Body view. Typical post 1973 hardware

1978 Gibson EB3 Bass (White)

In the late 1970s Gibson produced a number of white EB3 basses. All were shortscale (30 1/2 ") and due to their small numbers are rarely seen today. All photographs on this page were kindly provided by Paul Rose.

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.