with the neck pickup (i.e. position 1, neck pickup plus choke). Naturally, the extra pickup had it's own volume and tone control.
Gibson EB-2 soundclips
Have a listen to the EB-2 bass, played through a 1964 Ampeg B15. More clips here.
1968 EB-2D - neck pickup only, without bass boost
1968 EB-2D - neck pickup only, with bass boost
1968 EB-2D - bridge pickup only, without bass boost
1968 Gibson EB-2D in Sunburst finish - have a closer look at this bass here.
1969 Gibson EB-2W in Walnut finish - have a closer look at this bass here.
EB-2 discontinuation
The EB-2 had been a very popular instrument (as Gibson basses go) in the late mid 1960s, however, 1969, by comparison was a terrible year. Shipping figures (admittedly incomplete) suggest a 60% drop on 1968 levels, dropping further still in 1970. Gibson had all but given up on the single pickup EB-2 by early 1970, donating 150 basses to the US war effort in Viet Nam (February 1970) - this was a significant proportion, around half of the EB-2 total for 1970. The model was included in the March 1970 price list, but was notably absent in the September 1970 list.
The EB-2D did soldier on, however. Shipping data beyond 1970 is not available, but it remained in price lists as late as October 1972, and examples may have trickled out of Kalamazoo for another year or two beyond this time.
Gibson EB-2 bass guitars for sale
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
1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case
Bridgeport, West Virginia, 263**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3700
Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$175
Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
... more
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
1958 Gibson EB-2 Thinline Bass Guitar
Keene, New Hampshire, 034**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$7500
... more
1968 Vintage Gibson EB-2 Bass Cherry Red Bass OHSC EB2 USA 1960's
Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2597
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
1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case
Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
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
Replica Gibson EB-2 Style Semi-Hollow 5-String Bass | Sire Marcus Miller Pickups
Brookings, South Dakota, 570**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$449
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
1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover
Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
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
1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case
Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5700
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
Gibson EB2-C Bass Cherry Finish OHSC Very Good Condition
Sikeston, Missouri, 638**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
The EB-2C has a 30 5" scale neck with a rosewood fretboard, adorned with dot inlays, ... more
Vintage Gibson 1966 EB-2 Hollowbody Bass Guitar with Sunburst Finish
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B***, CANADA
C $3850
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
Gibson EB-2 1967 Sunburst Bass 335 Semi Hollow
Bari, 70***, ITALY
€4900
Gibson Eb2d
Hull, HU8***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2600
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
guitare bass Epiphone Rivoli VC année inconnu 1960? défrettés bass acoustics ty
Apremont, 85***, FRANCE
€590
Je répondrais au mieux à vos questions je ne suis pas musicien merci... more
Vintage Epiphone Rivoli Bass EB232 C 1967 In Original Translucent Cherry Finish
London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£4250
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
Gibson 1964 EB-2 Used Electric Bass Good Condition
Widnes, WA8***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3457
Epiphone Rivoli Bass Bj. 1967, EB 232, Made in USA Vintage
Bad Schwartau, 23***, GERMANY
€2100
RARE 1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar In Sparkling Burgundy Metallic WITH HARDCASE
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12***, UNITED KINGDOM
£6500
In a very rare factory-original Sparkling Burgundy Metallic finish. These finishes were done at the factory back in the day over the top of sunburst finishes if there were any imperfections, so these are pretty hard to find - especially in such great condition!
The finish does show signs of use and the usual checking / patina, as is to be expected of an ... more
1964 Epiphone Rivoli Bass in Cherry Sunburst
London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3800
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