Allen Woody Introduction

By Graham Fieldhouse I first came across Gov't Mule about ten years ago; a friend of mine introduced me to the self-titled debut and for me, as a bass player, it was a massive influence because of bass player, Allen Woody's playing and tone. I was quite excited when I opened the cover on the first record and there was a picture of the band in the studio, with Allen playing a Gibson EB2. That was a bass I hadn't seen used by any of the bass players I was listening to at the time. Like many bassists he had a collection of different basses - but unlike most, his collection numbered several hundred instruments. Sadly Allan died in 2000, and his collection was sold. I asked friend and band mate Warren Haynes about Allen, his basses and his playing.

Warren Haynes

FlyGuitars Can you tell us a little bit about the rationale behind Gov't Mule, particularly with respect to Allen's bass sound

Warren Haynes When we first started Gov't Mule part of the concept was to bring back that very big, massive bass sound that nobody seemed to be using any more. Not only the really big booming bass tone but bass tones in general that were a little dirtier. We were talking about how when you listen to old rock n roll records whether it was the Beatles or Jethro Tull or Yes or almost any rock records from the 60's and early 70's the bass tone was dirtier than people remember. It wasn't until the late 70's people started cleaning up the bass sound and he and I both felt like that was kind of a mistake, that rock n roll's dirty music so if everything else is going to be dirty why not the bass too and so we acknowledged that going in to the inception of Gov't Mule and so when he wanted a brighter bass sound but still big he would use a Thunderbird and eventually a Rickenbacker on the Life Before Insanity sessions, he used a Rickenbacker on a couple of songs but still very dirty. For anything prior to that and 90 per cent of everything he ever recorded with Gov't Mule was Gibson basses. When he wanted the big boomy sound it was the EB's and again in a trio format there's a lot of space to fill so that big sound fills it up. You can hear all the notes because there's not as many instruments to cover up the sound

FlyGuitars What do you think Allen liked particularly about the EB2

Warren Haynes He liked all the EB's, he collected EB's, he had EBO, EB1, EB2, EB3 and he used them all in recording especially in the context of Gov't Mule. On the first record it was predominantly the EB2, it had an acoustic quality about it that was designed to kind of sound like a stand up bass and then of course if you run that through an Ampeg SVT or something then you have this massive electric sound as well. He would actually even utilise the feedback of it sometimes, hit certain notes that would kind of feedback and utilise it like a guitar player

FlyGuitars You mention that Allen used quite a few different basses, I've heard that he owned around four hundred instruments - you mentioned the Rickenbacker on the Life Before Insanity record

Warren Haynes Yeah and he used the Hofner Beatle bass on a couple of things too. Like Lay Burden Down was the Hofner tuned down a half step, Wandering Child was a Rickenbacker, even Blindman In The Dark on Dose was a Rickenbacker. I would say probably somewhere between 400 or 500, probably around 450 or something

FlyGuitars I'm quite surprised because I thought from listening to Blindman In The Dark that it was actually a Gibson. On Dose the bass sound was different to the first record, it was very big still but quite an aggressive sort of tone

Warren Haynes Yeah it was still mostly Gibsons but Blindman In The Dark and Thorazine Shuffle were both Rickenbacker

FlyGuitars In the demonstration video, Allen indicated that he liked Thunderbirds as his sort of base bass; a bass that he would always go back to as a point, do you know why it was that he particularly favoured the Thunderbird?

