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-O Electric Bass Guitar 1972 Walnut Kalamazoo Short Scale Humbucker

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 089**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

Not Being A Bass Maven, The Specs On This Is The Closest That I Could Find Online So Don??t Hold Me To Every Single Detail. First Off I??ve Had This Bass For A Long Time & Used It Sparingly. It??s Been Kept In A Case & Is In Great Condition. Plays Good, Sounds Awesome, Electronics Are Quiet, No Frets Buzz & Really Has No Issues. Seems Like It??s All Original So Let??s Get Into The Details
Gibson 1972 EB-O Mahogany Body(Walnut Finish), 3 Piece Maple Neck w / 22?? Short Scale 21 ... more

1978 Gibson Grabber Bass Natural

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

$2899

For Sale: 1978 Gibson Grabber Bass ?? Natural Finish
Includes Original Hard-Shell Case
Up for sale is a 1978 Gibson Grabber Bass in its classic Natural finish, complete with its original hard-shell case. This vintage gem is in very good condition and plays flawlessly
Condition & Features
Overall Condition: 8 5 / 10 ?? Some scratches, dings, and wear on the back, adding character to this 46-year-old bass Originality: 100% original with no modifications Neck: Straight and stable, ... 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

Epiphone by Gibson Power Bass guitar With Case

San Tan Valley, Arizona, 851**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

In good condition with minor wear. Please view all photos for condition. It includes the case and cords. The case has the carrying strap
... more

Gibson Bass Guitar 1993 Black

Lancaster, California, 935**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$36

1993 Gibson Epiphone Jazz Bass Guitar Black made in KoreaVery well made. Beautiful sound. Has been in use, please check photos.... more

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.
... more

Gibson SG bass Original Hard shell Case USED Old Condition.

La Vergne, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

I??ve never used it, was hardly used but In old condition because of its age.... more

Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare

Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare.
These were made from 1986-93 according to the internet. The serial number sticker has been peeled of, but I believe this is an earlier one
Very nice looking bass
Sealed tuners, new strings, brass saddles, black on black with matching headstock, all original
The body has a few light nicks and scratches, in the clear coat. None major
No apparent fret wear or groves
The bass has just had a ... more

Gibson RD Artist Bass

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 279**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

1978 (February 25, #117) Gibson RD Artist Series Bass Guitar in very good condition. Lightly played with all original parts and electronics. All switches and knobs work smoothly without crackle or static. Minor blemishes and scuffs from playing, no deep gouges or scrapes. Hamer brand case is clean inside, needs some hardware but is functional. Medium heavy flat-wound strings on it now. Sounds like a beast!! Case kept, non-smoking home.
... more

1958 Gibson EB-2 Thinline Bass Guitar

Keene, New Hampshire, 034**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

1958 Gibson EB-2 Electric Bass. All original and in excellent condition. Tobacco Sunburst finish. Single pickup, earliest version. Laminated maple thinline body. Banjo tuners in excellent condition. Serial number is A27810. A total of 90 EB-2 basses were shipped in 1958. Comes with original case in very good condition with all functioning latches. A very nice example for any vintage Gibson collection. Shipping will be $150 00 in the CONUS. I only ship in the USA
... more

Gibson Ripper Bass

Granite Falls, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1875

Not sure about year .looks like it could be a 73 or 74' . I bought it in the 90s .has some dings and play wear bridge pickbup died and has new seymour duncan ripper replacement .wiring went bad and has been replaced .pickguard is not original bout everything else is original .it has a brass nut was on it when i got it .epiphone hard case .see pics
... more

Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished)

Greenwood, Mississippi, 389**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished). Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... more

Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural

Stockton, California, 952**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural
Awesome storage unit find Bass has been modified to a fretless, it is also missing the bridge cover as well as the small model plaque. I acquired it as shown. "GIBSON" is missing the S Local guitar shop owner inspected and said it was in good shape for its age Bass shows some scratches as should be expected. IThe case it came with has some cracks, its in rough shape I have added many images, please be sure to look through all and ask any questions you ... more

Vintage Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock

San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$150

This vintage Epiphone by Gibson Rock Bass is a rare find for any collector or musician. With a solid body type and an ebony black color, this electric bass guitar boasts a unique hockey stick headstock design that is sure to turn heads. The maple neck material and 20 frets , need some work and restoration the frist fret board pop out and need repair no neck plate and tunner you got what see in the picture
The four string configuration and Accu series model year of 86-93
... more

1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Bass

Georgetown, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4480

In 1976, to celebrate America's 200th anniversary of independence, Gibson reissued the Thunderbird bass in its original early 60s reverse body shape. Production in Kalamazoo continued to 1979 and in total, only 1855 were made. There were only 237 natural finish models made in 1977
This bass is in outstanding condition with only a few minor blemishes as shown in the pictures. One strap button was moved from the side to the  back and the hole was filled. Otherwise everything is original. ... more

Gibson 1975 The Grabber Bass

Colorado Springs, Colorado, 809**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2640

1975 all original Gibson grabber bass
Some play wear and marks but overall great shape These sound amazing, booming, thick and articulate, perfect for any genre Original case... 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

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

1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case

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

$2800

Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, 100% original save for a refret and carved bone nut, and complete with a 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 (like the example seen here) in 1961. Lightweight at 7lbs 7oz with solid mahogany construction, this bass delivers pure, fat low-end thump courtesy of the famous "Mudbucker" pickup. The rich... more

"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition

Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3795

Here we a have a Pre-Owned Excellent Condition 1973 VINTAGE GIBSON EB-3 BASS. I Just put it through the Shop to make sure everything is up to snuff. I am very meticulous when it comes to my gear, I baby my stuff. Everything is in perfect working order. I just had it completely set up with brand New FENDER FLATOUND 45-100'S so it plays wonderful. Truss Rod is in good working condition Neck is Straight action is perfect. (I like the action low) so it set perfect and plays like a dream. All the ... more

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