The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: Grog on November 29, 2009, 07:38:56 AM

Title: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Grog on November 29, 2009, 07:38:56 AM: http://cgi.ebay.com/60s-EB-2-Gibson-Bass-Black-Beauty_W0QQitemZ140362882219QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item20ae479cab

The owner doesn't seem to think this is a refin. What do you guys think?
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: ilan on November 29, 2009, 07:43:26 AM: I'm clueless with Gibsons but I know that if they didn't offer the EB2 in black ("Ebony" in Gibson nomenclature?), they should have.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Barklessdog on November 29, 2009, 10:31:09 AM: IF original it should be on the sticker in the cavity like EB-2B?
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: TBird1958 on November 29, 2009, 10:47:12 AM: It sure looks good black, refin or not!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Dave W on November 29, 2009, 02:54:41 PM: I think it's a refin. Not a stock color. Top of headstock looks like it's been shortened and reprofiled. No s/n on back of headstock.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Aussie Mark on November 29, 2009, 04:39:19 PM: The binding looks great!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: dminer on November 29, 2009, 08:32:54 PM: The serial number puts it as a 66 or 68, and the tuners and especially the bridge are 66. I believe there was a different bridge by 68. And yes, black was never offered on the eb2's. I suppose it could have been a custom order but I imagine that the model # writing right above the serial # on the orange label would tell the whole story. Interesting that the label picture doesn't include that! Mine is labeled as eb2c (cherry.) And, as Dave pointed out, the stamped serial # on the back of the headstock is missing. Almost certainly a re-finish but a good looking bass none the less!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: uwe on November 30, 2009, 02:19:10 PM: My guess is refin too - I doubt that a 40 year old ebony finish would have held up so well, surely it should have a lot more crazing, but if I didn't have three EB-2s and one EB-2/6 already, I'd be all over this one just for the cool color.

Uwe
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on November 30, 2009, 02:59:11 PM: Oh, to be a rich German lawyer... ;)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Grog on November 30, 2009, 08:50:46 PM: If I ever win the lotto, I've been eyeball'in an EB-6 for a long time, it's only $10,000.00! :o :o :o
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: chromium on November 30, 2009, 09:18:42 PM: That one is local to me (kinda sorta- on the other side of Phoenix). If anyone here is really hot on it, though, I could look it over for you (assuming the seller would entertain that)

FWIW, I think its a refin too. Back of the headstock looks wonky, and the head seems a little deformed to me- like the edges have been sanded down a bit.

It does look cool in black, though. 8)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: MARICOPAA on December 01, 2009, 01:30:05 AM: I spoke with the seller of this black EB-2 and he said he thought it WAS a refin. He never indicated to me that it was in any way stock or original to the bass.

There is one documented stock black EB-2...I believe it's in a Duchosoir bass book or something similar. #A27955 registered on July 22, 1958. But it is a banjo tuner, black plastic cover, etc. late 50's version. I talked with it's current owner at an Arlington Guitar Show. His bass had a broken peghead at some point and was expertly repaired...you cannot see the repair! Beautifully done! He loves his bass and will not currently sell. It has some provenance and is noted in some Gibson paperwork somewhere...shipping totals or something like that.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 01, 2009, 02:37:31 PM: Luckily, Uwe doesn't buy for fins, even if it did come up... ;D

But he might not have that variant... ;)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: uwe on December 02, 2009, 04:35:48 AM: EB-2D, EB-2/6, EB-2 with banjo headstock and burgundy EB-2.

I have all the variants!!! :mrgreen:

Except that two mudbucker model - who from the days of yore at the Dudepit owned that again?
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: ramone57 on December 02, 2009, 08:43:33 AM: the double mudbucker belongs to leftybass (Ronn), iirc.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: uwe on December 02, 2009, 09:04:32 AM: That's right! Where is he when you need him to post a pic?
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 02, 2009, 09:23:55 AM: Quote from: uwe on December 02, 2009, 09:04:32 AM
That's right! Where is he when you need him to post a pic?

