Free and the Gibson EB3
FlyGuitars After leaving John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, you joined Paul Kossoff, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke to form Free where you are associated with the Gibson EB3 electric bass guitar, can you remember what it was that particularly attracted you to use it?
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. I really felt one with that model. Was not happy to have it stolen!!!
FlyGuitars From when Free formed in 1968 to when the band first split up in 1971 did you ever use any other basses other than the EB3 for recording or live shows?
Andy Fraser I had an Epiphone, semi-acoustic - forget the model. Nice change of tone. Slight danger of feedback live, because of being acoustic, but a nice bass. EB3 was my main baby.
FlyGuitars Pictures show an Epiphone Rivoli
Andy Fraser Ah! Rivoli!! see you know better than me.
FlyGuitars What made you start using this bass and did you stop using the EB3 completely?
Andy Fraser It may have been when the EB3 was stolen, and before I found another one. After the last tour with FREE, in Australia, we were in such disarray, one of the temporary roadies disappeared - as did all the equipment, and we had much weightier things to deal with than worry about that. So not too sure what actual equipment was used later.. I do remember liking it though.
FlyGuitars From a bass players point of view, you were surrounded by three strong musicians, what was it like to play bass in Free?
Andy Fraser One couldn't ask for more than playing with the likes of Rodgers, Kossoff and Kirke. Total masters in their field. Our confidence came from our total belief in each other. It was like a team of commando's where you knew we were all watching each others back. Sensitive to each others weaknesses and had the chemistry to always be able to fill in the gaps, pick up the slack - complete the whole. A real band / marriage in every sense.
FlyGuitars After Free split up you formed the band Toby with Stan Speake and Adrian Fisher and as far as I am aware there were no recordings of Toby released. This was the first band where you handled the lead vocal duties, how did you find being the singer and the bass player?
Andy Fraser It was a great learning experience. It was very hard! I didn't have much confidence or technique, but it was something I had to do - get my feet wet. (I have an unnatural fear of the water, by the way) but a will and determination to get me thru' some rather embarrassing moments. Having Paul Rodgers as a yardstick doesn't make it any easier, but I do like a challenge. As a songwriter, I knew I had to sing, so I had to start somewhere. It would have been very easy keep 'doing what I was famous for", join a supergroup maybe, become ridiculously rich, and artistically empty. As it turns out, Someone must have been watching over me all the time, and I have been allowed to follow my heart
Thanks to Graham Fieldhouse and Andy Fraser
Gibson bass guitars for sale
2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Pelham Blue Electric Bass Guitar #47868
Burbank, California, 915**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1799
eBay Template Design by OCDesignsOnline HomeAboutTestimonialsPoliciesContactSell your Gear 2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Pelham Blue Electric Bass Guitar #47868 ××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Item DescriptionWORKING CONDITION: Excellent - Plays great. All of the electronics and controls are working ... more
Epiphone by Gibson Rock Bass Black (Used)
Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
Gibson Eb-3 Bass Guitar Made In The USA With Hard Shell Case
Cookeville, Tennessee, 385**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
... more
Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural w / Good Hard Case
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3295
A real nice example with a good straight neck, and great sounding pickups
Original Natural finish is clean and looks great. Some honest signs of wear and use
Comes with a Gretsch hardshell case that fits it well and protects it well
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted ... more
1966 Kalamazoo KB-1 Vintage Gibson USA American Bass Guitar
Sonoma, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$999
Gibson Thunderbird 4-string Solidbody Electric Bass Guitar - Inverness Green
Fort Wayne, Indiana, 468**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
Used Condition
4-string Electric Bass with Mahogany Body and Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, and 2 Humbucking Pickups - Inverness Green
8 6 lbs
In good condition. There is a finish chip under the bass edge of the truss rod cover; there are dents in the bass edge of the fretboard at the 2nd and 5th frets. The electronics have been tested as good. The stock bridge has been replaced with a black Hipshot Supertone bridge and it is included inside the case along with all the pictured ... more
1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess
Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
Gibson Slothead EB-3 1971 - Cherry Fretless Bass w / Original Gibson Case
Huntington, Indiana, 467**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1900
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 seems to ... more
Vintage 1970's Gibson EB-L Bass
Harvey, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.
Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Ebony
Lawrenceville, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
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
Vintage Gibson Victory Artist Bass Sunburst 1981
Lake City, Michigan, 496**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
The guitar is a fine example of vintage craftsmanship and musical artistry. With its classic sunburst color and sleek design, ... more
Gibson The Ripper Bass
Jersey City, New Jersey, 073**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
With its powerful sound, sleek look, and incredible playability, this bass guitar is ideal for a wide range of genres. Whether you're playing rock, jazz, or anything in between, The Ripper... more
Gibson Grabber Bass 1983, Vintage Gibson Bass Guitar
Reno, Nevada, 895**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2900
Vintage 1974 GIbson The Grabber Natural W / Original Hardshell Case
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3199
Original Gibson pickup that slides back and forth has a classic vintage tone. Sliding the pickup makes for a deeper to more trebly sound.
Bass is super light and resonant. A real nice example
All original with the exception of upgraded tuners which keep it well in tune
The pickup on this example is stuck in one position its not sliding back and forth
Comes with nice original ... more
1974 Gibson Ripper Bass
Coudersport, Pennsylvania, 169**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3200
Gibson L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case
Chesterfield, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3800
"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition
Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3795
1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass - Cherry #06247
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 152**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1799
Since 2002, Empire Music has aimed to deliver the finest in-store shopping experience. Now you can receive the same amazing in-store experience through our eBay store. We promise to deliver the highest quality products and services to all of our customers This Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass is in GOOD overall condition. Cosmetically, it has blemishes and wear throughout but still in good overall condition. See below for a detailed description. It has been thoroughly ... more
1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!
Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3995
... more