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Description

The Gibson Grabber Bass is a distinct choice for bassists seeking a blend of vintage style and robust performance. Originally introduced in the 1970s, this electric bass has been reissued to bring its iconic sound and innovative features to contemporary musicians. The Grabber is renowned for its unique sliding pickup system, allowing players to adjust the pickup position effortlessly for a versatile range of tones. This design provides a seamless transition between warm, rounded lows and crisp, articulate highs, making it suitable for various musical genres from rock to funk.

A solid maple body and neck ensure durability and sustain, while the bolt-on neck construction offers a snappy response and easy maintenance. The Grabber's minimalist yet effective control layout includes a single volume and tone knob, allowing for straightforward sound shaping without overcomplicating your setup. Its classic design is complemented by a sleek finish and high-quality hardware that ensures reliability both on stage and in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Unique sliding pickup system for versatile tonal options
  • Solid maple body and neck for enhanced sustain and durability
  • Bolt-on neck construction for a responsive feel
  • Simple control layout with one volume and one tone knob
  • High-quality hardware for consistent performance
Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Gibson Ripper Vs Grabber - Comparison - Shootout

Video thumbnail for Gibson Ripper Vs Grabber - Comparison - Shootout by Johan Segeborn

Gibson Ripper Vs Grabber - Comparison - Shootout

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Jayme Lewis's Gibson Grabber by The Bass Channel

Jayme Lewis's Gibson Grabber

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for Gibson Grabber Bass Guitar by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Gibson Grabber Bass Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for 1981 Gibson Grabber [Demo/Overview] by Patrick Hunter

1981 Gibson Grabber [Demo/Overview]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Gibson’s ’P-Bass’ VS Actual P-Bass! - Grabber VS Precision by Johan Segeborn

Gibson’s ’P-Bass’ VS Actual P-Bass! - Grabber VS Precision

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass // Demo and Review by Rumblin Man

Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass // Demo and Review

Rumblin Man

Rumblin Man

Video thumbnail for 1975 Gibson Grabber Bass - Natural / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1975 Gibson Grabber Bass - Natural / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Gibson Grabber Bass from 1974 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Grabber Bass from 1974 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Gibson Grabber Bass Natural 1970'S USA by Loud Lemon Demo

Gibson Grabber Bass Natural 1970'S USA

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Video thumbnail for 1978 Gibson Grabber review. by hiwatt scott

1978 Gibson Grabber review.

hiwatt scott

hiwatt scott

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Grabber is described as a meaty sounding P bass, with a thin, super light body that some compare to a canoe paddle.

    Source
  • The pickups are single coils prone to becoming microphonic as they age, leading to feedback issues.

    Source
  • The unique epoxy-covered pickups, designed by Bill Lawrence, resist becoming microphonic, preserving tone without the possibility of rewinding.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that vintage G series basses, including the Grabber, are prone to neck warping, requiring high action to remain playable.

    Source
  • Grabbers are reported to handle down tuning well, with one owner using D standard tuning for metal projects.

    Source
  • Owners warn to check for headstock breaks, a common issue with vintage models.

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  • Owners report fret buzz predominantly on frets 1-4, especially on the G string, requiring high action adjustments to maintain playability.

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  • Adjusting the truss rod significantly (3 whole turns) can correct a backward neck bow, allowing extremely low action without rattle.

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Build quality

  • Vintage Grabbers feature a wide but thin body, with certain years having thicker necks due to a switch from scarf joint to three-piece builds.

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  • The original hard case is crucial as the Grabber's wide body doesn't fit most standard cases.

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  • Early Grabber models had one-piece necks with a skunk stripe and straight headstock, which are preferred over later scarf joint designs prone to twisting.

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User experience

  • Owners report persistent odors in used Grabbers, with attempts to neutralize smells including naphtha treatments and unconventional methods like using Coca-Cola.

    Source
  • Some owners experience issues with dead-sounding low E strings, despite trying multiple string brands and setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Grabber excels in delivering a growly rock and roll tone, with a mid-scooped EQ that suits large venues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices have risen post-Covid; $1875 is now considered reasonable, especially with the original hard case included.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider replacing the nut with brass or bone for improved sound and durability, particularly to address issues with the G string.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Grabber Bass (IM Jul 75)

muzines.co.uk

The Gibson Grabber Bass presents a unique design with its sliding pickup and blonde wood finish, offering a blend of different bass features. Its maple neck and fingerboard, although well-crafted, come with concerns about flexibility and lacquer durability. The fretwork stands out with exceptional quality, yet the choice of stock strings disappoints. The satin finish adds aesthetic appeal but is prone to dirt accumulation. While the electronics provide varied tones, they’re limited by the sliding pickup's range. Overall, the Grabber is an intriguing yet imperfect choice for bassists seeking something different.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
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ambienthollow

