Gibson EB-3 Electric Bass Cherry 1969

Built from 1961 to 1979, the dual pickup Gibson EB-3 Electric Bass was an upgrade to the single-pickup EB-0 that appeared in 1959. At the time, the Gibson EB series were very popular instruments used by top 60’s players, and they also became popular for genres like Reggae where a very full bass tone is desired.

Using a simple construction of a slab Mahogany body with a set 3-piece Mahogany neck (Maple during some of the 1970’s) and Rosewood fingerboard, the Gibson EB-3 uses the EB humbucking neck pickup, a ‘mini’ humbucker in the bridge position and individual volume and tone controls. A four position pickup selector provides access to either or both pickups, and a midrange notch or bass roll-off for the neck pickup. The fully adjustable bridge has a built in mute operated by a slider at the read end of the bridge.

The Gibson EB-3 basses were typically a short scale often listed as 30.5 inches, but we measure this one to 770mm or 3.315 inches. A ‘long’ 34 inch scale version, the EB-3L, was also offered from 1969 to 1972.

These Gibson basses are fun to play; the light weight and relatively compact size make it easy to get around, and the deep thump of the pickup fits well in a number of genres.

Here we’re looking at a Gibson EB-3 electric bass built during 1969 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with the solid peghead. This bass appears structurally original and largely complete except for the missing mute pad, the addition of tele-style control knobs, some rewiring and some screws. The tuners are original Kluson-style models.

The classic Gibson cherry tint nitrocellulose finish is in good condition, with some thumb wear to the top finish under the low string, and a few small dents on the lower back edge around the control cavity. Fret wear is light, and the bass is presently strung with flatwounds. On the pickguard, a small hole has been professionally filled, and it’s possible that a mini toggle switch was at one time installed. Interestingly, this did not require removal of any wood; the wiring channel for the neck pickup runs under the pickguard and can easily accommodate many mini-toggle switches.

This nice Gibson EB-3 electric bass plays well, and the dimensions are very comfortable. It definitely has that 60’s Gibson bass tone!

Sold with its original hard shell case.