1971 Gibson EB-3L

The Gibson long-scale version of the EB3 bass, the EB3L, was first included in US price lists at $390, in March 1970, and shipped throughout 1970 and '71, before the model was redesigned, losing it's slotted headstock.

This example has been refinished, and has, unfortunately, lost it's serial number, however the lack of a string mute, suggests this is one of the later examples from 1971. You can read all about the restoration of this bass. Like all split-headstock EB basses it is fitted with Schaller M4 classic tuning keys. In addition to the extra pickup, the EB3 had a few high-end appointments over the EB0 - bound neck, and a three-ply (rather than one) pickguard. The long scale models had slightly longer necks, but they also had the bridge (in this case the two point bar bridge) situated a bit further back on the body of the bass. All EB3Ls came with a height adjustable EB humbucker with surround, EB mini humbucker and chrome bridge cover. Early models like the one shown above also came with a scripted truss rod cover, and some had pickup covers inscribed 'Gibson'.

1971 Gibson EB-3L specifications

The long scale EB basses have the same dimension bodies as the short scale versions, but longer necks. The bridge is also repositioned further back on the body. Compare this bass with a short scale version here - 1971 EB3. This EB3L has been refinished in black, which is not the original colour. The vast majority of Gibson bass guitars of this period were translucent Cherry or translucent Walnut.

This EB3 is fitted with typical early seventies Gibson bass hardware: two-point tune-o-matic bridge with cover, EB neck humbucker and bridge mini-humbucker. Note that both the pickup covers had the engraved Gibson logo; a feature that was ubiquitous in 1971, and evident to some extent in early 1972.

Long (34") scale EB3 basses do not simply have a longer neck than the better known short (30") scale versions. Whilst the neck is a little longer, the bridge is positioned right back at the far end of the body. The bridge pickup is also further back - compare this bass to a similar period short scale version here 1971 Gibson EB3

Gibson bass guitars are characterised by their glued-in or set neck, as opposed to the bolt-on neck typically used by Fender. Access to the guitar's circuitry is through the back control cover.

This EB humbucker has the Gibson logo engraved into its cover - very much a 1971 feature. The slotted headstock EB3s had a similar pickup to 1960s models, but it had one advantage in that it was spring-mounted (note the plastic surround) and therefore height adjustable for the first time. It is the four corner screws on the pickup cover itself that make this adjustment.

Aswell as being height adjustable, the EB humbucker has four adjustable polepieces allowing relative volume adjustment for each string. The bound neck was only a feature of the slotted headstock EB3s produced between 1970 and 1971; older and newer basses did not have this feature.

This image shows the Gibson two-point tune-o-matic bass bridge (with cover), as fitted to all EB basses from 1967/8 up until 1973. Note the Gibson logo on the EB bridge mini-humbucker; a feature of 1971/early 72 basses only. All hardware was chrome-plated at this point.

1971 was also the year Gibson stopped fitting their string mute as standard.

The EB3 had a five-ply pickguard, (black-white-black-white-black) in contrast to the EBO, which had a three-ply pickguard, (black-white-black)

The EB3 has two sets of volume and two tone controls, one for each pickup, and all fitted with witch-hat knobs. The four-way varitone control (with chicken head switch) acts as a pickup selector as follows: (1) Neck pickup with tone choke (2) Bridge pickup (3) Both pickups (4) Neck pickup (unchoked). You can hear the differences in these settings here 1971 Gibson EB-3L soundclips.

The input jack is mounted on a rectangular control plate on the side of the guitar body; this was a feature of slotted headstock EB0' and EB3s only; earlier and later (pre-1970 and post 1971) EB basses had input jacks mounted on the front of the body.

Slotted headstock, model-designated single-ply truss-rod cover, side-mounted (banjo-style) Schaller M4C machine heads.

The Gibson logo is cut from a sheet of mother of pearl, but is simply glued in place; ie it is not inlaid, as is the case with earlier EB versions - see the logo of a 1969 EB3 bass ; neither is it silk-screened like later versions - compare with a 1972 EB3.

The EB3L of 1971 had a narrow neck; just 1 1/2" at the nut.

Three-piece mahogany neck and slotted headstock. Backwards facing Schaller M4C machine heads. No volute. Width at nut 1 1/2"

The serial number and 'made in USA' are typically stamped into the top of the headstock, but as this bass has been refinished, these details have been lost. Have a look at another EB3 with these features intact here 1971 Gibson EB-3.

The logo of the slotted headstock EB basses, like earlier versions, was made of mother-of-pearl, but unlike the earlier versions was not inlaid, but glued in place. This logo is quite different from those that came before - note the blocky lettering, closed 'b' and 'o' and the lack of dot on the letter i.

Close-up of the Schaller M4C machine heads used on all EBO and EB3 basses produced in the first two years of the 1970s. Note the Gibson emblazoned gear covers.

The EB3L's was first catalogue inclusion was in the 1970 Gibson bass brochure, however published shipping figures did not differentiate between long and short scale examples until 1971; see EB3 shipping stats. It was the same 34 1/2" scale of the Gibson Thunderbird, and Fender Precision and Jazz basses and was assumed to be in demand by the guitar-buying public. Sales figures (although not available for 1970) never demonstrated this fact, with short-scale (30 1/2") instruments outselling the long scale in every year they were available.

This extra scale length is partially achieved with a longer neck, but also the bridge itself is shifted backwards beyond the controls. The bridge pickup is also moved by a similar amount.

Gibson EB-3L sound clips

EB3L strung with D'Addario ECB84 Chromes, recorded directly into a Focusrite Scarlett - no amplifier.

Each clip is played finger style, often changing playing position half way though - listen out for tonal differences

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.

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 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

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

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

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

€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

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

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... 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

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co