1963 Gibson EB3 bass guitar

The Gibson EB3 was first manufactured in 1961, and the model changed little by little throughout its years of manufacture, though between 1962 and 1964 the design and hardware used remained fairly static (check out a pelham blue 1965 EB3). A number of characteristic features are only present on basses of this period: most obviously the wide-spaced volume and tone controls.

1963 Gibson EB-3 specifications

This is a great looking bass, and a fine example of one from this period. It is complete and with little fading to the cherry finish - something actually quite uncommon on many 1960s EB3s.

EB3 Photographs courtesy of Thor, Talkbass Moderator

Whilst the 1961 basses had a silvered black plastic cover; from 1962 this was replaced by a 58mm wide nickel cover - as can be seen here. The scratchplate is still 5-ply (b-w-b-w-b) and the controls have their characteristic wide spacing and silver capped bell-knobs.

Two early features shown in this image are the large irregular control cavity, and early 'stepped' heel (read more about EB bass heels). Both features would soon be redesigned with a more recognizable back cover and a flat smooth heel appearing in late 1965 and early 1966 respectively.

There are a number of weak areas on 1960s Gibson EB basses; the headstock and neck join are well known, but another area prone to damage is the body around the control cavity. As can be seen here, a small crack runs from the neck pickup volume control to the guitar edge. Such cracks are pretty common in 60s EB basses.

Body view showing pickups, and hand rest. The scale of all 1960s EB3 basses was 30 1/2" - these basses need to be fitted with short scale strings.

The headstock has an inlaid Gibson logo, and crown motif. This crown is now centrally positioned - earlier basses had it raised somewhat (compare with a 1961 EB3). The truss rod cover is of typical Gibson bell-style with wide revealed outer edge. Tuning keys are nickel-plate Kluson 538s.

The case shown with this guitar is not original, rather a 1970s EB bass case (given away by the purple lining). The original case for this bass would have had gold lining.

Gibson EB3 bass for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

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

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

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

1972 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Maple neck Bass Guitar first year 1972 has Gibson logo

Kokomo, Indiana, 469**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

The 1972 Gibson EB-3 The first Model Mahogany Bass Guitar is a vintage electric bass guitar that exudes classic style and timeless appeal. With a short scale body made of mahogany with a maple neck 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 ... more

Vintage Gibson EB-3 bass guitar with slotted headstock 1969-1972, walnut

Danville, Pennsylvania, 178**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

This vintage Gibson EB-3 (1969-1972) was used on stage in a touring band as a primary instrument between 1974 and 1982. There have been some customizations, pictured. Slotted headstock, mahogany body with walnut finish. Some costmetic dings consistent with age and use; the headstock crack was repaired professionally years ago. Overall in good condition, and was last used on a recording in 2023. Comes with original case, stencilled with the name of the band.... 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

Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar 1967

Horncastle, LN9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3010

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

1962 Gibson EB-3 4 String Bass Guitar All Original With Gibson Case

Swindon, SN5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£4687

1962 Gibson EB-3 bass guitar
All original pick ups switch gear etc. A fantastic piece of guitar history and a great addition for any serious collector or just somebody who loves that classic sound.
Comes with vintage Gibson hard case although I do not think it is the original.
Age related marks but nothing serious considering it is 62 years old!... more

gibson eb-3 basso elettrico vintage 1969

Bastonaca, 97***, ITALY

€1500

il basso e perfettamente funzionante un suono pazzesco... more

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

1970 Gibson EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... 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

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... more

Gibson EB 3 CASE 1971 - passend für NUR GESCHLITZTE SPINDELSTOCK-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

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

Gibson 1975 EB3 bass guitar

Bath, BA2***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1333

This is a great bass. It sounds exactly as you would expect it to. Very powerful pickups. Big fat rock sound
Serial number 108356
Bridge has been replaced but I have the original and it will be included
Comes with an Epiphone hard case
You collect (or arrange courier)
Near Bath, Somerset
Please message me if you have questions
I'm only selling because I bought it to scratch an itch (I wanted to be Geezer Butler) and I'm now selling it for what I paid. (I would have put ... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co