The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: uwe on July 29, 2009, 07:09:22 AM

Title: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on July 29, 2009, 07:09:22 AM: Not often do you see post 1972-74 seventies EBs:

This one is real late (1978), white and rare, but steeply priced:

(http://i.ebayimg.com/23/!B((,0Y!!2k~$(KGrHgoH-CgEjlLl1Ej9BKb4lCUT(w~~_3.JPG)

http://cgi.ebay.com/1978-GIBSON-EB-3-BASS-w-ORIGINAL-CASE-RARE-WHITE-EB3_W0QQitemZ290335012522QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item439950b6aa&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Pricewise, this is more like it, a 1976 model, with an attractive BIN:

(http://i.ebayimg.com/12/!BW0!YpgBmk~$(KGrHgoH-D4EjlLle-etBKZLtnG4cg~~_3.JPG)

http://cgi.ebay.com/1976-GIBSON-EB-3-SG-LES-PAUL-BASS-GUITAR-EBO-EB-3L-EB3_W0QQitemZ330347939177QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item4cea458569&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Anybody here that would like to pull the trigger on the cherry one? You'd relieve me of temptation.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Dave W on July 29, 2009, 07:15:09 AM: $2800 is just plain crazy.

The cherry one is at least within reason but I wouldn't even pay that much for a late EB-3.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Basvarken on July 29, 2009, 07:19:22 AM: Saw those too. Both of them beautiful!

Speaking of EB-3s.
In the 27 years that Gibson made them there were many different versions.
(Headstock shapes, mudbucker position, shape of the horns, controls layout etc.)

Which ones would be most desirable?
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on July 29, 2009, 07:19:34 AM: Other than that they are older, I don't quite see the rage over sixties EB-3s and the scorn for seventies ones. The seventies ones have real advantages such as a sturdier construction, better balance, greater clarity due to changed pups and that maple neck and a varitone set-up with usable sounds (and no hilarious volume differences). Only if you are a mahogany purist is a sixties model the preferable must-have.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Dave W on July 29, 2009, 07:23:34 AM: You know it's not just the mahogany. They just don't look right with the lack of body beveling and the changed pickup location. And for better or worse, they don't sound the same.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on July 29, 2009, 07:26:41 AM: Quote from: Basvarken on July 29, 2009, 07:19:22 AM
Saw those too. Both of them beautiful!

Speaking of EB-3s.
In the 27 years that Gibson made them there were many different versions.
(Headstock shapes, mudbucker position, shape of the horns, controls layout etc.)

Which ones would be most desirable?

early sixties to 1967: classic Jack Bruce tone and look

late sixties/slothead: mudbuckermoooomphmania beckons

early seventies: mudbucker moves to middle position, maple neck introduced, body thicker, models prevalent on ebay, but not popular with collectors

73/74 to end of the line 1978: three post bridge and somewhere in that time span the mudbucker seems to have been revisited for greater clarity as well. I've never heard a late EB-3 so I cannot say whether it sounds different to its early seventies maple neck & muddie in the middle siblings or not.

I know that together with I think Scott I'm pretty much a hopeless minority here in waving the seventies flag for EB-3s.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: patman on July 29, 2009, 07:28:03 AM: There's an Epi ELITE eb3 at Bass Northwest...but they're asking $900 for it...seems way too high to me.

I remember having played ones in the early seventies that woofed too much for me...I actually heard a later one in Black Oak Arkansas back in the late seventies, and I remember being amazed at it's clarity...I didn't expect to like them when I saw them, but they were actually pretty good, and the EB3 sounded killer.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: ramone57 on July 29, 2009, 07:30:35 AM: I love my '72 but I don't have anything earlier to compare it to

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/rsteiner/eb-3-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on July 29, 2009, 07:30:38 AM: Quote from: Dave W on July 29, 2009, 07:23:34 AM
You know it's not just the mahogany. They just don't look right with the lack of body beveling and the changed pickup location. And for better or worse, they don't sound the same.

