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Epiphone EB-3

E

EddieT

Jun 21, 2008
64
2
#1
I'm sure these have been discussed on here many times, but I'm please to say I took delivery of one of these at the end of last week and am loving it.

I actually ordered a long scale one (cherry, trapezoid inlays) but the place I ordered from sent me a shortscale dot inlay "1960s limited edition" version. Have to say I'm very pleased - the shortscale one is so easy to play. Only minor gripes at this stage is that one or two of the pots are a bit wonky and the jack socket looks a bit flimsy but hey for £199 I'm not complaining! Sound from both pickups is very workable although seems a bit weak. I also bought a new amp (Behringer, nothing very flash) but it does have gain channels and a 7 band EQ which does help mould the sound greatly. A bit of ancient and modern combined I guess.

Feels really solid in hand but not heavy. Neck fills the hand perfectly and it seems easier to play than my Squier 70s jazz although that too is a lovely guitar.

Be interested to hear others views on this bass, particularly if you also have a shortscale one! Don't seem to be many shortscale EB-3s available at the moment!

Happy plucking!

image-21884666.png
 
#3
Mines an Epi not a Gibson but it's the one which allegedly is based firmly on the 60s Gibson SG bass.

For a cheap Chinese made instrument I'm pretty impressed with the quality and the sustain even when played acoustically is surprising.

I've been messing around with the tones along to some late 60s / early 70s tunes very contentedly!
 
#8
I'm jealous! I wanted to get that bass in the short scale version but to my knowledge it's not available in the US. It is available with a single pick-up. I picked up an Epiphone Allen Woody Rumble Cat instead and I'm happy with that, I also have an Ibanez AGB 200 which has a really nice British invasion tone to it.
 
#9
gretschpainter said:
I'm jealous! I wanted to get that bass in the short scale version but to my knowledge it's not available in the US. It is available with a single pick-up. I picked up an Epiphone Allen Woody Rumble Cat instead and I'm happy with that, I also have an Ibanez AGB 200 which has a really nice British invasion tone to it.
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You might have been able to find it at Sam Ash, but it looks like what you got instead is fine, too.
 
#10
The single pickup is the EB-0 i think. I believe they're all short scale and bolt on necks. Mine's got a set neck which is a dream to play. Thunderous sound from the neck pickup too when you get the amp right.

Both pickups on mine have adjustable poles but I've never fiddled with a guitar in that way so I'm a bit wary of messing it up. Sounds pretty good as it is! It's enjoying playing along to the Stones and the Kinks so far!

image-757138577.png
 
#11
EddieT said:
The single pickup is the EB-0 i think. I believe they're all short scale and bolt on necks. Mine's got a set neck which is a dream to play. Thunderous sound from the neck pickup too when you get the amp right.

Both pickups on mine have adjustable poles but I've never fiddled with a guitar in that way so I'm a bit wary of messing it up. Sounds pretty good as it is! It's enjoying playing along to the Stones and the Kinks so far!

View attachment 248326
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That's true; with only one pick up it can't be an EB-3, only an EB-O
 
#12
gretschpainter said:
I'm jealous! I wanted to get that bass in the short scale version but to my knowledge it's not available in the US. It is available with a single pick-up. I picked up an Epiphone Allen Woody Rumble Cat instead and I'm happy with that, I also have an Ibanez AGB 200 which has a really nice British invasion tone to it.
Click to expand...

They both look like lovely guitars!
 
#13
I have the Gibson version, my main live bass at the moment. Great bass, the short scale really turns some people off, but if you're just tuning E/Eb then it isn't a problem at all. The short scale plays really nice too. I feel like these things get a pretty bad rep, but people don't give them enough of a chance. Maybe not some peoples thing, but definitely very cool basses.
 
#14
LucienBel said:
I have the Gibson version, my main live bass at the moment. Great bass, the short scale really turns some people off, but if you're just tuning E/Eb then it isn't a problem at all. The short scale plays really nice too. I feel like these things get a pretty bad rep, but people don't give them enough of a chance. Maybe not some peoples thing, but definitely very cool basses.
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I don't detune at all. It's the first shortscale bass I've played and I love it so far! Shame I have to leave it at my parents place for a while. I bet your original Gibson one is nice. Can't really fault the Epiphone though so far. Admittedly it might fall to pieces in the next few weeks but I'm sure there's a warranty somewhere.
 
#15
EddieT said:
I don't detune at all. It's the first shortscale bass I've played and I love it so far! Shame I have to leave it at my parents place for a while. I bet your original Gibson one is nice. Can't really fault the Epiphone though so far. Admittedly it might fall to pieces in the next few weeks but I'm sure there's a warranty somewhere.
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Mines currently at my parents too. Dorm living while I shop out an apartment, so I have nothing expensive with me at the moment sadly.
 
#17
Legattabass said:
You lucked out, my friend. The long scale version has atrocious neckdive and its shape makes reaching the lower frets difficult. Enjoy it!
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I'd heard the long neck has that problem. I held mine up under the neck joint and it pretty much balances (ish). Luck indeed. I wouldn't have enjoyed playing the long scale as much I'm sure.
 
#18
That was second choice for a first bass when I was shopping around. I love the shape of the body and the color. I ended up going with the Les Paul Special, which has been perfect for just starting out, but I think I'll eventually get an electric guitar with the EB body shape. I'd probably make it a Gibson though. I'm finally past the point where an epiphone feels the same as a high quality brand.
 
#19
I recently bought the non 60's version(34" scale, Trapezoid inlays, no thumbrest on the pickguard) and I love it.
I really dig the SG shape and the mojo to it. I've read some people have a hard time playing it, either because of the bevel in the body and no smooth Fender-like body contours or because of the p/u positioning but I really like it. I like the ability to control everything with the VVTT and p/u selector and even though I thought the glossy neck would be sticky, so far it has been good.

My only gripes are the nut looks cheap (but works so whatever), the finish shows off every fingerprint I leave (it's black so I should have seen that coming, any advice for how to clean/polish up the finish?) and I dislike the bridge. I re-strung it with flats (d addario chromes, and they sound sooo good. Warm thumpy vintage tone) and as soon as I tuned it up, the part that the mounting post screws into for the bridge started coming out so I followed some advice on here and glued it back in and so far that is doing well but the end of the string with the fabric wrapped around it is resting on the saddles of the bridge and that's probably not good for intonation. I want to get the Hipshot Supertone and replace the bridge but I don't want to spend $120 on a part for a $300 bass. I still might though, the neck dive is significant and a heavier bridge would probably help that. I should probably get a thick suede strap or something, but I don't really gig much anyway.

Congrats on your purchase EddieT and I'm glad you like yours as much as I like mine.
 
#20
Awesome. The black one with trap inlays looks superb. I'll keep an eye out for the bridge problem. To be honest I wouldn't know where to start with replacing a bridge on a guitar so if it b*ggers up I'll get the local guitar shop to look at it.

Like you mine has a gloss finish but the neck is not sticky at all. Mine shows up every finger print too even on the cherry finish!

I've only played mine sitting down so far but I reckon a suede strap would be what I'd go for even on mine. I hear what you say about the body/comfort issues but depends where you like to position your hand or if you prefer finger style or a plectum (is that sacreligious?!). All a personal thing isn't it. Mines pretty comfy to play so far; bit of forearm grief resting it over the body when sitting down but nowt to cry about. Glad you're enjoying yours too!
 

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