Basses

The main studio basses played by Andy Hess: shortscale Gibson EB0, Fender Telecaster bass, Precision, Hofner Violin bass, another Precision, and finally a longscale EB, the Gibson EB0L
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FlyGuitars Why did you choose to work with Geordie Johnson?

Andy Hess Warren had already been friends with Geordie and was a big fan of his and respected him tremendously. He knew that Geordie was in to producing and so he called him and Geordie was very excited to be part of it. We went down to Austen, Texas and recorded down there in a studio that Geordie works in a lot cause that's where he lives with his family. It was really a great experience working with him, it was very challenging and he brought in some great basses, I played a Gibson EB-OL on some of the session.

FlyGuitars I've always identified you as using Fender basses?

Andy Hess I'm mostly a Fender guy I'll be honest with you but Geordie bought in a nice Hofner Beatle bass that I played on a couple of tracks and I played Geordie's EB-O as well as the EB-OL that I had bought down in Austen in a guitar shop. I mixed it up on this record and I do also have a Thunderbird at home but I haven't really been using it except on Deja Voodoo on a couple of tracks; Bad Man Walking and on Mister Man.

Andy Hess, Fender Precision, Ampeg SVT with 8x10 cab
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Andy Hess plays his Gibson EB0L bass
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Andy with his early seventies Fender Telecaster bass
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FlyGuitars What did you like about the different basses having been used to using your Fenders?

Andy Hess It was just a different tone, Gibson make great basses too. It just happened to be that I was always a Fender person and I fell in love with the Precision but it was also great to use a Hofner on a couple of songs. They all sound different they all bring a different tone.

FlyGuitars I think that adds to the album having the different tones on each track. When you were using the EB-O and the EB-OL how did you record the bass track in the studio?

Andy Hess It was definitely a weird concoction that Geordie came up with. He'd mic the cabs and then we also went direct through this weird effect and he definitely mixed it up a little bit. We also used various Fender amps including guitar amps, it wasn't the standard set up. There's a couple of tunes where later we went back to New Jersey and I had to do a couple of extra tracks and I went through an Ampeg B15 which is what I usually do. On the road I use the Ampeg SVT with the 8x10 cabinet. I'm an endorser of Ampeg and I love their amps, they're great, they just work for me.

FlyGuitars I think they work for a lot of people, they are well made amps and you get a great sound through them as well. From memory seeing you play in London, you tend to favour playing with your fingers rather than a pick?

Andy Hess Yes definitely I suppose it's just cause I'm used to it and that's how I learned. It just feels good to me and I have control over the stuff I play that way. On occasion I might play with a pick but pretty rarely. Sometimes I'll play with my thumb and I'll mute the strings near the bridge with my palm to get like a dubby thing going but mostly it's my two fingers, the standard. I love the warmth, I'm more into a warm round bubbly sound as opposed to clanky

FlyGuitars Warren's credited for writing the songs on High & Mighty but how do the band approach putting the songs together?

Andy Hess I didn't know any of the songs until I got to Texas. We kind of learned them, we rehearsed a couple of days and became familiar with them and we all worked together on the grooves and the arrangement, and how the song's supposed to feel. Warren presented us the songs, It's not like we knew them all that well before we went in to the studio which is good too. In a lot of ways you kind of get first impressions and often first impressions are very valuable. Although there's something to be said too for really knowing the music but that's just how we did it.

"Mule guitar tech Brain Farmer with the Hofner H500/1 Beatle Bass"
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FlyGuitars Brian (Farmer, left), the bands guitar tech seems to be a busy man and he's always there for you guys. Bearing in mind his workload, do you tend to use just the Fender basses on tour or are you taking out other basses?

Andy Hess He's the greatest in the world. He takes care of my basses and he sets them up beautifully for me and he's a good man to have on the team. I use the Fender and I've been using the Gibson EB-OL that I brought in Texas a lot but mostly I have to say I play my Fender P basses. I do have a Fender Telecaster bass in the arsenal.

