The Gibson staff newsletter, the Gibson Amplifier was published monthly throughout much of the 1960s and 1970s. It was full of staff news, and rarely had much content about the instruments themselves, however this issue from February 1970 has a rather interesting story on the front page.
Gibson had just sent 150 EB-2 bass guitars to a US Army depot, Long Binh in Viet Nam. Long Binh was big; 50,000 soldiers, a logistics supply depot, a military prison and numerous other facilities including shops, restaurants, dentists, sports and entertainment facilities and so on. Performers would come and visit to entertain the troops here too.
Now, Norlin had taken over from CMI, as the owners of Gibson in December 1969, so this was one of the first acts of the new owners. Effectively Gibson had loaded up a trailer and sent it off, in hope that "the availability of our Gibson instruments will help to make a Viet Nam assignment seem a little shorter".
The Gibson Amplifier piece gives out no more information - except the names of three workers that loaded the lorry. Did the basses arrive? Who used them? Soldiers? Performers? Did the US army order these, or were they a gift from Gibson?
If you can add any information about this story please comment
Gibson EB-2 bass guitars for sale
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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
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
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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
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
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
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
The EB-2C has a 30 5" scale neck with a rosewood fretboard, adorned with dot inlays, ... more
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
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 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
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
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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
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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
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
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
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
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
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Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
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RARE 1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar In Sparkling Burgundy Metallic WITH HARDCASE
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12***, UNITED KINGDOM
£6500
An incredibly rare and beautiful example of a late 60s Gibson EB-2 bass (as played by the likes of Chas Chandler etc )
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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