Gibson EB-3 technical reference information

The linked pages give further detail of controls, circuitry and components of Gibson EB3 bass guitars circa 1961-79.

Gibson EB-3 controls

EB3 controls (1978) - What the varitone and four pots actually do. This sheet, produced by Gibson in the late 1970s, describes the operation of an EB3 with series 2 circuitry (see below). The varitone switch is wired back to front from 1960s and early 1970s versions (series 1) of this bass.

Gibson EB-3 part lists

EB3 parts list (1965, 1971, 1977, 1981) - Components (electrical and hardware) used in the manufacture of the EB3 bass guitars - listed with part numbers.

EB-3 circuitry

Series 1 - 1961-1971

Series 1 looms are characterised by the large rectangular metal tone choke, part GA-90C-1.

Gibson EB3 circuit schematics series 1 - Wiring diagram appropriate to earlier EB3 basses (1961-1971).
Circuit images 1 - A look at the earlier (wide-spaced) wiring loom fitted to all EB3 basses circa 1961-65.
Circuit images 2 - A look at the mid period (narrow-spaced, with input jack on the body front) wiring loom in a late 1960s EB3 - relevant to non-slotted-headstock basses produced between 1965 and 1969.
Circuit images 3 - This loom is very similar to the loom above, though with a side mounted jack - as seen on all slotted headstock EB3 basses, circa 1969-71.

Series 2 - 1972-1970

Series 1 looms are characterised by the smaller cylindrical black cloth-wound choke.

Gibson EB3 circuit schematics series 2 - Wiring diagram appropriate to later period EB3s (1972-1979).
Circuit images 4 - The 1972-79 EB3 loom again had a front-mounted input jack, but the smaller tone choke, also used in the Gibson Ripper.

The EB3 was listed as using the following potentiometers - whilst broadly correct, in some cases alternatives may have been fitted.

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.

"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition

Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3795

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

1974 Gibson EB-3 Bass Cherry Red ~ All Original ~ USA +OHSC 1970s

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1997

Up for sale is an original 1974 Gibson EB-3 Bass in the classic Cherry Red finish, with serial number 123754. This is a true vintage USA Gibson bass, loaded with its original electronics, hardware, and pickups ?? everything remains as it left the factory
This EB-3 is in very good condition, showing player wear with buckle rash, dents, and scratches as expected from a well-loved vintage bass. The neck is straight, action is comfortable, and it delivers the fat, thumping low end that these ... 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 Slotted Headstock Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Walnut w / Case

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

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

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

Gibson Electric Bass EB-3 Slotted Headstock 1968-1972? ~ Excellent Cond!

Jacksonville Beach, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This is a vintage Gibson Bass EB-3 from the late 1960's, early 70's I believe. (I have little knowledge in vintage guitars) I took it a Guitar Center and they spent over an hour inspecting it and playing it. They informed me it was in excellent working condition and everything seemed to be functional. They also told me that it all appeared to be original but it may have been refinished. They said if it was refinished, that it was a very professional and well done job. If you have any ... more

1965 Gibson EB-3 - 100% Original - Straight Neck - Low Action - Great Player!

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

For your consideration is this 1965 Gibson EB-3 in a Transparent Cherry finish. Overall the guitar is in very good shape with only light to moderate play wear. 100% Original! The original pickups deliver excellent sound across all playing styles, truly capturing the iconic tones of your favorite players. Playability is excellent with low action & no fret wear. Mute is in case. Straight neck, low action, moved thumb rest (much more usable)
Comes with the original case and candy as shown. ... more

Vintage Early 70's Gibson EB3 Electric Bass Guitar

Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2600

American Music presents this beautiful early 70's Gibson Electric Bass Guitar!
This Bass only shows cosmetic wear due to time and being played on. Bass sounds incredible and could use a good home. Bass is stock and fully original including the finish, and no modification's
Every used instrument we have has been play tested
Make sure to contact us with any further questions!
... more

Gibson EB3L Bass Guitar- 1968 / 72 LONG SCALE SLOTTED HEADSTOCK WITH Case

Hagerstown, Maryland, 217**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

THIS AUCTION IS FOR : VINTAGE GIBSON EB-3L BASS GUITAR 1968 / 72 WITH HARD CASE,
CHERRY FINISH, CHROME METAL TRIM, BLACK PICK GUARD.
LONG SCALE WITH SLOTTED HEADSTOCK, # 914058 ENGRAVED ON HEADSTOCK.
NOT THE ORIGINAL CASE, IT WAS BOUGHT IN 1992. PAPERWORK INSIDE CASE.
BASS HAS NICE GLOSS CHERRY FINISH, COUPLE OF MARKS, NOTHING MAJOR. VIEW PICS.
COMES WITH STRAP, 2 CORDS, MASTER KEY CHROMATIC PITCH INSTRUMENT, EXTRA PLUG JACK, KEY FOR THE CASE
ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK, ... more

1972 Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass Walnut Finish SG Vintage Gig Bag

Astoria, Oregon, 971**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1995

In great to near excellent condition. Has kill switch, two tone knobs, two volume knobs and pick up selector. With really cool vintage gig bag. From Fly Guitars site: When the EB3 was redesigned for 1972, Gibson were careful to make a less fragile bass. Some of the 1960s EB basses cracked easily when dropped, or knocked about a bit. The easily-broken mahogany neck had been replaced with a thicker three-piece maple one. It was given a thicker body, and a bigger headstock. It had a volute for neck... more

Gibson Vintage EB-3 Bass with slotted Headstock 1969-1972

Smithtown, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

This item for sale is a Vintage Gibson EB-3 1969-1971 Bass Guitar. You can see from the pictures there are cosmetic imperfections on this bass. It is playable and Reverb in their description would describe this bass as good. However I am more comfortable with saying it is Fair to Good. That being said, an original hardshell case is included with the instrument. I am kind of low balling the asking price because of cosmetics, missing truss rod plastic cover, and missing bridge cover. However it is... more

Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar 1967

Horncastle, LN9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2950

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

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

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

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... 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

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

Gibson EB-0 - EB-3 Bass Slotted Headstock 1971 Immense Sound!

Salford, M6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1894

So somewhere along the way a previous owner decided they wanted two pickups on their EB-0 and it??s all the better for it!

Not quite sure what the extra pickup is but it sounds monstrous and a really useful contrast with the factory pickup especially with a standard three way switch. The conversion has been done very nicely

Obviously been played but plays very nicely with recent set up, strings and electrics checked

I really like the slotted headstock which is... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co