1978 Gibson EB3 Bass (White)

In the late 1970s Gibson produced a number of white EB3 basses. Like every Gibson EB3 produced since their inception in 1961, they were built at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, MI, USA. All were short scale (30 1/2 ") and due to their small numbers are one of the least seen EB3 variants. They were only produced from 1976, and lasted until the model's demise in 1979. The finish made no difference to list price though; in May 1978, the EB3 was priced in the US at $589.

White EB3s made up just under 9% of total short scale EB3 sales in the time they were available The shipping figures are as follows (further EB3 shipping totals here):

This example is in fine condition. All photographs on this page were kindly provided by Paul Rose.

The late seventies EB3 is identical to earlier incarnations; the bass did not change in design between 1973 and 1978. This bass is fitted with two pickups, an EB neck humbucker and a mini-humbucker at the bridge. The bridge itself is the Gibson three-point introduced in 1973, covered with the same bridge cover used since 1968.

The scale of this bass is 30 1/2"; short scale. Long scale (34 1/2") EB3 basses were still available at this time, but they only shipped in very small numbers. Short scale EB3s were always more popular. Just like all EB basses post mid-1972, this bass has a mahogany body, a maple neck and the fretboard is rosewood.

The maple neck is set (glued) into the mahogany body. The control cavity on these maple necked (1972-79) EB3 basses is angled differently to the 1961-71 instruments. Compare this to a 1971 Gibson EB3.

The EB3 had two pickups; an EB humbucker at the neck and EB mini-humbucker at the bridge. The varitone switch has four positions
Position 1: front pickup
Position 2: back pickup
Position 3: both pickups in parallel
Position 4: front pickup with midrange notch.

This bass is one of the last built, and as such uses the eight digit system still in use by Gibson today. The serial number easily dates this to 1978 (7xxx8xxx), however the word SECOND signifies this to have had some minor flaw at final inspection. Machine heads are open gear Schaller BMs; rather similar to the Kluson 538 keys used on EB3s in the 1960s, but with the Gibson name on each key, and a wider string post.

Headstock, with a simple silk-screened logo, and bell-style truss rod cover. This one has been fitted the wrong way round - though this makes no difference to functionality. Note the lack of any headstock inlays. Tuning Keys are Schaller BM.

Segment of EB3 info sheet produced by Gibson in 1978 (see the full EB3 controls)

An interesting feature of this guitar is the word SECOND stamped on the back of the headstock. This was Gibsons way of identifying an instrument that had failed to reach the required standard; usually due to a finish defect. Sometimes a number 2 was used instead. These defects are often very difficult to detect, especially in a vintage instrument that has dents and chips from years of use.

The serial number uses the new 8 digit system introduced in 1977. 70938065 tells us that this bass was stamped on the 3rd April 1978 (day 93), at the Gibson Kalamazoo plant, and was the 65th instrument stamped that day.

The late seventies EB3s were the same as the early seventies ones; once the three-point bridge was added in 1973, the design remained unchanged. Have a look at the EB3 in it's last catalogue appearance in the 1978 Gibson catalog.

The circuitry is unchanged since 1972, and the four position varitone has the same settings as described in the 1978 EB3 control description sheet

The controls are a volume and tone for each pickup, and a four-position varitone. You can listen to some EB3 soundclips here.

Gibson EB-3 bass guitars for sale

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Vintage Early 70's Gibson EB3 Electric Bass Guitar

Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2600

American Music presents this beautiful early 70's Gibson Electric Bass Guitar!
This Bass only shows cosmetic wear due to time and being played on. Bass sounds incredible and could use a good home. Bass is stock and fully original including the finish, and no modification's
Every used instrument we have has been play tested
Make sure to contact us with any further questions!
... more

1965 Gibson EB-3 - 100% Original - Straight Neck - Low Action - Great Player!

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

For your consideration is this 1965 Gibson EB-3 in a Transparent Cherry finish. Overall the guitar is in very good shape with only light to moderate play wear. 100% Original! The original pickups deliver excellent sound across all playing styles, truly capturing the iconic tones of your favorite players. Playability is excellent with low action & no fret wear. Mute is in case. Straight neck, low action, moved thumb rest (much more usable)
Comes with the original case and candy as shown. ... 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

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 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

"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

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

Gibson EB3 1974 Dark Cherry

London, W12***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2455

Amazing Gibson EB3 in Dark Cherry. (Id say it's brown) Serial number: 899838 Lots of wear on the back but the rest is in pretty good shape
Sounds really great and has flat wounds on atm. I bought it years ago from New Kings Road Guitar centre so everything is legit
Comes with orig case (not pictured). Id prefer collection as I get nervous sending guitars in the post. But I can poss be persuaded
... 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

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

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€439

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 !!!
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1970 Gibson EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... more

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

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£385

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

1972 Gibson EB3 SG Electric Bass Guitar

Faringdon, SN7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2300

For sale,  an awesome 1972 Gibson EB3,  original finish is Cherry,  but has faded on the front  The bass has been played a lot over the years and is beautifully aged  It plays and sounds absolutely fantastic,  huge fat sound,  but capable of mid-range honk via the bridge pickup  Easily get Jack Bruce and Andy Fraiser tones from this bass! Missing the original truss rod cover, ... 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

Vintage Ibanez 2354 Bass Lawsuit EB3 Japan 1973 mit Gibson Saiten

Berlin, 10***, GERMANY

€649

Vintage Ibanez 2354 Bass Made in Japan 1973Basiert auf den Gibson EB3 (1961 - 1979) berühmt durch Bands wie the Kinks, Cream und Free, diese Bass hat ein Satter und mächtig Vintage Ton und spielt sehr schön Nach mehr als 50 Jahren gibt es natürlich ein paar Gebrauchsspuren aber in gutem Zustand für sein Alter Kommt mit TascheAnsehen und testen willkommen
Ibanez 2354 Bass Made in Japan 1973Based on the Gibson EB3 ( 1961 -1979), well known through bands like the Kinks, Cream and Free. The ... 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

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

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