Introduction

Andy Fraser today (2006)

After false rumours of his death, Andy Fraser, former Bluesbreaker, Shark, and bassist for the rock group Free has recently returned to the studio for his first album in several years. Naked, and Finally Free is available at the Andy Fraser website.

Graham Fieldhouse finds out about the new album, and gets the low-down on his bass guitars over the years.

FlyGuitars Was Naked, and Finally Free something you had been working on for some time, that you suddenly felt pressured to get released?

Andy Fraser In general terms that is true. I had basically retired, in my mind, and was making music for my own pleasure, and need for self-expression. In the back of my mind, there was gonna be a time when I would release something, but have been given the luxury of that being sometime later. When all the rumors started flying around, I had no choice but to respond. It's one thing to say hey 'I'm alive... and kicking,' but it seemed necessary to show exactly how. So I pulled a bunch of songs together which seemed to work as a whole, nipped and tucked here and there, so lyrically it was all on the same page, and regarded the whole situation as a sign. It's 'now or never'

Andy often plays finger style at the bridge pickup of his EB3

FlyGuitars You were playing bass in bands from the age of 13, which is quite remarkable, can you remember what your first bass was that you owned?

Andy Fraser The first bass - that is difficult. I remember the the first guitar was an "Airstream Lucky 7" where I tuned the strings down an octave, 'cos no one else wanted to be the bass player. I was the diplomat - they wanted to be the guitarist, or drummer, or singer. Bass players weren't cool!

FlyGuitars You have cited a jazz player Binky Mackenzie who was a boyfriend of your sister as a strong influence on your bass playing but were there other players that influenced you?

Andy Fraser I listen to everyone. Paul McCartney was very influential in the way he used the bass to orchestrate the songs. He got better and better at it, and by Sgt. Peppers, it was like the song, bass, and everything else. At a very early age, I was quite taken by the Stones version of I Wanna Be Your Man (a Beatles song), where Bill Wyman really moves it right along - check it out. And then John Entwistle's little bass break in 'My Generation' was really original and opened up a lot of possibilities for me. Jack Bruce played a big part in the early days, as Free started off with Cream as one of it's models. Then getting into Stax and Motown, James Jamerson, Carol Kaye - listen to some of the bass playing on Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, and early Stevie Wonder stuff. Totally cool!

John Mayall's Bluesbreakers

Andy Fraser

John Mayall's Bluesbreakers - early 1968. From left to right: Dick Heckstall-Smith, John Mayall, Mick Taylor, Keef Hartley, Andy Fraser, Henry Lowther. Picture taken from the book Heavy Load: The Story of Free by David Clayton and Todd Smith

FlyGuitars You became a member of the John Mayall's Bluesbreakers at the age of 15 and when you joined you went out and brought a new bass - was this when you got your Gibson EB3 or did you get that later with Free?

Andy Fraser I did a Saturday jam with Mayall at his house, got the gig. Had Sunday to wrap my head around it. Monday we went out and he got me a decent bass and stereo system, Tuesday I had to go before a Magistrate, and swear I would be in bed by 8 PM or something stupid - with a big smile and "Yes your honor", agreed that I would chaperoned in the workplace, as it were, and by Thurs. we were touring Europe 6, 7 nights a week, burning spliffs with Mick Taylor when Mayall wasn't looking. It wasn't the EB3 which I got at the beginning of FREE, but it was a decent bass, tho' I can't remember what it was. I do recall Mick Taylor had a beautiful Les Paul, which he played constantly - he is one good guitar player!

FlyGuitars Did you do any recording or writing with John Mayall?

Andy Fraser Recording - not in the studio. Some radio shows [1] and I have learnt there have been some live recordings released, and as far as I know Mayall doesn't write with anyone. His material is basic Blues based, where before each song he would call out the key, count off the tempo, and we would play - end of story. We would collect our 50 pounds at the end of the week - a fortune for a 15 year old at the time, and yeah, forget record royalties...

[1] 5 tracks were recorded for BBC Top gear 26-4-1968, at least two of which have been released on several bootleg and import albums- Beano's Boys, The First Five Years, and In the Beginning. Tracks were: Picture On The Wall, Knockers Step Forward, The Last Time, Rock Me Baby, Oh, Pretty Woman

Thanks to Graham Fieldhouse and Andy Fraser

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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1973 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass Walnut

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2199

Just in is this great and well used 1973 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass

Quick Details

Make ?? Gibson

Model ?? Les Paul Triumph Bass

Year - 1973

Color - Walnut

Weight ?? 11 24Lbs

Nut Width ?? 1 52??

