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Average Price: $1,825
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Step into the world of vintage bass excellence with the Gibson 1974 Ripper L9-S Bass, a true classic favored by legendary players like Gene Simmons and Krist Novoselic. This bass guitar is celebrated for its aggressive character and versatile tonal palette, making it a top choice for musicians seeking both power and flexibility. Built with a distinctive svelte body design and beveled edges, it echoes the iconic aesthetic of Gibson's storied guitar legacy.
The Ripper L9-S is equipped with a unique six-position switch that offers a myriad of tonal configurations. Whether you’re looking to harness the power of its humbuckers independently, in tandem, or in split mode for a single-coil sound, this bass provides a rich spectrum of sonic options. This versatility allows players to easily adapt to various musical styles, from thunderous rock to smooth jazz.
Crafted with precision and care, the 1974 Ripper is not just about aesthetics and versatility; it delivers a playing experience that is both smooth and responsive, making it a beloved choice for bassists who demand more from their instruments. Its combination of style, sound, and playability ensures it remains a revered piece of musical history.
Key Features:
- Six-position rotary switch for versatile tonal options
- Dual humbuckers for powerful sound
- Iconic beveled-edge body design
- Favored by legendary bassists
- Suitable for a variety of musical genres
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | L-9S Ripper |
| Finish | Ebony, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst |
| Year | 1973 - 1985 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 4-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Natural, Tan, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony, Maple |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974) have?
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The Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974) features a passive pickup configuration with two humbucking pickups, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.
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What is the scale length of the Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974)?
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The Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974) has a 34-inch scale length, which is standard for most electric bass guitars, offering a balanced feel and sound.
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Is the Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974) suitable for slap bass techniques?
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Yes, the Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974) is well-suited for slap bass due to its double cutaway design, which provides easy access to higher frets, and its bright, punchy tone from the maple body.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974)?
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The Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974) features a maple body and neck, with options for an ebony or maple fretboard, contributing to its bright and articulate sound.
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How does the Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974) compare to other vintage basses in terms of tone?
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The Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974) offers a unique tonal character with its dual humbuckers and maple construction, providing a bright, punchy sound with a strong midrange presence, distinguishing it from other vintage basses.
Reviews
PROS
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Offers a wide range of tones, from crisp to smooth to distorted
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Unique four-way switch for versatile pickup configurations
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Thunderous sound reminiscent of a PJ bass and SG bass mix
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Well-balanced with a comfortable, wide fingerboard
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Suitable for various styles, from jazz to hard rock and funk
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Superb low-end response that's quick and clean
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Long scale neck enhances playability despite size
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Historical significance as a unique and rare Gibson model
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Original choke coil 'Q' adjustment circuit provides advanced tonal control
CONS
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Quirky controls can make finding the right tone challenging
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Reverse tuners may not appeal to everyone
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No 'neck pickup only' setting available
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Slight neck heaviness due to maple body
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Ripper L9-S (1974).
Features and functionality
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The Ripper's chicken-head pickup selector allows toggling between pickups individually or in combination, both in and out of phase, offering versatile sound options.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Build quality
Comparisons
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The Ripper's neck is described as thick, akin to a standard P Bass, with a body thinner than a Fender but larger overall.
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The Paul Reed Smith SE Kestrel is praised for its neck-through design, jazz pickups, and hipshot bridge, making it appealing against the Ripper.
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The Rickenbacker 4003 offers dual truss rods and a vintage/modern switch, differentiating it from the 4001 model, which lacks these features.
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A Music Man Bongo, with its 18v active circuit and 4-band EQ, provides clarity similar to a Jazz bass, offering an alternative to the Ripper for a clearer sound.
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Use cases and applications
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With a 34.5" scale, Rippers are ideal for drop tuning and metal, thanks to increased string tension.
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The Ripper is associated with iconic bassists and albums, such as Krist Novoselic of Nirvana and Rick Danko, offering a distinct growling sound.
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The Jack Casady bass, despite being semi-hollow, tends to avoid feedback issues unless facing speakers directly, making it viable for live performances.
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Mods and upgrades
User experience
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The thick neck is noted to require larger hands for comfortable playing, similar to other substantial neck profiles.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
he plays this bass during a cover of black sabbath's N.I.B
A picture of Ace and Jeanette Frehley with Gibson 74' Ripper L9-S Bass
vintage, as seen in "The Dope Show" video; a gift from Gene Simmons who wrote and recorded with the same instrument on KISS's Destroyer album; he donated this bass to the Hard Rock Cafe in Ottawa, Canada. It is among their most popular pieces of memorabilia on display
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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