1965 Gibson EB3 Bass (Pelham blue)

Now here is a beautiful and rare example of the Gibson EB-3 bass, in custom order Pelham Blue finish. In the 1960s Gibson custom finish instruments were available in limited quantities; unlike Fender custom colours, which were widely promoted, Gibson custom colours were a rarity, and certainly not pushed. There is no mention of custom finishes for EB basses in the 1965 price list; only for Firebird guitars and Thunderbird basses. It us not known how many Pelham blue Gibson EB3 (or Gibson EB0) basses were shipped, but there were certainly not many. The total number of EB-3s shipped in 1965 was just 339. See Gibson EB3 shipping totals. In June 1965, the Gibson EB-3 was listed at $337.50 in the US (zone 1).

This bass is totally 1965: early-style wide control spacing, and bell knobs, yet chrome hardware: EB humbucker at the neck, and a mini humbucker at the bridge. Chrome-plated bar bridge with string mute. Like all EB-3s, controls are two volume, two tone and a four position varitone switch in the middle. Note also, the last remnants of silvering peeled from the bridge pickup surround. This would have been one of the last basses produced with this wider control layout. In the second half of the year, a new, closer arrangement was introduced, allowing a common control route for all SG guitars and solid body EB basses. Compare this to a later 1969 EB3 with narrow-spaced controls and plain surround.

This was about the time that Gibson first used the second version bar bridge with curved arms. This still worked with the same mute as shown.

One surprising feature of this bass is the three-ply scratchplate - possibly a replacement - the EB-0 was typically fitted with this guard; the EB-3 had a thicker, five-ply (b-w-b-w-b) guard, though both had the same footprint and could work on either bass. This bass is fitted with the earlier 'wide' cover pickup.

Like all early-mid 1960s EBs, this bass is fitted with nickel plated Kluson 538 tuning keys. The potential for damage of this headstock design is in evidence here; the truss rod access cavity makes for a weak area anyway, but this is clearly compounded by the screw holes used to mount the tuners. This headstock has had a sensitive repair, without unnecessary overspraying, and this shows that the fault line passes through two of these holes.

Pelham Blue finishes often turn green as the sunlight yellows the clearcoat. Areas protected from sun by hardware tend to show more original colouration. In this image with the scratchplate removed, the true Pelham colour remains. The reverse of this guitar had a large sticker at one point, and this has prevented the yellowing on the reverse of this bass, see below.

The control cavity is still the larger irregular style - later in 1965 this would be changed to the symmetrical shape far more familiar to the majority of Gibson solid bodies ever since. This is the type 1 EB3 circuitry (see schematic) used by Gibson until 1971. This clear photograph allows us to read the potentiometer codes. One is marked 1376529. This tells us that the pot was made by CTS (code 137) in the 29th week of 1965 (more about Gibson bass pot codes).

All pictures are courtesy of Craig Boehme who sold this instrument on Ebay for a little over $3000 in June 2005.

Gibson EB-3 bass guitars 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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

1970 Gibson EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... more

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... 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

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 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

€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

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

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

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

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

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

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