• Solid mahogany body • 3 piece maple neck • rosewood fingerboard • 34 1/2 inch scale • Two humbucking pickups
The Gibson EB0 and EB3 were redesigned in 1972: gone were the mahogany necks and slotted headstocks (see a 1971 Gibson EB3L) - replaced with a thicker three-piece maple neck (the width at the nut increased from 1 1/2" to 1 5/8"), with larger headstock and a volute. The body wood was still mahogany, but they were significantly thicker: 1 5/8" compared to 1 1/4" of the preceding version, and the neck pickup was repositioned closer to the bridge.
The redesign was partially intended to strengthen weak necks: headstock breaks are very common in mahogany-necked EB basses, and maple, especially with a volute is much stronger; and partially to improve tonal clarity. The less-defined thump, inspired by the upright basses of the 1950s and 1960s were nowhere near as desirable in the 1970s. Listen to the 1972 Gibson EB3L soundclips on this site.
Differences between the EB3L and EB3 were minor (see a 1972 Gibson EB3)- naturally a longer neck (total body length is 44" compared to XXX" of the EB3) and a repositioned bridge. The fretboard of all long scale SG style basses of this period had one less fret (20) compared to 21 of the short scale basses, though this is not mentioned in published descriptions of the time. All other dimensions are unchanged.
Notice the two point bar bridge with cover. Three point bridges were not in use until 1973, but these were slightly upgraded from older versions, in having metal saddles. The machine heads are Schaller M-4-S.
This is one of 268 Cherry EB3Ls produced in 1972 (See Gibson EB3 shipping data) - compared to 530 shortscale Cherry EB3s. In total 1355 EB3 and EB3Ls were produced in 1972.
The 1972 EB-3L had series 2 circuitry with some changes from earlier EB3 basses.
The 1972 new EB bass design was significantly different from preceding versions. Looking at the body: a new scratchplate design and the neck pickup significantly repositioned towards the middle of the body, for greater tonal clarity. Long scale EB basses of the early seventies had 20 frets compared to 21 of their short-scale siblings.
The mahogany body, with glued in three-piece maple neck, and control cavity cover. This bass is a great example of how Gibson's nitrocellulose cherry finish can fade to brown. The colour differences on the woods from front to back can clearly be seen; the cherry finish has remained vibrant cherry-red over the maple, yet has faded to a duller brown on the mahogany body. Cherry basses can easily be confused with Gibson's Walnut finish, available at the same time.
The EB3L bass pickup is the same humbucker as the short scale EB3. Note the Gibson logo engraved into the chrome cover - this was fairly common around 1971-1972.
This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with metal saddles, and chrome bridge cover. Note the engraved Gibson logo on the Gibson mini-humbucker.
Four-way varitone switch with chicken head knob. The varitone switch on the EB3 offers some quite distinct sounds; have a listen to the EB3L audio clips on this site.
The varitone positions are as follows:
Position 1: front pickup
Position 2: back pickup
Position 3: both pickups in parallel
Position 4: front pickup with midrange notch.
The varitone positions are as follows:
Position 1: front pickup
Position 2: back pickup
Position 3: both pickups in parallel
Position 4: front pickup with midrange notch.
As of 1972, the Gibson bass headstock was larger, with a simple silk-screened logo. It is unusual to find a not-slotted headstock EB bass with an engraved truss rod cover, but a few, like this early maple-neck EB-3Ls, were fitted with them. Tuning Keys are Schaller M4S.
The neck design changed in 1972: firstly maple, rather than mahogany, was used, it was wider and it was given a volute for the first time. Note Schaller M-4-S tuners, serial number, and MADE IN USA text.
Gibson EB-3 bass guitars for sale
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"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
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
... 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
* 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
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
* 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
* 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
* 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
