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.
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.
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.
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, from 1967 Gibson used witch hat knobs), and the early-style nickel bar bridge, with string mute.
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. This bass' body still has a relatively strong Cherry colouration, both front and back.
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.
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.
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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1961 Gibson EB-3 the cleanest original extent w / hang tags 1 of a kind & Minty !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$11495
This is a beautiful 1st year produced example of the exactly ??Cream Era?? Gibson EB-3 bass, pretty much identical the primary one used extensively by Jack Bruce from 1966 into the mid-70s. These expensive double pickup EB basses were made in fairly small quantities from 1961 into the mid-1960s but most examples that surface now are the later ??60s and early ??70s models, when they were produced in much greater numbers ?? at least partially due to the popularity of Cream ! Those are fine ... more
1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case
Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3700
One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... more
1960s Gibson eb-3 Bass Guitar
Jamaica, New York, 114**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1000
Gibson Eb 3, Crack on bottom ?? everything works
No lowballs
Price is pretty firm , reasonable offers accepted
If its $1000 why do u think id accept a $300 offer? Local pickup because I know how you guys like to scam on Ebay... more
No lowballs
Price is pretty firm , reasonable offers accepted
If its $1000 why do u think id accept a $300 offer? Local pickup because I know how you guys like to scam on Ebay... more
Gibson eb-3 bass guitar, 1960s / 1970s
Jamaica, New York, 114**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1900
The Gibson EB-3 bass guitar from the 1960s / 1970s is a vintage electric bass guitar with a solid body in cherry color
Vintage gibson, in working condition , broken alongside the bottom, seems to be an easy fix if you know what youre doing. Local pick up NYC... more
Vintage gibson, in working condition , broken alongside the bottom, seems to be an easy fix if you know what youre doing. Local pick up NYC... more
"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition
Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3295
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
1972 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Bass Guitar
Kokomo, Indiana, 469**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
The 1972 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Bass Guitar is a vintage electric bass guitar that exudes classic style and timeless appeal. With a short scale body made of mahogany and a right-handed design, this 4-string bass guitar features a rosewood fretboard for a smooth and rich tone. This model, part of the Gibson series, comes with a hard case for added protection and easy transport. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner looking to add a vintage touch to your collection, the Gibson EB-3 is a ... more
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
... more
Gibson 70s EB-3 WALNUT Used Electric Bass
Union, New Hampshire, 038**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1275
The Gibson 70s EB-3 WALNUT Used Electric Bass is a classic right-handed solid wood electric bass guitar with a 4-string configuration. This vintage model, known as the Les Paul, was made in the United States and features a solid brown body color, making it both visually appealing and high-quality in terms of sound and playability. With its durable construction and iconic design, this guitar is a popular choice among bass players looking for a reliable and timeless instrument.... more
1969 Gibson EB-3 Cherry
Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3199
Very good condition 1969 Gibson EB-3 bass in cherry. No breaks. All original outside of the changed tuners, replaced tone pot (original included), and a recent refret. This example has some honest play wear throughout from touring, but is lucky to come out with no breaks to report. Bridge mute assembly functions. Truss rod works well, neck is straight, and it has been recently restrung. 8 3 pounds. Gibson logo is a bit faded, but this is purely cosmetic of course. This example sounds very boomy,... more
1976 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Bass Guitar W / Ohsc Veritone
Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1850
1976 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Bass Guitar W / Ohsc Veritone. Guitars in good condition has a few little minor scratches here and there
Tuners have been changed. Everything else is 100% original. Sounds great. Will ship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes international shipping provided by eBay Global
... more
Tuners have been changed. Everything else is 100% original. Sounds great. Will ship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes international shipping provided by eBay Global
... more
1969 Gibson EB-3 Husk Repaired Headstock
Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$800
1969 Gibson EB-3 Husk Repaired Headstock very old strong headstock repair. Please look at all pictures. Bare husk. Willship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48th Daytona No Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes international shipping provided by eBay global
... more
... more
Gibson eb-3 bass guitar, 1960s
Jamaica, New York, 114**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$300
IN WORKING CONDITION, CRACK ON BOTTOM
The Gibson EB-3 bass guitar from the 1960s is a classic electric bass guitar known for its vintage charm and iconic design. With a solid cherry body, four-string configuration, and a model year of 1969, this guitar offers a timeless look and sound that has made it a staple for bass players in various musical genres. The Gibson brand is legendary for producing high-quality instruments, making the EB-3 a sought-after choice for musicians looking for a ... more
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
Gibson Eb-3 Bassgitarre
Meisterschwanden, 5***, SWITZERLAND
CHF2250
Gibson EB-3 Bassgitarre mit original Koffer, Jack Bruce spielte so ein Instrument mit Ginger Baker (Drums) und Eric Clapton (Cream)... more
1965 Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar
Farnham, GU10***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3062
Available now is this 1965 Gibson EB3. One of only 339 shipped in that year, and one of even fewer that made it this side of the pond
The EB-3, widely known as the classic Cream bass, was used and made most famous by Jack Bruce from blues-rock pioneers 'Cream' around 1967 onwards. He had a few of them over that time period, but his main and most photographed instrument was a matching '65. The spacing between the control knobs was changed in 1965 to match the guitar line, so only a percentage... more
The EB-3, widely known as the classic Cream bass, was used and made most famous by Jack Bruce from blues-rock pioneers 'Cream' around 1967 onwards. He had a few of them over that time period, but his main and most photographed instrument was a matching '65. The spacing between the control knobs was changed in 1965 to match the guitar line, so only a percentage... more
1961 Gibson EB-3 4-String Electric Bass Guitar in Cherry, with Hard Case (Used)
Birmingham, B1***, UNITED KINGDOM
£5500
- Overall: Good condition.
- Frets: Good condition, no issues.
- Hardware: All original.
- Electronics: All original, no issues.
- Finish: This Bass Guitar is in Good condition with some wear through previous usage. There are some dents on the body as well as a crack near the jack input, which has been repaired.
- Made in USA, 1961.
* Hard Case included.
* Please note all of our USED / EX-DISPLAY Guitars & Basses are checked, tested,... more
- Frets: Good condition, no issues.
- Hardware: All original.
- Electronics: All original, no issues.
- Finish: This Bass Guitar is in Good condition with some wear through previous usage. There are some dents on the body as well as a crack near the jack input, which has been repaired.
- Made in USA, 1961.
* Hard Case included.
* Please note all of our USED / EX-DISPLAY Guitars & Basses are checked, tested,... more
1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€439
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
* 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
1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - Made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£385
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
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
... more
