Epiphone EB-3 SG Bass Guitar

[beate_r]

Say if parent company Gibson USA were to reissue an American-built replica of its own original EB-3 it would have to cost 5-6 times the price of the Epi. Would it be worth it? I don't think so when you can have the Korean-built quality reissue at a very low price indeed.

The basses are nowadays made in China. A few years ago their street prices dropped by about 30%. Was that the move from Korea to PRC ?

Anyway - in direct comparison Gibson's EB-11 aka LP Junior DC is significantly better sounding, especially attacwise, and that seems be related mostly to the neck. Admittedly for the price of more than 4 Epi EB-3s and the better position of the bridge pickup.

 

[Gaolee]

The neck dive issue is one that can be solved without modification if the strap pin is in the heel of the neck. I don't know where it is on an Epi when you get it. If it isn't there, that's where you put it. Then when you play the bass, hang the bass so the neck is much closer to vertical than it would be if you were playing a Fender or Ric or some other bass with a long top horn. It makes a huge difference, and once you get used to hanging it like that, you will find that it dives much, much less.

 

[beate_r]

Here You can see the strap lock of the Epi EB3 in its original position and the one preferred by me. You actually *need* security locks for this to work. That position allows You to reach the highest frets without any difficulty (except that caused by the narrow cutaway). The bass is still not fully balanced. Positioning the strap lock a bit further down on the neck is possible, but then reaching the highest frets starts getting uncomfortable (i did that on my 2nd EB3).

 

[BuffaloBill]

Just to update this dormant thread on the subject of neck dive;
I made a plexiglass horn for my Epi EB-3, but it flexed so I mad another from wood. Sold it and the buyer was really pleased with my add on horn.
Just recently I got an Epi double neck and those have serious neck dive too. So I made another plexi horn and put that on, cured it.
I much prefer using clear plexi, but it has to be 1/2" thick.

 

[west al]

I recently acquired an EB-3. For the "Neck Dive Of Death", I just use a wide leather strap with a rough inner side to hold it in place. Other than that, it plays great. QC is fine on it as well. The Epi EB-3 case I ordered for it, is a fantastic fit.

 

[butterfingers1]

To counter neck dive, 2 simple solutions.

1. Pass the strap through/under your belt, nothing will move.

2. Hang the bass low, well below the hip, and hold the neck more vertical, see Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones in the 1960s. These basses are designed to be held this way.

 

[Loudart]

I have seen a lot of posts similar to this one over the years and I'm curious as to why the poster is asking for opinions after he/she buys a particular bass. If you played it before buying and like it then who cares what others think? If you bought it based on reviews then you will have to decide for yourself if you made the right decision. Additional feedback isn't going to do you much good at this point.

Rick B.

Might be wondering overall if they got a real sidewinder design pickup. I have my doubts