Gibson EB-3

^# 16

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$389.00 to $2,250.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (27)

6 Reviews

All time low price

Find out who is using Gibson EB-3

4 community setups

46 wishlisted

85 saved

Page last updated Jun 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 1, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (9)

$2,250.00 10 available Used

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4.3 (85)

$392.00 $389.00 $3.00 · All time low

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£359.00

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Average Price: $1,321

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Gibson EB-3 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson EB-3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Gibson EB-3 Bass, an iconic piece of musical history now available for your personal collection. This classic instrument, released in 1961 and produced through 1979, features a striking double-cutaway solid body, reminiscent of the legendary SG design. What sets this model apart is its dual humbuckers housed on a solid mahogany body, an upgrade from the EB-0, enhancing its desirability among collectors and musicians alike. The EB-3 is not just a beautiful instrument, but a tool of expression, offering a distinctive 4-position rotary tone switch, allowing for an array of tonal possibilities. Played by renowned musicians like Jack Bruce, Felix Pappalardi, and Bill Wyman, the Gibson EB-3 Bass continues to resonate with bassists of diverse musical backgrounds.

Key Features:

Solid mahogany body
Double-cutaway design
Dual humbuckers
4-position rotary tone switch

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	EB-3
Finish	Cherry, Pelham Blue
Year	1961 - 1968
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups	Passive Pickups
Active Preamp	No Preamp
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Blue, Red
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	4-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

Is the Gibson EB-3 suitable for playing rock music?: Yes, the Gibson EB-3 is well-suited for rock music due to its powerful "Mudbucker" neck pickup and mini-humbucker bridge pickup, providing a wide range of deep, punchy tones ideal for rock genres.
What is the scale length of the Gibson EB-3?: The Gibson EB-3 features a short scale length, which is typically around 30.5 inches. This contributes to its distinct tonal characteristics and makes it easier to play for those with smaller hands.
What type of wood is used in the construction of the Gibson EB-3?: The Gibson EB-3 is constructed with a mahogany body and neck, paired with a rosewood fretboard. This combination of woods contributes to its warm, resonant sound.
Does the Gibson EB-3 have active or passive pickups?: The Gibson EB-3 is equipped with passive pickups, which deliver a classic, vintage bass tone without the need for a battery-powered preamp.
How many frets does the Gibson EB-3 have?: The Gibson EB-3 features 20 frets, which allows for a comfortable range of playability across its short-scale neck.

Videos

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The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Thump of the Mudbucker! | 1967 Gibson EB-3 Electric SG Bass Faded Cherry | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

1972 Gibson EB3 Bass Demo

Serenity Marie-Starr

1972 Gibson EB-3 Bass Walnut | Guitar of the Day - Greg Coates

Normans Rare Guitars

Gibson EB 3 bass 1972

tab4ssK

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

User experience

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The EB-3 is often described as having significant neck dive, especially in the long-scale versions, making it uncomfortable for some players over extended use.
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Some owners report that their EB-0 bass remains in tune and is suitable for practice, contrasting with others who find tuning stability lacking.
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Owners of lawsuit era copies often cherish them for sentimental reasons, indicating a strong personal attachment despite their perceived lower market value.
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Features and functionality

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The neck pickup is often too loud and bassy, lacking clarity, while the bridge pickup is thin and trebly, leading to imbalanced sound.
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Comparisons

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The Epiphone EB-3L is likened to the Fender-scale bass, not the original short-scale Gibson EB-3, affecting tone and playability.
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The Gibson SG Bass might be a better option than the Epiphone EB-3, offering improved bridge design and sound quality.
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Mods and upgrades

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A DiMarzio Model One pickup is recommended for those seeking more versatility and improved tone in an EB-3 styled bass.
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It's recommended to install Gotoh Resolites and a better bridge for improved performance on modern EB-3 models.
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Use cases and applications

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The EB-3 excels at producing the classic Jack Bruce tone but is limited in versatility for other styles and sounds.
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Despite neck dive, a vintage 1971 EB-3 has been successfully used in rock and hip hop genres for touring and recording.
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Build quality

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Vintage EB-3s with slotted headstocks and small tuners tend to have less neck dive compared to modern versions.
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Some lawsuit EB-3 copies feature bolt-on necks, which might indicate a non-original part or repair, as authentic models typically have set necks.
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Value and pricing

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Early 70s EB-3 prices fluctuate significantly, ranging from £1000 to £2500, influenced by the 'vintage Gibson' appeal.
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Lawsuit era EB-3 copies are often priced too high at $950, with many suggesting a fair price closer to $400-$500.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 27 Ratings

5 star

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skylinerr

5340

almost 7 years ago

Number 1

This is my secret weapon a bass i have had 30 years 1970 Gibson EB-3 I string it with light flats from la bella and the short scale makes them amazingly easy to play it has a fat fuzzy sound with both those pickups too

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal

blondguru

2065

7 years ago almost 7 years ago

I have a '68 and these things are workhorses! I threw some flats on there as well, the lighter Ernie Group III set, and it sings now- after years of sitting in its case in a corner at my grandpa's house.

Does yours have the thumb rest, or is it open like the one pictured? I've always preferred the big block rest over one of the small Fender finger rests.

skylinerr

5340

7 years ago almost 7 years ago

Mine has the rest yes the one pictured is an epiphone, It has great playability being short scale ive had mine 30 years and it is beautiful

peasinafookinpod420

2423

over 6 years ago

Great Bass

my go to if we decide that I play bass for a song in the studio. I have 1 in cherry and another in ebony satin. great basses and will recommend this bass and the epiphone version.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Drummer

Genres:

Grunge Noise rock Sleaze rock