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Average Price: $3,340

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Description

Introducing the Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar, a semi-hollow bass that pays homage to Gibson's classic shape and tone. With its single neck humbucker and shorter scale length, this guitar sets itself apart from its contemporaries. The EB-2's distinct tone and style have not only made it a Gibson classic, but also a preferred choice of legendary bassists like Chas Chandler of the Animals and John Entwistle. Embodying the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern functionality, the EB-2 Bass Guitar is indeed a testament to Gibson's commitment to quality and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow bass guitar
  • Single neck humbucker
  • Shorter scale length
  • Classic Gibson shape and tone
  • Preferred by renowned bassists
  • Combines vintage charm with modern functionality

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model EB-2
Finish Cherry, Natural, Sparkling Burgundy, Sunburst, Walnut
Year 1964 - 1972
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Natural, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Gibson EB-2 bass guitar?

The Gibson EB-2 features a short-scale length, which is approximately 30.5 inches. This makes it easier to play for those who prefer a more compact neck, offering a unique tonal quality often described as warm and punchy.

What kind of pickups does the Gibson EB-2 use?

The Gibson EB-2 is equipped with a single "Mudbucker" humbucking pickup, known for its deep, rich bass tones. This passive pickup configuration provides a classic, vintage sound signature that suits a variety of music styles.

Is the Gibson EB-2 suitable for beginners?

The Gibson EB-2, with its short scale and comfortable neck, can be suitable for beginners who are looking for a vintage-style bass with a unique sound. However, its distinctive tonal characteristics might appeal more to players with specific musical tastes or experience.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson EB-2?

The Gibson EB-2 features a maple body and top with a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard. This combination of woods contributes to its resonant and warm sound, as well as its classic aesthetic appeal.

Can the Gibson EB-2 be used for modern music styles?

While the Gibson EB-2 is known for its vintage tone, it can be used in modern music styles that benefit from its warm and deep sound, such as blues, rock, and alternative. Its unique "Mudbucker" pickup offers a distinct tonal palette that can add character to contemporary genres.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1958 Natural Gibson EB-2 | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen

Video thumbnail for 1958 Natural Gibson EB-2 | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen by Chicago Music Exchange

1958 Natural Gibson EB-2 | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hang Tags | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hang Tags | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson EB2 1964 Sunburst Semi Hollow Vintage Bass Guitar by SUYGtv

Gibson EB2 1964 Sunburst Semi Hollow Vintage Bass Guitar

SUYGtv

SUYGtv

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass | Guitar of the Day - Roberto Vally

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Story of my Gibson EB2 Bass by Clark Singleton

The Story of my Gibson EB2 Bass

Clark Singleton

Clark Singleton

Video thumbnail for Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar--Overview and Sound by Mixing Mastering Online

Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar--Overview and Sound

Mixing Mastering Online

Mixing Mastering Online

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth, open, woody tone unique to hollow body basses

  • Vintage appeal with great patina and classic look

  • Easy to play with comfortable short-scale neck

  • Patented floating bridge with unique string muting feature

  • Ideal for blues, rock, and older music styles

  • Great for those seeking affordable vintage instruments

  • High-quality action and sound for an instrument over 50 years old

CONS

  • Limited tonal range compared to other basses like P bass

  • Requires short scale strings, which may not suit everyone

  • Hex screw on bridge can strip, requiring minor adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson EB-2.

Setup and maintenance

  • Straplocks are essential to prevent accidents with the semi-hollow body design.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The single pickup positioned against the neck is noted for producing a "muddy" yet appealing tone.

    Source
  • The EB-3's bridge pickup adds tonal definition compared to the EB-0, which is characterized by a consistently muddy tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for genres like jazz, soul, R&B, old school rock & roll, and funk according to owners.

    Source
  • Users often prefer the bridge pickup on the EB-3 for added clarity, contrasting the predominant neck pickup use on similar models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Similar in style and function to the Epiphone Rivoli, used by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's bassist.

