Gibson EB-2 Restoration Advice

[rockindocofages]

My 1967 EB-2 needs a makeover.
1) The original owner ditched the string mute (to lower the action?).
2) The baritone (or is it varitone?) switch button died years ago.

So, 1) should I purchase and reinstall a vintage string mute, possibly sacrificing low action, to do a 'proper' restoration?
2) should I bother with getting the baritone/varitone/fuzzbass button fixed, a 'proper' restoration of a not so useful feature?

 

[rockindocofages]

$150-200 for a vintage string mute that mounts under the bridge.

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

I would buy the mute so as to have it with the bass, but I would not install it if you would not use it, and prefer the ability to set the action lower. I would make the switch work even if you never use it. I would do so to preserve originality and resale value even if you don't expect to sell the bass. At some point it will change hands, and it may as well be as original as possible.

 

[Michedelic]

Why restore something if you’re not actively using it in your own playing? It’s not a museum piece, unless/until you’re selling it..then perhaps you should put it back to stock.
If I were playing it, the last thing I’d want is a mute, and I wasn’t too impressed with the varitone thing when I had a ‘68 version of that model. But that’s just me.

 

[GretschWretch]

I did like the varitone button on my 1959 bass, and used both settings. I do not recall if it had the mute or not (had to sell it in 1975). I will say that of all the string mutes I've seen on vintage basses, the Gibson version is the most adjustable and user-friendly as far as making micro-settings. And if you are going to get the mute you will also have to get an original bridge. The mute will not be compatible with the bridge I see in the pic.

 

[TomB]

I have a’67 as well, stock and unmolested. I agree the switch is worth fixing for sale, but for normal use it depends on your goals. The original pickup isn’t called the “mudbucker” for nothing. It provides a unique and overwhelming low end. The “baritone” switch is aptly named; it provides a thinner and more nasal-y tone, but it might be right in some situations. Which setting is yours stuck on?
My button works but I never use it. I find the “baritone” setting underwhelming.
GW is right, you’d need to change the bridge to install the mute. There are other options for muting if you just want to play the bass, but not if you’re looking to restore it. Again, what’s your goal?

 

[TomB]

I have a’67 as well, stock and unmolested. I agree the switch is worth fixing for sale, but for use it depends on your goals. The original pickup isn’t called the “mudbucker” for nothing. It provides a unique and overwhelming low end - cool in the right setting.
The “baritone” switch is aptly named; it provides a thinner and more nasal-y tone, but might be right in some situations. Mine works but I never use it. GW is right, you’d need to change the bridge to install the mute. There are other options for muting if you just want to play the bass, but not if you’re looking to restore it. What’s your goal?

 

[rockindocofages]

Thank you for weighing in, GW and TomB. Sounds like you are both in agreement that the bridge on this bass is not original. I always assumed it was; I think these Tune-O-Matic bridges with nylon saddles were introduced in '67. I've seen a few examples of EB-2s with these intonatable bridges and a mute underneath. Such as this one for sale on Reverb.


Some info I found online led me to believe that the mutes could be installed under these bridges.

 

[TomB]

Let me inspect / photograph mine. I can’t be sure about yours until I do. Will be back soon.
*

I have this photo on hand. Sorry for the poor quality, but even so the bridge looks different to me.
Your info suggests that ‘67 was the transition year so maybe yours is the newer version, and equally original. I haven’t been able to date mine too precisely. Were you able to?

 

[claudel]

Might try a spritz of DeOxit in that switch before you try to replace it.

 

[rockindocofages]

Let me inspect / photograph mine. I can’t be sure about yours until I do. Will be back soon.
*View attachment 7237382

I have this photo on hand. Sorry for the poor quality, but even so the bridge looks different to me.
Your info suggests that ‘67 was the transition year so maybe yours is the newer version, and equally original. I haven’t been able to date mine too precisely. Were you able to?

Yes, yours is the earlier bar bridge. Originally nickel, then chromed in '65, and discontinued sometime in '67.

Gibson bass guitar bridges, bridge covers and mutes

Information and photographs of bridges/mutes/covers as fitted to Gibson, Epiphone, and Kalamazoo bass guitars, from the 1950s onwards

www.flyguitars.com

My EB-2 is 1967 based on the serial# only, so I don't have a more precise date. I've had it since 1971. There are a couple of screw holes in front of the bridge, so I it had a mute at one time.

My goal is to just make it fun to play again. It's been in the closet for 40 years if you can imagine that! And get it close to original condition. It needs fret work, probably a new nut, and some sort of bridge repair. These two-point Bridges were notorious for riding up if the set screws failed or the mounting pins wallowed out. They earned the nickname "Gibson ever tilt bridge".

Thanks again for your input, I appreciate it! Great looking bass by the way.

I've emailed Gibson Repair and Restoration in Nashville, and got a quick preliminary reply. I'll see where this leads.

 

[TomB]

Great! I was able to pin my serial # to ‘67 as well, now I guess I can say “early ‘67”. Good luck with the rehab, and keep us posted.