Gibson EB2, Les Paul bass, Les Paul Signature
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.
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
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
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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
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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1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass Walnut
Tarzana, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3400
1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass Walnut
Up for sale, an incredible and unique 1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass in a Walnut finish. Norlin era. Made in Kalamazoo, MI USA. All Original, stock with its Black tolex hard case.
11 0 Lbs, which is average for a Les Paul Bass
This short scale bass guitar has an Incredibly comfortable Mahogany body and neck with rosewood fretboard. No volute, perfectly straight, allowing low action playing well all across the fretboard.
The two low ... more
Up for sale, an incredible and unique 1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass in a Walnut finish. Norlin era. Made in Kalamazoo, MI USA. All Original, stock with its Black tolex hard case.
11 0 Lbs, which is average for a Les Paul Bass
This short scale bass guitar has an Incredibly comfortable Mahogany body and neck with rosewood fretboard. No volute, perfectly straight, allowing low action playing well all across the fretboard.
The two low ... 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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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
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
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
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
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
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
Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul Bass, Gold Top, 4 string with Gibson OHSC
Brentwood, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5000
Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul Bass, Gold Top, 4 string w / OHSC
The Gibson ES-Les Paul is a stylish short-scale, semi-hollow bass with classic Les Paul-inspired looks, versatile humbucking pickups, and outstanding playing comfort from rounded ?C?? neck with rolled binding
Note from seller:
Extremely rare, Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul semi hollow Bass guitar, gold top. Soon to be a collectable ! This bass is in absolute mint / Like new condition. If you are looking for a rare, ... more
The Gibson ES-Les Paul is a stylish short-scale, semi-hollow bass with classic Les Paul-inspired looks, versatile humbucking pickups, and outstanding playing comfort from rounded ?C?? neck with rolled binding
Note from seller:
Extremely rare, Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul semi hollow Bass guitar, gold top. Soon to be a collectable ! This bass is in absolute mint / Like new condition. If you are looking for a rare, ... 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
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 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 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
1974 GIBSON LES PAUL SIGNATURE BASS - GOLD & FLIGHT CASE
London, SW6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£5250
NEW KINGS ROAD VINTAGE GUITAR EMPORIUM IS DELIGHTED TO OFFER FOR SALE THIS
1974 GIBSON LES PAUL SIGNATURE BASS - GOLD
Here is rare Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass in good original condition. Arched Maple top, Walnut back and sides. Single ?Super Humbucking?? pick up, semi hollow with a 34 inch scale length, 20 fret, maple centre block, a master volume and tone and a rotating three setting level switch. Laminated Mah gany neck and a Three point Tunomatic bridge. Two outputs, one high and one... more
1974 GIBSON LES PAUL SIGNATURE BASS - GOLD
Here is rare Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass in good original condition. Arched Maple top, Walnut back and sides. Single ?Super Humbucking?? pick up, semi hollow with a 34 inch scale length, 20 fret, maple centre block, a master volume and tone and a rotating three setting level switch. Laminated Mah gany neck and a Three point Tunomatic bridge. Two outputs, one high and one... 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
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
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
GIBSON LES PAUL JUNIOR TRIBUTE DC BASS. WORN CHERRY SHORT SCALE BASS
Holywood, BT18***, UNITED KINGDOM
£897
This Gibson Les Paul Junior Tribute DC Bass is a 2019 model in a striking Worn Cherry finish It features a Short Scale body type, ideal for players who prefer a more compact size The 4-string electric bass guitar is designed with right-handed players in mind and offers a unique playing experience With its classic Les Paul Junior Tribute model, this Gibson bass combines vintage style with modern functionality, ... more