    Source
  • The Gibson Midtown offers a long-scale, semi-hollow alternative with a neck humbucker, appealing to those who already own hollow-body basses.

    Source

User experience

  • A '62 EB-0 provides a singular sound, while the EB-3 offers more versatility, making it preferable for varied musical applications.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some players consider integrating the bridge pickup for additional tonal options, despite occasionally opting to roll it off during play.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
peasinafookinpod420

sick bass

after the EB-1 bass I got this bass guitar. It goes into my hollow body bass collection. I don't play it on anything, but noodle on it time to time.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jack White uses Gibson EB-2

Jack White

Singer, Guitarist

The Raconteurs

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:15 of this Later...with Jools Holland video, White can be seen playing this cherry red Gibson bass on the song "My Doorbell".

See how Jimmy Page uses Gibson EB-2

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided user-uploaded photo, Jimmy Page is seen with a 1964 Epiphone Rivoli EB-232 Bass Guitar. Although the website lists this as a Gibson EB-2 Bass by default, the instrument is indeed the Epiphone Rivoli, which was played by Page, Paul Samwell-Smith, and Chris Dreja of the Yardbirds from June 21, 1966, to August 23, 1966.

See how Paul McCartney uses Gibson EB-2

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

In this image Paul can be seen playing a Gibson EB-2 bass.

See how George Harrison uses Gibson EB-2

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

in this rare photo, Harrison is seen messing around on an early natural finish Gibson EB-2 hollowbody bass. it most likely wasn't used on any recordings and just to test out. there are also photos of Paul McCartney messing around on the same bass as well.

See how Krist Novoselic uses Gibson EB-2

Krist Novoselic

Bassist, Keyboardist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Krist Novoselic is seen playing a Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar, which appears to be in Pelham Blue.

See how John Paul Jones uses Gibson EB-2

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

In this concert photo, J.P. Jones can be seen using a Gibson EB-2 bass.

See how Peter Hook uses Gibson EB-2

Peter Hook

Singer, Bassist

Joy Division

...
Verified via reverb.com

Hook started out on a "terrible" EKO bass copy before moving to a "terrible" Rickenbacker bass copy. He experimented next with a Gibson EB-2 hollow body bass, but ultimately ditched it because of the medium neck – he required a double octave.

See how John Entwistle uses Gibson EB-2

John Entwistle

Singer, Bassist

The Who

...
Verified via Photo

A young John Entwistle can be seen holding a EB-2 in his hands.

See how Simon Gallup uses Gibson EB-2

Simon Gallup

Bassist

The Cure

...
Verified via YouTube

Black Gibson EB-2 with Black pickguard

See how Michael Shuman uses Gibson EB-2

Michael Shuman

Singer, Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

At :10s-:14s of this video you can see Shuman with his EB-2.

See how Tony Levin uses Gibson EB-2

Tony Levin

Bassist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Steveadelson

"I have a wonderful Epiphone Rivoli and, with the same sound, a Gibson EB2 (that one I found in Austin, painted like a confederate flag, so I refer to it as "Billie Bob Bass") which are very useful for certain types of tracks. I don't remember every instance I've used them, but a bit on Paula Cole's album, KMax's album, Peter Gabriel's upcoming (if those tracks make it to the record) and on a couple of tracks on my new "Pieces" cd."

See how Andy Bell uses Gibson EB-2

Andy Bell

Guitarist, Bassist

Oasis

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see him play the bass on this song. Likely it's a 1972 model with cherry red

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson EB-2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Ripper Bass
Gibson Ripper Bass Electric Basses
2
Fender Mustang Bass
Fender Mustang Bass Electric Basses
2
Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve
Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve Guitar Amplifier Stacks
1
EarthQuaker Devices Arpanoid
EarthQuaker Devices Arpanoid Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
Gibson EB-0
Gibson EB-0 Electric Basses
1
Gibson Grabber
Gibson Grabber Electric Basses
1

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