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1961 Gibson EB3 bass Guitar

Gibson bass guitars | EB-3 main page | 1961 EB-3

Gibson EB-3; the first SG bass

The Gibson SG, in all it's variations, was launched in 1961. And this is one of the very first; a great early Gibson EB3 bass, with fat neck, wide-spaced controls, nickel hardware, and bakelite neck humbucker cover. Listen to this bass!

Model: Gibson EB3
Year: 1961
Serial Number: 288**
Scale: short, 30 1/2"
Body: Solid mahogany body. Approx dimensions 17" long, 13" wide, 1.37" thick. Total body length 41".
Neck: One-piece mahogany, set neck. Rosewood fingerboard. 18° (17°?) headstock angle
Frets: 20
Width at nut: 43mm
Weight: 3.7kg

Dating a vintage Gibson bass guitar can be tricky in some cases, but for this early EB3 it is actually a simple matter. The potentiometers and serial number both date to 1961, and it has all the period correct hardware for 1961... Finally, although Gibson does not hold complete shipping records for all guitars, it did have a record of this bass, confirming it's shipping date from Kalamazoo as October 12th, 1961. The original US list price (September 1961) was $310.

An early EB3

Gibson produced almost 15 thousand EB3 basses over the 18 years of production (1961-1979); two thirds of which were shipped between 1969-73. It took a while to gain popularity, with just a tiny fraction (just 132 EB3s) shipped in the first year. (See the full Gibson EB3 shipping totals).

1961 Gibson EB3 bass

1961 EB3 features and components

This bass has all the typical early 1961 features and is typical of the EB3 shown in the 1962 and 1964 Gibson catalogues. Starting at the top: inlaid Gibson logo, with open o and b and dotted i. The inlaid crown inlay on the headstock is raised above centre, (rather than being centered a little later), and the headstock angle seems to be 18°; although it is hard to measure this angle with precision. Gibson guitars at this time had a nominal 17° angle, and it may be that 18° is within normal variance. Scale length is 30 1/2", necessitating short scale strings.

The bridge is the nickel two point bar bridge, which would have been fitted with an under-bridge string mute, though this part is now missing on this bass. The screws in front of the bridge are still present. Another part often missing is fitted to this bass; the nickel hand rest. Later EB basses had the same rest, but chrome-plated. The neck humbucker has a black bakelite cover; this was originally metal-plated, as was the surround of the bridge pickup, but this was very poor-wearing, and finding these with any real amount of plating on them is rare. Finally, the tuning keys are Kluson 538 type, as fitted to Gibson basses throughout the 1960s.

1961 Gibson EB-3 body detail
Features that immediately show this bass to be an early model include the wide-spaced controls, early-style bar bridge neck pickup with black bakelite cover (although this would have been metal plated originally) and plated bridge pickup surround.

Older EB basses often suffer from finish fading; the original nitrocellulose translucent cherry can turn to a far less appealing orangey brown, mainly due to exposure to sunlight, but also from handling. This is not the case with this bass, as it retains a very nice Cherry colouration.
1961 Gibson EB-3 body detail
The first thing to notice on the reverse of early EB-3 examples is the oddly-shaped back control cover. This provides access to the electronics; volume and tone controls and varitone switch. This shape is unique to the EB-3; the single-pickup EB-0 had a smaller more regular shaped version, (as used on the single-pickup SG Junior) compare with a similar period EB-0 here. By 1965, Gibson saw the sense in having just one shape, and a simpler back cover that was to be fitted almost universally was then introduced to the EB bass (see an example here.)