May I interject that they look and feel more "manly" to me than the guitarish sixties models, that the phatter body sits better when playing and that the change in pup location made real sense? They were/are still bassy enough, but you hear a couple of other frequencies too. Try getting that Radar Love sound with a sixties EB-3!
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Dave W on July 29, 2009, 07:36:27 AM: You can interject all you want, it's not going to convince collectors. Besides you, I mean. ;D
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: ramone57 on July 29, 2009, 07:41:22 AM: obtaining mud has never been a problem but with the tone set at 4 or 5, the note definition is vastly improved. although to the uninitiated, any mudbucker is guilty as charged.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Barklessdog on July 29, 2009, 10:14:34 AM: They just dont look as cool. Maybe they are better ergonamically, but I want my mudbucker EXTRA muddy, why bother getting one that tames it?

Just get a different bass.

You buy a mudbucker to play in the mud, period.

Next you will tell me you eat fat free Ice Cream or drink decaf coffee or alcohol free beer?

Very cool
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/b216_3.JPG.jpg)

Not so much-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/afterface-small.jpg)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Barklessdog on July 29, 2009, 10:16:30 AM: Quote from: Basvarken on July 29, 2009, 07:19:22 AM
Saw those too. Both of them beautiful!

Speaking of EB-3s.
In the 27 years that Gibson made them there were many different versions.
(Headstock shapes, mudbucker position, shape of the horns, controls layout etc.)

Which ones would be most desirable?

It has to be very early 60's ones with black plastic/ plastic covered mudbuckers. They are the rarest (aside from the Fuzzbuster)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on July 29, 2009, 10:32:48 AM: You all are and always will be a bunch of hopeless reactionaries. I feel like preaching gun control at an NRA Convention!

And to add injury to insult: I like that South Park or whatever it is string-thru greeny-whitey EB-3! :P

Provoke me further and I'm gonna BIN that sucker!
:mrgreen: ;D
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Basvarken on July 29, 2009, 10:35:52 AM: Quote from: Barklessdog on July 29, 2009, 10:14:34 AM

Next you will tell me you drink alcohol free beer?

I do, sometimes. When I need to drive back home.
I can't stand to drink cola all night. Alcohol free beer tastes better than any soda pop.
The only problem is that it is not pilsner. ;)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Barklessdog on July 29, 2009, 10:55:25 AM: Quote from: uwe on July 29, 2009, 10:32:48 AM
You all are and always will be a bunch of hopeless reactionaries. I feel like preaching gun control at an NRA Convention!

And to add injury to insult: I like that South Park or whatever it is string-thru greeny-whitey EB-3! :P

Provoke me further and I'm gonna BIN that sucker!
:mrgreen: ;D

I think it has nothing to do with reactions but if you want to get an vintage EB-3 today, do you want a homoginized version or the real deal?

If you want a compromise, why not get a SG reissue?

If I were to get one now and wanted a real deal, but affordable, I would get a slot head over a late 70's one anyday.

Just my opinion.

If you ever come to Chicago I can take you out for some "light beer"!
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on July 29, 2009, 11:04:23 AM: But I have a slothead EB-3 and three SG-RIs already!!! Plus assorted similar basses ...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/DCP_0911.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/DCP_0910.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/DCP_0908.jpg)

Always wanted a late EB-3 ..., maple neck, more transparent varitone options, three point bridge, yummy!
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: gweimer on July 29, 2009, 11:31:17 AM: Like that green Newport!

Here's another slightly modded EB

(http://graphics.ink19.com/issues/may2004/dunawayFrogBass.jpeg)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: gweimer on July 29, 2009, 11:33:35 AM: Quote from: gweimer on July 29, 2009, 11:31:17 AM
Like that green Newport!