"Yawn", can't a guy get some sleep around here. ;D
I really need to take some better pics but here's all I have on this computer.
When I was twice the man I am now.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/DT1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/PictureIII006-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/EB2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/Gibhead.jpg)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: uwe on December 02, 2009, 09:31:25 AM: Nice bass, escapes me why you insist on holding it the wrong way round though!

While we're at it, I'm seeing that other bass-playing lefty tomorrow in the O2 Arena in Berlin. First Beatle I see live - with not many of them around anymore I thought I'd better grab one while I still can.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: godofthunder on December 02, 2009, 09:41:34 AM: Enjoy the show ! I saw Paul back in '89 in Toronto. He was amazing.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Dave W on December 02, 2009, 09:51:49 AM: Doesn't fur85 (Mark F.) have a two-pickup model too?
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 02, 2009, 01:06:01 PM: Quote from: uwe on December 02, 2009, 04:35:48 AM
EB-2D, EB-2/6, EB-2 with banjo headstock and burgundy EB-2.

I have all the variants!!! :mrgreen:

Except that two mudbucker model - who from the days of yore at the Dudepit owned that again?

... so if you bought the (pseudo) EB-2B, slung in another MB, gave your luthier some instructions to copy Ronn's headstock, albeit repaired, you would have all the variants... so come back when you do have them all... ;)

The lawyers winding road
That leads to the O2
Will never disappear
He's seen that road before
It always leads him there
Leads him to Macca's door.

Enjoy...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: ilan on December 02, 2009, 01:30:06 PM: Quote from: uwe on December 02, 2009, 04:35:48 AM
(...) EB-2/6,

Was it ever decided exactly how many were made? 30? 40?

It's the only EB that escaped the mudbucker fate.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 02, 2009, 01:45:27 PM: Ilan... :o how could you be so cold and heartless... ;D
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 02, 2009, 02:09:23 PM: Speaking of the EB-6, did I ever tell you guys about one I played at Ray's in Austin in the 80s?

It was a double-neck EB-3 and EB-6. Ray said it had belonged to some "studio guy". Wanted $2K. I took a pic of it but I'm sure I could never find it now. I thought about trying to somehow come up with the money but I was just a kid in my 20s, no way. Wonder where it is...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 02, 2009, 02:12:55 PM: Quote from: Kenny Five-O on December 02, 2009, 01:06:01 PM
... so if you bought the (pseudo) EB-2B, slung in another MB, gave your luthier some instructions to copy Ronn's headstock, albeit repaired...

What would you copy about my bass' headstock? Its nothin' special, except that its never been broken off. ;)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 02, 2009, 02:16:34 PM: Not in Ze Kolection...

"STEREO" I presume is not a standard TRC...? Might need an endoscope to check out the wiring if you still have her too, Ronn (My goodness... you have done well, Ronn!)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 02, 2009, 02:38:54 PM: Quote from: Kenny Five-O on December 02, 2009, 02:16:34 PM
Not in Ze Kolection...

"STEREO" I presume is not a standard TRC...? Might need an endoscope to check out the wiring if you still have her too, Ronn (My goodness... you have done well, Ronn!)

Oh right, the TRC. Its actually the TRC that first attracted my eye to that bass when I was looking thru the racks at a dusty old pawn shop in Austin in 1990. They had probably 8 or 9 Gibson basses in the rack and as I was looking them over my eye went right to STEREO, then to the stereo outs, then to the dual large muds, then to the price tag($200), then off to the cash register! ;)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 02, 2009, 03:20:42 PM: I have a real problem with EB-2's, as in serious GAS and no money...

$200...!!!

Just so would not happen nowadays...

