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.

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

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

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

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

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, 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

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!... view on ebay

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... 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

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

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

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

1970 GIBSON EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... 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

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

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

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

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co