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).

1965 Gibson EB-3 specifications

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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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

1978 Gibson EB-3 Bass - Walnut With Original Case

Merrimac, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

Fantastic condition 1978 Gibson EB-3 in walnut finish. Besides two replaced rear cavity screws, the rest of the bass is in original conition, including the hard shell case. It is nicely set up and plays and sounds great. There are very few signs of play wear, dings, or scratches. In short, it's a rock and roll machine
The EB-3 features an SG shaped mahogany body, a 3 piece maple neck with volute, rosewood fingerboard, short 30 5" scale, and two pickups which include a large humbucker in the... more

Gibson EB-3 Mahogany 1970-75 Electric Bass Guitar Orig. Case Slotted Head 961211

El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Available for your consideration is this stunning Gibson EB-3 bass guitar. It has a scale length of 31 inches, and a serial number of 961211.
To the best of our knowledge, this is most likely a 72 to 75 production of the EB-3 in mahogany
It is missing the original pickup cover.

You can read more about EB-3 production differences and models on FlyGuitars website.

This Beautiful and stunning EB-3 Gibson Bass guitar is in the original case and ... 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

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

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

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 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 -------------->>>>>-------------->>>>>
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1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... 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

1970 Gibson EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... 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

Epiphone Gibson SG EB3 Bass 2 pickup - Cherry

Northcote, Victoria, 3***, AUSTRALIA

AU $716

A classic - looks good, sounds good. This bass has a few scratches but otherwise is totally solid. Has been treated well. Plays well.
Pick up Northcote, Melbourne, includes original box.... more

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