FlyGuitars People tend to sit on one side of the fence or the other they'll be a Fender player or a Gibson player so it's interesting to speak to somebody who likes Fenders but who also likes picking up Gibsons.

Andy Hess I love my Fenders, I'm never going to not play my Fender basses. I think the Fender Precision bass is one of the greatest basses, that's just a classic. That's what I'm used to and I love them but I've definitely got to really love my EB-O too. It works for certain songs perfectly.

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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1979 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar with active Moog Electronics

Frankfort, Indiana, 460**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

This vintage 1979 Gibson RD Artist is in MINT Condition. The sunburst finish in perfect condition. It has Robert Moog active electronics on board. At the flip pf a toggle switch you can have compression with indefinite low end sustain to clean midrange and high treble tones. Each pick up has a dedicated volume and tone control that are clean with no noise. Requires X-Tra Long Scale strings if you want to go through the body or long scale from the bridge. Comes with the original hard shell ... more

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 ... more

Vintage 1978 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural Yellow With Gator Hardcase

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

The Vintage 1978 Gibson Ripper Bass in Natural Yellow with a Gator Hardcase is a highly sought-after electric bass guitar for right-handed players. This unique instrument features a solid body design, maple fretboard and neck, and 20 frets, delivering a classic sound that is perfect for vintage music enthusiasts. With the iconic Gibson brand and quality craftsmanship, this bass guitar is a must-have for collectors and musicians looking to add a unique piece to their collection.... more

Custom Gibson SG Bass w / Case

Simi Valley, California, 930**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1997 Gibson SG Bass
Fully customized 1997 Gibson SG Bass
I found this in the bin about ready to be tossed. Stripped down, no fretboard, no electronics, nothing. The solid mahogany ??husk" of a bass was then Finished in emerald green stain, with Gold hardware and Black / White / Black - Pick Guard, Heel-plate and Control Covers
Hipshot Bridge
Custom-wound pups - (30 3k @ Neck, Hot-wound 12 7k TV Jones Thunder'Tron at Bridge).
Stacked U S.A. CTS Vol / Tone Controls w / ... more

VINTAGE GIBSON BASS GUITAR 1970 EB-0 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK RESTOMOD ONE OF A KIND!

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

$1349

Extremely RARE model 1970 Gibson EB-0 that has been restored with premium parts, not generic junk. YOU WILL NEVER SEE ANOTHER ONE LIKE THIS. SEE ALL PICTURES FOR COMPLETE DESCRIPTION!! FIRST of all the split headstock is already extremely rare (only for 69 / 70) but this one has a VOLUTE (bump on back of headstock), which according to my research shouldn't even exist on a split headstock as it was added to strengthen after they did away with the breakage prone split headstock. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ... more

1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC

San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar + Original Gibson Hardshell Case
" NATURAL BLONDE" FINISH
GIBSON NORLIN-ERA
Original MOOG ELECTRONICS
Made in USA (Kalamazoo Plant, MI)
Production # 102 (April 17th release)
Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free household. Kept inside case when not used

Up for sale is a BEAUTIFUL LATE-70's Gibson Bass Guitar (RD ARTIST)
EXCELLENT overall vintage condition. Standard surface scratches, light dings, marks on front / back body / ... more

1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware

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

$5500

Made in 1967 at the Kalamazoo plant this is a Gibson
EB2-C bass in very good condition. Everything original except for strings and brand new truss rod. Very little finish cracking
Works perfectly! Baritone pushbutton switch works!
We minor cosmetic damages shown. There was a chip on the left side of the head when I bought it and when the truss rod was fixed there was some bubbling on the neck and damage to the head stock
Feel free to reach out for any questions!... more

Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural

Stockton, California, 952**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0L Bass Natural
Awesome storage unit find Bass has been modified to a fretless, it is also missing the bridge cover as well as the small model plaque. I acquired it as shown. "GIBSON" is missing the S Local guitar shop owner inspected and said it was in good shape for its age Bass shows some scratches as should be expected. IThe case it came with has some cracks, its in rough shape I have added many images, please be sure to look through all and ask any questions you ... more

