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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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Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920s

Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

This listing is for a rare and amazing Vintage Gibson Style J Mando Bass. To the best of my knowledge this bass was made in 1913 and these Style J Mando Basses were made in small quantities between 1912 throughout throughout the 1920's and 1930's. This one is not in great shape and will require some professional restoration but these are so rare it would be a great project for the right player or luthier to restore
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... view on ebay
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1965 Gibson EBO Bass in Custom Color "Ember Red"  stunning 1 of a kind & Minty !

1965 Gibson EBO Bass in Custom Color "Ember Red" stunning 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$4495

This is a beautiful Custom Color example of Gibson's EB-0 bass, pretty much identical to this by so many famous bass players from 1965 into the mid-70s. It's a very special ordered example in Gibson's Ember Red finish all over much like Fender's Dakota Red finish. It's an outstanding show piece showing only the slightest play time w / virtually no fade from new. The 30 1 / 2" scale neck is chunkier than later examples, with a noticeably wider nut than those made after mid-late 1965. While the ... view on ebay
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1967 Gibson Eb-2 bass Guitar Cherry Red

1967 Gibson Eb-2 bass Guitar Cherry Red

Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

1967 Gibson EB-2 bass guitar in cherry red finish
This is a player??s guitar. The finish is faded, with a few dings and knicks on the body
The neck is nice and sleek, very slender. All cosmetic. TONE CITY!!!
It has 2 headstock cracks that have been fully repaired and the bass holds tension and intonation immaculately. The headstock is missing the pearl inlay
overall this bass is in great condition. I have GHS medium flats on it . The action is nice and low. No fret buzzing. The ... view on ebay
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1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar

1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar

Winnsboro, Louisiana, 712**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

The 1967 Gibson EB-2 Vintage Sunburst Semi-Hollow 4 String Right-Handed Bass Guitar is a classic piece of musical history. Crafted by the renowned brand Gibson, this bass guitar is designed for right-handed players and features a semi-hollow body type. With its unique 4-string configuration, this model is perfect for bass enthusiasts looking for a vintage instrument with a timeless appeal. The sunburst finish adds to its retro charm, making it a standout choice for players seeking a vintage ... view on ebay
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1979 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural

1979 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3250


This Gibson Ripper was made in the USA in 1979. It shows play wear, but overall this one is quite clean with no structural damage. It is all original, although 1 pickup was re-wound. The bass is stamped "Second" but unclear why. This bass has been pro-setup in our store, plays great, and comes with the original case
If you have any questions, please message us
We ship Worldwide! Message for international shipping rates.... view on ebay
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1970s Vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob Clean

1970s Vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob Clean

Kingston, Michigan, 487**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

The product is a vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob from the 1970s. This knob would have been used on the bass guitar of a Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph model from that era. Made by Gibson, known for their high-quality instruments, this knob is likely to be a rare and sought after collectible for vintage guitar enthusiasts.... view on ebay
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1967 Gibson EB-2D Semi-Hollow Bass ?? All Original w /  Willies Guitar COA

1967 Gibson EB-2D Semi-Hollow Bass ?? All Original w / Willie's Guitar COA

Forest Lake, Minnesota, 550**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

Up for sale is a beautiful, highly desirable 1967 Gibson EB-2D dual-pickup semi-hollow electric bass guitar in its original Cherry finish This instrument has been professionally evaluated and certified completely original by the experts at Willie??s American Guitars (Saint Paul, MN). The original pickups (including the famous neck 'Mudbucker' and bridge mini-humbucker), the factory tuning pegs, knobs, and the push-button baritone switch are all intact and fully operational The serial number ... view on ebay
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1966 Gibson Melody Maker SG Bass

1966 Gibson Melody Maker SG Bass

Kelseyville, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2600

1966 Gibson Melody Maker Bass
Where to begin. This thing was in really bad shape when I purchased it. The following repairs were done by Sonoma County Guitarworks:
Fret level and dress
Nut replacement (bleached bone)
Studs replaced (tone pros)
Pick guard was replaced
Output jack replacement
Bridge replaced, believe it??s a leo quan badazz
Neck joint needed gluing
This has the original pickup, feels almost as light as a melody maker guitar, super fun to play. ... view on ebay
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1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals its 1 of a kind & Minty

1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals it's 1 of a kind & Minty

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

$27495

These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is straight as an arrow ... view on ebay
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Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Case HIPSHOT Bridge

Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Case HIPSHOT Bridge

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

2014 Gibson SG 120th Anniversary (Right Handed):
Im not a professional guitar inspector but I will do my best to present the instrument.
Excellent short scale bass with a massive low tone. I have played this on numerous gigs and have owned it for a few years so it does have some cosmetic wear
I tried to capture some of the playing scratches close to the neck pickup. Accumulated from playing towards the neck with the thumb nail scratching the wood or using a pick. It also has some ... view on ebay
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Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81

Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'

Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

This a killer bass and a total P bass killer. Gibson released these to compete with the p bass and they are far, far, better quality. Mahogany body, Mable neck, brass nut, active and passive humbuckers with MOOG electronics! All original with the original case. The original case is pretty beat up with a buckle replaced but still road Worthy. Original paperwork still with it. The guitar is set up to play easy with a low action and great sound. One bridge saddle is missing the riser but works ... view on ebay
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Gibson Les Paul LPB-2 Deluxe Plus Bass Bartolini Pickups Heritage Cherry

Gibson Les Paul LPB-2 Deluxe Plus Bass Bartolini Pickups Heritage Cherry

Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

Gibson Les Paul LPB-2 Deluxe Plus Bass Bartolini Pickups Heritage Cherry Sunburst 1996 W / HSC
Has wear and scratches from being played. Overall in Good condition Has one chip on treble side of neck at the 5th fret (as seen in photos) 4th / G String Tuner has been remounted slightly tilted. Still functions perfectly. We would fill and remount that tuner in the original hole for free if desired. Just send us a message upon order Comes with Gibson Les Paul Bass Hard Shell Case. Combination ... view on ebay
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60s Vintage Gibson EB-O bass 70s Fender Pickup Added With Case

60's Vintage Gibson EB-O bass 70's Fender Pickup Added With Case

Glendale, Arizona, 853**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1750

Up for grabs is this old bass from Gibson, this bass has been around, please take time to check all pictures for actual condition, has small nicks / dings around, looks all stock plus Fender 70's pickup added, original hard case included, pickups and case are around 3-400 bucks alone, I was going to remove the fender pickups but Ill see if some one takes the hole deal, if not Ill take them off and re post the bass, tested, works good, has the Gibson plate with the pots attached to it, has a nice... view on ebay
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1976 Gibson The Ripper Fretless L9-S Vintage Bass Ebony w /  Bill Lawrence, Case

1976 Gibson The Ripper Fretless L9-S Vintage Bass Ebony w / Bill Lawrence, Case

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

$2200

Up for sale, a 1976 Gibson ??The Ripper?? Fretless LS-9 bass in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, this uncommon fretless version of the Ripper has been outfitted with a pair of Bill Lawrence L-90 humbuckers and a Hipshot Supertone bridge
Weighing 10lbs 8oz, the set neck and string-through body design ensure excellent sustain, providing an ideal platform for the L-90s. The first-ever dual rail ... view on ebay
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1977 Gibson RD Standard Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Ebony w /  Case

1977 Gibson RD Standard Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Ebony w / Case

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

$3400

Up for sale, a 1977 Gibson RD Standard Bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Dating to the era of Gibson production where the company was looking to expand their bass lineup with unique, forward-thinking designs, the short-lived RD Standard model (1977-79) was the passive entry into the RD lineup. Compared to the Artist, which sported Bob Moog-designed active electronics, the RD Standard is a no-frills tonal powerhouse, yielding ... view on ebay
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1970 Gibson Les Paul Bass Low Impedance Pickups. VINTAGE!

1970 Gibson Les Paul Bass Low Impedance Pickups. VINTAGE!

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, 190**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2499

This VINTAGE, 1st generation Gibson bass is over 55 years old! The bridge is an old Leo Quan Badass Bridge. It has a changed XLR input done many years ago. The pots are master volume and master tone. This bass is quiet and heavy. It produces a thick and thumpy sound. NON original hardshell case is a dreadnaught size case. The pots are stamped 1970.... view on ebay
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Vintage 1981 Gibson Flying V Bass Guitar - Short Scale  /  Rare Only 375 Made

Vintage 1981 Gibson Flying V Bass Guitar - Short Scale / Rare Only 375 Made

Saratoga Springs, New York, 128**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

This is one of the rarest Gibson basses made. Very hard to find on the secondary market. Fantastic condition. Transparent Blue. Stamped second but this was not uncommon at the end of the run for selling instruments at a promotional price to dealers. Does not devalue the instrument at all. Includes the original manual and hardshell case. Please no trade offers. All sales are final & local pickup ONLY. Thanks
Gibson released the Flying V bass in 1981 as part of the Norlin era??s push for ... view on ebay
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1976 Gibson The Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Natural 100% Original w /  Case

1976 Gibson The Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Natural 100% Original w / Case

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

$3400

Up for sale, a 1976 Gibson Ripper L-9S bass in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, this 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
Weighing 10lbs 3oz, the set neck, string-through body design and all-maple construction... view on ebay
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Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass

Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass

Cross Junction, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass: ESP Strat preamp with bypass mini-switch added. Badass bridge, headstock repaired. Mike Watt moved the output jack from the side to the front and added a big ol' washer to reinforce it you can see it in the picture. He also removed the side jack.
(bought from dirk vandenberg of guitar surfari. mike watts bass tech in San Pedro... view on ebay
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Gibson EB-5 Bass

Gibson EB-5 Bass

West Palm Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1050

Gibson EB-5 bass, in new like condition.
Comes with an original Gibson soft gig bag.
Local pick up in West Palm Beach or additional shipping cost will be added.... view on ebay
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