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
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
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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Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2c EB-2 Bass Guitar - Cherry
Costa Mesa, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
Here is a vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2 bass guitar in cherry red. This things plays and sounds so good. Love the tone from the humbucker pickup. Everything on the bass is original. Shows wear all over but no breaks or cracks anywhere. Neck is nice and straight. Really a great bass. Always love these old Gibson basses. It was a factory second when new, no idea why now with all the wear on it.
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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
... more
1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC ~ 100% Original, VG+
Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6500
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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 ... 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.
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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 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
Gibson EB-2D 1970 Sunburst
St. Albans, AL4***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3199
Gibson EB-2D from 1970 in the Sunburst finish. This thing look unbelievable, sounds incredible and just oozes vibe
Comes in weighing 8lbs 15oz
Spec wise you get;
2 x Original Gibson PickupsRosewood Fingerboard20 FretsThe bass has a bunch of play wear and finish checking from being played over the years. It is all inline with its age and there have been no breaks or repairs. All can be seen clearly in the photos
The frets are all good and the electronics work as they should ... more
Comes in weighing 8lbs 15oz
Spec wise you get;
2 x Original Gibson PickupsRosewood Fingerboard20 FretsThe bass has a bunch of play wear and finish checking from being played over the years. It is all inline with its age and there have been no breaks or repairs. All can be seen clearly in the photos
The frets are all good and the electronics work as they should ... more
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
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
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
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
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
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
THE RARE 1958 GIBSON EB-2N (Electric Bass) for sale - in the UK
Folkestone Kent, CT20***, UNITED KINGDOM
£12087
The very rare 1958 Gibson EB-2N (Electric Bass) is a true gem for any musician. With its semi-hollow body and blonde finish, this vintage instrument is sure to catch the eye of any collector. The mahogany neck and rosewood fret-board add to the overall beauty of the guitar. This bass guitar is perfect for professionals and right-handed players alike. The Pick-up has more depth than any other Bass. It has 20 frets for easy playing. Comes with a hard black case. The Gibson brand is well-known for ... more
Epiphone RIVOLI II Bass
Ipswich, IP4***, UNITED KINGDOM
£823
Epiphone Rivoli ii bass from the Peerless factory in Korea 2001
The very rare two pickup variation of this bass.
The bass is in fully working order, the last user removed the baritone button, a common mod as it doesn??t do a lot. However I have it if you would like it reattached
The bass could do with strings, a clean and set up
There is a small chip on the front but it is only the paint that is affected
A wonderful bass that deserves to... more
The very rare two pickup variation of this bass.
The bass is in fully working order, the last user removed the baritone button, a common mod as it doesn??t do a lot. However I have it if you would like it reattached
The bass could do with strings, a clean and set up
There is a small chip on the front but it is only the paint that is affected
A wonderful bass that deserves to... more