Introduction

Andy Fraser today (2006)

After false rumours of his death, Andy Fraser, former Bluesbreaker, Shark, and bassist for the rock group Free has recently returned to the studio for his first album in several years. Naked, and Finally Free is available at the Andy Fraser website.

Graham Fieldhouse finds out about the new album, and gets the low-down on his bass guitars over the years.

FlyGuitars Was Naked, and Finally Free something you had been working on for some time, that you suddenly felt pressured to get released?

Andy Fraser In general terms that is true. I had basically retired, in my mind, and was making music for my own pleasure, and need for self-expression. In the back of my mind, there was gonna be a time when I would release something, but have been given the luxury of that being sometime later. When all the rumors started flying around, I had no choice but to respond. It's one thing to say hey 'I'm alive... and kicking,' but it seemed necessary to show exactly how. So I pulled a bunch of songs together which seemed to work as a whole, nipped and tucked here and there, so lyrically it was all on the same page, and regarded the whole situation as a sign. It's 'now or never'

Andy often plays finger style at the bridge pickup of his EB3

FlyGuitars You were playing bass in bands from the age of 13, which is quite remarkable, can you remember what your first bass was that you owned?

Andy Fraser The first bass - that is difficult. I remember the the first guitar was an "Airstream Lucky 7" where I tuned the strings down an octave, 'cos no one else wanted to be the bass player. I was the diplomat - they wanted to be the guitarist, or drummer, or singer. Bass players weren't cool!

FlyGuitars You have cited a jazz player Binky Mackenzie who was a boyfriend of your sister as a strong influence on your bass playing but were there other players that influenced you?

Andy Fraser I listen to everyone. Paul McCartney was very influential in the way he used the bass to orchestrate the songs. He got better and better at it, and by Sgt. Peppers, it was like the song, bass, and everything else. At a very early age, I was quite taken by the Stones version of I Wanna Be Your Man (a Beatles song), where Bill Wyman really moves it right along - check it out. And then John Entwistle's little bass break in 'My Generation' was really original and opened up a lot of possibilities for me. Jack Bruce played a big part in the early days, as Free started off with Cream as one of it's models. Then getting into Stax and Motown, James Jamerson, Carol Kaye - listen to some of the bass playing on Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, and early Stevie Wonder stuff. Totally cool!

John Mayall's Bluesbreakers

Andy Fraser

John Mayall's Bluesbreakers - early 1968. From left to right: Dick Heckstall-Smith, John Mayall, Mick Taylor, Keef Hartley, Andy Fraser, Henry Lowther. Picture taken from the book Heavy Load: The Story of Free by David Clayton and Todd Smith

FlyGuitars You became a member of the John Mayall's Bluesbreakers at the age of 15 and when you joined you went out and brought a new bass - was this when you got your Gibson EB3 or did you get that later with Free?

Andy Fraser I did a Saturday jam with Mayall at his house, got the gig. Had Sunday to wrap my head around it. Monday we went out and he got me a decent bass and stereo system, Tuesday I had to go before a Magistrate, and swear I would be in bed by 8 PM or something stupid - with a big smile and "Yes your honor", agreed that I would chaperoned in the workplace, as it were, and by Thurs. we were touring Europe 6, 7 nights a week, burning spliffs with Mick Taylor when Mayall wasn't looking. It wasn't the EB3 which I got at the beginning of FREE, but it was a decent bass, tho' I can't remember what it was. I do recall Mick Taylor had a beautiful Les Paul, which he played constantly - he is one good guitar player!

FlyGuitars Did you do any recording or writing with John Mayall?

Andy Fraser Recording - not in the studio. Some radio shows [1] and I have learnt there have been some live recordings released, and as far as I know Mayall doesn't write with anyone. His material is basic Blues based, where before each song he would call out the key, count off the tempo, and we would play - end of story. We would collect our 50 pounds at the end of the week - a fortune for a 15 year old at the time, and yeah, forget record royalties...

[1] 5 tracks were recorded for BBC Top gear 26-4-1968, at least two of which have been released on several bootleg and import albums- Beano's Boys, The First Five Years, and In the Beginning. Tracks were: Picture On The Wall, Knockers Step Forward, The Last Time, Rock Me Baby, Oh, Pretty Woman

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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1968 Gibson Dove Vintage Acoustic Guitar Cherry Sunburst 100% Original Case 1960

Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5997

Up for sale is a truly exceptional 1968 Gibson Dove in its original cherry sunburst finish, complete with its original hardshell case and factory manual!
This is a 100% original vintage Gibson Dove and one of the cleanest examples you are likely to find. It is a true collector??s-grade guitar with the kind of condition that almost looks too clean for a 1968 instrument. The finish, hardware, pickguard, bridge, tuners, frets, and case all present beautifully
The guitar would be nearly ... view on ebay

1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware

Hackettstown, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Made in 1967 at the Kalamazoo plant this is a Gibson
EB2-C bass in very good condition. Everything original except for strings and brand new truss rod. Very little finish cracking
Works perfectly! Baritone pushbutton switch works!
We minor cosmetic damages shown. There was a chip on the left side of the head when I bought it and when the truss rod was fixed there was some bubbling on the neck and damage to the head stock
Feel free to reach out for any questions!... view on ebay

