EB-3L

[drbassman]

OK, I bumped into a guy with a beat up 70's EB-3L he's looking to unload so he can buy tires for his truck.  It's been stripped and messed with, an EMG and Badass type bridge added, but all of the original hardware (except bridge), pups, tuners are there and no headstock breaks or issues.  This one has the maple neck and it's solid.  The finished was stripped years ago.  The neck was left natural and the body was redone in walnut minus grain filling  (ugh!!!).  I'm thinking it sure would look nice rehabbed in vintage white.  I know I'm even stupid for asking you guys, but he offereed it to me for $400.  I shoudl buy this thing and give it a good home, right?   

[Pilgrim]

Given what I know of your pickup rout filling and refin skills - which sounds like all it needs - sounds to me like a decent deal.

[Highlander]

(I'm beginning to suspect that senility may have set in... someone get Bill some help, quick...)

Last time I looked, the sky was still blue, with the ocassional fluffy white cloud... EB3L shaped...

(damn... why does this sort of thing never happen this side of the pond... )

[godofthunder]

OK, I bumped into a guy with a beat up 70's EB-3L he's looking to unload so he can buy tires for his truck.  It's been stripped and messed with, an EMG and Badass type bridge added, but all of the original hardware (except bridge), pups, tuners are there and no headstock breaks or issues.  This one has the maple neck and it's solid.  The finished was stripped years ago.  The neck was left natural and the body was redone in walnut minus grain filling  (ugh!!!).  I'm thinking it sure would look nice rehabbed in vintage white.  I know I'm even stupid for asking you guys, but he offereed it to me for $400.  I shoudl buy this thing and give it a good home, right?   

If you don't I will 

[drbassman]

Given what I know of your pickup rout filling and refin skills - which sounds like all it needs - sounds to me like a decent deal.

thanks Al, I appreciate it. I have been gassing for a whiote EB-0 or 3 for a couple years and just haven't found one cheap or beat enough.  I wouldn't refin a decent EB just for the white look.  This one would be a rescue and be better off if I stripped the owner applied crap that's on there now.

[drbassman]

(I'm beginning to suspect that senility may have set in... someone get Bill some help, quick...)

Last time I looked, the sky was still blue, with the ocassional fluffy white cloud... EB3L shaped...

(damn... why does this sort of thing never happen this side of the pond... )

Help?  I don't need no stinkin' help!  I just need lots of money and 24 hours a day to hone my skills!

[drbassman]

If you don't I will 

Oh no you don't!  Unless I decide not to go for it.  I'll send you his phone number if I decide to pass on it.

[jumbodbassman]

I didn't realize gibson used maple necks on the eb3l's.. thought that was only the eb-450 all maple bass.

here is my eb3l  - wish it had a maple neck as it is a little bowed.  playable but not great..



though i have a white refinished bass (not great job on the laquer but got it cheap  - will have to refinish one of these days...)


i always felt the cherry or walnut is the right look.  


My favorite is the walnut

[drbassman]

I like that EB-3L of yours.  I'm a cherry red fan most times, but white is a close second.  Your white one is nice too!!!

I didn't realize gibson used maple necks on the eb3l's.. thought that was only the eb-450 all maple bass.

here is my eb3l  - wish it had a maple neck as it is a little bowed.  playable but not great..



though i have a white refinished bass (not great job on the laquer but got it cheap  - will have to refinish one of these days...)


i always felt the cherry or walnut is the right look.  


My favorite is the walnut

[Highlander]

... and 24 hours a day to hone my skills!

Less of the slacking...

[jumbodbassman]

the walnut Eb3l has different pup positions then the other two.  that bass is massive sounding for whatever the reason. little less muddy and the bridge pickup is more overall tone functional.  big diver although with the right strap instead of that circa Hendrix it is manageable.   the 64 is much mellower and the white is a typical sloted 72 sounding. 

[lowend1]

I didn't realize gibson used maple necks on the eb3l's.. thought that was only the eb-450 all maple bass.

I'm pretty sure my '72 EB-3, "Stinky" has a maple neck as well. And like yours, the neck was a little tweaked. With some creative, er, reaming, around the truss rod  and a refret, we managed to get it almost right. Also ditched the El Tilto 2-point for a Hipshot that made a world of difference.

[Dave W]

IIRC the maple necks were phased in during 1972.

[uwe]

And the SB-450ies were not so much all maple as alder bodies with a maple neck. Or ash. I think. Mine at least are.

For 400 bucks that is a worthy resurrection. Want a two point off me or do you want a sensible bridge on your bass?

[clankenstein]

well for what its worth i reckon that the maple neck mahogany body combo just rocks plus long scale and the eb3 pickup config-its got to be good.