My first bass was a sunburst EB-2 copy with a floating bridge... she met her maker some years back... 31 years, actually...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: dminer on December 02, 2009, 08:48:26 PM: "Was it ever decided exactly how many were made? 30? 40?
I've got the gibson shipping records and they list 101 as the number shipped from 61-70. 33-61, 20-62, 10-63, 24-64, 12-65, and 2 in 67. I'm not sure but I believe the sg/ebo shaped body was only made in 61 and after that it was the eb2 shape. They do not list any in their 48-60 records or in their 71-79 records.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: uwe on December 03, 2009, 02:24:53 AM: Other way around - the EB-2 shape came first, then the SG one (1963-64?). I have specimen of both.

That doubleneck of an EB-3 and an EB-6 sounds spectacularly interesting. :o :o :o Go find that pick or vee vill haff ze vvväys to make you ...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: eb2 on December 03, 2009, 07:52:40 AM: An EB-3 EB-6 double neck is in Spinout.
http://www.poster.net/spinout/spinout-elvis-presley-9963590.jpg

There are a few pics of him with it, and I believe his is still hanging round Graceland. The King liked his basses.

I believe the EB6 ES body is rarer than the SG body, but for some reason you never have to look too hard to find one for sale, albeit at a fairly high price. The SG EB6 seems to be less prevalent, and I would say I see those as frequently at I see the EB0F. I played the one in the first Wheeler book, as well as another ES one that was in SF around 1994. The play a lot like an EB2 with a couple of extra strings. I played an SG EB6 in NYC in 1982 on 48th. It played a lot like my EB-0 but with a couple of extra strings. All three experiences made me realize I wanted one. At that time a banjo peg EB2 was trading hands in the $100-300 range, which made me realize I didn't want one that bad. Having played them was enough.

I recall from a Wheeler book that the EB2B and EB2C were both offered as optional stock finishes in 1961, along with the EB2N which had been an option for a few years. The black and natural were dropped as official options when the EB2 took a sabbatical in 62 and 63. I have seen what would appear to be legit factory finishes of natural well after. I would not be surprised at all to find a legit factory finished EB2 of whatever colors Gibson used in that period - black, white, blue, cardinal red, etc. But that one is a nice refin. Opaque refins make me worry on an EB2 though.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 03, 2009, 06:27:00 PM: Uwe... all these basses to buy... so little time...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 04, 2009, 12:24:35 PM: Kinda fits this thread, I got one of these on the way. I figured I could take a chance on it at that price.

http://www.rondomusic.com/product2942.html (http://www.rondomusic.com/product2942.html)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 04, 2009, 12:51:49 PM: Found this, check the first post: 1969 Gibson EB-2 (in factory black finish)

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299975 (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299975)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 04, 2009, 04:50:46 PM: A) that's a really good price - bet you won't find her that cheap in the UK...

B) certainly a black EB-2 ... does the fact that a designation (EB-2B) make it a "type" rather than a "Fin"...? ;D
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Grog on December 04, 2009, 08:04:48 PM: This thing is up to $2,550.00 with a little less than two days to go? And a refin yet! :o :o :o
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: MARICOPAA on December 04, 2009, 08:56:08 PM: I've taken my stock 1966 sunburst EB-2D I've been trying to sell for $2250 to the refinisher...I'm having her stripped and having a nice new black finish applied. Then maybe she will sell.

Amazing the price on this black refin. Just amazing!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Dave W on December 04, 2009, 10:48:14 PM: That's crazy. A refin with the top of the headstock reprofiled, which makes me wonder what else might be underneath that black paint.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: OldManC on December 05, 2009, 01:32:20 AM: Quote from: godofthunder on December 02, 2009, 09:41:34 AM
I saw Paul back in '89 in Toronto. He was amazing.

That's the tour I saw. I saw him at ASU, Sun Devil Stadium, I think...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: MARICOPAA on December 07, 2009, 12:39:38 AM: OK...the re-finned EB-2 sold for $2750 + shipping.

That's the most expensive EB-2 that's not a late 50's/early 60's version...unbelievable.