Depth at 1st fret ?? 0 86??

Depth at 12th fret ?? 1 00??

Case ?? Original hardcase in rough shape and taped around edges Handle missing

Serial # 175868

Description

This 1973 Gibson Les Paul ... more

Gibson SG Bass 4 String Made In USA Electric Guitar Short Scale For Parts Body

Visalia, California, 932**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Truss rod is broken. Includes bridge, tuners, pickguard, and truss rod cover. Frets in good condition. Significant scratches and marks. Neck is intact. Project for parts, non-working.
... more

ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

UP FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Original Gibson Hard case .
HAS AMAZING TONE AND SOUND WITH A REAL NICE SMOOTH FEEL AND ACTION ALL TUNERS, ELECTRONICS, GIBSON PICK UPS, SWITCHES, VOL , TONE. WORK REAL WELL ALSO AS SHOWN HAS A TINY HAIRLINE ON GUARD BY INPUT JACK CONSIDERING THIS GEM IS APPROX. 50 YEARS OLD AS SHOWN IN REAL NICE ORIGINAL CONDITION BUT TO BE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME SCUFFS, SCRATCHES AND NORMAL USAGE WEAR .PLEASE ... more

Gibson Victory Artist Active 4- string Bass -1981

Fernandina Beach, Florida, 320**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

Gibson Victory Artist Active 4- string Bass -1981 . Condition is Used. Local pickup only.... more

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5200

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case.

The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!! It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... 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

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

? 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

1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC ~ 100% Original, VG+

Hollywood, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6900

You won't find guitar in this condition, this guitar has been professionally set up before listing it
This guitar is 1000% original condition, even casing 100% original
Will be packaged very securely and insured before shipping
Feel free to ask me any questions... more

Gibson RD Standard bass Maple Wood 1977 PERFECT

Oakland, California, 946**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2895

RD Standard Gibson electric bass, all maple wood
This fantastic instrument was made in 1977, is all original and is in superb almost-new condition!
It has very easy action but does not buzz on the neck. In my opinion it does not need an action set-up. It plays perfectly as is. It was my best friend's brother's who was the sole owner and it has spent most of its time stored in its case
The serial Number is 72697004. This means it was made on the 269th day of 1977 (September 26th,... 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

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR

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

$1850

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - Serial # 81831614 - 1981 - Monday July 2nd - Nashville TN - Production # 614, beautiful original guitar, professional players guitar, the case was made by Quest
I DID OFFER LOCAL PICKUP AND FREE SHIPPING BUT EBAY STATED THAT I WAS TRADING OUTSIDE OF EBAY ''''''''''''''''''''? SO when the bass sells I will refund the shipping yeah and local pickup is ok

... more

GIBSON SG BASS (P04015979)

Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1550

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Gibson EB-3 SG Short Scale Bass Vintage 1969-70 Refinished / Modified

West Chester, Pennsylvania, 193**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1950

vintage 1969-70 Gibson EB-3 SG Short Scale Bass. Refinished. Does not include a case
The varitone switch has been modified / replaced with a 10-position switch. The original "1 2 3 4" poker chip is missing. The bridge cover is missing, and those holes were filled (likely at the time of refinishing). Pot Code 1377018 indicates CTS (137) and 18th week of 1970. Wiring appears original but likely resoldered at some point. Original Schaller machines. Original pickups
Logo and Crown Inlay are ... more

1969 Gibson SG 4-String Electric Bass Guitar - Short Scale - USA Mad (SS2143440)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 731**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

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.... 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

1960s Gibson Kalamazoo KB bass Old Refin.

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1150

1960s Gibson Kalamazoo KB bass Old Refin . This guitar sounds and plays great. Appears to have an older refin A fairly good job. Has a few scratches and minor dings. Nothing major. Lower bridge has been upgraded. As I believe the pickup has too. Great piece of player. Great vintage gear. Willship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes international shipping provided by eBay global
... 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

Gibson Bass Guitar

Califon, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1375

The Gibson Bass Guitar is a 4-string electric bass guitar in a striking red color. It is part of the SG model series, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and iconic design. Perfect for musicians looking for a reliable and stylish bass guitar to enhance their playing experience. Includes original hard case.... more

Fly Guitars Interview: Andy Fraser - part 1: Introduction