Here's another slightly modded EB-3

(http://graphics.ink19.com/issues/may2004/dunawayFrogBass.jpeg)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Barklessdog on July 29, 2009, 11:38:49 AM: Quote from: uwe on July 29, 2009, 11:04:23 AM
But I have a slothead EB-3 and three SG-RIs already!!! Plus assorted similar basses ...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/DCP_0911.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/DCP_0910.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/DCP_0908.jpg)

Always wanted a late EB-3 ..., maple neck, more transparent varitone options, three point bridge, yummy!

You might as well pick up the red one then.

Amazing shots and the basses look brand new. Who has to dust all of them?
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on July 29, 2009, 11:57:48 AM: Mark, in his French maid costume. :rimshot:
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: eb2 on July 29, 2009, 12:30:46 PM: I am of two minds on these. Thinking of them as a late EB-3, they are horrendous. I hate the spring loaded mid position mudbucker with testosterone drop, the mutant body contour and shape, the weeny pickguard, and the zenith of ish - the three point: all bad times. Now, if I think of them as a different thing entirely, say an EB-3.75, then I like them for what they are. They are not a refinement of the original EB-3, but they are wandering of thought from the center. I like them almost as much as an EB-4, or those goofballs with control plates and black pups. But the other problem for me is that for most of my bass-hoarding life span the venerable pre-slothead EB-3 was a $300 or less bass - mostly less. A 70s example, even in rare white, was no more a "can't give it away" Gibson bass, but far less desireable. At the same period that was being peddled new, a really fun new thing like a Sting Ray bass was more hip to me and most people. A more Fender-like Ripper or Grabber was in the same cheap used ballpark, and a 50s EB-1 or EB-2 was less, so why bother? Now, these things may be going for a couple of thousand now, and that may seem cheap compared to other things, but I just don't pay or play that way, so the stigma remains. In the Gibson bass world, for me, 70s EB-3s are like fat girls and AMC Pacers - fun but you wouldn't want any of your friends to see you riding one.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Rhythm N. Bliss on July 29, 2009, 12:48:39 PM: If you wanna feel ok about buyin' that lovely aged white EB3 just pretend you're a lefty cuz that's what leftys usually go for. :rolleyes:

You rightys are lucky mofos! that '76 for 1k is a beaut.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Barklessdog on July 29, 2009, 01:13:27 PM: Quote
70s EB-3s are like fat girls and AMC Pacers - fun but you wouldn't want any of your friends to see you riding one.

Now you're going to offend Hornesse. He think he still owns a AMC Hornet?

I saw a GM dealer with an old AMC Eagle in a dumpster for their new cash for clunkers sale.

Quote
but they are wandering of thought from the center.

Ironically close as possible to center.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: ramone57 on July 29, 2009, 01:32:31 PM: if I think of them as a different thing entirely, say an EB-3.75, then I like them for what they are

I agree, I like mine for what it is and it's served me well. I bought it used from a friend in '76 or '77 and it was much better sounding than the ripper it replaced. at the time I was 17 and never even considered the differences between a 60's & 70's EB-3, so for me it was just a better sounding bass and I loved the short scale. I liked it for what it was and bought it. mostly I played rock and I was always able to get it to sound good in the mix, which made me happy. 8)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Barklessdog on July 29, 2009, 01:36:00 PM: You really do need to BIN it to give it a fair review.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Dave W on July 29, 2009, 02:35:43 PM: Quote from: eb2 on July 29, 2009, 12:30:46 PM
... and the zenith of ish - the three point:

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Dave W on July 29, 2009, 02:36:47 PM: Quote from: Barklessdog on July 29, 2009, 01:13:27 PM
Now you're going to offend Hornesse. He think he still owns a AMC Hornet?

