Gibson switched from bakelite bass pickup covers to metal in 1962; although Gibson EB-0 and Epiphone Newport basses continued to use up the bakelite covers into 1963, presumably until stock was exhausted.
The pickup itself was unchanged. Just four screws hold the cover in place; note the spacing differs from the earlier bakelite-covers, and the later narrow/tall covers. Dimensions 2 1/4" x 3 3/8". They are slightly wedge-shaped, rising from 1/8" (neck side) to 3/16" (bridge side).
Initially covers were nickel-plated (part code PU-601-N), at least as fitted to the EB-0 and Newport, and chrome-plated (part code PU-601-CR) for the EB-3, but by 1965 the majority of basses seem to have had chrome-plated covers. As is always the case with Gibson, there are exceptions. Also fitted to the EB-2 and Rivoli.
The EB bass humbucker didn't have the traditional arrangement of windings around the magnet; rather the coils (covered with black insulating tape) lie vertically around a central former with an Alnico magnet at either end. The four polepieces are situated in the center of the pickup, in a metal (later plastic) bobbin between the two coils. The coil assembly is screwed onto a metal 'frame' from below with two screws visible on the underside.
Upgraded with a new, taller pickup cover (here) gradually across 1967/68.
List of Gibson bass guitar pickups
Gibson bass pickups for sale
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
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
EPIPHONE SG EB3 ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR (Gibson Pickups)
Cranbourne, VIC, 3***, AUSTRALIA
AU $550
Low action, recently serviced
Has a small chipped paint behind tuner headstock
It features a slim SG-style body, a 34?? scale
Lives in a clean home, works perfectly well
Reason for selling: Upgrading amp head
Open for trade to Marshall Origin Head
Pick-up / Drop-off: Cranbourne East / Frankston / Moorabin VIC
... more