The EB2 bass guitar was launched in early 1958 as a companion model to the new thinline semi acoustic guitar the ES-335T. It was available in several variations between 1958-61 and 1964-72. The bass on the right is a 1968 EB-2D.
Gibson subsidiary Epiphone made a very similar model, the Rivoli, which was constructed in the same manor, of the same materials. The differences were cosmetic - the headstock shape and markings were in the Epiphone style, as was the scratchplate.
The description below comes from the 1970 Gibson Bass catalogue which was the last to feature the EB2; the one-pickup model was dropped in 1970, but the two pickup EB-2D was still listed in price lists throughout 1972
The following description is taken from the 1970 Gibson catalog
A hollow-body electric bass that features a Bass/Baritone push button for two different tonal characteristics. This feature allows the bass player to achieve enormous range and versatility ... a popular combination with today's groups.
FEATURES: Curly maple arched top, back, and rims with ivoroid binding. Slim, fast, low-action neck joins the body at the 18th fret. Three-piece laminated mahogany neck equipped with adjustable truss rod. Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays. Combination bridge and tailpiece adjustable horizontally and vertically. Powerful humbucking pickups with separate tone and volume controls. Bass/ Baritone Push button for two different tonal characteristics. Mute. 16" wide, 19" long, 1¾" thin; 30½" scale, 20 frets.
EB-2 Single pickup Sunburst finish
EB-2C Single pickup Cherry finish
EB-2W Single pickup Walnut finish
EB-2D Double pickups Sunburst finish
EB-2DC Double pickups Cherry finish
EB-2DW Double pickups Walnut finish
The EB2 was first announced in the 1958 Gibson Electrics catalogue
This new thin model Gibson double cutaway electric bass is the ideal companion for the new ES-335T guitar. True bass-pitch response throughout its tonal range. Now the player has easy access to the complete twenty fret range on all four strings. New body construction, with solid fining neck, pickup, and combination tailpiece-bridge, provides the solidity to produce clear, resonant, sustaining bass response
The EB2s popularity had increased by the mid 1960s. 1966 Gibson full line catalogue
The EB2 hollow-body electric bass provides an exciting "new look" with its thin body double cutaway design. The sensational Gibson Base / Baritone Push button gives the bass player the enormous range and versatility he's always wanted. It's a combination of dramatic good looks and driving, full tone for a sound that really sells a combo!
The EB2 was featured in the 1968 pamphlet. 1968 Gibson pamphlet
Move your group forward with a new drive. The sensational Gibson bass / baritone push button provides great bass range. And this hollow-body electric bass is unbelievably thin. Single or twin pickups.
A hollow-body electric bass that features a Bass/Baritone push button for tow different tonal characteristics
$2200
$175
$3700
$6500
$8995
$7500
$449
€4900
£6500
C $3850
£3199
£3995
£3457
£2600