Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,710
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
A favored bass of the 60's and 70's, the Gibson EB line modeled after the famed SG would be seen on many stages by the likes of many from Jack Bruce to Kim Gordon.
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | EB-3 |
| Finish | Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Polaris White, Walnut |
| Year | 1972 - 1979 |
| 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 | Black, Brown, Natural, Red, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson EB-3 bass?
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The Gibson EB-3 features a short scale neck with a comfortable, slim profile that is easy to play, making it ideal for musicians who prefer faster, more agile finger movements.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson EB-3?
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The EB-3 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering a rich, warm tone with a pronounced low-end, suitable for rock, blues, and jazz genres.
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Is the Gibson EB-3 suitable for beginners or advanced players?
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The Gibson EB-3 is versatile and user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginners looking for a quality instrument and advanced players seeking a classic bass with distinctive tonal characteristics.
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How does the body material of the Gibson EB-3 affect its sound?
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The mahogany body of the Gibson EB-3 contributes to its warm, resonant tone, enhancing the bass frequencies and providing a smooth, full-bodied sound.
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What finish options are available for the Gibson EB-3?
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The Gibson EB-3 is available in several finish options, including Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Polaris White, and Walnut, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal.
Videos
Online Bass Player - Dan Hawkins
Fuzz Bass Guitar Tone - 1973 Gibson EB3
Fuzz Bass Guitar Tone - 1973 Gibson EB3
Online Bass Player - Dan Hawkins
Reviews
PROS
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Unique mudbucker pickup delivers earth-shaking bass tones
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Short scale and narrow neck enhance playability and speed
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Affordable vintage option compared to other 60s instruments
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Versatile sound, capable of covering a wide tonal range
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Durable construction with a sturdy 3-piece maple neck
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Suitable for emulating iconic tones of Jack Bruce and Andy Frasier
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Responds well to flatwound and black-nylon tapewound strings
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Offers a distinctive, vintage bass experience not found in modern instruments
CONS
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Original 3-point bridge design has significant intonation issues
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Saddles can fall out easily during string replacement
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson EB-3 (1972 - 1979).
Features and functionality
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The EB-3 from 1972 onwards has a less muddy sound due to Bill Lawrence's redesign, enhancing clarity compared to earlier models.
Source -
The EB-4L offers interesting sound dynamics when using its blade switch, noted to be quieter compared to the EB-3.
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The EB-3 from the early '70s had a middle-position mudbucker, providing a distinctly muddier tone compared to those with pickups placed closer to the neck.
Source
User experience
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Owners describe the EB-3 as having a "booming" sound that remains clear, distinguishing it from its predecessors.
Source
Comparisons
Mods and upgrades
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Some owners suggest adding a thumb rest, like those on old P-basses, for comfort without altering the bass's sound.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
699
Classic Great Bass
So much has been written about this bass that I probably can’t add much. What distinguishes it the most are: 1. the ‘mudbucker’ pickup, which gives off bass that shakes the earth; 2. The short scale and an incredibly narrow neck make this so easy to play, you can fly. I also put LaBella flatwound lights on it and it plays like a dream. One other thing - this is one of the few instruments from the 60’s, when they really built them well, that a musician can still afford. Any other kind of guitar from that period costs a fortune. It’s a bargain; especially if you’re looking for a player’s guitar rather than a pristine ‘collector’ guitar.
Artist usage
Add artist
Josh Home played on 70’s Gibson EB-3 bass during Iggy Pop "Post Pop Depression" Tour. Josh can be seen using it on this clip at 2:00 mark: https://youtu.be/ufT_NO-9CQU?t=121
In this video you can see Matt Sweeney using Gibson 70’s EB-3 Bass during the Iggy Pop Post-pop tour
In this video you can see Allen woody playing mr big bass solo on an 70s Gibson EB-3 bass
andy wood is shown in this photo using a Gibson EB-3 (likely 1972–1979 model), identifiable by the humbucker in the middle position and another humbucker at the bridge.
In the image provided, Daniel Kim is depicted playing a Gibson EB-3 bass from the 1972-1979 production period. This particular model is distinct due to the placement of the neck Mudbucker pickup further from the edge of the fretboard and sometimes having the pickup cover installed at the bridge. While it is unclear if Daniel Kim owned this bass or if it was borrowed for the performance, the image confirms his use of the instrument during a live performance.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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