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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Vintage 1969 Gibson EB-0L Playable Project

Madison, Alabama, 357**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

This 1969 Gibson EB-0L is in fair shape for its age and that??s for a few reasons!
The main issue is one that plagues all of these late 60??s EB Basses, and that??s the horrible neck sets on them. Which usually results in crazy high action. And this example is not exempt from that
The neck is very playable up until til about the 7th fret when the action starts to get fairly high. We tried everything we could to get it to a fairly standard height, but to no avail. This is why it is being ... more

Vintage Gibson EB-2 Modified Bass EB2 ES bass Electric Bass 1960??s

Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1000

A really cool bass that was always in this shape. Owned for about 5 years and planned to redo it. Im more of a guitarist so Im thinning the heard. Looks great. I think the bridge is a dimarzio and there have been other pots once installed. The switches seem to be boosts for the pickups. And Volume for each pickup. No tone option. Another routes on the back. Gibson sticker gone. Some screws missing on the back and rusty input screws but everything stays together. Was also like that

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Used Gibson 1977 RD Artist Bass Moog - Black w / Case

Maricopa, Arizona, 851**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Up for auction is a Gibson RD Artist bass owned by a friend of mine, but being stored at my home. The bass and case are heavy and aren't the greatest for shipping (mainly storing), so this auction is is specifically set up for local pickup. Shipping can be arranged but that cost is 100% the buyers cost (not factored into the final ebay price or offers)
This particular bass was used without the Moog portion engaged when I was in the band with the bass player back in 2006. He no longer plays... more

1968 Gibson EB-2D Bass a very original example ready to enjoy for 58 more years.

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

$3995

The Gibson EB-2 Bass guitar was invented in 1958 & made famous by many players. Its beautiful unfaded original Sunburst finish is what this is all about. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel great. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. Its pickgard is missing. Its powerful 2 pickups along w / its original push-button switch make really fabulous tones. She has a set of witch hat knobs to finish her off nice. Its orange label is clean & intact. Its chrome hardware is clean. It??s still sporting ... more

1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless Ebony Black OHSC Rare

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

For Sale: 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless ?? Ebony Black w / OHSC
Up for sale is a 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless in Ebony Black, complete with its original hard-shell case
This is a very cool and very rare original fretless Gibson bass from the late ??70s. Original fretless Rippers do not come up often, and this one has all the bold visual presence and unmistakable feel that make these basses so appealing. With its long-scale Gibson design, ebony fingerboard, and classic Ebony Black finish, it... more

Gibson "The Ripper" L-9s Original Bass Guitar 1970's

Marquette, Wisconsin, 539**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1550

Very good condition, made from 1973-1983. A favorite of rock musicians of the era. Serial number scratched out indicating minor imperfections that made it a factory second quality. Great playing bass guitar with incredible sound
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1975 Gibson Grabber Bass Body ,With 1991 Music Man Stingray Neck

Lummi Island, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

This has been a difficult decision to part with
75 gibson grabber bass with 91 musicman stingray neck
This bass has seen some action   See photos.
I bought bass this way. With different neck
Body of bass has lots of dings, scratches,   worn out gouge. Been played hard
Still sounds sweet in my opinion.
Pickup slides, volume and tone work ( could use cleaning on pots). Has new strings
Neck is beautiful back is pretty smooth.
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Gibson SB-450 1973 Electric Bass Guitar Natural Finish w / Curtis Novak Pickups

Manhasset, New York, 110**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Gibson SB-450 1973 Electric Bass Guitar Natural Finish w / Curtis Novak Pickups
This 1973 Gibson SB-450 electric bass is a classic early-??70s American-built instrument featuring a natural finish and period-correct construction, enhanced with modern performance upgrades for improved playability and tone
Originally built with a lightweight alder body, this long-scale bass delivers the open, resonant feel typical of Gibson??s bass designs from the era. It has been upgraded with a set of ... more

