Gibson part number (1965: PU-657, 1971: 13533). First fitted in the bridge position of Gibson EB-3 and Epiphone Newport Deluxe basses from 1961. Initially the plastic surround was silvered to match the neck pickup, and this continued beyond the introduction of metal neck pickup covers, at least up until 1965.
A two pickup EB-2 bass, the EB-2D, was listed in Gibson price lists from April 1966 - again using the same pickup, in the bridge position. This bass sold in moderate numbers into the early seventies, final examples shipping at least as late as 1972.
This is a more traditional pickup design than the 'sidewinder' neck pickup; smaller, just one Alnico magnet and a considerably lower resistance, typically around 7kΩ. This resulted in a lot thinner, less overbearing tone. It was height adjustable from the start (unlike the neck pickup) and changed little over the course of it's production. For a short period around 1971, pickups were produced with a Gibson logo etched into the cover - see pics below.
Stickered on the underside with 'PATENT NO 2737842'.
Some basses fitted with this pickup
Soundclips
Have a listen to a 1961 EB3 bridge pickup (more soundclips of this bass here).
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