1972 Gibson EB-3 bass

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

When the EB3 was redesigned for 1972, Gibson were careful to make a less fragile bass. Some of the 1960s EB basses cracked easily when dropped, or knocked about a bit. The easily-broken mahogany neck had been replaced with a thicker three-piece maple one. It was given a thicker body, and a bigger headstock. It had a volute for neck strength; much more durable. But it still had the characteristic EB humbucker, moved away from the neck, and a varitone/tone choke.

The first two years of this remodelling (1972 and 1973) saw acceptable sales of EB3 (including long scale versions 1350 and 2400 instruments shipped respectively) and because of their durability, most are still in existence today. As well as the thousands of instrument produced in cherry and walnut finishes (like the instrument featured above), a small number were available in ebony (10), natural (49) and towards the mid-late seventies, white (69).

This is a typical early seventies Gibson. It is unusual to find a snapped neck post-1972 EB3. Maple, though less brittle than mahogany does warp more easily, and whilst you won't find many warp-necked sixties models, you will sometimes with these maple-necked versions. Notice the volute (on the back of the headstock), and the two two point bar bridge with cover. Three point bridges were not in use until mid-1973. The machine heads are Schaller M4-S, as fitted on all solid headstock EB basses 1971-73 (until the introduction of the Schaller BM). This style of pickguard was used on all EB models from 1972 until they were last produced in 1979. This is one of 354 walnut (compared to 530 cherry) EB-3 basses shipped in 1972.

The 1972 EB-3 had series 2 circuitry

The post-1972 EB3 basses were changed to some extent from the previous EB3 incarnation (see a 1971 slotted headstock EB3). Aswell as being studier, more weighty basses, the neck pickup position changed, moving away from the neck. Gone is the mute, but the bridge and cover remain the same. The scratchplate is a completely different shape, the shape it would remain for the rest of the period of production.

Changes on the reverse of the bass included a realignment of the control cavity: the top edge is now parallel with the major axis of the bass body and neck - and notice the deeply contoured top edge of the body - a significant change from the previous years bass. Compare with a 1971 EB3 with significantly more subtle sculpting.

This EB humbucker has a black plastic surround that allows height adjustment. Note the revealed edge of the scratchplate: the EB3 scratchplate was five-ply black-white-black-white-black. Compare this to the 1972 EBO that is three play black-white-black.

Output jack. Witch-hat control knobs, marked "vol." and "tone", with position markers. Four varitone positions are labelled, with a chicken head switch as a pointer.

This was one of the first EB3s with the modified series 2 circuitry.

This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge, and chrome bridge cover. The pickup shown is the EB mini-humbucker. There is no under bridge mute had been phased out in 1971, but some early 1970s EB basses had a strip of foam under bridge cover that could be used to dampen the strings.

Two-point tune-o-matic bridge, with bridge cover removed - note the two screw holes to either side of the bridge. The saddles at this time are metal, a change from the plastic (Delrin) ones that accompanied this bridge previously (see a 1971 EB3). .

The walnut brown stain is a classic early seventies Gibson look, and one that ages well. Cherry finish tends to fade, and darken over mahogany - but retain far more vibrancy over maple - the result, in a guitar like this can be different colour necks to bodies. The Walnut finish does not suffer in the same way, and 70s Walnut Gibson's tend to look more uniform.

Serial number on the back of the headstock, above Schaller M4S tuning keys. As was standard practice for all Gibson guitars produced from 1970, it is marked "MADE IN U.S.A."

The preceding incarnation of the EB3, had the slotted headstock - from 1972, the headstock was larger, solid, and with a simple silk-screened logo rather than pearl. It was finished in black, unlike the body-coloured slotted headstock EB3s. Being maple and having a volute on the back of the neck made for a more headstock. Tuning Keys are Schaller M4S. See the headstock of a 1971 Gibson EB3.

Three-piece maple neck and solid headstock. A considerable change from the all-mahogany slotted headstock of the 1971 EB3. Tuning keys are Schaller M-4-S widely used at this time. The neck changed considerably for '72. Not only was the neck made of different wood, it also had a volute for the first time. This gave extra strength to the well-known fragile spot, where the neck meets the headstock.

Gibson EB3 sound clips

Each clip features the introductory 4 bars of rescue me (Fontella Bass) played on a 1972 EB3.

Have a look at these other EB basses in the 1972 line up: the one pickup EBO, and it's longscale equivalent the EB0L; plus a longscale EB3, the EB3L.

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

1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

This vintage hand rest cover is a must-have for any Gibson EB-3, EB-2, or EB-0 Bass guitar enthusiast. Made in the 1960s, this cover is a true piece of music history. The cover is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and is made from high-quality materials to ensure durability.

The cover features the iconic Gibson logo and is a great addition to any vintage musical instrument collection. Whether you are a seasoned musician or a collector, this hand rest cover is a unique and... 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

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

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 PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... more

Fernandes Burny REB-65 - Kopie EB-3 SG Bass - Original Gibson Bass Modern Case

Berlin, 13***, GERMANY

€750

Der Burny REB-65 ist ein Nachbau eines EB-3 SG Bass
Er wird mit einem neuen original Gibson SG Bass Modern Hardshell Case geliefert
Das japanische Vertriebsunternehmen Fernandes Co. Ltd. hatte zwei Gitarrenmarken, Fernandes für die Kopien von Fender-Gitarren und Burny, für die Nachbauten von Gibson-Instrumenten
Fernandes Co. Ltd. war einer der größten Gitarrenhersteller Japans OHNE eigene Fabrik
Die Instrumente wurden ausschließlich für den japanischen Markt angeboten und ... 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

1970 Gibson EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... more

Gibson 1963 / 4 EB3 Solid Body Bass Guitar

Leigh-on-Sea, SS9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1900

Gibson EB3 solid body bass guitar with 2 pickups. Generally fair condition with extensive playwear. Pots and internal wiring have been changed, pickups are original
No evidence of routs, earth cable through small hole in the top to link to bridge otherwise general evidence of playwear
Controls are not original - varitone switch is
All brightwork tuners etc original. Comes with non original hard case
... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co