Tony Franklin is one of the most famous fretless bassists in music, leading Fender to design an instrument after him: The Tony Franklin Signature Model Fretless Precision Bass. Throughout his career, Franklin has collaborated with high profile musicians, including Whitesnake, Kate Bush, and Jimmy Page, to name a few. So far, his playing has been featured on over 100 albums.

Nicknamed the “Fretless Monster,” Franklin has played on countless TV programs like Beverly Hills 90210, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America, and more. But it all started with his first band, The Firm, which he founded with Paul Rodgers (vocals), AC/DC’s Chris Slade (drums), and legendary guitarist, Jimmy Page. After the group disbanded, Franklin went on to play with everyone everywhere: in 1982, he began recording for Roy Harper, who he toured and recorded eight albums with. By the end of the ‘90s, Franklin toured with Whitesnake internationally. In more recent years, he’s worked with the world-renown Russian Rock Ballet, as well as the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band—where he opened for Van Halen.

And Franklin is responsible for many musical instruments: as a Fender artist, not only does he have a fretless bass, but Fender also offered the Tony Franklin Fretted Precision Bass, since Franklin is a versatile player. Also, Sony launched a sample library of loops made by Franklin called Tony Franklin: Not Just Another Pretty Bass for producers.

Additionally, Franklin offers educational resources: so far, he’s served as a conductor, arranger, and musical director in over a dozen Rock Camps, working with players from Alice in Chains, Black Sabbath, Cheap Trick, Kiss, REO Speedwagon, etc. Online, he can be seen in his masterclass, Franklin’s Fretless Bass Instructional Course. Most recently, he appeared in the documentary, Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp.