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
Image 3800K Photography

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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Vintage Gibson EB2 Bass pots Wiring Harness

Asheboro, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$350

6 pots and 2 jacks
... more

gibson bass guitar 4 string

Maple Shade, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1188

The Gibson Bass Guitar 4 String is a high-quality electric bass guitar designed for musicians looking for a powerful and versatile sound. With its solid body construction and distinctive red color, this SG model delivers rich bass tones that are perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. Featuring four strings, this bass guitar offers a wide range of notes and harmonies, making it ideal for bass players looking to explore different genres and styles of music. Built by the renowned... 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 EB-3 Mahogany 1970-75 Electric Bass Guitar Orig. Case Slotted Head 961211

El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Available for your consideration is this stunning Gibson EB-3 bass guitar. It has a scale length of 31 inches, and a serial number of 961211.
To the best of our knowledge, this is most likely a 72 to 75 production of the EB-3 in mahogany
It is missing the original pickup cover.

You can read more about EB-3 production differences and models on FlyGuitars website.

This Beautiful and stunning EB-3 Gibson Bass guitar is in the original case and ... more

Vintage 1960's Gibson EB series Bass Natural

Thomson, Georgia, 308**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$99

Pulled from the hands of a curious child. The bridge, pick up cover and nut was missing. The child took off the binding. I started by leveling the neck, then conditioned the frets. The action is amazing. I made custom pick up cover and plate at rear of bridge for cosmetics. I carved a brass nut for it.... more

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8695

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass, Sunburst finish, Booming Humbucking pickup withBlack Plastic cover, Nickel parts, Full feeling neck, Fine bass! Hang tag, VG++, Original hard case... more

Gibson "The Ripper" L-9s Original Bass Guitar 1970's

Marquette, Wisconsin, 539**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1550

Very good condition, made from 1973-1983. A favorite of rock musicians of the era. Serial number scratched out indicating minor imperfections that made it a factory second quality. Great playing bass guitar with incredible sound
... 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

1977 Gibson L-9S Ripper Natural

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

$2799

Just in is this beautiful 1977 Gibson L-9S ??The Ripper?? Bass in natural

Quick Details

Make ?? Gibson

Model ?? The Ripper

Year -1977

Color -Natural

Weight ?? 10 72lbs

Nut Width ?? 1 9 / 16ths??

Neck Depth at 1st fret ?? 0 83??

Neck Depth at 12th fret ?? 0 98??

Case ??Original hard case

Serial # 73047092

Description

Just in is this beautiful 1977 Gibson ??The Ripper?? bass. This bass is in ... more

Gibson SB-450 1973 Electric Bass Guitar Natural Finish w / Curtis Novak Pickups

Manhasset, New York, 110**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Gibson SB-450 1973 Electric Bass Guitar Natural Finish w / Curtis Novak Pickups
This 1973 Gibson SB-450 electric bass is a classic early-??70s American-built instrument featuring a natural finish and period-correct construction, enhanced with modern performance upgrades for improved playability and tone
Originally built with a lightweight alder body, this long-scale bass delivers the open, resonant feel typical of Gibson??s bass designs from the era. It has been upgraded with a set of ... 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

1980s Gibson Victory Bass Neck ONLY

Statesville, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

80s model Gibson victory, Bass neck, fresh frets truss rod works great has imperfections ready for a body needs hardware take note when these basses were made thesenecks was fit to a specific body so if you buy this, and for some reason, it doesn??t fit right don??t tell me it??s messed up or there??s something wrong with it because these are all custom fit to a body when they??re built thank you for looking

... 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 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 ... more

1965 Gibson EBO Bass in Custom Color "Ember Red" stunning 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$4495

This is a beautiful Custom Color example of Gibson's EB-0 bass, pretty much identical to this by so many famous bass players from 1965 into the mid-70s. It's a very special ordered example in Gibson's Ember Red finish all over much like Fender's Dakota Red finish. It's an outstanding show piece showing only the slightest play time w / virtually no fade from new. The 30 1 / 2" scale neck is chunkier than later examples, with a noticeably wider nut than those made after mid-late 1965. While the ... more

Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Original Case and VIDEO

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

$1295

Here's a 2014 Gibson SG 120th Anniversary 4 string bass guitar in a factory original Sunburst finish.
It is in good condition with lots of playwear - see pics and video
She hhas no breaks or repairs and is all original
She has a fresh set up with Ernie Ball 45 / 105's and actually plays quite beautifully.
She's 7 4 lbs on the scale
Here's the specs - please correct us if we've missed anything
As part of their 120th Anniversary, Gibson USA has reconceived several ... more

1974 GIBSON EB4L RARE LONG-SCALE BASS MAHOGANY ROSEWOOD BROWN WELL-PLAYED W / OHSC

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

$1489

PRE-MEMORIAL DAY SALE & FREE USA SHIPPING!
I have always loved these basses because they are hard-to-find and just have a pleasing tone. If you are looking for a bass in pristine condition, please look elsewhere! The Bass Palace made a name over 35 years by providing cool basses that we rated on vibe, playability and the in-hand experience. This bass is all-original with its brown finish, mahogany body & neck and a rosewood fretboard. It's got a single big humbucker but it's not ... more

1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar w / original hard-shell case.

Clarkston, Washington, 994**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

The 1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar is a vintage piece that comes in its original hard-shell case. This electric bass guitar is designed for professional performance, making it a high-quality option for musicians. With a classic semi-hollow body, rosewood fretboard, and maple neck, this right-handed guitar offers a rich sound that is perfect for bass players looking for a vintage feel and high-performance capabilities. The red body color adds a touch of style to this iconic Gibson model from 1964.... more

Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Case HIPSHOT Bridge

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1200

2014 Gibson SG 120th Anniversary (Right Handed):
Im not a professional guitar inspector but I will do my best to present the instrument.
Excellent short scale bass with a massive low tone. I have played this on numerous gigs and have owned it for a few years so it does have some cosmetic wear
I tried to capture some of the playing scratches close to the neck pickup. Accumulated from playing towards the neck with the thumb nail scratching the wood or using a pick. It also has some ... 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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