Gibson instruments in the 1970s often did not have the most intuitive of controls, especially when compared to their competitors; but this was integral to the broader tonal palettes for which they strived. Varitone equipped guitars had been part of the Gibson line since the 1950s, and the newer Norlin period guitars and basses were less intuitive still; many late seventies musicians were simply not getting the most out of their instruments! So it is no surprise that Gibson attempted to educate owners with printed material and even vinyl records.
Summary of EB3 varitone controls
The following sheet (produced by Norlin in 1978) shows Gibson's description of series 2 EB3 controls. Older series 1 controls are similar, though not identical.
See also the equivalent sheets for the Gibson Ripper, Gibson G3, Gibson RD Artist and Gibson Les Paul Signature basses.
At this point the EB3 bass was right at the end of it's production - just 184 guitars shipped in 1978, compared to a peak of 2421 in 1973 (see the EB3 shipping statistics); the guitar pictured is in the rarer white opaque finish, only available between 1976 and 79.
Gibson EB3 bass for sale
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Vintage Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar Early 1970s Made in USA All Original
Van Nuys, California, 914**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1650
A true vintage Gibson with unmistakable presence and timeless rock-and-roll appeal! This American-made EB-3 combines the iconic SG body shape, a rich brown finish, and a distinctive slotted headstock in one incredibly charismatic instrument
All parts and components are original. There are no broken parts
Its naturally aged finish displays extensive lacquer checking, scratches, chips, and wear??giving this bass the wonderful character that only decades of history can create. The warm wood... view on ebay
All parts and components are original. There are no broken parts
Its naturally aged finish displays extensive lacquer checking, scratches, chips, and wear??giving this bass the wonderful character that only decades of history can create. The warm wood... view on ebay
1974 Gibson EB 3 Bass With A Case
Ottawa, Ohio, 458**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1700
The 1974 Gibson EB 3 Bass is a professional-grade electric bass guitar designed for right-handed players. With its 4-string configuration, this classic instrument produces a rich and deep sound that is ideal for a wide range of music genres. This vintage piece also comes with a protective case, making it convenient for transport and storage. Perfect for bass players looking for a high-quality, reliable instrument with a touch of retro charm. Inventory #99... view on ebay
Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar 1970's
Flagstaff, Arizona, 860**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
Here is a beautiful bass guitar from the Gibson company! This vintage bass was made between 1970-1975 and has been kept in great condition and does its job at supplying a bassline to any group / ensemble!
As with any used instruments, there are signs of cosmetic wear throughout. There are minor scratches and tiny chips throughout the body of the instrument. However, this does not affect the playing of the instrument! The age of the current strings are unknown, but they appear to be in good ... view on ebay
As with any used instruments, there are signs of cosmetic wear throughout. There are minor scratches and tiny chips throughout the body of the instrument. However, this does not affect the playing of the instrument! The age of the current strings are unknown, but they appear to be in good ... view on ebay
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... view on ebay
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... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
1972 Gibson EB-3 Very nice
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, this bass was used in a band call Featherstitch 1970-1974 they had a couple of albums from OHIO. This Bass needs a new home. The case is old and fraying... view on ebay
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.... view on ebay
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
... view on ebay
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
... view on ebay
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... view on ebay
* 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... view on ebay
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 -------------->>>>>-------------->>>>>
... view on ebay
* 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 -------------->>>>>-------------->>>>>
... view on ebay
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 !!!... view on ebay
* 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 !!!... view on ebay
Gibson EBO modded to EB3, 1965. Player grade.
Chesterfield, S41***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2556
Vintage classic Gibson 1965 EBO that has had a historic conversion , in the early 1970s , with an added mud bucker in the bridge position making it quite a unique bass. the neck plays like butter without issues and the original tuners are solid and work great. all other hardware and pickgaurd are original except for the extra pickup ,pots and knobs for the bridge pickup, dated around the early 70s
the body and neck has some wonderful age checking to the laquer adding to its character ... view on ebay
the body and neck has some wonderful age checking to the laquer adding to its character ... view on ebay
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... view on ebay
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... view on ebay
1962 Gibson EB-3 In Cherry
Pershore, WR10***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3399
Mahogany BodyMahogany NeckRosewood Fretboard20 Frets - Refretted30 5" Scale Length12" RadiusOriginal Gibson 'Mudbucker' Neck PickupOriginal Gibson Mini Humbucker Bridge Pickup2x Volume Controls2x Tone Controls4-Position Rotary Varitone Selector With Choke CircuitTwo Point Bridge With String MuteSerial Number: 49073Weight: 7lbs 14 3ozCondition Report:
This bass is presented in very good condition for it's age with some playwear that you'd expect. There is some fading on the neck as well as ... view on ebay
This bass is presented in very good condition for it's age with some playwear that you'd expect. There is some fading on the neck as well as ... view on ebay
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.... view on ebay
Pick up Northcote, Melbourne, includes original box.... view on ebay
There are 2 comments on this article so far. Add your comment
bassman85 Comment left 2nd June 2015 02:02:00 reply
Do you have an equivalent sheet for the Victory Artist bass # what the switches do # thanks how do I get a copy
Do you have an equivalent sheet for the Victory Artist bass # what the switches do # thanks how do I get a copy
Fly Guitars Comment left 3rd June 2015 16:04:57 reply
Hi bassman85 - this series of info sheets was printed in 1978, some three years before the advent of the Victory bass series - the equivalent information appears on page 16 of the 1981 victory bass owners manual, which is reproduced here http://www.vintageguitarandbass.com/gibson/catalogues/1981_Victory_owners_16.php
Hi bassman85 - this series of info sheets was printed in 1978, some three years before the advent of the Victory bass series - the equivalent information appears on page 16 of the 1981 victory bass owners manual, which is reproduced here http://www.vintageguitarandbass.com/gibson/catalogues/1981_Victory_owners_16.php