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. 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.
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 here). 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.
Gibson EB3 bass for sale
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1968 Gibson EB-3 Electric Bass Guitar. Parts or Serious Repair Project
Chillicothe, Ohio, 456**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$925
Travel back in time with this wrecked bass guitar. Built by Gibson at its old Kalamazoo, Michigan factory in about 1968, it is a Gibson EB-3 electric bass. MADE IN USA and serial number (928110) stamped on back of headstock.
Slotted headstock. It's a 30-1 / 4" short scale bass. Four-position rotary tone switch. I believe both pickups are humbuckers, but the neck is bigger than the bridge. Solid mahogany body. SG-style double cutaway body.
This fell over decades ago, causing a ... more
Slotted headstock. It's a 30-1 / 4" short scale bass. Four-position rotary tone switch. I believe both pickups are humbuckers, but the neck is bigger than the bridge. Solid mahogany body. SG-style double cutaway body.
This fell over decades ago, causing a ... more
Gibson EB3L Bass Guitar- 1968 / 72 LONG SCALE SLOTTED HEADSTOCK WITH Case
Hagerstown, Maryland, 217**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5000
THIS AUCTION IS FOR : VINTAGE GIBSON EB-3L BASS GUITAR 1968 / 72 WITH HARD CASE,
CHERRY FINISH, CHROME METAL TRIM, BLACK PICK GUARD.
LONG SCALE WITH SLOTTED HEADSTOCK, # 914058 ENGRAVED ON HEADSTOCK.
NOT THE ORIGINAL CASE, IT WAS BOUGHT IN 1992. PAPERWORK INSIDE CASE.
BASS HAS NICE GLOSS CHERRY FINISH, COUPLE OF MARKS, NOTHING MAJOR. VIEW PICS.
COMES WITH STRAP, 2 CORDS, MASTER KEY CHROMATIC PITCH INSTRUMENT, EXTRA PLUG JACK, KEY FOR THE CASE
ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK, ... more
CHERRY FINISH, CHROME METAL TRIM, BLACK PICK GUARD.
LONG SCALE WITH SLOTTED HEADSTOCK, # 914058 ENGRAVED ON HEADSTOCK.
NOT THE ORIGINAL CASE, IT WAS BOUGHT IN 1992. PAPERWORK INSIDE CASE.
BASS HAS NICE GLOSS CHERRY FINISH, COUPLE OF MARKS, NOTHING MAJOR. VIEW PICS.
COMES WITH STRAP, 2 CORDS, MASTER KEY CHROMATIC PITCH INSTRUMENT, EXTRA PLUG JACK, KEY FOR THE CASE
ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK, ... more
1972 Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass Walnut Finish SG Vintage Gig Bag
Astoria, Oregon, 971**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1995
In great to near excellent condition. Has kill switch, two tone knobs, two volume knobs and pick up selector. With really cool vintage gig bag. From Fly Guitars site: When the EB3 was redesigned for 1972, Gibson were careful to make a less fragile bass. Some of the 1960s EB basses cracked easily when dropped, or knocked about a bit. The easily-broken mahogany neck had been replaced with a thicker three-piece maple one. It was given a thicker body, and a bigger headstock. It had a volute for neck... more
1965 Gibson EB-3 - 100% Original - Straight Neck - Low Action - Great Player!
Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4000
For your consideration is this 1965 Gibson EB-3 in a Transparent Cherry finish. Overall the guitar is in very good shape with only light to moderate play wear. 100% Original! The original pickups deliver excellent sound across all playing styles, truly capturing the iconic tones of your favorite players. Playability is excellent with low action & no fret wear. Mute is in case. Straight neck, low action, moved thumb rest (much more usable)
Comes with the original case and candy as shown. ... more
Comes with the original case and candy as shown. ... more
Vintage Early 70's Gibson EB3 Electric Bass Guitar
Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2600
American Music presents this beautiful early 70's Gibson Electric Bass Guitar!
This Bass only shows cosmetic wear due to time and being played on. Bass sounds incredible and could use a good home. Bass is stock and fully original including the finish, and no modification's
Every used instrument we have has been play tested
Make sure to contact us with any further questions!
... more
This Bass only shows cosmetic wear due to time and being played on. Bass sounds incredible and could use a good home. Bass is stock and fully original including the finish, and no modification's
Every used instrument we have has been play tested
Make sure to contact us with any further questions!
... 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
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
"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition
Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3795
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 EB3 SG Electric Bass Guitar
Worksop, S80***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1741
For sale: an incredible 1972 Gibson EB3, featuring the original Cherry finish that's beautifully faded on the front over the years. This bass has been well-loved and shows its age in the best way?? worn in and full of character.
The sound is massive?? a thick, deep tone, with the ability to cut through with punchy mid-range honk from the bridge pickup. It's the perfect instrument for recreating legendary tones like Jack Bruce and Andy Fraser
While the original truss rod cover is missing,... more
The sound is massive?? a thick, deep tone, with the ability to cut through with punchy mid-range honk from the bridge pickup. It's the perfect instrument for recreating legendary tones like Jack Bruce and Andy Fraser
While the original truss rod cover is missing,... 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
Gibson EB-0 - EB-3 Bass Slotted Headstock 1971 Immense Sound!
Salford, M6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1894
So somewhere along the way a previous owner decided they wanted two pickups on their EB-0 and it??s all the better for it!
Not quite sure what the extra pickup is but it sounds monstrous and a really useful contrast with the factory pickup especially with a standard three way switch. The conversion has been done very nicely
Obviously been played but plays very nicely with recent set up, strings and electrics checked
I really like the slotted headstock which is... more
Not quite sure what the extra pickup is but it sounds monstrous and a really useful contrast with the factory pickup especially with a standard three way switch. The conversion has been done very nicely
Obviously been played but plays very nicely with recent set up, strings and electrics checked
I really like the slotted headstock which is... 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
* 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
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
* 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
€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
1965 Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar
Farnham, GU10***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3950
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
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