Orville by Gibson EB-3 SG Short-Scale 1996 - Heritage Cherry

Fujigen-made Orville EB-3. Solid mahogany body. Set-neck construction. Classic "Mudbucker" and mini-humbucker pairing. 4-way Varitone switch. No fret wear. Includes gig bag. Heritage Cherry Red.

Available now is a 1996 Fujigen-made Orville EB-3 SG short-scale bass. Orville was Gibson's Japanese brand, and these Fujigen-built instruments are widely regarded as some of the best Japanese production basses of the 1990s. This example features the classic SG double-cutaway shape, solid mahogany construction, and the electronics that defined the EB-3 sound.

Cosmetically, this bass shows honest vintage character. There is chipping on the tips of the headstock horns and multiple chips along the bottom edges of the body – consistent with three decades of genuine use. Notably, the instrument shows no fret wear, ensuring excellent playability right now.

Test it for yourself at our Sydney shop, or we can ship it safely to your door anywhere in Australia.

In stock at Guitar Garage Sydney.

Key Features

• Year: 1996
• Made in: Japan (Fujigen)
• Serial: 604347
• Model: Orville EB-3 SG Short-Scale Bass
• Body: Solid mahogany (SG double-cutaway)
• Neck: Mahogany (set-neck)
• Scale Length: 30.5 inches (short-scale)
• Fretboard: Rosewood with 20 frets
• Pickups: Neck Mudbucker humbucker, bridge mini-humbucker
• Electronics: 2 volume, 2 tone, 4-way Varitone rotary switch
• Weight: 3.7kg
• Case: Gig bag included

Sound and Tone

The EB-3 is known for its distinct, throaty voice. The Mudbucker at the neck delivers deep, bassy, almost piano-like lows – think Jack Bruce or Cream-era tones. The mini-humbucker at the bridge adds bright, clear articulation. The 4-way Varitone switch offers different pickup combinations, from neck-only warmth to bridge-only bite and blended options in between.

Feel and Playability

The short 30.5-inch scale makes this bass incredibly comfortable to play, especially for guitarists doubling on bass or players with smaller hands. The set-neck construction provides smooth access to the upper frets. The rosewood fretboard feels familiar under the fingers. With no fret wear, the playability is excellent.

Condition

Honest vintage wear. Chipping on headstock horn tips. Multiple chips along bottom body edges. No structural issues, cracks or repairs. No fret wear. Electronics fully functional. A player-grade vintage bass with plenty of life left.

Background

Orville was Gibson's Japanese brand, active from the late 1980s through the 1990s. Fujigen (Fuji String Instrument Manufacturing) was the primary factory, known for producing instruments that rivalled or exceeded USA equivalents in fit and finish. The EB-3 was Gibson's answer to the Fender Mustang Bass, offering a short-scale alternative with a unique tonal palette. This 1996 example represents the final years of the Orville brand before it was discontinued.