Gibson EB-3
The Gibson EB-3 is an electric bass guitar model produced by the Gibson Guitar Corporation.
Introduced in 1961, the EB-3 (based on an earlier model, the EB-1[1])was one of the bass guitar equivalents of the popular Gibson SG. It featured a slim SG-style body, a short 30.5" scale, and two pickups (one large humbucking pickup in the neck position and one mini-humbucker pickup in the bridge position). The electronics consisted of a four-way switch and associated volume and tone knobs for each pickup. The standard finish was cherry red (like the SG guitar models), though EB-3s were also produced in other finishes such as Polaris White, Pelham Blue, and ebony.
The design of the bass guitar changed several times during the 1960s. In 1962, the black plastic cover on the neck pickup was replaced by a metal one. Around 1964/5, nickel plated hardware was replaced by chrome plated. Around 1966/7 the neck was replaced with a thinner one; the unadjustable bar bridge was replaced by a fully adjustable one with a nylon saddle for each string; the string guard was removed; a bridge guard was introduced and the knobs were replaced with the witch-hat design. In 1969 and 1970, the headstock was replaced with a slotted one (similar to those on most classical guitars), with tuning keys mounted at ninety degrees downwards behind the head. In the 1970s, the position of the pickups on the body was changed and moved closer to the bridge, and maple, instead of mahoganywas used for the neck. In addition to the Gibson EB-3, a long-scale (34") model, called the EB-3L, was introduced for players who preferred the longer 34" scale as featured on most Fender bass models). The EB-3 was discontinued in 1979, though according to Gibson the current SG Standard Bass is its "spitting image."[1]
Epiphone produces both a more affordable EB-3 similar to the original.[1][2]
[edit] Notable EB-3 players
One notable player is Jack Bruce, who switched from a Fender VI to an EB-3 before the recording of Cream's Disraeli Gears. Apparently, Bruce's bass, which he played for a decade, had a non-standard neck.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Drozdowski, Ted (12 May 2010). "The Cream of Jack Bruce: The EB-3 Legend’s Essential CDs". Gibson Guitar Corporation. http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/jack-bruce-0512/. Retrieved 24 November 2011.
- ^ "Epiphone EB-3". Epiphone.com. http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Bass/EB-3.aspx.
- ^ Roberts, Jim (2001). How the Fender bass changed the world. Hal Leonard. p. 107. ISBN 9780879306304. http://books.google.com/books?id=1m2kRBQscfoC&pg=PA107.
[edit] External links
- Gibson EB3 at Fly Guitars
