The 1959 Gibson EB-2 in Sunburst is a semi-hollow electric bass with a double-cutaway, thinline body reminiscent of the ES-335 design. It features a laminated maple top, back, and sides, with a solid maple centre block, all finished in a classic sunburst. The set-in mahogany neck joins the body at the 18th fret and carries a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard adorned with pearl dot inlays. Tuning is handled by the distinctive banjo-style Kluson tuners, and the vintage aesthetic is completed with a combination bridge-and-tailpiece assembly, “R” tailpiece styling, and a bound pickguard.

Electrically, this model stands out with its single large neck-positioned Sidewinder humbucker—often nicknamed the “mudbucker” for its deep tonal character—offering a rich, resonant sound. Its control layout includes just one volume knob, one tone knob, and a push-button “baritone” switch that adjusts the bass response, adding tonal versatility with minimal control complexity.

The 1959 EB-2 Sunburst exemplifies Gibson’s fusion of warmth and expressive design, melding a refined, chambered-body construction with classic appointments and a resonant, punchy humbucking voice. The push-button switch and expressive “mudbucker”-driven output make it a distinct instrument with both character and tonal depth.