1971 Gibson EB-3 bass

• Solid mahogany body • 19 fret rosewood fingerboard • 3 piece mahogany neck • 30 1/2 inch scale • two humbucking pickups

At the tail-end of the 1960s the Gibson EB3 was redesigned; the most immediate change being the new slotted headstock. It still came in Cherry, but also Walnut as seen here; a lot of slotted headstock EB basses were shipped in walnut finish

1971 was the last year of the slotted headstock EB models; their short production run started in very late 1969 (the earliest models have no 'MADE IN USA' stamp, and very early 1970 pots - see an early slotted headstock EB-0 bass) and ended in late 1971. A very small number were also shipped in 1972, although most likely limited to custom-order basses, such as this left-handed EB-3 that was ordered a year earlier.

The bass shown is indeed typical of it's vintage: three-piece bound mahogany neck without volute, one-piece mahogany body, five-ply pickguard, scripted truss-rod cover and glued-on pearl logo. The six-digit serial number is stamped in to the neck above MADE IN USA. As a 30 1/2" scale instrument, it requires short scale strings.

Hardware includes the two-point intonatable bridge with cover, Schaller M-4-C tuning keys, and Gibson neck humbucker (lovingly dubbed 'mudbucker') and bridge pickup. There are a few minor differences to 1970 models; in 1971-early 1973 a lot of EB basses had 'Gibson' etched into the pickup covers, and string mutes (although never universally fitted) were phased out. Few later production slotted headstock EBs (or 1971 Gibson basses in general) had them, and they were completely discontinued by the advent of the maple-necked EB basses in late 1971. (See a 1972 Gibson EB-3)

The slotted headstock EB3 was first shown in the 1970 Gibson bass catalog. This is one of 706 walnut EB-3s shipped in 1971, (compared with 973 in cherry and 25 natural) and one of approximately 3644 slotted headstocks shipped in total. (The production run of slotted headstock EB3s ran from very late 1969 until very late 1971, whilst the figure quoted is for all EB3s shipped in 1970 and 1971. It may exclude a few very early split headstocks EB3s and include a few of the later maple-neck EB-3s. See the EB-3 shipping totals.

In 1971, the EB3 had a US zone 1 list price of $410 - plus another $90 for the case.

The split-headstock EB3s were produced for the first two years of the 1970s, with the earliest all shipped with underbridge mutes. This, being a later one, has no mute, just the the two-point intonatable bridge with cover.

Another 1971/72 feature is the Gibson logo on the cover of the Gibson neck humbucker and bridge mini-humbucker.

This bass has a one-piece mahogany body, with a set (glued-in) three-piece mahogany neck. The Walnut finish is highly characteristic of early seventies Gibson guitars and basses, and works very well over a mahogany body.

Two-point tune-o-matic bridge and EB bridge mini-humbucker. This one has the Gibson logo engraved into its cover, often the case with EB basses from 1971/72.

The slotted headstock EB basses of 1970-71 were the first to have the black plastic surround and height adjustable humbucking neck pickup. Like the bridge pickup, this also has the Gibson logo on it's cover.

The controls are unchanged from earlier versions of the EB3: a four-way varitone switch (chicken head knob) and two tone and two volume controls, topped with witch-hat knobs. The upper two controls are for the neck pickup, the lower two for the bridge. The different varitone settings are quite distinct. Have a listen to some EB3s.

Two-point tune-o-matic bridge with chrome cover. In 1971 Gibson stopped fitting the underbridge mute to EB basses - compare this bass to an example from the previous year with mute here.

The EB3 has two volume and two tone controls, along with a four way tone-switch. The schematic for the circuitry in this bass can be seen here. Note the rectangular metal tone choke. The CTS-made potentiometers are 3 x Gibson part number 70027 (500K) and 1 x 70021 (250K).

This circuitry is broadly unchanged since the very first incarnations of the EB3 bass.

The EB3 had a one-piece neck mahogany through most of the 1960s, but right towards the end of the decade, Gibson started using a three piece mahogany neck on it's bass guitars. This continued into the seventies, eventually evolving into a three piece maple neck from 1972.

Close-up of the Schaller M4C machine heads fitted to a slotted headstock EB basses. Note the gear covers are engraved with the Gibson name, as opposed to the Schaller M4 units used in the preceding few years which are just marked with a 'G'.

The Gibson logo on the EBO and EB3 slotted headstock basses was not inlaid, but was cut from a thin sheet of mother of pearl, and then glued down. This was discontinued in 1972 when the basses once again had solid headstocks.