1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w / OHSC

Towson, Maryland, 212**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w / OHSC
1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass in Cherry with original hardshell case??a vintage semi-hollow thumper with unmistakable Gibson character. The double-cut hollow body design delivers a deep, woody low end with a warm, blooming response, while the neck-position humbucker provides that classic ??mudbucker?? fullness that sits perfectly in the mix and a bridge humbucker with a little more bite. Its short-scale feel makes it ... more

1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar

Hollywood, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5865

Near mint condition, still have an original hard case, this guitar means a lot to me, so please serious inquiries only

Feel free to ask me any questions
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1980s Gibson Victory Bass Neck ONLY

Statesville, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

80s model Gibson victory, Bass neck, fresh frets truss rod works great has imperfections ready for a body needs hardware take note when these basses were made thesenecks was fit to a specific body so if you buy this, and for some reason, it doesn??t fit right don??t tell me it??s messed up or there??s something wrong with it because these are all custom fit to a body when they??re built thank you for looking

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1961 Epiphone Newport Vintage Gibson-Made Bass w / DeArmond Coronado Pickup

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

$2200

Up for sale, a 1961 Epiphone Newport bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order. This extremely early Newport was produced by Gibson USA in their Kalamazoo, MI factory in the very first year of the model??s run. Thoughtfully modified and offering an expanded tonal range, this bass features a vintage (1967) DeArmond single coil pickup taken from a Fender Coronado bass in the bridge position and a rewired control configuration with a four-position rotary pickup selector
This ... more

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE

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

$1250

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - Serial # 81831614 - 1981 - Monday July 2nd - Nashville TN - Production # 614, beautiful guitar, professional players guitar, the case was made by Quest

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Gibson Bass Hand Rest

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

Gibson bass handrest. Good chrome finish. Mounting holes 3 8" center to center. Note, this is not a bridge cover.... more

Vintage 1965 Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Short Scale SG Shape w / HSC GREAT PLAYER!

Berkeley, California, 947**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

Subway guitars in Berkeley California has been the bay area's premier guitar chop shop since 1968. Our staff of highly trained trolls have been building and rebuilding all manner of instruments for as long as they can remember.
We recently got in a vintage Gibson bass that is an excellent player. We have set it up and dressed the frets and are happy to certify it as ready to be exposed to the candor of the public
serial number 341297
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1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass Natural

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2890

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass in its original Natural Mahogany finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the strap buttons and the switch tip. The original hardshell case is included and has a replaced handle. There are lots of nicks + dings, belt buckle wear, a cracked corner of the pickguard and other cosmetic wear. There are a couple of very short ... more

Gibson Les Paul Bass 90??s Black Upgrades W / case

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1950

90s Les Paul Bass refurbished lace pick ups Tremelo bridge hip shot tuners with D tuner completely rebuilt from the ground up custom by Glenn Miller Ronna??s violin shop in Niagara Falls New York Glen has been mentioned in the Gibson hardcover book for his excellent reproduction of the V, the Explorer and the modern . you can Google him to read more about his excellent work ships with hardshell Case plays amazing more pictures available upon request .
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1977 Gibson L-9S Ripper Natural

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2799

Just in is this beautiful 1977 Gibson L-9S ??The Ripper?? Bass in natural

Quick Details

Make ?? Gibson

Model ?? The Ripper

Year -1977

Color -Natural

Weight ?? 10 72lbs

Nut Width ?? 1 9 / 16ths??

Neck Depth at 1st fret ?? 0 83??

Neck Depth at 12th fret ?? 0 98??

Case ??Original hard case

Serial # 73047092

Description

Just in is this beautiful 1977 Gibson ??The Ripper?? bass. This bass is in ... more

1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar w / original hard-shell case.

Clarkston, Washington, 994**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

The 1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar is a vintage piece that comes in its original hard-shell case. This electric bass guitar is designed for professional performance, making it a high-quality option for musicians. With a classic semi-hollow body, rosewood fretboard, and maple neck, this right-handed guitar offers a rich sound that is perfect for bass players looking for a vintage feel and high-performance capabilities. The red body color adds a touch of style to this iconic Gibson model from 1964.... more

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
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