Epiphone EB-3 SG

^# 61

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$385.00 to $449.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (54)

8 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Epiphone EB-3 SG

11 community setups

12 wishlisted

100 saved

Page last updated Jun 20, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (24)

$449.00

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4.0 (45)

$449.00

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4.0 (22)

$397.71 24 available New

$175.00 14 available Used

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4.0 (169)

$449.00

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5.0 (24)

$449.00

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4.3 (85)

$389.00 $385.00 $4.00 · All time low

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£359.00

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Average Price: $400

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Epiphone EB-3 SG is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Epiphone EB-3 SG". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Crafted for the musicians who value both style and sound, the Epiphone EB-3 SG Bass is more than just an instrument - it's a piece of music history. Inspired by the iconic bass that shaped the sound of rock, this modern SG Bass retains the same distinctive tone and feel of the original without the vintage price tag.

From the mahogany body and neck, which provide a wonderfully warm bass response and exceptional sustain, to the Sidewinder(also known as "Mudbucker") humbucking pickup in the neck position and an NYT Bass mini-humbucker at the bridge, the EB-3 SG Bass is designed to recreate the iconic sound of the original SG basses from the '60s. The EB-3 SG Bass sports a longer scale than a standard bass for added tonal depth and fuller low end, providing tighter, focused lows and a piano-like quality to the midrange.

This bass isn't just about sound, though. With its adjustable bridge with saddles for precise intonation, vintage-style tuners, and a pickguard with the classic "Epiphone" and "EB-3" logos, the EB-3 SG Bass is also a feast for the eyes. This instrument is a testament to Epiphone's commitment to quality, offering a powerful blend of classic design, modern craftsmanship, and extraordinary sound.

Key Features:

Mahogany body and neck for warm bass response and exceptional sustain
Sidewinder humbucking pickup and NYT Bass mini-humbucker at the bridge for a variety of tonal options
Longer 34" scale length for tonal depth and fuller low end
Adjustable bridge with saddles for precise intonation
Vintage-style tuners and pickguard with "Epiphone" and "EB-3" logos for a classic look

Product specs

Number of Strings	4
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Shape	SG
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Shape	SG
Radius	12"
Fingerboard Inlay	Pearloid Trapezoids
Number of Frets	22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length	34"
Nut Width	1.650"
Nut Material	Graph Tech NuBone
Bridge/Tailpiece	Stoptail
Tuners	Chrome with Clover buttons
Neck Pickup	Sidewinder Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	NYT Bass Mini Humbucker
Controls	2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching	3-way rotary pickup switch
Strings	.045-.105
Case/Gig Bag	Sold Separately

FAQs

Is the Epiphone EB-3 SG a short-scale or long-scale bass?: The Epiphone EB-3 SG features a long-scale 34-inch neck, which provides a fuller development of low frequencies and enhanced sustain, making it ideal for classic bass tones.
What type of pickups does the Epiphone EB-3 SG have?: The Epiphone EB-3 SG is equipped with a Sidewinder Humbucker in the neck position and an NYT Bass Mini Humbucker in the bridge position, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.
What is the neck profile of the Epiphone EB-3 SG?: The Epiphone EB-3 SG has an SG-shaped neck profile, designed to be comfortable for players, with a nut width of 1.65 inches and a 12-inch radius for easy playability.
How many frets does the Epiphone EB-3 SG have?: The Epiphone EB-3 SG features 22 medium jumbo frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead bass playing.
Does the Epiphone EB-3 SG include a case or gig bag?: No, the Epiphone EB-3 SG does not come with a case or gig bag; these need to be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport.

Videos

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Andertons Music Co

All About The Bass - Epiphone SG Basses EB-0 & EB-3

Andertons Music Co

Epiphone EB-3 [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Epiphone EB-3 | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Epiphone EB3 - This Bass Changed My Mind

Cici Von Strangelove

Epiphone EB-3 Bass | DOES IT FUNK?

Danny Sapko

Epiphone EB-3 - What Does it Sound Like?