I was joking above when I said I was having my 66 EB-2D re-finished in gloss black...now I'm not kidding.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Aussie Mark on December 07, 2009, 03:33:08 PM: That price is downright ridiculous.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Grog on December 07, 2009, 08:51:35 PM: Must be a trend of the new economy.......Refins are worth more than Totally Origional! Weird times indeed!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 08, 2009, 07:34:58 AM: "Eye-Candy" as opposed to "collectors-item"...

Are people like Uwe and Jules few-and-far-between...?

Sorry if I tread on toes here as I don't know how many of you guys are "similar" in the collectors stakes...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Dave W on December 08, 2009, 07:42:23 AM: There are plenty of primarily guitar collectors who also collect vintage basses, including Gibsons. In this case, I find it hard to believe a serious collector would pay that kind of money for a refin with a funky headstock and other possible hidden problems. May be that somebody with more money than smarts fell for the appearance of this one.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 08, 2009, 08:03:53 AM: "Eye-Candy" it is , then... :o
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Grog on December 08, 2009, 10:18:15 AM: I have always tried to collect clean, origional vintage Gibsons. If I come across a better guitar, I try to trade up.
This goes against every anal retentive bone in my body. ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 18, 2009, 07:58:34 AM: Guess what?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/douglas002.jpg)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 18, 2009, 11:03:51 AM: A new member of the herd...?
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: OldManC on December 19, 2009, 04:14:31 PM: :mrgreen:

Let's hear a report!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 21, 2009, 08:01:00 AM: Its a Douglas! EB-2 knockoff, $275.00. 32" scale but fits in an EB-2 case 'cause the bass is still the same length, the bridge is moved further back so the bass feels the same as my trusty old EB-2. Headstock's kinda cheesy-looking but overall a nice bass.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/Copyofdouglas007.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/Copyofdouglas003.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/Copyofdouglas004.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/Copyofdouglas005.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/Copyofdouglas006.jpg)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Pilgrim on December 21, 2009, 08:42:31 AM: I want to hear all about that bass - I've been watching them!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 21, 2009, 08:58:19 AM: Lets see, got it Tuesday last week, gigged it twice, I dig it. I can leave my EB-2 at home now. Neck is (P-Bass)wide, straight, didn't need to adjust it. Had to reverse two bridge pieces to get intonation correct, no biggie. Tone is not twangy as I feared with a MM knock-off p/u. Has good fundamental and not too much high-end. Tone with tone control rolled off is fantastic. Restrung with 45-105 full-scale strings. Replaced the knobs. No complaints.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: OldManC on December 21, 2009, 09:10:21 AM: Quote from: leftybass on December 21, 2009, 08:01:00 AM

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/iamthebassman/Copyofdouglas006.jpg)

As a few guys here have shown, even that could be remedied if you really wanted it to. :mrgreen:

Nice acquisition!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Pilgrim on December 21, 2009, 09:44:31 AM: Dang. http://www.rondomusic.com/product2942.html

32" scale, 7.5 pounds. That's my kinda semi-hollow body!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 21, 2009, 09:48:27 AM: Quote from: Pilgrim on December 21, 2009, 09:44:31 AM
Dang. http://www.rondomusic.com/product2942.html

32" scale, 7.5 pounds. That's my kinda semi-hollow body!

Its well balanced. I wish they offered a case, it fits in my EB-2 case and my Epi Rivoli case but I like to have a case for every bass, I guess I could order an Epi Casady case.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 21, 2009, 02:05:01 PM: Nice... no UK links found... typical...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Dave W on December 21, 2009, 05:22:46 PM: Nice, and the headstock doesn't look bad at all. OTOH it looks like it would be more at home on a modern bass.

@ Ken: IIRC Douglas is a house brand of a US importer, Rondo Music. The same bass might be available under another name in the UK.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 21, 2009, 05:40:02 PM: Quote from: Dave W on December 21, 2009, 05:22:46 PM
The same bass might be available under another name in the UK.
Researching... no direct link - the name appears to be owned by "others"...? cheers anyway, Dave...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Dave W on December 21, 2009, 06:10:53 PM: Quote from: Kenny Five-O on December 21, 2009, 05:40:02 PM
Researching... no direct link - the name appears to be owned by "others"...? cheers anyway, Dave...

