Gibson EB-3 Cherry (1970)

This 1970 Gibson EB-3 Bass in original Cherry finish just came in from the original owner, who purchased it new on September 22, 1970! It's a wonderful transitional example of Gibson's "deluxe" EB solidbody bass, with the 30.5" scale neck, SG body shape, and dual pickup configuration.

This is an interesting EB-3 in that it's still got the solid peghead that Gibson was using for these prior to 1969. By 1970, EB-3 production had been tweaked to incorporate a slotted peghead, so it's possible that this EB-3 had come through production with a leftover pre-69 neck. All other evidences suggests 1970 production, as the solder joints are undisturbed with at least one of the pots showing a 1970 date code.

The original Cherry finish is deeper, darker, and richer as this finish seems to be towards the end of the 60s and into the 70s. It's got only the lightest signs of wear, and by vintage standards it would be considered very clean. There's one finish chip on the back of the neck up by the 11/12th fret, and a finish chip/dimple under the E string between the pickups. Both pickups operate just as they should, with a distinct combination of tones via the 4-way rotary selector switch. You move from the neck pickup with a midrange notch, to the bridge pickup, then bridge and neck with low end rolled off neck pickup, and finally neck pickup with choke. Combine that with your typical Gibson volume/tone layout and you've got got lots of tonal adjustability.

The neck is a comfortable round C profile and the frets are in great shape. The neck adjusts without issue and is set up mostly straight with just a touch of relief. The original bridge mute has long been removed but kept in the original hardshell case along with the original hangtag and a set of unused Gibson Mona strings.

Gibson produced a lot of these basses, with overall volume only second to to the EB-0. However, it's not nearly as common to find one in such great shape, completely original, and uncirculated! We're thrilled to share this one and put it back on the market for the first time since new!