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 Triumph Les Paul Bass Mojo City! Great Player (398)

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

Here's a killer piece of Gibson history! This 1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass is a vintage powerhouse with over 50 years of character, tone, and serious mojo!
In good vintage condition, this bass shows plenty of honest play wear, scratches, dings, and finish wear throughout. It's got that unmistakable vintage look that only decades of use can create!
The electronics are fully functional and work exactly as they should, delivering that big, warm, punchy Gibson bass tone with plenty of ... view on ebay

Gibson Ripper 1980 4-String Solid Maple Electric Bass Natural RH w / Stand

Austin, Texas, 787**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

Works but position 1 and 4 do not. Comes with the original hard case... view on ebay

Vintage 1966 Gibson Kalamazoo KB-1 Electric Bass Guitar Red With A Gig Bag!

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1295

Vintage original circa 1966 Kalamazoo KB-1 electric bass
Made by Gibson in the USA
All original with a small crack in the pickgaurd
Features an original Gibson EB-0 Bass pickup. Nice and warm and fat
A killer made in the USA vintage solidbody bass for a decent price
Comes with a gig bag, too


Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $150 shipping in the USA, $180 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted ... view on ebay

1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar

Mission Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

The 1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar is a classic electric bass guitar by Gibson, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and iconic design. With a sleek black body color, this guitar is sure to make a stylish statement in any musician's collection. Featuring the renowned Standard series, this bass guitar is known for its versatile sound and exceptional playability, making it a popular choice among bass players in various genres of music
PICK UP ONLY Mission Hills, CA (LA ... view on ebay

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!!
... view on ebay

Rare Gibson Paul Signature Original Bass Pickup And Jack Casady Bass

Fillmore, California, 930**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$925

This is one of the very first Jack Cassidy Signature Basses purchased the first year of production back in the late 90s. I bought this new with case and it's included. I replaced the original pickup that Epiphone put in it with an actual Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass pickup making this one hell of a recording bass. I used it for a lot of recording work and it's now part of my retirement sale. This is your opportunity to have the original Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass sound but without paying ... view on ebay

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE

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

$1750

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

... view on ebay

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar w / case. Alpine White. Original owner. USA

Harrisonburg, Virginia, 228**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3750

Serial Number stamped on back of headstock reads 83204574. Meaning it was manufactured on 11 / 16 / 1984and was the 74th guitar produced in Nashville that day. Pots are dated 44th and 45thweek of 1984 (first week of November). Basedon these dates I assume the headstock was stamped sometime well before theguitar was actually manufactured. Inthe control cavity it reads ??12 ?84?? what I believe is ??+ 3 L?? and also theinitials ??RFL??
I am the original owner of this bass ?? it was a... view on ebay

Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Body Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC

Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

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1960 Gibson EBO a stunning rare all original example from Gibson's best era !

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

$6495

This is a very rare late production 1960 Gibson EB-0 Bass the original slab-bodied EB-0 bass weighs just 9 lbs. 6oz. and has a nice, fat nut width of just under 1 11 / 16 inches and a scale length of 30 1 / 2 inches. Solid mahogany body, one-piece mahogany neck, and unbound Brazil rosewood fretboard with 20 original jumbo frets and inlaid pearl dot position markers. Headstock with inlaid pearl ??Gibson?? logo and pearl crown inlay. Two-layer black over white plastic ?bell-shaped?? truss-rod ... view on ebay

Vintage Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar Early 1970s Made in USA All Original

Van Nuys, California, 914**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1650

A true vintage Gibson with unmistakable presence and timeless rock-and-roll appeal! This American-made EB-3 combines the iconic SG body shape, a rich brown finish, and a distinctive slotted headstock in one incredibly charismatic instrument
All parts and components are original. There are no broken parts
Its naturally aged finish displays extensive lacquer checking, scratches, chips, and wear??giving this bass the wonderful character that only decades of history can create. The warm wood... view on ebay

Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale 4 String Bass - Cherry - Don Storck Custom

Edmond, Oklahoma, 730**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Awesome bass. Original electronics and hardware. Still has the string dampener and it works! Great tone. This is a two-owner guitar from Oklahoma City. It was played lovingly by its original owner, Don Storck, from the time that he purchased it new by in 1967 at different gigs over the years. It has earned its wonderful patina from years of playing, and it looks great. It has all the expected finish checking that you would expect to see on a guitar of this vintage. The second pick guard was ... view on ebay

2026 Gibson SG Standard Bass Cherry Finish w / OHSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1495

This Is Located At Our Brick And Mortar Store In San Diego, CA
2026 Gibson SG Standard Bass In Cherry
In Excellent Condition Overall- Wear Is Very Light - Still Has Protective Plastic On The Pickguard - Please See All Photos

Original Frets Show Nearly No Wear - See Photos
Original Pickups And Electronics
Weighs In At 7 Pounds On Our Digital Scale
Nut Width: 1 6 "
Neck Depth: .88" At The 1st Fret - .94" At The 12th Fret
Comes With The Original Gibson ... view on ebay

1964 Gibson EBO Bass Guitar

Ottawa, Ohio, 458**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2200

The 1964 Gibson EBO Bass Guitar is a vintage electric bass guitar characterized by its solid body and classic red color. This professional-level instrument is designed for right-handed players and features a 4-string configuration. With its iconic Gibson brand and timeless design, the EBO bass guitar continues to be a sought-after choice for bass players looking to add a vintage touch to their music. Inventory #127... view on ebay

Epiphone / Gibson Embassy Bass Guitar

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

$430

Plays excellent very good condition a couple of slight scratches nothing major new strings setup to make thunder these are the thunderbird pickups and these pickups are very good in this particular bass comes with gig bag and new strap
... view on ebay

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... view on ebay

Gibson ThunderBird 4 String Bass Tobacco Sunburst w / Gibson Case & Strap, & COA

Olyphant, Pennsylvania, 184**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

For your review and consideration - we present you with another fine Gibson Guitar from the guitar collection at Magdon Music!
Please read the description below and review the photos. The exact Gibson Bass pictured and in the description is the exact guitar that you will purchasing. If there is something that you need to know that is not in this description - please message us before your time of purchase and we will be very happy to assist!
Please note that our guitars are tech ... view on ebay

Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Electric Guitar with Case

Newman, Illinois, 619**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Gibson G2 Thunderbird bass in great shape with official case. There are some markings near the volume pots and a bit of wear here and there but overall in great shape and the Emg's are awesome in this. This has relatively no neck dive compared to most of the T birds and the new bridge is awesome and a lot easier to work with. Fantastic bass Gibson really knocked it out of the park with this one
Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons ... view on ebay

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 ... view on ebay

Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Here we have a very historic bass guitar from Gibson, an EB-0 from 1960.
This is a double cut solid body guitar, featuring banjo-style tuners and a one pickup design. Condition-wise this piece is in great playing and sounding condition, and bears typical signs of wear and tear. Small dings, checking, and scratches can be seen on the surface, as well as more checking and wear up the neck (as seen). This will include a non original case.... view on ebay

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