Courtesy of Fretless Monster Com

He is that rare bassist you can identify in one phrase!

Along with Jack Bruce, Jaco Pastorius, Fernando Saunders, Sting, and Pino Palladino  – Tony Franklin is among the most accomplished and recognizable fretless bassists to ply his craft in a primarily rock / pop context.

Franklin’s tenure with Jimmy Page, Chris Slade, and Paul Rodgers in The Firm profoundly augmented the language of hard rock bass – serving as a dual rhythmic foundation and harmonic catalyst.  His mastery of sustain coupled with his resonant tone showed just how magnificent the fretless can be when given the opportunity!   

A solo recording artist, composer, clinician, educator, and producer, among Tony’s top recorded works as a session cat / sideman / collaborator include platters with Glenn Hughes,  Jimmy Page, David Coverdale, Roy Harper, Donna Lewis, Tony MacAlpine, David Gilmour & Kate Bush, and Graham Bonnet to cite a select few.

Drawing his inspiration from the greats – Sir Paul, Jaco, Jamerson, and Queen’s countermelodic master John Deacon, Tony and Fender created a signature fretless and fretted Precision bass replete with a Hipshot Bass Xtender, a jazz bridge pickup, and vintage tuners.

An engaging presence on social media – keep up with Tony via his YouTube Page: Tony Franklin – The Fretless Monster and his website www.fretlessmonster.com

Tony Franklin Sound & Vision:

Glenn Hughes “I’m The Man” https://youtu.be/IO-36XiGxa8

The Firm “Satisfaction Guaranteed” https://youtu.be/p4zbS8pciTU

David Coverdale “Don’t You Cry” https://youtu.be/p4zbS8pciTU

VHF “Backside of Your Eyes” https://youtu.be/SNe9nAlQMXk

Tony Franklin “Never Be The Same” https://youtu.be/xP0sGkwl8X4

Tony Senatore rendering Tony Franklin with The Firm “Radioactive” https://youtu.be/i_Fy_YTaIOc