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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'.
Neck: Three-piece bound mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
Frets: 19
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.
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.
Each clip is played finger style, often changing playing position half way though - listen out for tonal differences
Position 1 - neck pickup with tone choke typical EB humbucker muddiness. Great for dub and anything that needs a rumble rather than a bassline
vol-10, tone-10
vol-10, tone-0
Position 2 - bridge pickup the brightest setting
vol-10, tone-10
Position 3 - both pickups a wide range of sounds can be dialed in in position 3. The second clip here is one of my favourite settings - clear and mellow in equal measure
both pickups vol-10, tone-10
neck vol-10, tone-10, bridge vol-8, tone-0
Position 4 - neck pickup only good basic sound
vol-10, tone-10
Gibson EB3 bass for sale
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For your consideration, we are offering this 1974 Gibson EB 3 base. The guitar comes with a handmade hardshell case. Please consider this fine instrument for your collective base. The Guitar is in Used yet better than average condition. Guitar is fully functional and we believe it to be an original Guitar with no replacement parts. Guitar offers numerous settings to offer a variety of tone settings for the different styles of play. Thank you for your time viewing this list today and good luck to... more
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
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
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2900
Up for sale, a 1972 Gibson EB-3 in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This is an uncommon version of the EB-3 platform, only produced from 1970 to early ?72, featuring a slotted headstock Surprisingly versatile, the EB-3 delivers warm, midrange rich snarl from the mini humbucker in the bridge position, and powerful low end thump from the neck position "Mudbucker " The rotary pickup selector offers a bevy of tones at the flick of a ... more
Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3295
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
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
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
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
Santa Barbara, California, 931**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1800
Vintage 1969 Gibson EB-3Cherry Electric Bass Guitar. Jack Bruce played an EB-3. So did Glenn Cornick ofJethro Tull. Bob Daisley played an EB-3 on Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard of Ozz Also Andy Fraser of Free. Michael Davis - MC5. Norm Sundholm, bassist for TheKingsmen and co-founder of Sunn Amplifiers also played an EB-3. This is an original1969 Gibson EB-3 Bass in the classic Cherry Red finish, with serial number 603929 This EB-3 is in very good condition, showing player wear with buckle rash, ... more
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
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
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 : * 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
- 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
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 : * 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
