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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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!!
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VINTAGE 1981 Sunburst Gibson Victory Artist Series 4 String Bass Guitar w / Case

Interlochen, Michigan, 496**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1620

Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Artist Series 4-String Bass Guitar ?? Sunburst Finish ?? w / Original Case & Manual
Up for sale is a rare vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Artist Series bass guitar in a beautiful sunburst finish. This model was part of Gibson??s early ??80s ??Victory?? line, designed for versatility and modern tone
Year / Model: 1981 Gibson Victory Artist Series (4-string)
Finish: Classic Sunburst
Pickups: Professionally upgraded with custom EMG pickups (not original) ... more

70s Japanese Bass With Gibson Logo

Trenton, New Jersey, 086**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$549

70s Japanese Bass With Gibson Logo. Neck does not have truss rod / adjustable truss rod. Features Shin-ei cap on tone knobs. Recently setup with a fret dress and new nut. Added modern Hipshot Ultralite tuners
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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

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

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
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GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE

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

$1550

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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1968 GIBSON EB SERIES, LES PAUL BASS CHROME TUNERS SET OF (4) WITH SCREWS

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR" SALE& FREE USA SHIPPING!
This is a chrome set of (4) tuners from a 1968 EB-O that will also fit EB-2 and EB-3 basses. These are correct for models from 1968 thru 1972. Vintage Fender bass tuners are a dime-a-dozen (well maybe not that cheap) but these areextrremely difficult to fins as a complete set. All (4) tuners are in great shape and operate very smoothly; these were made by Schaller and are branded 'Gibson' on the little dust cover. Includes the mounting ... 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

Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Guitar

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

$1599

Beautiful red sparkle non-reverse Thunderbird bass guitar professional set up excellent condition some very light scratches. Nothing to mention. Looks just like the pictures Babicz replacement bridge Bartolini Thunderbird pick ups Plays and sounds fantastic. New strings case has some scratches nothing major
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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

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

1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals it's 1 of a kind & Minty

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

$27495

These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is straight as an arrow ... more

1966-68 GIBSON CARE+SETUP GUIDE GUITAR & BASS 20 PAGES GREAT ILLUSTRATIONS RARE

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$279

"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR" SALE& FREE USA SHIPPING!
In 50 years of playing and over 30 years of selling I have never seen another one of these! This piece is way cool with its understated design, interesting layout and beautiful 2-color illustrations. It looks like they commissioned a famous illustrator to do the work! It's got 20 pages and is packed with information on setting up, caring for, handling, making adjustments and just appreciating your Gibson instrument in general. 60's Gibson... more

1958 Gibson EB-2 1st year Museum Quality 100% original its 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$9995

This is a truly superb original example of one of the rarer Gibson electric basses: the first-generation semi-hollow EB-2. The EB-2 in general is not a overly rare bass, but these earliest models built in the debut year were sold in only small numbers; many more were built in 1964-68 when production was at its peak. The ES-335 guitar from 1958 is one of Gibson??s most treasured and sought after instruments; this matching bass is actually considerably rarer, if not as highly in demand ! The EB-2 ... more

1961 Gibson EB-3 the cleanest original extent w / hang tags 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$11495

This is a beautiful 1st year produced example of the exactly ??Cream Era?? Gibson EB-3 bass, pretty much identical the primary one used extensively by Jack Bruce from 1966 into the mid-70s. These expensive double pickup EB basses were made in fairly small quantities from 1961 into the mid-1960s but most examples that surface now are the later ??60s and early ??70s models, when they were produced in much greater numbers ?? at least partially due to the popularity of Cream ! Those are fine ... 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

1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass, 100% Original w / Case

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

$3600

Up for sale, a 1963 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 shorter 30 1 / 2?? scale length
Featuring solid Honduran mahogany construction and a rosewood fretboard, this EB-0 weighs 7lbs 13oz. The famous ??Mudbucker?? pickup ... more

1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass With Gigbag

Lincoln, Nebraska, 685**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

The 1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass is a highly sought-after electric bass guitar known for its classic design and superior craftsmanship. Made in the United States with a solid mahogany body, this vintage Gibson bass instrument exudes a timeless charm with its rich cherry color and vintage appeal. As a part of Gibson's renowned series of electric bass guitars, the EB-0 model delivers exceptional sound quality and playability, making it a versatile and reliable choice ... more

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