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Fly Guitars Interviews

Interviews with some of the legendary bass players most associated with using Gibson and Epiphone bass guitars


Dave Kiswiney

Dave Kiswiney
..the Gibson Ripper was like a godsend for me. It was balanced, different variations of what you could do with the tone, it just worked for the amplification I was using, it just worked. And it had that big body, that big maple body, right? and it just was a fantastic bass
'54 Gibson EB / Thunderbirds | Gibson Ripper | Gibson Victory / Explorer | Heritage, Fender, Gibson and Peavey


Jack Casady

Jack Casady
(re: Jack Casady Signature bass) I wanted to thicken the sound up, and they said that I could do anything I want. I could add one pickup, two pickups, three pickups. I said what I want is one great pickup that I can have at any expense
Fender basses | Guild basses | Alembic & Modulus | Epiphone Jack Casady Signature | Amps | Other basses


Mike Watt

Mick Hawksworth
The Gibson RD Artist - what a tool; a truly magnificent bass. If you couldn't get the sound you wanted out of one of these, then you should have been an accountant.
Introduction | Andromeda; psychedelic rock | Prog Rock early 70s | Late 70s: Ten Years Later | 1980s: Flying Pigs | Tres Geezers


Ralphe Armstrong

Ralphe Armstrong
The RD Artist, that was a great bass. It was a whole lot of wood and a whole lot of sound! It had a hell of a sound. I had a mahogany fretless RD too, with an ebony fingerboard!
Introduction / Mahavishnu Orchestra | Gibson basses | Jean-Luc Ponty and beyond | Ralphe on YouTube


Mike Watt

Justin Meldal-Johnsen
I saw an RD Artist at a shop in LA years ago and was blown away by how it looked
Introduction | Gibson basses | Other equipment | Trivia


Bob Daisley

Bob Daisley
For a Gibson EB-3 you really need a Marshall stack you know for the best match for sound
Introduction | Gibson basses | Fender basses | Other vintage basses


Mike Watt

Mike Watt
There's something about mahogany, there's a warm roundness, maybe not as much definition as a maple neck... there's a character I get from my Thunderbird and EB-3s
Introduction/Minutemen | Other Bands | Gibson EB3 | Gibson Thunderbird | Other Gibson basses


Martin Turner

Martin Turner
you play the Rickenbacker bass and it’s like making love to a girl, you get hold of that thing, the Thunderbird, it’s like making love to a woman, you’ve got to get hold of it by the scruff of the neck.....
Introduction | Thunderbirds | Wishbone Ash pt.1 | Wishbone Ash pt.2 | Martin Turners Wishbone Ash


Allen Woody

Warren Haynes on Allen Woody and Gov't Mule.
... He liked all the EB's, he collected EB's, he had EBO, EB1, EB2, EB3 and he used them all in recording especially in the context of Gov't Mule
Introduction | Epiphone Rumblekat | Live with Gov't Mule | Allen Woody bass style | The Show Goes On


Andy Hess

Andy Hess
I've definitely got to really love my EB-O - it works for certain songs perfectly
Introduction | Gov't Mule | Bass guitars


Suzi Quatro

Suzi Quatro
...and the sliding pickup.. some marketing guys mistake.. I mean who needs a sliding pick up?


Julian Cope

Julian Cope
... no bass could approach that sound
Story of 'the Beast' | Sounds | More Gibsons | Fly Guitars comment


Glenn Cornick - Jethro Tull, Wild Turkey

Glenn Cornick
Late in 1970 after about a year of searching, I bought my original reverse T Bird single pickup. I loved everything about it ...
Fender Jazz and 1959 EB0 | EB3 & EB2D | Thunderbirds | General thoughts


Andy Fraser - Free

Andy Fraser
I was immediately at home with the EB3. First, it is small, as am I, so it was a perfect fit. It had extra frets up top, and you could never have enough extra frets for me, and with the extra pickup, one could get a wide variety of tones
Introduction & John Mayall's Bluesbreakers | Free | Sharks | Andy Fraser band | Naked...and Finally Free


Gibson bass guitars for sale

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1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass Sunburst

