Free and the Gibson EB3
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.
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
Thanks to Graham Fieldhouse and Andy Fraser
Gibson bass guitars for sale
1967 GIBSON EB2-C: MADE IN KALAMAZOO, MI (WITH ORIGINAL HARD CASE) (HA2037500)
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Jackson, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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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
Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural w / Good Hard Case
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3295
A real nice example with a good straight neck, and great sounding pickups
Original Natural finish is clean and looks great. Some honest signs of wear and use
Comes with a Gretsch hardshell case that fits it well and protects it well
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted ... more
1962 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry 100% Original w / Mudbucker
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1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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SETUP & ... more
Used Gibson 1970 EB-3 Slotted Headstock Short Scale SG Bass w / Case
Weymouth, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w / Original Case READ DESCRIPTION
Missoula, Montana, 598**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2796
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 L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case
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Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare
Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
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
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Gibson The Ripper Bass
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With its powerful sound, sleek look, and incredible playability, this bass guitar is ideal for a wide range of genres. Whether you're playing rock, jazz, or anything in between, The Ripper... more
Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan
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Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
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Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'
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1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Ebony
Lawrenceville, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
I am the second owner of this bass which has been kept in my home (smoke-free environment). Serial # 82555563 made in Nashville, TN
Note: Prev. owner did the skull stickers which appear to simply be glued over the dot inlays.
1 ) Missing (1) volume knob
2 ) A few nicks and significant paint chipping / checking.
Techn. details:
Alder body, ... more