1960 Gibson EBO a stunning rare all original example from Gibson's best era !

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

$6495

This is a very rare late production 1960 Gibson EB-0 Bass the original slab-bodied EB-0 bass weighs just 9 lbs. 6oz. and has a nice, fat nut width of just under 1 11 / 16 inches and a scale length of 30 1 / 2 inches. Solid mahogany body, one-piece mahogany neck, and unbound Brazil rosewood fretboard with 20 original jumbo frets and inlaid pearl dot position markers. Headstock with inlaid pearl ??Gibson?? logo and pearl crown inlay. Two-layer black over white plastic ?bell-shaped?? truss-rod ... view on ebay

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

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

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

1972-1973ca Gibson Les Paul Triumph Electric Bass Guitar

Smiths Grove, Kentucky, 421**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

1972-1973ca Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass



This Bass comes with receipt of were it was purchased in Hobart, Australia decades ago. It was purchased by a US Navy Sailor that played in the ship bands around the world. I am selling it for his widdow. He recently passed away sadly. I would think the case has seen the world! I mean chain handle, It??s been well used lol!!! Still has the dealer tag from were Gibson imported from the USA to Australia. It??s a rare Bird at a ... view on ebay

1964 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale Bass Cherry, 100% Original w / Case

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

$3400

Up for sale, a 1964 Gibson EB-0 in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original 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 in 1961, boasting a short 30 1 / 2?? scale length
Lightweight at 6lbs 11oz, this EB-0 features solid Honduran mahogany construction and a rosewood fretboard. The famous ??Mudbucker?? pickup ... view on ebay

Epiphone / Gibson Embassy Bass Guitar

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

$430

Plays excellent very good condition a couple of slight scratches nothing major new strings setup to make thunder these are the thunderbird pickups and these pickups are very good in this particular bass comes with gig bag and new strap
... view on ebay

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3995

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!. Slotted headstock with original Gibson tuners!! Perfect for the collector!! This bass is in exceptional condition and so is the original case!! You will not find one in better condition!! Simply amazing!! Has new strings and comes with a beautiful vintage ??Made in Mexico?? leather strap!! Everything 100% original!! Thanks for looking!!
... view on ebay

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass

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

$8695

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass, Sunburst finish, Booming Humbucking pickup withBlack Plastic cover, Nickel parts, Full feeling neck, Fine bass! Hang tag, VG++, Original hard case... view on ebay

Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-2 DC Semi-Hollow Short Scale Electric Cherry Bass w / OHSC

Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

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Gibson EB-0 Circa 1964 Electric Bass Guitar

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

$1600

Sounds and plays so good! Has all the vintage tone and good mojo. Straight neck. Fully functional. Someone has refinished the headstock while leaving the logo. Some cosmetic flaws from its age. This is a classic thumping bass that can take your playing to the next level

Don't miss your chance to own!



Items only come with case or accessories if pictured or listed in the listing

Items only come with accessories / parts pictured and or... view on ebay

Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

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

$400

This bass guitar string mute is a must-have for any Gibson Thunderbird owner. Made in 1966, this mute is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. It is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and provides a unique sound that is sure to impress
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... view on ebay

Gibson Kalamazoo KB bass 1960s

Salem, New Hampshire, 030**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

1960s Kalamazoo KB Shortscale bass made by Gibson. Few small chips / dings on body and headstock.
... view on ebay

Gibson Les Paul Triumph Electric Bass Guitar

Merritt Island, Florida, 329**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Defaulted Pawn Collateral
1972ish SN: 622898
Obviously well traveled and knocked around
* Please study the pictures *
Ready to ship
24lbs 2oz 50x20x8
Good Luck and thanks for stopping by!
All previously owned items are sold as is, as shown
----------------------------------------------------------... view on ebay

gibson bass guitar 4 string

Maple Shade, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1188

The Gibson Bass Guitar 4 String is a high-quality electric bass guitar designed for musicians looking for a powerful and versatile sound. With its solid body construction and distinctive red color, this SG model delivers rich bass tones that are perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. Featuring four strings, this bass guitar offers a wide range of notes and harmonies, making it ideal for bass players looking to explore different genres and styles of music. Built by the renowned... view on ebay

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

Gibson sb400 Bass 1971-1973 READ DESCRIPTION

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

$1800

This is a Gibson SB400, in not fully original condition. When I recieved this bass the truss rod was busted, and it contained 0 of the original electronics and hardware. Check out the full video for all my restoration work. MAKE ME AN OFFER!
https: / / youtu be / oZIYBfvSb6g?si=A5dVHv0gw1Qb6or
I replaced the crappy old broken truss rod with a modern stewmac 2 way rod, and replaced the original fretboard with a stewmac indian rosewood fingerboard and refretted. It's now a 34 inch scale, ... view on ebay

Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness

Asheboro, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

6 pots and 2 jacks
... view on ebay

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