Note also the early-style heel - the area where the neck joins onto the guitar body. This wood joint changed over the years of EB bass production, but the example shown here is a good example of the earliest style used on the EB3 bass - compare with other Gibson EB bass heels.
1961 Gibson EB-3 humbucker pickup with Bakelite cover
Early EB basses had a black Bakelite pickup cover - until late 1962/early 1963 when a nickel was used instead. The EB humbucker underneath the cover remained unchanged. The EB3 cover was metal-plated, but this was very poor wearing, and is completely gone in this case - EB0 pickup covers were unplated.
1961 Gibson EB-3 volume, tone and varitone knob, output jack
The volume and tone control knobs would originally have been labelled, but they have worn away in this case. The wide spacing of the controls is an early EB3 feature that had changed by the middle of the decade, in order to allow the same back body route on the EB0 and EB3 bass. The chicken head varitone selector has four settings - listen to the soundclips of this guitar to hear how they differ.
1961 Gibson EB-3 nickel bar bridge
The early nickel bar bridge would have had a string mute beneath it, though it is not fitted in this case (you can see the two screws just above the bridge). These are often removed in order to lower the bridge. The original nickel-plated handrest is also often removed, but is present in this case. The pickup at the bridge is the EB mini humbucker; note the last remnants of metal plating on the plastic bridge pickup surround.
1961 Gibson EB-3 nickel hand rest
This picture clearly shows the early 1960s Gibson bass neck joint, or heel. This joint evolved over the next few years, and can even be used as in imprecise dating tool; have a look at the Gibson EB bass neck joint page.
1961 Gibson EB-3 body detail
The back of this EB3 shows the larger body route of early models - large to encompass the wide-spaced controls. This bass has a one-piece mahogany body and one-piece mahogany neck; the grain clearly showing through the translucent finish.
Serial number on the back of the headstock, above Kluson 538 tuning keys
Like the vast majority of 1960s Gibson EB3 basses, this bass is fitted with Kluson 538 tuning keys. This bass has been modified by John Birch (see main page for more details) and his logo can be seen here
1961 Gibson EB-3 solid headstock with above-center crown inlay, and inlaid Gibson logo
Headstock Gibson logo inlay in pearl, and truss rod cover with revealed edge. The earliest EB3 basses had an inlaid crown motif, positioned slightly above centre; later the crown was lowered, approximately centered.
Solid headstock and Kluson 538 tuners
The one-piece neck and solid headstock. This bass is fitted with Kluson 538 tuners. No volute. This bass had been reversibly modified by John Birch (see main page) and his logo has been applied to the back of the headstock
1961 Gibson EB-3 wiring loom, installed in the bass

Gibson EB-3 Wiring

The picture on the right shows the wiring loom. Three pots are identical; Centralab 500K audio taper, part number BA811-1053, all dated week 39 of 1961 (September/October). As mentioned above, Gibson have confirmed that this bass was shipped from the factory on October 12th - these pots were produced, shipped and used in quick time. The neck pickup tone pot is different; 250k part BA811-1831 and is dated week 18 of 1961 (May). Click the image for a larger version, and a circuit wiring plan.

John Birch modification

At some point in the 1960s/70s this bass was modified to a left hander, by luthier John Birch. Birch was famous for his work on the instruments of Slade, Deep Purple etc, and a decal with his name was applied to the back of the headstock. The John Birch changes have all been reversed now, but included a left-handed nut, different tuning keys and an intonatable bridge.

1961 Gibson EB3 with John birch customisation; lefty nut, intonatable bridge and new tuning keys. Note the John Birch decal on the rear of the headstock

Listen to this bass
Circuit image
More about the EB3 in general

1961 EB-3 Soundclips

The EB-3 is one of those instruments with it's own unique tonal palette. No Fender will ever sound like an EB3.. but which is the defining EB3 tone, the choked neck pickup (dub)? The bridge pickup through a gainy valve amp (rock)? The two soundclips below were recorded through a 1964 Ampeg B15. For more clips, check out numerous other audio samples of this bass in all the varitone positions and with various amp settings here.

Guitar vol 10, tone 10, varitone position 1 (neck pickup only with tone choke). With a clean amp (vol 3, treble 5, bass 5) you get a really fat round sound from this setting. Played fingerstyle.

