EPIPHONE ELITIST EB3 SHORT SCALE BASS 2005 - CHERRY

About This Listing

Excellent condition Epiphone Elitist bass in Cherry. 

Manufactured by Fugigen, Japan in 2005, this EB-3 bass is an exquisite example of an EB-3 crafted to the highest standards of fit, finish and playability.

I had originally considered buying a vintage mid-1960’s Gibson EB-3 bass similar to what Jack Bruce played in CREAM, but decided the very high cost and risk of a 50+ year old instrument with headstock cracking tendencies was maybe not worth it. 

That’s when I discovered the Epiphone Elite/Elitist EB-3 basses made for a short run in Japan. Not to be confused with the lower cost standard Epiphone EB-3 bases, the reviews of these Elite/Elitist series EB-3 basses are outstanding, and provide anyone wanting a super high quality EB-3 a path to acquiring one.

This Elitist EB-3 is a short scale (30.5-inch model) and comes with the famous "Varitone" 4-position rotary chicken-head switch for pickup selection and tone. (in addition to the regular volume and tone controls).

The overall build, fit, finish, feel and tone of this Elitist EB-3 is epic in every respect, and represents what many consider to be the ultimate EB-3 Bass.

With a beautiful African Mahogany wood grain figured body, condition is listed as excellent, and is actually in near-mint condition with exception for a minor scratch in the clear coat located on the back side of the body (see photo detail).

Features: 

• Solid African mahogany body

• Heritage Cherry glossy finish 

• 20-fret short-scale rosewood fretboard with dot inlays 

• Set-neck construction, same as Gibson. 

• Custom-wound Humbucker pickups 

• 4-position Varitone switch for pickup selection

• Gotoh "elephant ear" tuners 

• Genuine bone nut 

• Distinctive Gibson-style "open-book" headstock design. 

• Elitist truss-rod cover

This Epiphone Elitist EB-3 received a set-up from a luthier in 2021:

• adjusted strings to a lower action (reduced the bridge height 2 screws). 
• Low E   = now 3/32 @ 12th fret
• High G = now 1/16 @ 12th fret

Refitted with D’Addario EXL 170S Lite strings

(45/65/80/100)

This Epiphone Elitist EB-3 does not come with an original hardshell case. But I will provide a soft case and pack extra carefully.

If you wish, I can ship bass with a basic hardshell case for an additional $100.