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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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 ... more

1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass an outstanding example its 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$17495

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 pretty mahogany 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 ... more

1961 Gibson EB-6 string Bass Sunburst w / PAF

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14900

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1961 Gibson EB-6 Bass in its original Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the earlier Gibson knobs, the switch and one tuning key. All original tuning key is included, but its tuning button had shrunken and crumbled. A vintage double-ring Gibson Deluxe tuning key is holding the place for the original. The original hardshell case is included. This ... 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

1961 Gibson EB-3 the cleanest original extent w / hang tags 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$11495

This is a beautiful 1st year produced example of the exactly ??Cream Era?? Gibson EB-3 bass, pretty much identical the primary one used extensively by Jack Bruce from 1966 into the mid-70s. These expensive double pickup EB basses were made in fairly small quantities from 1961 into the mid-1960s but most examples that surface now are the later ??60s and early ??70s models, when they were produced in much greater numbers ?? at least partially due to the popularity of Cream ! Those are fine ... more

1969 Gibson SG Bass All Original Serial Number 814003

Huntington, West Virginia, 257**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000

1969 Gibson SG solid body. All original hardware. Everything works as it should.
... more

1958 Gibson EB-2 1st year Museum Quality 100% original its 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$9995

This is a truly superb original example of one of the rarer Gibson electric basses: the first-generation semi-hollow EB-2. The EB-2 in general is not a overly rare bass, but these earliest models built in the debut year were sold in only small numbers; many more were built in 1964-68 when production was at its peak. The ES-335 guitar from 1958 is one of Gibson??s most treasured and sought after instruments; this matching bass is actually considerably rarer, if not as highly in demand ! The EB-2 ... 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

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

V intage 1973 Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass, COLLECTOR ALERT Gorgeous with TAGS

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

$7750

VERY RARE and hard to find in this condition. NO mods, added switches or issues
If you collect clean and original vintage gear, this Vintage Gibson Bass may appeal to You
If you are going to pay today's higher valuations, you may as well get a great one
Produced in a collaboration with LES PAUL, the prominent features of this model are the
Low Impedance pickup and circuitry and the fact that this is a LONG 34 5" scale bass
It is also interesting that they chose a GOLD TOP ... more

Signature Gibson Les Paul Hallow Body Bass

Newark, New Jersey, 071**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7000

The Signature Gibson Les Paul Hallow Body Bass is a high-quality electric bass guitar designed for right-handed players. Made with a solid mahogany body, this 4-string bass features the iconic Gibson Les Paul model, known for its superior sound and craftsmanship. Handcrafted in the United States, this bass is a versatile and reliable choice for musicians looking for a professional-grade instrument. With its signature brand, high-quality materials, and expert construction, the Gibson Les Paul ... more

1951 Gibson ES 350

Sunnyvale, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6950

1951 Gibson ES 350 in Sunburst finish Guitar has modified wiring- Selector switch, Master Volume, Master Tone. A previous owner had the guitar over buffed, as a result , the outer ply of the body binding was over heated, as were the original knobs (included) ,causing some cracking and crumbling in the body outer ply binding only-the neck and headstock binding is fine. Guitar has Repro Tailpiece and Repro Kluson Tuners. At one time there was a strap button installed on the neck heel, and has ... more

1974 Gibson LES PAUL SIGNATURE BASS

Milford, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6900

Here is rare Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass Goldtop 1974 in excellent original condition. Arched Maple top, Walnut back and sides. Single 'Super Humbucking' pickup, semi hollow with a 34 inch scale length, 20 fret, maple center block, a master volume and tone and a rotating three setting level switch. Laminated Mahogany neck and a Three point Tunomatic bridge. Two outputs, one high and one low impedance. This is a great playing and highly collectible bass, hard to find in this condition with ... 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

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

1992 Gibson Les Paul Bass beautiful bass autographed by Les Paul w / photo docs.

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

$5995

This is a very rare chance to acquire a rare Les Paul Bass signed by the man himself, Mr. Les Paul. This is a very clean 1992 Les Paul Bass in a pretty faded Honey??burst finished top w / a natural mahogany finished back, sides & neck. It??s sporting a pair of 2 factory Humbucking pickups w / a 60??s type bridge setup like an EB-2 bass. Its unbound rosewood fingerboard has nice pearloid trapezoid inlays w / a nice feeling neck. Its headstock has a rare pearl inlaid ??Torch?? bringing back ... more

Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul Bass, Gold Top, 4 string with Gibson OHSC

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

$5000

Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul Bass, Gold Top, 4 string w / OHSC
The Gibson ES-Les Paul is a stylish short-scale, semi-hollow bass with classic Les Paul-inspired looks, versatile humbucking pickups, and outstanding playing comfort from rounded ?C?? neck with rolled binding
Note from seller:
Extremely rare, Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul semi hollow Bass guitar, gold top. Soon to be a collectable ! This bass is in absolute mint / Like new condition. If you are looking for a rare, ... more

Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's

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

$4950

This listing is for a rare and amazing Vintage Gibson Style J Mando Bass. To the best of my knowledge this bass was made in 1913 and these Style J Mando Basses were made in small quantities between 1912 throughout throughout the 1920's and 1930's. This one is not in great shape and will require some professional restoration but these are so rare it would be a great project for the right player or luthier to restore
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... 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

? 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

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