Guitar vol 10, tone 3, varitone position 2 (bridge pickup only). Rolling off the tone a little on the bass, and pushing the amp further (vol 7, treble 5, bass 5) gives the fantastic distorted bass tone that the EB3 is famous for - especially when you really dig in like this. Played fingerstyle.

Gibson EB-3 bass guitars for sale

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

"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
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Used Gibson 1970 EB-3 Slotted Headstock Short Scale SG Bass w / Case

Used Gibson 1970 EB-3 Slotted Headstock Short Scale SG Bass w / Case

Weymouth, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2599

Very good example of an EB-3 with a slotted headstock (only made for a few years). Everything is original with no modifications. The body has a crack going all the way through by the control cavity, but it is stable with no movement. We are uncertain if the chipboard case is original -- there is no logo. Everything functions perfectly with no "dirty pot" noise on the switch or potentiometers. 7lbs , 14oz. 30 5" scale length. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns . ... more
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Gibson EB3 Bass Vintage

Gibson EB3 Bass Vintage

Edmonton, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1990

This is a beautiful bass that sounds and plays great. Cherry finish 600xxx . I bought it used in the mid 90's from a gentleman who purchased it new from the Gibson Factory Nashville in the early 70's. It had a blemish on the finish and he bought it as a second. It comes with the original Gibson hard case. There is no structural damage or repairs If you pick it up rather than having it shipped I will throw in a Ampeg amp. Ampeg B100R. This a like new excellent condition amp that would sell for ... more
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GIBSON 1966 BASS CHROME PICKUP COVER LARGE HUMBUCKER EB-O EB-2 EB-3 EPI RIVOLI

GIBSON 1966 BASS CHROME PICKUP COVER LARGE HUMBUCKER EB-O EB-2 EB-3 EPI RIVOLI

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

$59

FREE USA SHIPPING!
There's nothing worse than not having a cover for that big Gibson bass humbucker. It's one butt-ugly pickup without it! This is correct for late 1965 thru 1970 EB-O, EB-2 and EB-3 models as well as 1969 & 1970 EB-1 basses. It will also fit Epiphone Rivoli basses. This version has the small-head mounting screws (4 are included but just not shown). Gibson changed the height and the position of this cover in 1970 and enlarged the mounting screw holes. It's in great shape ... more
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Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head  Art

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
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Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w /  Original Gibson Case

Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w / Original Gibson Case

Huntington, Indiana, 467**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

For sale is a Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w / Original Gibson Case in Good Condition!
This bass is an absolute monster and sounds incredible! I don't know for sure (I kinda doubt it) that this would have come from the Gibson factory as fretless. However, whoever did the job has done it professionally and it looks great!
The electronics work perfectly and it has that classic "double bass" tone in the first position!
There is some bow in the neck. The truss seems to ... more
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Vintage Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar

Vintage Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar

Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 433**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2477

For your consideration we are offering this early 70??s era Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar . We believe that the guitar is stock without alterations yet the case is obviously handmade and does a good job protecting the instrument. Plays Great / Sounds Great Instruments. Thanks for your viewing time today and good luck to our bidding community.
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Gibson Eb-3 Bass Guitar Made In The USA With Hard Shell Case

Gibson Eb-3 Bass Guitar Made In The USA With Hard Shell Case

Cookeville, Tennessee, 385**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Sounds great in very good condition made in the USA real comfortable bass to play. Serial number 13550
... more
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1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA

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
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1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS-PICKUP-RING USA

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS-PICKUP-RING USA

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£129

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Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar 1967

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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1963 Gibson EB-3 Bass ex Bob Daisley (Rainbow, Black Sabbath)

1963 Gibson EB-3 Bass ex Bob Daisley (Rainbow, Black Sabbath)

Doncaster, DN6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£7999

The Blizzard of Oz Collection
We are happy to offer the following from the personal Private Collection of The Blizzard Himself that Being Bob Daisley whom is Heavy Rocks most distinguished and respected of all Bass Players and Songwriters, details as follows
History
The history and career of Bob Daisley is Legendary and has been one of the main contributors to the sound, look, style of the following Iconic Hard Rock artists some of which are as follows:
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1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA

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 :
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* interior has stains
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* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
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1971 Gibson EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - Made in USA

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
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Gibson EB-3 1965 - Cherry Red JACK BRUCE CREAM

Gibson EB-3 1965 - Cherry Red JACK BRUCE CREAM

Doncaster, DN6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£5499

FINESTSELECTIONSHIPPINGSPECIALISTS24 HourSupportLondon Vintage Guitars are please to offer:Gibson EB-3 1965 - Cherry RedThe classic Cream bass, as used by Jack Bruce on all albums and tours of the legendary psychedelic blues band (his was 1966)
 
Internally / Externally Original
Mahogany body / rosewood fretboard
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1971 Gibson EB 3 HÜLLE - passt NUR SCHLITZKOPF Version

1971 Gibson EB 3 HÜLLE - passt NUR SCHLITZKOPF 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
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Epiphone by GIBSON SG EB-3 basso elettrico 4 corde "DIAVOLETTO"

Epiphone by GIBSON SG EB-3 basso elettrico 4 corde "DIAVOLETTO"

Napoli, 80***, ITALY

€270

Vendo questo bellissimo basso usato (solo in casa per provare) e settato da un liutaio ad ottobre 2023. Ha dei leggerissimi segni di usura come da foto. Il basso funziona perfettamente. Accetto anche pagamento con Paypal. Per la spedizione bisogna aggiungere al prezzo ?? 30.... more
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1970 Gibson EB 3 BASSMUTTER USA

1970 Gibson EB 3 BASSMUTTER USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
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Gibson EB-3L 1973 - Vintage Bass Guitar, Long Scale - Original Hard Case - Rare!

Gibson EB-3L 1973 - Vintage Bass Guitar, Long Scale - Original Hard Case - Rare!

Meadow Heights, VIC, 3***, AUSTRALIA

AU $4895

Vintage Gibson EB-3L
Long Scale 1973 model bass guitar with original hard case
All pictures supplied with the auction are of the actual item for sale, and indicate its condition
This vintage Gibson is in good playable condition with a clean fingerboard and neck, good fretting and fully functional tuners. This model is fitted with a drop-D tuner (adjustable) which functions well. The pickups and wiring appear original, are operational, and it sounds superb. It has been fitted with a set... more
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Fly Guitars Comment left 8th September 2017 19:07:27 reply
Hi Lars, circa 1967, Gibson did use some Japanese closed gear tuning keys on both EB0 and EB3 basses: effectively two-sided versions of the sets used on the Kalamazoo KB basses. Could these be what was fitted to your bass?
Federico Balducci Comment left 14th September 2016 16:04:50 reply
hi i am the owner of a 1961 Gibson EB3 the guitar is all original and wel preserved. it is one of 132 that were ever made that year if you would like pictures and infos about it just to put on your website feel free to message me Best Regards Federico Balducci
Lars Aksel Solberg Comment left 4th June 2016 14:02:00 reply
Hi Thanks for the very nice article on the EB-3. I have a question about my 1967 EB3. It came with Schallers like this bass, and I got original Klusons for it. But the screw pattern does not fit the Klusons. The screws (4) are about 1/4" closer at both top and bottom on the headstock. Do you know if Gibson ever used other tuners on these basses?
DJWard03 Comment left 2nd September 2012 16:04:07 reply
I'm looking for a black (or silvered) plastic pickup cover for an early EB3. Does anyone make a replica, or is finding one on ebay my only hope. I've been watching for months now. Anyone have one for available?
SWLABR Comment left 14th August 2012 22:10:31 reply
A stunning bass. I'd really love to get hold of one like that again. I had a 61 EB0 that I added a bridge pickup to. Great wide neck. Sounded incredible, even without the tone choke. Played incredible too. Stolen from my pickup years later. Theres really something special about the oldest Gibson EBs, even the late sixties ones aren't the same.