Free and the Gibson EB3

Andy with his Gibson EB3 bass. Picture taken from the book Heavy Load: The Story of Free by David Clayton and Todd Smith. The bass pictured is an early example, most likely 1961 or 62, so Fraser most likely got this bass used. The scratchplate and handrest have been removed, giving a clean look - see a complete 1961 EB3 here.

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.

Andy with his Epiphone Rivoli. Picture taken from the book Heavy Load: The Story of Free by David Clayton and Todd Smith

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

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

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

$2795

Another New Arrival!
We offer a RARE Slotted Headstock Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar "Short Scale" S / N: 928316 which I believe makes this a 1969These had what they called "Mudbucker" pickups which sound much fuller and deeper than your standard pickups. They sound really cool!I understand that these short scale basses are easier for guitar player to pick and play. I have to agree It all works as it should This Bass has seen to use but is just honest playing and not abused. Check out the pics and ... more

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

1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

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

$8995

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more

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!!
... more

1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w / Original Case READ DESCRIPTION

Missoula, Montana, 598**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2796

Bass has some finish cracks all over the body. See pic 4, I??ve tried to capture it. Very common for its age. No major blemishes, but not mint condition. Mute still works great, all original pickups still sound like they did in the 60s.

I have the original case, but it wasn??t easily accessible at the time of posting. I may have updated or would be happy to add pics if a serious buyer wants them. Case is in rugged condition.

Thanks. Please ask questions before bidding. ... more

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 ... more

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan.
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
... more

Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art

El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Beautiful stunning EB three Gibson guitar Bass original case, one lady owner, left as found 1970s i??ll let the Pictures do the talking or the playing ! Enjoy laurence & sally of StorageWars and baggage battles currently www roundthebend tv
... more

Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar

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

$2312

Vintage 1966 Gibson Electric Bass Guitar. Up for sale used Original Gibson .
I do not know much about vintage guitars , but i took this guitar to the nearest Guitar center store and was told that is a 1966 Gibson Electric Bass( if someone thinks differently , please let me know).
There are some scratches here and there ( please see the pictures)
Comes without a original case. ( still in a nice soft case)
Plays great.
Original big fat Gibson pickup is super warm and sounds ... more

1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !

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

$13495

These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? 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 Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more

1961 Gibson EB-6 string Bass Sunburst w / PAF

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

$14900

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1961 Gibson EB-6 Bass in its original Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the earlier Gibson knobs, the switch and one tuning key. All original tuning key is included, but its tuning button had shrunken and crumbled. A vintage double-ring Gibson Deluxe tuning key is holding the place for the original. The original hardshell case is included. This ... more

Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass 1974-1975

Allston, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

Vintage Gibson Bass. Serial numbers from this time were a little disorganized, but it seems like this was 1974 or 1975. Real rock bass.
... more

1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case

Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... more

CLEAN! Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass!! Plays great! W / alt Pickguard

Monticello, New York, 127**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This vintage Gibson Grabber Bass is a dream come true for any right-handed player looking for a solid body electric bass guitar. With its natural body color and 4-string configuration, this bass is perfect for any music genre. The alt pickguard adds a unique touch to this 1974 model year, making it a must-have for collectors and musicians alike.

The bass plays great and has been well-maintained, ensuring its quality and reliability. Whether you're a seasoned player or a ... more

Gibson EBO Bass Guitar 1967 solid wood cherry finish made in the US with case

Lebanon, New Jersey, 088**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This Gibson EBO Bass Guitar is a rare gem for any musician. Crafted in the US in 1967, this solid wood guitar features a cherry finish that shines under any lighting. With its 4-string configuration and electric bass type, it's perfect for any right-handed player looking for a high-quality instrument The guitar comes with a case, making it easy to transport and protect while on the go. Its brand, Gibson, is well-known for producing top-of-the-line guitars that are both durable and powerful. This... more

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

1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

This is a 1968 Gibson EB2D. There is a head stock repair made at some point in its history. The body and rest of the neck is in great condition. There are finish checkings across the body but that's to be expected
That mudbucker in the neck is wooly! And the bridge has bite! The switches and knobs work as they should with a little scratchiness as you use them. Aside from that you won't notice it.
Comes with non original case
... more

Vintage 1976 Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass with original hard Gibson Case

East Amherst, New York, 140**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

This vintage Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass is a rare gem for any musician. With a beautiful blond body made of alder and maple, this right-handed bass guitar features a rosewood, ebony, and maple fretboard, making it a dream come true for any player. The 4-string configuration and vintage series add to its uniqueness, making it a must-have for any collector. This bass guitar comes with its original hard Gibson case, making it easy to transport and store. Perfect for any musician or collector, ... more

? For Sale: Legendary 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass ?? A Piece of Rock History! ?

Danbury, Connecticut, 068**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

? For Sale: Legendary 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass ?? A Piece of Rock History! ?
Own a true piece of music history!
This 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass is in excellent condition and comes with an incredible pedigree.
This iconic instrument was played by some of the most legendary bassists in rock history:
John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin
Jack Bruce of Cream
Felix Pappalardi of Mountain
The bass is in excellent shape, with only the pickguard and bridge cover missing ?? a small ... more

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

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

$4730

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 you ... more

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