1972 Gibson EB-3L-W Bass

In the shop we have a '72 Gibson EB-3L-W bass!

The "L" stands for Long Scale, as this EB-3 has a 34.5" scale length and the “W” stands for the Walut finish.

The EB-3 line of basses from Gibson was introduced in 1961, while the Long Scaled EB-3L was later introduced in '67/68. The earlier models of the EB-3L had a slotted headstock design. This bass has the normal Gibson headstock design. The bass would have originally had a mute and bridge cover, but that is no longer with the bass. 

In fact, we believe this to be a transition period bass, as it has the 3-piece Maple Neck with volute introduced in ’72 but does not yet have the 3-point Bridge or the re-positioning of the bridge pickup closer to the bridge. Unfortunatley the back of the headstock did not get the best stamp and the 5th and 6th numbers appear faintly. From

The electronics feature the thunderous Mudbucker in the neck and a mini humbucker in the bridge to even out the heavy frequencies from the neck pickup. There is a varitone selector that switches between -1. Neck  - 2. Bridge - 3. Both - 4. Neck with a different value cap
Both pickups have their own volume and tone controls with original witchtop knobs.

Internally the wiring has been replaced along with a broken varitone switch, input jack and volume knob.

The first 2 positions on the neck are very playable, while the higher positions (9^th fret and up) are more challenging to play with less accurate intonation. An upgraded bridge would help combat most of these problems.

This bass has been played! There are plenty signs of wear over the finish of the bass. Please check photos! The only thing that may effect playability/comfort is a worn spot on the back of the neck that can be felt if sliding your thumb up the neck.

This bass is a “fretless wonder,” having short frets on its rosewood neck. These frets are in great condition for the age of the bass, with only small indentions in the first playing position. A refret is not needed, but could potentially get you a lower action with higher frets!

This bass weighs in at 10.15lbs and includes a non-original hardshell case that is suitable for shipping, but may be replaced for gigging purposes.

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