I think you're more likely to offend Hornisse by comparing a Pacer to a Hornet. ;)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: clankenstein on July 29, 2009, 02:58:45 PM: i prefer the looks of the 60s eb3s and im sure they are fun to play however for me having a long scale with the mudbucker where it is on my modified 1972 eb4l(1966 eb3 mudbucker), i think that this gives the tone more focus -although to me it looks 'wrong'- and the maple neck imparts some attack for sure.i guess the closest model to my franken4ter would be a late model eb3l.love to try one of those.though its probably not going to be a 1979 eb3l because it seems they only made 5 .i even prefer the 3 point bridge for its feel and sound over the 2 point tiltomatic that was on there.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: barend on July 29, 2009, 03:42:44 PM: You have to buy that cherry one, because I want some sound samples of a late 70's EB3.

I like the looks of the 60's ones better. But I think the placement of the neck pickup is much better on the 70's ones. I had a '68 EB3 and it sounded just too muddy for my taste and therefore a I only used the bridge pickup. The bridge pickup sounded really good and very usable clear sound with still enough bass in it. (Bruce, Fraser type of tone).
You can check it on: http://www.myspace.com/troublemgnet

The first song is the EB3, the second is played on a G3.

The bridge pickup of the '68 EB3 sounded much better than the bridge pickup of the SG RI I once had.

I wander how the bridge pickup sounds on a late '70s EB3. And also how the neck pickup sounds.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Hornisse on July 29, 2009, 04:59:01 PM: No offense taken! :mrgreen: My late Father-In-Law used to say AMC stood for "A Mechanic's Crisis" which is somewhat true. I'm constantly working on mine and finding parts for it is pretty tough.

I was going to say I really like the mid to late 70's EB-3L basses. There was one at a pawn shop forever back in the late 80's early 90's here in Austin for $200 and I did not get it. The long scale makes the tone a bit different for sure. I think that one had the 2 point bridge but I'm pretty sure they made them with 3 points as well Buy that bass Uwe!
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: copacetic on July 30, 2009, 12:09:55 AM: I'm with Uwe all the way just about on this except that the 60's EB-O &3's did have the correct body contours and slim styling. The 70's more 'manly' thickness was lost a little in the translation but I understand what they were trying to do. If you want the real mud with something extra you need a EB-2(not the 2-D as they were trying to get some sort of tone which was not really pure(!) or the Rivoli. The '60's EB-O's & 3'etc left you stranded but fun to play. All arguments were over when in 2006 the Supreme came out and finally a Gibson that summed it all up with no arguments. So basicly the gamut is the EB-2-Supreme. All things are covered just about except one thing: Gibson got it right the very first time in what was it.. 1953: the Gibson Electric bass, almost the same as Leo Fender got it right the first time.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on July 30, 2009, 01:45:02 AM: The BIN is gone! Maybe someone was reading this thread believing it would rocket price. ;D
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Barklessdog on July 30, 2009, 04:03:03 AM: the bottom line is what EVER bass works for YOU is great. Still If I had to choose....

Hornesse can you post some pictures of your Hornet?

Do you have a shot of the little cartoon character from it?
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Dave W on July 30, 2009, 07:43:22 AM: The pic in his avatar isn't big enough for you? :P
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 03, 2009, 11:13:17 AM: Well, i've given it a shot ... let's see ...
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: ramone57 on August 03, 2009, 11:27:30 AM: the '76 or '78?
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 03, 2009, 02:51:10 PM: Gotcha cherry baby!
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 03, 2009, 03:00:16 PM: I'm always good in getting stuff nobody else wants!
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Dave W on August 03, 2009, 03:02:40 PM: $1125 bid was yours? ???
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Highlander on August 03, 2009, 03:04:09 PM: Getting closer to the 100th Gibbo...
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Hornisse on August 03, 2009, 03:34:49 PM: (http://i32.tinypic.com/im4jd4.jpg) :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: lowend1 on August 03, 2009, 10:51:17 PM: Reminds me of my own subtly hued example of mid-late 70s American automotive art - sold over a decade ago. Still miss it sometimes. *sniff*:sad:

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/lowend1/77runner2.jpg)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 04, 2009, 03:24:56 AM: Quote from: Dave W on August 03, 2009, 03:02:40 PM
$1125 bid was yours? ???