I found a thread at another forum where someone said Douglas is branded as Shine in the UK. I have no idea if that's accurate, but I did find this on Shine's own site: http://www.saein.co.kr/2007/bass/spb1100h.php
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: sniper on December 21, 2009, 06:44:26 PM: hmmmmmmmmm..........nice

wonder how a dark star DS2 in black chrome would sound/look in that thing? just a bump in the night thought........ ;)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: leftybass on December 22, 2009, 07:57:54 AM: Yes, the Shine is the same bass, even better looking headstock. IMO.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: OldManC on December 22, 2009, 08:52:45 AM: Quote from: old puppy on December 21, 2009, 06:44:26 PM
hmmmmmmmmm..........nice

wonder how a dark star DS2 in black chrome would sound/look in that thing? just a bump in the night thought........ ;)

I've seen pictures of a similar Ibanez that someone did the same thing to. They seemed to like it a lot.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on December 22, 2009, 05:09:33 PM: Found a "Shine" on the UK market... thanks Dave...

UK ebay price was £269 from a seller not that far from me... speakers and refins come first, so...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: audiorep2 on January 06, 2010, 01:41:47 PM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/audiorep2/best.jpg)

All factory original colours.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Stjofön Big on January 06, 2010, 01:59:08 PM: Beautiful! Many years ago, early 70's, I had a Rivoli. Wouldn't get far in that herd!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: ramone57 on January 07, 2010, 04:55:13 AM: that's a very nice pic of your beautiful basses!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on January 07, 2010, 05:56:52 AM: V 8)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: OldManC on January 07, 2010, 09:03:48 AM: WOW! :o Beautiful shot...
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on January 07, 2010, 09:59:08 AM: What's the story on the 3-point bridge on the black one...?
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Grog on January 07, 2010, 07:56:21 PM: Sweeeeeeet!! ;D
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Barklessdog on January 08, 2010, 03:26:24 PM: Pure bass porn
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Saf on January 08, 2010, 05:54:48 PM: nice pic of some really nice basses
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: ilan on January 17, 2010, 02:25:41 PM: Awesome pic!

BTW if you like black hollowbodies... how about this '67 Hagstrom Concorde (http://cgi.ebay.com/1967-Hagstrom-Concord-139-of-750-RARE-Near-Perfect_W0QQitemZ290392630232QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item439cbfe3d8#ht_574wt_1165)?
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Pilgrim on January 17, 2010, 02:33:38 PM: Quote from: ilan on January 17, 2010, 02:25:41 PM
Awesome pic!

BTW if you like black hollowbodies... how about this '67 Hagstrom Concorde (http://cgi.ebay.com/1967-Hagstrom-Concord-139-of-750-RARE-Near-Perfect_W0QQitemZ290392630232QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item439cbfe3d8#ht_574wt_1165)?

Damn. Simply damn. That is GORGEOUS!!!!
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Highlander on January 18, 2010, 11:23:03 AM: OMG... :o
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: uwe on January 19, 2010, 01:08:28 PM: Quote from: audiorep2 on January 06, 2010, 01:41:47 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/audiorep2/best.jpg)

All factory original colours.

That is the same bass several times over, isn't it? Nice photoshopping. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

In truth: Äwesöme, mein Herr!

PS: But you're missing that EB-6! :mrgreen:
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: Dave W on January 19, 2010, 06:58:27 PM: Do you still have the EB-0 or did it get sacrificed for the black EB-2?

(pic from an earlier thread)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/audiorep2/hi4.jpg)
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: uwe on January 20, 2010, 05:06:16 AM: It was the odd man out.
Title: Re: 60's Black EB-2?
Post by: audiorep2 on January 21, 2010, 04:58:46 AM: I still have the 1960 EBO.
Now lookin' for a Pelham Blue EB2 !!!