1971 Gibson EB-3 bass

At the tail-end of the 1960s the Gibson EB3 was redesigned; the most immediate change being the new slotted headstock. It still came in Cherry, but also Walnut as seen here; a lot of slotted headstock EB basses were shipped in walnut finish

1971 was the last year of the slotted headstock EB models; their short production run started in very late 1969 (the earliest models have no 'MADE IN USA' stamp, and very early 1970 pots - see an early slotted headstock EB-0 bass) and ended in late 1971. A very small number were also shipped in 1972, although most likely limited to custom-order basses, such as this left-handed EB-3 that was ordered a year earlier.

The bass shown is indeed typical of it's vintage: three-piece bound mahogany neck without volute, one-piece mahogany body, five-ply pickguard, scripted truss-rod cover and glued-on pearl logo. The six-digit serial number is stamped in to the neck above MADE IN USA. As a 30 1/2" scale instrument, it requires short scale strings.

1971 Gibson EB-3 specifications

Hardware includes the two-point intonatable bridge with cover, Schaller M-4-C tuning keys, and Gibson neck humbucker (lovingly dubbed 'mudbucker') and bridge pickup. There are a few minor differences to 1970 models; in 1971-early 1973 a lot of EB basses had 'Gibson' etched into the pickup covers, and string mutes (although never universally fitted) were phased out. Few later production slotted headstock EBs (or 1971 Gibson basses in general) had them, and they were completely discontinued by the advent of the maple-necked EB basses in late 1971. (See a 1972 Gibson EB-3)

The slotted headstock EB3 was first shown in the 1970 Gibson bass catalog. This is one of 706 walnut EB-3s shipped in 1971, (compared with 973 in cherry and 25 natural) and one of approximately 3644 slotted headstocks shipped in total. (The production run of slotted headstock EB3s ran from very late 1969 until very late 1971, whilst the figure quoted is for all EB3s shipped in 1970 and 1971. It may exclude a few very early split headstocks EB3s and include a few of the later maple-neck EB-3s. See the EB-3 shipping totals.

In 1971, the EB3 had a US zone 1 list price of $410 - plus another $90 for the case.

The split-headstock EB3s were produced for the first two years of the 1970s, with the earliest all shipped with underbridge mutes. This, being a later one, has no mute, just the the two-point intonatable bridge with cover.

Another 1971/72 feature is the Gibson logo on the cover of the Gibson neck humbucker and bridge mini-humbucker.

This bass has a one-piece mahogany body, with a set (glued-in) three-piece mahogany neck. The Walnut finish is highly characteristic of early seventies Gibson guitars and basses, and works very well over a mahogany body.

Two-point tune-o-matic bridge and EB bridge mini-humbucker. This one has the Gibson logo engraved into its cover, often the case with EB basses from 1971/72.

The slotted headstock EB basses of 1970-71 were the first to have the black plastic surround and height adjustable humbucking neck pickup. Like the bridge pickup, this also has the Gibson logo on it's cover.

The controls are unchanged from earlier versions of the EB3: a four-way varitone switch (chicken head knob) and two tone and two volume controls, topped with witch-hat knobs. The upper two controls are for the neck pickup, the lower two for the bridge. The different varitone settings are quite distinct. Have a listen to some EB3s.

Two-point tune-o-matic bridge with chrome cover. In 1971 Gibson stopped fitting the underbridge mute to EB basses - compare this bass to an example from the previous year with mute 1970 Gibson EB3.

The EB3 has two volume and two tone controls, along with a four way tone-switch. The schematic for the circuitry in this bass can be seen here EB3 schematic. Note the rectangular metal tone choke. The CTS-made potentiometers are 3 x Gibson part number 70027 (500K) and 1 x 70021 (250K).

This circuitry is broadly unchanged since the very first incarnations of the EB3 bass.

The EB3 had a one-piece neck mahogany through most of the 1960s, but right towards the end of the decade, Gibson started using a three piece mahogany neck on it's bass guitars. This continued into the seventies, eventually evolving into a three piece maple neck from 1972.

Close-up of the Schaller M4C machine heads fitted to a slotted headstock EB basses. Note the gear covers are engraved with the Gibson name, as opposed to the Schaller M4 units used in the preceding few years which are just marked with a 'G'.

The Gibson logo on the EBO and EB3 slotted headstock basses was not inlaid, but was cut from a thin sheet of mother of pearl, and then glued down. This was discontinued in 1972 when the basses once again had solid headstocks.

The Gibson slotted bass guitar headstock. Basses with this headstock design were shipped between early 1970 and early 1972. Compare this to a slightly older 1969 EB3 headstock and a newer 1972 EB3 headstock. Note the single-ply model-designated truss-rod cover, and banjo-style backwards facing Schaller M4C machine heads.

Slotted headstock EB3, showing serial number, three-piece mahogany neck and Schaller M4C machine heads. Note that there is no volute; this was introduced in the next version, the 1972 solid headstock EB basses.

Gibson EB3 bass 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

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

Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art

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

$3500

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... 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

GIBSON EB-3 BASS GUITAR 1968 (P03058845)

Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

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1973 Gibson EB-3 Bass Walnut

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2190

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1973 Gibson EB-3 in its original Walnut finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original and 100% complete along with its original bridge cover and original purple lined hardshell case. It's in very good condition with some nicks + dings, light belt buckle wear on the back of the body and other cosmetic wear including one misaligned extra screw hole concealed by the bass side of the bridge ... 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 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

Gibson Eb-3 Bassgitarre

Meisterschwanden, 5***, SWITZERLAND

CHF2250

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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
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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

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
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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
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1970 Gibson EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... 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

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

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

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
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