Gibson EBO Scale Length Question

The published scale length of an EB-0 was 30 1/2". The same applies to the EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3.

There were also long scale versions (EB-0L, EB-3L) from 1969 on, they were published as 34 1/2" scale.

Gibson used an estimate of the compensated scale length, almost everyone else uses uncompensated length (nut to 12th fret x 2).

 

I have a '63 EB3.
The scale is slightly variable because of the
slanted bridge, the G string is 30 1/2" and the low E string is 30 7/8 inches.

This is an actual measurement.

When you posted this, my son and I went and physically measured the guitar.

Hope that helps.

My guitar store never had any problem stringing this wonderful guitar.

Enjoy it, it is great instrument!

Thor

 

Thor, actually all scales vary because compensation is necessary. The reason I said "published" is because Gibson was different, at least back then. Fender and almost all others use the uncompensated scale length (fretboard-side edge of nut to top center of 12th fret x 2) as their stated scale length. Gibson did not. Measuring my old Gibsons by everyone else's standard, I got 30 1/8" on the EB-0 and 34 1/16" on the EB-0L.

 

As far as I know, Epiphone-versions of EB-3 have 34" scale, but Epi EB-0's are 30(and 1/2)".

 

I am aware of this, but I really didn't want to go into the issue in that depth at the time, so I gave him the actual. Then returned quickly to my fridge for another cold frosty and figured I did my good deed for the evening

Thor

 

I'm interested in finding a good pick up to replace EBO/EB3's . Something a bit more modern and growly rather than the mushy Jack Bruce sound. Can anyone suggest something they've had experience with? Thanks!

 

DiMarzio has made the Model One replacement for the neck pickup for a long time, and now the Will Power Neck, which is a slightly tweaked version, but neither of them are modern and growly sounding. They are a bit clearer than the original but I don't like the tone. YMMV.

Allparts carries a replacement for the EB-3 bridge pickup but I've never heard it. It's so near the bridge and the output is so low compared to the neck pickup that any replacement there won't make a big difference.

If you want modern and growly, it's going to be tough to get it with an EB-0. I love it for what it is.

 

Mike Watt made some changes to his
Gibson he details here on Ask Mike Watt. This is in the pro section if the link does not function, Mustang or Eb3, I asked the same question.

I actually bought another bass for different sounds. I am considering the Model One conversion as well. I do not have any problem with the effective output of the bridge pickup, but I have an old Acoustic Amp with 2x15 bottom and a little extra preamp, so I actually hardly use the neck pup. I spent some time tweaking the bridge pup sound, but the sound I like is kind of an edgy 80's hair sound, and it gives me a lot of that, plus outstanding playability. But there are compromises to be made there, for sure.

Thor

 

Hey thanks DW and Thor! I'll check out that Mike Watt link. I didn't think of that (obviously).

 

The most common mod I've seen is to do major surgery and add P or J style pickups closer to the bridge and disconnect the mudbucker entirely. Of course that destroys the resale value.

My advice if you have a vintage EB: either put it in storage or sell it and get a different bass.

If it's an Epi EB-0 get out the router.