Warren Haynes You know, it's hard to say because I think he looked at The Thunderbird as being somewhere between a Gibson and a Fender. Cause Woody also loved the sound that the Fender bass makes and all the people that have been famous for playing Fender basses but he just liked doing something different. He would go through phases where he really loved playing the Thunderbirds a lot. One thing he liked about the Thunderbird was that it seemed to work in The Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule both, where as he never used the EB's in the Allman Brothers because they took up too much room

Gibson bass guitars for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

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

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

$3220

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

GIBSON THUNDERBIRD Used Electric Bass Guitar

Brunswick, Georgia, 315**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

GIBSON THUNDERBIRD Used Electric Bass Guitar. Serial# 133990000
In Good condition. No cracks that I can see. Some minor scratches.
PLEASE ASK ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING
WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE THE LOWER 48 UNITED STATES (USA), SO PLEASE DON'T ASK. PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PAY YOUR STATES SALE TAX ON PURCHASE. All PAYMENTS WILL BE PROCESSED THROUGH EBAY!
WE DO NOT SHIP TO PUERTO RICO OR HAWAII! UNLESS THE PURCHASED ITEM CAN BE MAILED FLAT RATE USPS
PLEASE CHECK MY OTHER ITEMS UP ... 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

1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.

Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case. See pic of original owner with the bass in the early ?70s ! Both the bass and case show wear from decades of use. There are scuffs, scratches, dings, and dents as you would expect. There is a split in the headstock that extends for approximately 7 inches, see photo. Electronics appear to be untouched all original. As shown in pic, date code on pot reads 6833, so bass was built in late 1968 or possibly early 1969. Serial number... more

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9000

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
 
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more

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

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 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
... more

Gibson / Epiphone Newport Bass Guitar 65-66 Vintage USA

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

$1979

Used beautiful in very good condition I have owned this bass for over 40 years in the late 70??s this bass was refinished and refurbished by Virgil Lay founder of Lays guitar repair in Akron Ohio everything that is on this bass was done in 1978 it has many awesome upgrades a Bartolini split coil muddbucker pick up with two 2 position toggle switches a Badass bridge and Grover tuners. Bass is strung with Thomastik flat wound strings plays smooth and flawless very nice action. It??s not perfect ... more

1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

Bridgeport, West Virginia, 263**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

This Gibson EB2D bass is in very good condition. We listedit as "very good" because of the neck repairs, but if not for thatissue, it probably could be considered "excellent " The best we candetermine, the bass is a 1968. The pots are clearly marked 1967, and the dateranges for the bass is 1966-1969. Also has the mini humbucker in bridge. Itappears they only made 2000 of these with the mini humbuckers throughout theentire 60's. It has had the common repair where the headstock meets the neck, and... more

Gibson RD Artist MOOG 1978 Natural Maple 4-String Bass w / HSC (Used)

Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

Has light wear and scratches from being played. Overall in great condition with no major wear or dings. Has typical flat Gibson style frets. Overall in great condition. Have some light wear but no divoting or anything to worry about. Screws for battery compartment cover have been swapped with flat head screws (as seen in photos). Corner of back plate is chipped (as seen in photos). Expander Sensitivity Control on back plate is missing the plastic cap. It does work and is accessible. Strap ... more

Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird Bass

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird is a dream come true for any rockstar. With a right-handed design, this electric bass guitar is perfect for those who want to take their music to the next level. The body is made of mahogany, giving it a warm and rich sound that is perfect for any occasion. The satin black color adds a touch of elegance to the instrument, making it a true beauty
The fretboard is made of ebony, which adds a unique touch to the guitar. The neck material ... more

1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass Sunburst

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Very good condition 1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass. All original, outside of the removal of the Moog electronics. Original pickups sound MASSIVE and have tons of low end on tap. Really a special bass from Gibson that was not made that long. Original sunburst finish looks great on this specific bass. Some signs of play as pictured, but nothing crazy. All electronics have been tested to be working perfectly. Recently set up as well. Kept in a smoke free, pet free studio for recording purposes. Comes ... more

1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Short Scale Bass Walnut

Tarzana, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2699

1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass Walnut
Up for sale, an incredible and unique 1972 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass in a Walnut finish. Norlin era. Made in Kalamazoo, MI USA. All Original, stock with its Black tolex hard case.
11 0 Lbs, which is average for a Les Paul Bass
This short scale bass guitar has an Incredibly comfortable Mahogany body and neck with rosewood fretboard. No volute, perfectly straight, allowing low action playing well all across the fretboard.
The two low ... 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 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

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co