Deadbeat Studios

Epiphone EB3 Electric Bass

SUYGtv

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent tonal quality suitable for metal and blues
Great attention to detail and craftsmanship
Offers a true vintage 60's sound
Highly versatile with a wide spectrum of sound options
Ergonomic neck design for easy playability
Impressive sustain and tonal depth
Beautiful finish with aesthetically pleasing design
Exceptional value for money, comparable to more expensive models
Ready to play right out of the box
Robust and reliable build quality

CONS

Neck-heavy, potentially uncomfortable for long sessions
Bridge pickup lacks the power of the neck pickup
Requires setup adjustments for optimal playability
Some reports of minor quality control issues
Heavier than some players might prefer

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone EB-3 SG.

Build quality

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Issues with wood weight, truss rods, and neck joints noted; prone to neck warping and fret sprout.
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The EB-3’s pickups are described as cheap-sounding, with the neck pickup being overly bassy and lacking clarity, while the bridge pickup is thin and quiet.
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User experience

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Glossy neck often described as sticky, impacting playability.
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Owners report that the EB-3 is cumbersome, with a small body and long neck that exacerbate neck dive, making it uncomfortable for prolonged play.
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Some owners find the neck dive of the EB-3 manageable by using techniques like pushing down on the neck pickup, though it limits playing style.
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Features and functionality

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Short scale and unique pickup configuration create a very particular tone, not versatile for most styles.
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The Epiphone EB-3 is noted for its thick, wooly tone due to pickup placement, but lacks versatility beyond the signature Jack Bruce sound.
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Comparisons

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Squier P or J basses, Yamaha TRBX174, and Ibanez models suggested as better alternatives with more flexibility and fewer ergonomic issues.
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The Epiphone EB-3 has a similar scale to the Gibson EB3L, but features different pickups and Varitone layout, affecting its tonal versatility.
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A vintage 1971 EB-3 with a slotted headstock and small tuners reportedly has less neck dive compared to modern versions, enhancing playability.
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Value and pricing

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Considered overpriced given its problems with ergonomics and sound quality; better value found in other brands.
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Vintage Gibson EB-3s show wide price variations, with some selling as low as $800 with repairs, indicating fluctuating market values.
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Mods and upgrades

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Installing a DiMarzio Model One pickup can enhance the versatility of the EB-3, offering a more rounded tone compared to the stock pickups.
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Suggestions include Gotoh Resolites and a better bridge to improve balance and playability on modern EB-3s, though these modifications may not justify the cost.
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Use cases and applications

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Despite its limitations, one owner successfully used a 1971 EB-3 for a wide range of genres, highlighting its potential versatility in skilled hands.
Source

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 54 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

alm

273

about 2 months ago

Don't listen to the forums!

I bought this to compensate my pretty one sided bass sound (two precision basses) and as soon as i had this instrument in my hands and heard it's sound I immediately disregarded all the blasphemy thrown its way by the wonderfull people of the bass forums. The neck humbucker sounds absolutely enormous and the minibucker compensates the lack of high end although you do have to raise its volume for optimal sound. It sits right in the mix with little to no eq. I personally love to turn the tone all the way down and solo out the mudbucker for smooth bluesy sounds, but it also sounds great with overdrive, fuzz, distortion and any modulation I threw at it. The one gripe i have with this bass is the ergonomics. You do need to wear a wider strap to prevent the neck dive and even then it would be clever to keep a hand on the body just in case. However, you quickly get used to this problem with extended use. You could probably add a counter-weight on the body or something if this really bothers you. But aside from that my experiences have only been good.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Tone down with mudbucker turned up for smooth bluesiness. Tone up with mini turned up for heavier clanky sounds

Roles:

Singer Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Progressive rock Post-rock Math rock

From Gear Setup

abyazwal

over 2 years ago

"Very fantastic bass i use this bass everytime i feel like playing a classic song"

Very good job with this bass This bass i think is the remodel of the original gibson eb 3 which is discontinued this bass has a 21 fret radius and good wood to keep tone better

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Jazz

jim_dragons

over 10 years ago

Awesome Sound

This bass offers you a wide range of tones that sound big, muddy and meaty. Its perfect for someone like me who want deep low end Fuzz that can sound like a guitar and bass at the same time. I rated 4/5 stars because its a really heavy bass and you cant hold it more than 1:30 hours standing up. All in all great bass Awesome sound

cbfintheflesh18

277

over 6 years ago

great bass

I use this throughout One Ton Honey Jar and Children of The Mud (My other Band). Mine is black, and I call it "The Jack Bruce" because jack bruce used one. Highly recommend.