1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass Sunburst

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4499

Very good condition 1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass. All original, outside of the removal of the Moog electronics. Original pickups sound MASSIVE and have tons of low end on tap. Really a special bass from Gibson that was not made that long. Original sunburst finish looks great on this specific bass. Some signs of play as pictured, but nothing crazy. All electronics have been tested to be working perfectly. Recently set up as well. Kept in a smoke free, pet free studio for recording purposes. Comes ... more
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Beautiful Original 1971 Rare "GIBSON SB-40 BASS" Walnut Color wit Hardshell Case

Beautiful Original 1971 Rare "GIBSON SB-40 BASS" Walnut Color wit Hardshell Case

Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2795

This is an original 1971 SB-400 Bass in abso;ute Great Condition. It;s been completely gone through and set up looks and sounds like New. SG-shaped, and finished in walnut or cherry, these basses were very different to the EB basses available in 1971. In fact the body shape and colour about the only thing these basses have in common. SB: Alder body, a two-piece maple neck, small angle (7o) headstock angle and single coil pick ups. The mix of rounded rectangular metal parts with the translucent ... more
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Gibson / Epiphone Newport Bass Guitar 65-66 Vintage USA

Gibson / Epiphone Newport Bass Guitar 65-66 Vintage USA

Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1979

Used beautiful in very good condition I have owned this bass for over 40 years in the late 70??s this bass was refinished and refurbished by Virgil Lay founder of Lays guitar repair in Akron Ohio everything that is on this bass was done in 1978 it has many awesome upgrades a Bartolini split coil muddbucker pick up with two 2 position toggle switches a Badass bridge and Grover tuners. Bass is strung with Thomastik flat wound strings plays smooth and flawless very nice action. It??s not perfect ... more
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GIBSON EXPLORER MAESTRO BASS GUITAR RIGHT HANDED 8 STRING (DSP005312)

GIBSON EXPLORER MAESTRO BASS GUITAR RIGHT HANDED 8 STRING (DSP005312)

Dallas, Texas, 752**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$594

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Gibson EB3 Bass Vintage

Gibson EB3 Bass Vintage

Edmonton, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1990

This is a beautiful bass that sounds and plays great. Cherry finish 600xxx . I bought it used in the mid 90's from a gentleman who purchased it new from the Gibson Factory Nashville in the early 70's. It had a blemish on the finish and he bought it as a second. It comes with the original Gibson hard case. There is no structural damage or repairs If you pick it up rather than having it shipped I will throw in a Ampeg amp. Ampeg B100R. This a like new excellent condition amp that would sell for ... more
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1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w /  Case, Hangtag

1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w / Case, Hangtag

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

Up for sale, a 1975 Gibson "The Ripper" L9-S bass in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and warranty card. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, the Ripper comes equipped with its original pair of Bill Lawrence designed "Super Humbucker" pickups and a four-way rotary switch for series, parallel, and out of phase pickup settings
The contoured alder body is a particularly rare option, only offered on the ... more
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1965 Gibson EB-0 bass 100% original one owner guitar w / case

1965 Gibson EB-0 bass 100% original one owner guitar w / case

Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 170**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999


READ THE DESCRIPTIONS
SCRUTINIZE THE PICTURES
ASK QUESTIONSNO RETURNS OR REFUNDS
Here's a 1965 Gibson EB-0, one owner, bass guitar. Immaculate condition with little if any wear. 100% original except strings. Very very little lacquer checking and one very minor touched up edge where your arm would rest. No neck or body to neck issues. No fade to the cherry red finish. Barely any appreciable fret wear. You'd be hard pressed to ... more
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Vintage 1981 Gibson VICTORY STANDARD BASS with Original Case Candy Apple Red

Vintage 1981 Gibson VICTORY STANDARD BASS with Original Case Candy Apple Red

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1295

This bass has been heavily played but it's almost all original. The only non-original items I can find are the pickguard screws and strap buttons. There are lots of nicks, dings, and paint chips on the body. There is a lot of belt buckle wear. There's pitting on the bridge. The frets and fingerboard are in surprisingly nice shape. The action is good for a vintage bass. Pots date 1378046 and 1377??? (can't read last 3 digits) There is heavy checking, some loss of the finish, and some delamination... more
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Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w /  Original Gibson Case

Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w / Original Gibson Case

Huntington, Indiana, 467**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

For sale is a Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w / Original Gibson Case in Good Condition!
This bass is an absolute monster and sounds incredible! I don't know for sure (I kinda doubt it) that this would have come from the Gibson factory as fretless. However, whoever did the job has done it professionally and it looks great!
The electronics work perfectly and it has that classic "double bass" tone in the first position!
There is some bow in the neck. The truss doesn't ... more
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1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Ebony

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Ebony

Lawrenceville, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass bass in good condition. The bass is fairly lightweight for a 80s Explorer bass, very comfortable to play.
I am the second owner of this bass which has been kept in my home (smoke-free environment). Serial # 82555563 made in Nashville, TN
Note: Prev. owner did the skull stickers which appear to simply be glued over the dot inlays.
1 ) Missing (1) volume knob
2 ) A few nicks and significant paint chipping / checking.
Techn. details:
Alder body, ... more
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1960 Gibson EB-0 Bass

1960 Gibson EB-0 Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10900

1960Gibson EB-0 Bass, Cherry Red, Stunning clean condition with ??59 features, Bigfull feeling neck, Banjo tuners, Fat sounding pickup, Fantastic instrument, EC++, Original Brown semi hard case
... more
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1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9000

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
 
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more
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1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.

1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.

Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case. See pic of original owner with the bass in the early ?70s ! Both the bass and case show wear from decades of use. There are scuffs, scratches, dings, and dents as you would expect. There is a split in the headstock that extends for approximately 7 inches, see photo. Electronics appear to be untouched all original. As shown in pic, date code on pot reads 6833, so bass was built in late 1968 or possibly early 1969. Serial number... more
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Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar

Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar

Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This is a rare and collectible 1966 Gibson Classic EBO bass guitar in a stunning red color. With its 4-string configuration, this electric bass guitar is perfect for any musician who wants to make a statement. The Gibson brand is known for its quality and excellence, and this Classic series bass guitar is no exception. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar is sure to impress. It's perfect for playing a wide range of musical styles and is ideal for both live ... more
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Gibson EB-1 Violin Bass Electric Bass w /  Original Case SN: 810964

Gibson EB-1 Violin Bass Electric Bass w / Original Case SN: 810964

Lafayette, Indiana, 479**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4899

HH139 Vintage Gibson EB-1 Violin Bass Electric Bass w / Original Case SN: 810964. Please be aware that the guitar has some spots where there's extra holes in the body crazing crackling on the Finish and some of the Gibson and the crown have come off over time. Guitar may need some work handle on case one side has popped off also exterior case has some peel up of the black around the edging as well as one strip down the neck. Please see pictures ask any questions you may have before buying. If ... more
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GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR

Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1750

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - Serial # 81831614 - 1981 - Monday July 2nd - Nashville TN - Production # 614, beautiful original guitar, professional players guitar, the case was made by Quest https: / / authorityguitar com / gibson-serial-number-lookup-decoder /

... more
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Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Here we have a very historic bass guitar from Gibson, an EB-0 from 1960.
This is a double cut solid body guitar, featuring banjo-style tuners and a one pickup design. Condition-wise this piece is in great playing and sounding condition, and bears typical signs of wear and tear. Small dings, checking, and scratches can be seen on the surface, as well as more checking and wear up the neck (as seen). This will include a non original case.... more
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"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition

"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition

Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3795

Here we a have a Pre-Owned Excellent Condition 1973 VINTAGE GIBSON EB-3 BASS. I Just put it through the Shop to make sure everything is up to snuff. I am very meticulous when it comes to my gear, I baby my stuff. Everything is in perfect working order. I just had it completely set up with brand New FENDER FLATOUND 45-100'S so it plays wonderful. Truss Rod is in good working condition Neck is Straight action is perfect. (I like the action low) so it set perfect and plays like a dream. All the ... more
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1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w /  Mudbucker, Case

1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3900

Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, 100% original save for a refret and carved bone nut, and complete with a hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the example seen here) in 1961. Lightweight at 7lbs 7oz with solid mahogany construction, this bass delivers pure, fat low-end thump courtesy of the famous "Mudbucker" pickup. The rich... more
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1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass the mintest 100% original Polaris White example.

1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass the mintest 100% original Polaris White example.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$44995

This is most likely the rarest & most significant Gibson Bass ever produced. These 1st issue Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Polaris White all over its neck & body. This T??bird is most likely the ... more
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