Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,072

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash your inner groove with the Epiphone Ripper, a bass guitar designed to deliver a versatile performance that caters to both budding musicians and seasoned players alike. Known for its rich legacy, this electric bass is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, offering a robust range of tones from deep and resonant lows to punchy and articulate mids. The Ripper’s sleek body and smooth neck profile ensure comfortable playability during long jam sessions or live gigs.

Crafted with a keen attention to detail, the Ripper features a solid mahogany body that contributes to its warm sound, while the maple neck adds a touch of brightness and clarity. The 20-fret rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth surface for fluid fingerwork. The classic design of this bass pays homage to its predecessors, maintaining the vintage vibe with modern playability enhancements. Whether you're laying down the foundation in a studio recording or taking the lead on stage, the Epiphone Ripper delivers an exceptional performance every time.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile tonal options
  • Solid mahogany body for a warm, resonant sound
  • Maple neck with a comfortable, smooth profile
  • 20-fret rosewood fingerboard
  • Classic design with modern playability enhancements

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Ripper Bass
Finish Ebony, Natural
Year 1998 - 2001
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Tan
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Ripper
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration Split-Coil / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone Ripper bass?

The Epiphone Ripper bass features a comfortable maple neck with a smooth finish, designed for easy playability. Its profile is well-suited for both beginners and experienced players, allowing for fast action and fluid movement across the fretboard.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Epiphone Ripper bass pickups?

The Epiphone Ripper bass is equipped with passive split-coil pickups, delivering a versatile range of tones from deep, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs. This makes it suitable for various music genres, including rock, blues, and funk.

Is the Epiphone Ripper bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Epiphone Ripper bass is well-suited for live performances. Its robust maple body and neck construction provide durability, while the passive pickups ensure reliable sound quality on stage, making it a dependable choice for gigging musicians.

Does the Epiphone Ripper bass have a set neck or bolt-on neck construction?

The Epiphone Ripper bass features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and resonance, contributing to its rich tonal quality. This design is preferred by many players for its seamless integration between the neck and body.

How does the Epiphone Ripper compare to other Epiphone bass models?

The Epiphone Ripper stands out with its classic double cutaway design and passive split-coil pickups, offering a unique tonal palette. Compared to other models, it provides a distinctive blend of vintage aesthetics and modern playability, appealing to bassists seeking a versatile instrument.

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Epiphone Ripper [Demo]

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Ripper [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

Epiphone Ripper [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Review Epiphone Ripper Bass www.bajistas.com by RockXMéxico

Review Epiphone Ripper Bass www.bajistas.com

RockXMéxico

RockXMéxico

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Ripper.

Build quality

  • The bass is reported to be very heavy, with a thin neck at the headstock that becomes too thick near the body.

    Source
  • Owners mention difficulty in finding original hard cases due to the bass's wide body, which doesn't fit generic road cases easily.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The stock bridge is often criticized; a Hipshot 3-point replacement is recommended for improved performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest swapping the stock Thunderbird pickup with a Bartolini for better sound quality.

    Source
  • Custom cutting a new pickguard to install a PJ configuration is a suggested modification.

    Source
  • Owners recommend swapping the stock bridge for a Hipshot unit, noting the stock Gibson design has consistent issues.

    Source

User experience

  • String spacing at the bridge can be irritating for players accustomed to Fender basses.

    Source
  • Players report the bass's large body size and weight as significant factors, influencing comfort and playability over extended periods.

    Source
  • Some players find the Ripper's weight comparable to playing "a log cabin," highlighting its substantial heft during performances.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Older Epiphone Ripper models are increasingly hard to find and can fetch higher resale prices.

    Source
  • Recent discussions suggest a resale value range of $550-$650, highlighting a substantial price increase in recent years.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its weight, the bass is considered a decent option for a stage "beater" if obtained cheaply.

    Source
  • A user expressed that switching back to the Ripper after using a P Bass reminded them of its unique appeal, underscoring its distinctive sound and feel.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The specific model with a single humbucker and two knobs is noted for being particularly heavy, yet appealing for its punk aesthetic.

    Source
  • A rare blonde finish with a rosewood fretboard was mentioned, suggesting occasional unique aesthetic variations in Ripper models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ripper is often compared to the Gibson Grabber and G3, with distinctions in pickup configurations and neck models noted.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kyp Malone uses Epiphone Ripper

Kyp Malone

Guitarist

TV on the Radio

...
Verified via Photo

Malone can be seen in this image playing an Epiphone Ripper.

See how Ian Peres uses Epiphone Ripper

Ian Peres

Bassist, Keyboardist

Wolfmother

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, the Epiphone Ripper bass is visible, judging by the Epiphone headstock.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone Ripper, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Epiphone "Worn" Dot Studio
Epiphone "Worn" Dot Studio Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Fender Telecaster Standard 2000
Fender Telecaster Standard 2000 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
tristan_mccauley

tristan_mccauley

GearIQ 89

wosmossel

wosmossel

GearIQ 130

iamjared_a

iamjared_a

GearIQ 135

1 alternative for Epiphone Ripper, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Epiphone Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    haas123
    haas123

    GearIQ 21966