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Need help to identify Gibson bass

C

Comic Book Guy

Aug 22, 2009
8
0
#1
Hi!

Recently I bought a bass at a flea market. I think (hope :)) that it's a Gibson EB-3L, possibly a '72 according to my googling. But I don't really know much about basses, being a producer/sound engineer. So I ask for your help!

Below are some pics, low quality:
(I haven't used photobucket before, so I hope this works. If I should post pictures some other way, please let me know)

Gibson_EB3L_-_01.jpg

Gibson_EB3L_-_02.jpg

Gibson_EB3L_-_03.jpg

Gibson_EB3L_-_04.jpg

Gibson_EB3L_-_05.jpg

Gibson_EB3L_-_06.jpg

Gibson_EB3L_-_07.jpg

Gibson_EB3L_-_08.jpg

Gibson_EB3L_-_09.jpg

Gibson_EB3L_-_10.jpg


I am really grateful for all help! Interested in anything: year, model, pickups, wood, etc. Also, please have a look at the bridge, especially the second last picture. It looks really bent to me, is it normal or is it damaged?
Underneath the bridge cover is a piece of foam attached.

Again, I'm grateful for any input!
Martin
 
#2
I have one of these. I bought it on E-bay 7 years ago. Unfortunately for me (and you), I'm in the same situation you are. Some previous owner ground off the serial number so I can't get a positive ID.:help:

I couldn't tell what your serial number is, but if you can read it, re-post it. I think there's a Gibson serial number code list that can at least identify the year.

By the way, it's actually a pretty neat sounding bass. I also have a '69 EB-3 (short scale).:cool:
 
#9
Wow!!!! What country?:eek::hyper: You got yourself one great deal. Last I checked in Vintage Guitar this model in good condition was going for about $1800. Like I said, it's kind of a sleeper bass that nobody pays any attention to. Everyone always talked about the short scale (after Jack Bruce) but this model isn't subject to the short scale deficiencies, is fun to play and sounds great. I hope you or someone gets to enjoy it. Even though I have 5 other basses, I love mine. :cool:
 
#16
I'd leave the guitar as stock as possible. I'd even try to get the original bridge fixed if possible. When I got my EB-3L, it had some scratches and wear and I asked the local (non-chain) guitar shop about refinishing and they said forget it. It would detact from its value. Everyone expects wear on a 35 year old guitar. At least see if you can find an original replacement bridge somewhere. That's what the internet's for.

Good luck to fellow EB-3L owner!:D
 
#17
Hi.

Congrats, what a sweet find.

While I agree about keeping the bass as stock as possible, any mods that are reversible and improve the playability aren't IMHO that bad. As long as the original parts are being kept in a safe place.

I just wish that I could find such a deal sometimes.

Regards
Sam
 
#18
Hey all, thanks!! Guess I got really lucky! :) All those years wandering around in flea markets, surrounded by ugly porcelaine figurines finally paid off :D

I'll remove the bridge cover and post pictures tomorrow. I want to keep it as original as possible, so hopefully the bridge isn't in too bad shape.

What does the Varioswitch do, technically (and sonically)?

thanks!
martin

ps bought in in Sweden (where I live) ds
 
#19
Don't know what it does technically (not an electrical engineer) but sonically, I think it just chooses 4 different factory preset textures that you can then vary with the volume and tone knobs.

I've had my short scale EB-3 for 40 years and never really thought about it. I just pick the sound I want for that particular song.:bassist:

Enjoy!
 
#20
Hi.

IIRC the varioswitch is a selectable LC-R circuit for tone shaping.

The reason it's not used more is that the 4 (3?) winding inductor with decent AF characteristics is not cheap. Usually swithching, if any, is done only with various capacitors (C-R circuit) that just acts as a normal crude tone pot with few more possibilities.

Regards
Sam
 

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