The Gibson slotted bass guitar headstock. Basses with this headstock design were shipped between early 1970 and early 1972. Compare this to a slightly older 1969 EB3 headstock and a newer 1972 EB3 headstock. Note the single-ply model-designated truss-rod cover, and banjo-style backwards facing Schaller M4C machine heads.

Slotted headstock EB3, showing serial number, three-piece mahogany neck and Schaller M4C machine heads. Note that there is no volute; this was introduced in the next version, the 1972 solid headstock EB basses.

Gibson EB3 bass for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition

Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3795

Here we a have a Pre-Owned Excellent Condition 1973 VINTAGE GIBSON EB-3 BASS. I Just put it through the Shop to make sure everything is up to snuff. I am very meticulous when it comes to my gear, I baby my stuff. Everything is in perfect working order. I just had it completely set up with brand New FENDER FLATOUND 45-100'S so it plays wonderful. Truss Rod is in good working condition Neck is Straight action is perfect. (I like the action low) so it set perfect and plays like a dream. All the ... more

1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case

Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... more

GIBSON 1968-7O SLOT-HEAD EB-O EB-3 BASS CASE BLACK TOLEX RED LINING VERY CLEAN!

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$349

FREE USA SHIPPING!
(for a limited time)
This month The Bass Palace will be listing 15 to 20 vintage cases from The Swami's own personal collection. Most of these are in primo condition and some are actually NOS. There are even some seldom-seen ones to be offered. These are the cream-of-the-crop if you are looking for a case worthy of your own special instrument. As an intro I am offering FREE shipping to the lower 48 thru 11 / 15 (a $40-60 savings)! But make no mistake, once the sale ... more

1967 Gibson EB-3 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass, 100% Original

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

Up for sale, a 1967 Gibson EB-3 in 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with a padded softshell case. Introduced in 1961 and crafted at Gibson??s Kalamazoo factory, the EB-3 features a short 30 1 / 2?? scale length, mute-equipped bridge, dual pickups, and gloss Cherry nitro lacquer finish
Described in the 1967 Gibson catalog as ??the ultimate in an ultra thin, hand contoured solid body Gibson Electric Bass, ?? the EB-3 sports solid mahogany construction with a ... more

Gibson EB-3 SG Short Scale Bass Vintage 1969-70 Refinished / Modified

West Chester, Pennsylvania, 193**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

vintage 1969-70 Gibson EB-3 SG Short Scale Bass. Refinished. Does not include a case
The varitone switch has been modified / replaced with a 10-position switch. The original "1 2 3 4" poker chip is missing. The bridge cover is missing, and those holes were filled (likely at the time of refinishing). Pot Code 1377018 indicates CTS (137) and 18th week of 1970. Wiring appears original but likely resoldered at some point. Original Schaller machines. Original pickups
Logo and Crown Inlay are ... more

Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art

El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Beautiful stunning EB three Gibson guitar Bass original case, one lady owner, left as found 1970s i??ll let the Pictures do the talking or the playing ! Enjoy laurence & sally of StorageWars and baggage battles currently www roundthebend tv
... more

Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar 1967

Horncastle, LN9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2950

The Gibson EB-3 is a bass guitar introduced in 1961 and discontinued in 1979. It was produced at Gibson's plant in Kalamazoo, MI It features a slim SG-style body, a short 30 5" scale, and two pick up's (a large humbucking pickup in the neck position and a mini humbucker pickup in the bridge position). The electronics include a four-way rotary pickup selector switch (for Series 1 basses: neck pickup with midrange notch, bridge, bridge and neck with low end rolled off neck pickup, neck pickup with... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£345

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€399

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
PLENTY of PARTS for SALE
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT -------------->>>>>-------------->>>>>
... more

1970 Gibson EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... more

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... more

Gibson EB 3 CASE 1971 - passend für NUR GESCHLITZTE SPINDELSTOCK-Version

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£399

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
* SOLD AS IS - NO RETURNS... more

1965 Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar

Farnham, GU10***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3950

Available now is this 1965 Gibson EB3. One of only 339 shipped in that year, and one of even fewer that made it this side of the pond
The EB-3, widely known as the classic Cream bass, was used and made most famous by Jack Bruce from blues-rock pioneers 'Cream' around 1967 onwards. He had a few of them over that time period, but his main and most photographed instrument was a matching '65. The spacing between the control knobs was changed in 1965 to match the guitar line, so only a percentage... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€444

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co