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1961 Gibson EB3 bass guitar

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

The EB3 was first manufactured in 1961, and the model changed little by little throughout its years of manufacture. The 1961 model had a silvered bakelite cover on the EB neck pickup with a similarly silvered surround on the bridge pickup.

EB3 Photographs courtesy of Mark Headington. This fine bass sold for $4825 in August 2005.

The cherry finish on Gibson EB basses is prone to fading with sunlight, and handling. Only examples kept cased for the majority of their lives seem to escape this. This bass has browned to some extent - compare with a similar 1961 EB3 with more of it's cherry colouration intact here.

This example is otherwise complete, and it is quite unusual to see an early Gibson EB3 with so much metal plating still attached to the bridge pickup surround. The plating on the neck pickup is heavily worn, as is generally the case; it is no wonder Gibson moved to actual metal pickup covers for their EB basses fairly quickly. The EB3 timeline on this site details some of the changes that were introduced to the EB3 over the two decades of it's production.

1961 Gibson EB3 1961 Gibson EB3

Like all 1960s EB basses, this guitar has a scale length of 30 1/2", necessitating short scale strings. EB3s sound phenomenal when fitted with a set of flats. Compare this image of a 1961 Gibson EB3 with a later model - 1969 EB3, notice the difference in neck thickness. The early EB basses had much chunkier feeling necks, which many players prefer. The width at nut is a full 1/4" greater in the 1961 EB3. Notice also the yellowing on the back of the neck. Sweat/oils from the hands of players did have a significant effect on the cherry nitro finish of the earliest EB basses - although all Gibson Cherry finishes were prone to fading, only the earliest yellowed in the way shown here.

1961 Gibson EB3
This early EB3 has a metal plated neck pickup cover, over it's EB humbucker, although it has largely worn off to reveal the black bakelite cover underneath. Other features that mark this as a really early EB3 are: metal plating on the bridge pickup surround, wide-spaced controls with bell knobs (in 1965 the EBO and EB3 control cavity route was standardised - see an EB3 with narrow-spaced controls here, from 1967 Gibson used witch hat knobs), and the early-style nickel bar bridge, with string mute.
1961 Gibson EB3
The reverse of a pre-1966 EB3 is quite distinctive: firstly the control cavity cover is very different to the shape used from 1965, and broadly unchanged to this day. The neck/body join or heel is also a pre-1966 style - see how the EB bass heels changed over time here. This bass' body still has a relatively strong Cherry colouration, both front and back.
1961 Gibson EB3
The early 1960s EB basses had an inlaid mother of pearl Gibson logo with raised (above-center) crown inlay. Compare this to a slightly later bass with centered crown - 1966 Gibson EBO headstock. Note the inlaid pearl Gibson logo with dotted i and open o and b.
1961 Gibson EB3
One-piece mahogany neck, five digit serial number and Kluson 538 tuning keys. Note the wide neck. The width at nut of the early 1960s EB basses was 1 1/2", a desirable feature amongst many players.
1961 Gibson EB3

The hardcase accompanying this 1961 bass was suitable for an EB0 or EB3 bass guitar. It has the characteristic gold/yellow plush lining so associated with 1960s Gibson guitars. Two EB bass cases were available for the EB3 in 1961: case 540, plush-lined faultless case (1961 price $60), and 329 plush-lined archcraft case (1961 price $26.50).

Gibson EB-3 bass guitars for sale

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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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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.
... 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 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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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
... more
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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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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 :
* 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
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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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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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1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS-PICKUP-RING USA

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS-PICKUP-RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... more
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1970 Gibson EB 3 BASSMUTTER USA

1970 Gibson EB 3 BASSMUTTER USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... 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

£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
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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
* check all pics
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more
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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
Humbucking pickup in the neck and mini-humbucker in the bridge
Four-way rotary pickup selector switch 
 
Condition 8 / 10
Case 
ALL ... 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:
Rainbow - Black Sabbath - ... more
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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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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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