1967 / 68 / 69 Gibson USA EB Bass Husk - Routed

Garland, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$795

1967 / 68 or 69 GIBSON USA EB bass husk. No parts included. Routed and extra holes for pots and switches as you can see in the pictures. Truss rod turns both ways. Could make a cool project bass. No case. Please review pictures carefully.
Buyer pays $60 shipping and insurance.
Thanks for looking.
... more

Vintage 1976 Gibson L-9S Ripper Electric Bass Guitar w / Original Case

Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3400

American Music is proud to present this beautiful Gibson Ripper Bass!
Bass was kept in its ORIGINAL case, as the case is pretty beat up
Brand New StringsTruss Rod worksNo warping in neckWeighs roughly 9lbsFret board is in good shape for a instrument of its age, but could use some fret work.... 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

1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass OHSC Mahogany On-Board Preamp, Stage Ready!

Andover, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass ?? Mahogany ?? Pro Modded for Live Use ?? Original Bridge + Case
Here??s a real rarity??not just a collector's piece but a working relic: an early-production 1969 Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass, built during the first very limited run at Kalamazoo. Original mahogany body (the heavier, denser tonewood used only in the earliest examples??later models switched to walnut). Serial number 988003 and no ??Made in USA?? stamp indicate 1969 manufacture date. This ... more

Vintage Gibson EB-3 bass guitar with slotted headstock 1969-1972, walnut

Danville, Pennsylvania, 178**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

This vintage Gibson EB-3 (1969-1972) was used on stage in a touring band as a primary instrument between 1974 and 1982. There have been some customizations, pictured. Slotted headstock, mahogany body with walnut finish. Some costmetic dings consistent with age and use; the headstock crack was repaired professionally years ago. Overall in good condition, and was last used on a recording in 2023. Comes with original case, stencilled with the name of the band.... more

1970s Vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob Clean

Kingston, Michigan, 487**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

The product is a vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob from the 1970s. This knob would have been used on the bass guitar of a Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph model from that era. Made by Gibson, known for their high-quality instruments, this knob is likely to be a rare and sought after collectible for vintage guitar enthusiasts.... more

Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass

Cross Junction, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass: ESP Strat preamp with bypass mini-switch added. Badass bridge, headstock repaired. Mike Watt moved the output jack from the side to the front and added a big ol' washer to reinforce it you can see it in the picture. He also removed the side jack.
(bought from dirk vandenberg of guitar surfari. mike watts bass tech in San Pedro... more

1967 Gibson EB-2C Bass fabulous special ordered EB-2 in "Sparkling Burgundy" !

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

$6495

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-2C??s from 1967. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Sparkling Burgundy?? custom color finish is what this is all about & it??s so frickin rare. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label too. Its pickgard is missing. Its ... more

1961 Epiphone Newport Vintage Gibson-Made Bass w / DeArmond Coronado Pickup

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

$2200

Up for sale, a 1961 Epiphone Newport bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order. This extremely early Newport was produced by Gibson USA in their Kalamazoo, MI factory in the very first year of the model??s run. Thoughtfully modified and offering an expanded tonal range, this bass features a vintage (1967) DeArmond single coil pickup taken from a Fender Coronado bass in the bridge position and a rewired control configuration with a four-position rotary pickup selector
This ... more

1959 1960 GIBSON EB-0 Slab Body BASS PICKGUARD USA

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Early slab body pick guard . Cut a little to fit replace pickup. Just a shave off it
... more

1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w / OHSC

Towson, Maryland, 212**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w / OHSC
1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass in Cherry with original hardshell case??a vintage semi-hollow thumper with unmistakable Gibson character. The double-cut hollow body design delivers a deep, woody low end with a warm, blooming response, while the neck-position humbucker provides that classic ??mudbucker?? fullness that sits perfectly in the mix and a bridge humbucker with a little more bite. Its short-scale feel makes it ... more

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

... more

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