Yes.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Basvarken on August 04, 2009, 04:46:47 AM: well, congrats then!
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 04, 2009, 05:06:34 AM: Danke. Another act of caring, affirmative action towards the unloved ones of the seventies.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Barklessdog on August 04, 2009, 05:20:10 AM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNMhl7YuKEY
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Dave W on August 04, 2009, 09:44:44 AM: Quote from: uwe on August 04, 2009, 05:06:34 AM
Danke. Another act of caring, affirmative action towards the unloved ones of the seventies.

I'm glad it will have a good home, but I think you overpaid for affirmative action.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 04, 2009, 10:36:28 AM: It's in very good to excellent condition, an EB-3 (not an -0), it's unfaded cherry, not walnut or browned cherry and the late ones are not that prevalent. That all played a role for me. I've never seen a late one in good condition for less than 1.000 bucks and sometimes they were even a 1.800 bucks at - admittedly expensive - US vintage dealers.

That and the still pleasingly low exchange rate for the Dollar! :mrgreen:

Uwe
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: ramone57 on August 05, 2009, 04:22:44 AM: congrats, uwe. you're gonna need a bigger office soon!
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 05, 2009, 05:26:01 AM: That is indeed a concern. Once again, us Germans are faced with lack of Lebensraum.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Highlander on August 05, 2009, 04:26:01 PM: Could you invade a neighbouring office and annexe it...?
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 06, 2009, 12:18:56 AM: LOL!!!!

I just see that "border incident" approaching which will require sharp retaliation ...
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: PhilT on August 06, 2009, 02:46:49 AM: Issue an ultimatum, then contact the British Foreign Office. They'll sort it out for you. (Though they do have a history of changing their minds later.)
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: doombass on August 06, 2009, 04:07:16 AM: Congrats Uwe. You've soon reached total completion, even including all variations within one model.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Barklessdog on August 06, 2009, 04:09:42 AM: In the end he will have to collect for finishes or move on to another brand like the "F" word.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 06, 2009, 04:56:35 AM: I dread the word "complete" with the sacred collection!!! :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: EvilLordJuju on August 06, 2009, 05:37:50 AM: Quote from: uwe on August 06, 2009, 04:56:35 AM
I dread the word "complete"

Gibson will never let ze Kollection be complete.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: uwe on August 06, 2009, 06:37:01 AM: Thanks Jules. You are always a source of comfort, blatant disregard of the 20/20 on your fine pages or not!
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Highlander on August 06, 2009, 11:21:04 AM: Heston Aerodrome, 2009, due to a time paradox, Neville Chamberlain steps forward waving a 20/20 brochure in his hand...

"I have in my hand, a piece of paper, which means bass in our time..."

Rapturious applause breaks out as the massed ranks of Gibsons prepare to annexe the next floor...
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: godofthunder on August 06, 2009, 04:30:27 PM: Congrats and enjoy Uwe nice bass ! I really don't compare 60's EB3's and 70's EB3s, two different animals with the same name. My favorite EB3's are the Mk IIs '67-'69. I need to get another one.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: Hornisse on August 06, 2009, 08:33:18 PM: I wish I still had my '67 EB-3. It had a Dimarzio Model 1 in the neck position and I bought it for $140 back in 1988.
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: lowend1 on August 07, 2009, 03:34:00 AM: Quote from: uwe on August 06, 2009, 04:56:35 AM
I dread the word "complete" with the sacred collection!!! :mrgreen:

Not to worry, Uwe - Corporate acquisitions and rationalization will permit the inclusion of Kramer, Tobias, Steinberger, Orville, etc, in the event of a catastrophe.
Did Heritage produce any basses?
Title: Re: Late EB-3s ...
Post by: EvilLordJuju on August 07, 2009, 04:37:45 AM: yeah, heritage made a few basses - although no longer, they can't keep up with demand for guitars