Epiphone EB-3 Bass Ebony

Overall:got my bass today fit and finish is perfect,so is the set up.the tone is nothing short of amazing! this is my third bass from zZounds,and I have no regrets about purchasing any of them,If you are looking for a retro sound,different than fender,this is your baby.thanks zZounds for getting this to me on the 12 month plan!

The Epiphone EB-3 cherry Bass is one beautiful guitar, but has cosmetic quality issues: The mahogany laminate on the face of the body, was glued on at a very "VERY" slight perpendicular angle, and not parallel with the neckline. (the back laminate IS straight). The fret markers are beautiful pearl, but the ninth fret marker is "blatantly" FLAT WHITE, and stands out like a neon light among the other markers. I can't understand how the person installing them, fail's to do a simple "match" of the inlays (either make them ALL white, or else ALL pearl!)(or REJECT a mismatched one!). (in comparison, my Epiphone Les Paul, has excellent matching pearl fret markers). I ordered a second EB-3, to see if I could get a better one, and had the chance to compare the two within the ... MoreThe Epiphone EB-3 cherry Bass is one beautiful guitar, but has cosmetic quality issues: The mahogany laminate on the face of the body, was glued on at a very "VERY" slight perpendicular angle, and not parallel with the neckline. (the back laminate IS straight). The fret markers are beautiful pearl, but the ninth fret marker is "blatantly" FLAT WHITE, and stands out like a neon light among the other markers. I can't understand how the person installing them, fail's to do a simple "match" of the inlays (either make them ALL white, or else ALL pearl!)(or REJECT a mismatched one!). (in comparison, my Epiphone Les Paul, has excellent matching pearl fret markers). I ordered a second EB-3, to see if I could get a better one, and had the chance to compare the two within the 45 day grace return period. The second one was worse, and had "TWO" mismatched white fret markers, with the other ones being "pearl". The mahogany laminate of the second guitar was not at all as deep and hypnotically mesmerizing as the first one they had sent, with the second guitar's mahogany appearing very flat, or dead/dull looking. (even though both guitars have polished clear gloss finish).(mahogany wood grain usually looks like a "natural mile deep 3D hologram iridescence", and the grain "dances and changes shapes" in the light as you move it around). Also the red tint on the sides of the second guitar appeared to be a shade lighter, and slightly mismatched appearing to the tint of the laminate tint to me. The first guitar's sides were slightly darker, and matched the laminate beautifully. On the second guitar, the bridge pickup holes were all half misaligned upon the poles with the cover tightened down anyways, right upon the poles permanently crimping each hole distorted over up on the pickup cover. The cover holes are half covering the poles. I kept the first guitar. It had a bit of fret buzz, but my technician fixed it in about 15 minutes. It plays perfect, sounds great!, and looks beautiful!

Sound:I owned several Gibson EB-3's during the 70's,and found that they were really good for a distinct sound ( think Cream,Mountain,Free ect ) great for live work really could punch through most stage mixes,sound guys hated them,that huge neck pick up gave them fits,I loved em,called it Thud and Mud,the Epiphone EB-3 displays these same tonal qualities,I had always used the short 30 scale Gibson,the Epiphone is at 34 scale,no big problem since I play mainly Fender P & J basses,however the neck dive is as problematic as the Thunderbirds,a small nuisance.Features:These were a very straight forward design when they came out,no real big thrills,with the exception of the Varitone selector switch,and back in the day,these things running full tilt on stage thru a ... MoreSound:I owned several Gibson EB-3's during the 70's,and found that they were really good for a distinct sound ( think Cream,Mountain,Free ect ) great for live work really could punch through most stage mixes,sound guys hated them,that huge neck pick up gave them fits,I loved em,called it Thud and Mud,the Epiphone EB-3 displays these same tonal qualities,I had always used the short 30 scale Gibson,the Epiphone is at 34 scale,no big problem since I play mainly Fender P & J basses,however the neck dive is as problematic as the Thunderbirds,a small nuisance.Features:These were a very straight forward design when they came out,no real big thrills,with the exception of the Varitone selector switch,and back in the day,these things running full tilt on stage thru a Marshall stack or a couple SVT or Acoustic 360 amps,well the little varitone switch was kind of a moot point,you were just going to get ran over.Epiphone went to a three position selector instead of the original four,no big deal.I can't really think of anything I would add or take away.I was looking for a classic EB-3 sound so I switched the roundwounds for flats.Ease of Use:This a Korean model,I don't set alot of stock in where things come from,it is either playable or junk,this bass was playable right out of the box,set up was spot on,thought I'd have to adjust it when I put the flats on,but it was fine for me.I said the scale is 34 like a Jazz or P bass,but at first it seemed like I had to reach a little for notes played near the nut,but that wore off quickly,just seemed a little alien at first.Quality:I give the Epiphones really high marks here,the fit and finishes are stunning,I have owned several Epiphone basses in the past as well as one of the Elitist EB-3,I would take any of them to a show,on the road,I've never had one break or fail on me,I feel that same confidence with this new model,I've been at this Bass thing for 47 plus years,I ownvery expensive basses and low dollar basses,don't let dollar signs confuse you,it either sounds and plays well,or you can row a boat with it,no matter what it says on the headstock,or how much it cost.Value:If you were blessed with a "silver spoon" in your mouth and can afford anything your little heart desires,these basses may not mean a great deal to you,however if your the guy or gal that drags his or herself off to work and watches what they spend their hard earned money on,you just can't beat the value of these basses,and once again,it don't matter what it says on the headstock,if you have a 3000.00 bass and can't play it,the crowd ain't gonna care what brand it is,they'll just know somebody spent alot a money on a piece of wood they can't play.Manufacturer Support:I mentioned that I have never had a Epiphone fail,so I have never had the need to contact support,I would like to think that they would be there if needed.The Wow Factor:Well I'm old school,I grew up with this design and the Vox's and Fenders,this is just what appeals to me,may not be your cup of tea,but I think it's a classic design,and it's been around quite awhile so I think it still has its place among the 5 and multi stringed basses of today.Overall:I always had to work and buy my own basses(my dad's idea and a good one) so I don't tend to get rid of them,I have several Epiphone basses in my collection of 14 Fender Jazz And P-Basses,I've got many years and time tied up in all of them,this long scale EB-3 will be a welcome addition,and after spending some serious time with it,I can say if it were damaged or stolen,I would replace it,it's that good in my opinion and I've played about any brand you can imagine in my 57 yrs.A final word,there is no perfect bass,but you can still find quality instruments at a good value and I think this Epiphone bass has met both of those requirements