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Average Price: $3,340

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$400

$1001+

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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 Noel Redding uses Gibson EB-2

Noel Redding

Singer, Guitarist

Mountain

...
Verified via Univibes

Redding can be seen in a photo on this site playing a Gibson EB-2.

See how Bruce Foxton uses Gibson EB-2

Bruce Foxton

Bassist

The Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

This is not a Gibson EB-2, it's an Epiphone Rivoli.

See how Andy Nicholson uses Gibson EB-2

Andy Nicholson

Bassist, DJ

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via Photo

In this stock photo, Nicholson can be seen with a Gibson EB-2 bass.

See how Acey Slade uses Gibson EB-2

Acey Slade

Guitarist, Bassist

Misfits

...
Verified via Photo

In the user-uploaded photo, Acey Slade is pictured with a Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar.

See how Suzi Quatro uses Gibson EB-2

Suzi Quatro

Singer, Bassist

The Pleasure Seekers

...
Verified via Flyguitars

I used this for some of the first album and all of the second.. its a great bass, but unfortunately with the holes in the body it doesn't actually project the sound as well for a rock bank.

See how Eric Bass uses Gibson EB-2

Eric Bass

Bassist

Shinedown

...
Verified via Flickr

In this concert photo from Sioux City, Eric Bass is using a Gibson EB-2 bass live.

See how Gonzalo López uses Gibson EB-2

Gonzalo López

Bassist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Gonzalo recently acquired a 1996 EB-2 bass, and was used for the first time in the Auditorio Nacional in México.

See how Martin Glover uses Gibson EB-2

Martin Glover

Bassist, Music Producer

Killing Joke

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video " Killing Joke - Millenium (Live NPA Canal+) " by Pascal Burger, Martin Glover can be seen playing a Gibson EB-2 bass guitar,, which can be clearly identified at 0:28.

See how Mickey Madden uses Gibson EB-2

Mickey Madden

Bassist

Maroon 5

...
Verified via BassPlayer.com

"This time I used a Gibson EB-2 hollowbody that made it on the record a whole lot. The EB-2 has such a great midrange, but it has a baritone switch, too, so it got some insane low end that is so heavy. It sounds nuts! Otherwise, I used the same setup I’ve used on the last few records. Almost everything was running through the Ampeg B-15 I always record with, and I used my ’65 Fender Jazz Bass for a few songs."

See how Oteil Burbridge uses Gibson EB-2

Oteil Burbridge

Bassist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Oteil Burbridge

"I bought this bass because it looked just like a Cherry Red Gibson ES-335 guitar that Mark Kimbrell played in my band, Oteil and the Peacemakers. I’ve been playing with Mark for 25 years and always associate that guitar with him. When I walked in the music store I thought it was a guitar and then I noticed that it only had 4 tuning pegs. It wasn’t expensive because of some water damage behind the bridge that only affected the finish. I’m not a collector so I’m not really worried about that type of thing. I only cared about how it felt and sounded. I ended up using it on most of my latest record, “Water In The Desert” (due out in 2013). It has the least clarity and definition of any bass I own. It also has the most bass end. I prefer it’s mellower sound with acoustic instruments too. Since I don’t play upright bass I use it when I play Jazz, Bluegrass or any other acoustic music. This bass is aptly named “Tubby”. It’s tone explains it all."

See how David Lebón uses Gibson EB-2

David Lebón

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via Photo

Luego de pasar como baterista en Color Humano, Lebón pasó a ser bajista de Pescado Rabioso en 1972. En múltiples entrevistas ha dicho que nunca se compró un bajo, siempre conseguía uno prestado. Este es uno de los que usó en Pescado, el Gibson EB-2 color Sunburst.

See how Kevin Ayers uses Gibson EB-2

Kevin Ayers

Bassist, Guitarist

Soft Machine

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this Soft Machine performance, Ayers can be seen playing a Gibson EB 2.

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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