Classic and Versatile Instrument

After a year of playing with my 1975 model Grabber, I’ve come to the conclusion that this is truly one of the most unique basses ever made. Though it was made to be one of the Gibson’s cheaper bass models back in the ‘70’s-‘80’s, the Grabber bass is a powerful instrument that could be use in many different music styles for nearly any occasion. It’s like a much louder P-Bass, but with a lot more punch and mids to it. This bass is perfect for rock music especially, because it has this growl to it when you’re playing hard that is absolutely unbelievable. And even if you don’t play heavier music, this bass is still perfect to use to get a fat, beefy sound that cuts through a mix with ease. The sliding pickup is also a neat feature, and the differences in tone you get depending on where you place the pickup is very handy for changing your sound up (I prefer to place it in the middle to get the best of both the neck and bridge tones). All in all, this is a great bass to have whether you’re playing in the studio, at a live gig, an acoustic set, a church service, etc. I’d recommend it to anyone!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Wolstenholme uses Gibson Grabber

Chris Wolstenholme

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Musewiki

Chris Wolsenholme was seen using this bass in studio for recording "Unnatural Selection", as well as for a live performance of "Exogenesis Symphony - Part 1(Ouverture)".

See how Frank Iero uses Gibson Grabber

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via YouTube

At Riot Fest 2013, Frank played this orange Gibson Grabber Bass while playing for Reggie and the Full Effect.

See how Rex Brown uses Gibson Grabber

Rex Brown

Bassist

Pantera

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 2:44, it is said on a Facebook Q&A Brown, said that one of his first Basses was a Gibson Grabber.

See how Gene Simmons uses Gibson Grabber

Gene Simmons

Singer, Bassist

Kiss

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Gene is seen playing the Grabber bass. According to the website Axeology this bass was "introduced in 1973, the Grabber was Gibson's first bolt-on neck bass and featured a sliding pickup (you 'grabbed' it to change the pickup position, hence the name)."

See how Nick Reinhart uses Gibson Grabber

Nick Reinhart

Singer, Guitarist

Death Grips

...
Verified via Photo

Nick Reinhart showcases a vintage Gibson Grabber Bass he purchased in an Instagram post. He humorously notes, "grabbed me a grabber. anyone need a bass player that’s plays like a guitar player?" and describes a modification made to the instrument, including an additional pickup and a non-functional extra knob.

See how Jesse F. Keeler uses Gibson Grabber

Jesse F. Keeler

Bassist, Keyboardist

Death from Above 1979

...
Verified via YouTube

At :08s of this video, Jesse can be seen playing the Gibson Grabber. In a direct message on Jesse's Twitter, when asked what type of bass this was he says "Back in the day? Grabber I. 74." The message can also be seen in the comments below.

See how Lou Barlow uses Gibson Grabber

Lou Barlow

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via Premierguitar

It says in the rig rundown "Bassist Lou Barlow played Gibson Grabber on Dinosur Jr.'s first two albums," It is also regarded as his main bass and he often plays full two hour sets with this bass alone.

See how Jeremy Davis uses Gibson Grabber

Jeremy Davis

Bassist

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Live on Good Morning America performance in 2014, Paramore's Jeremy Davis plays his Gibson Grabber Bass. He's known to play it particularly on the song, "Ain't It Fun" and has been seen in some photos online using the same bass.

See how Brian Cook uses Gibson Grabber

Brian Cook

Bassist, Keyboardist

SUMAC

...
Verified via Photo

The bass in that picture is a Gibson Grabber. You can tell it apart from the similar Ripper and G3 basses, even if you cannot make out the pickup configuration, by the pointed headstock (which distinguishes it from the Ripper) and lack of a pickup switch (which distinguishes it from both.)

See how Bill Wyman uses Gibson Grabber

Bill Wyman

Bassist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

in this rare photo shows bill wyman playing a gibson grabber in a foreign version album.

See how Billy Gould uses Gibson Grabber

Billy Gould

Bassist

Faith No More

...
Verified via YouTube

Billy used a 1970's Gibson Grabber bass in Natural finish on the first two Faith No More records, 1985's 'We Care a Lot', and 1987's 'Introduce Yourself'. This bass was later accidentally damaged during their first European tour in 1987/1988, where he then started exclusively using his backup Aria Pro II SB Integra bass that he had been toying with around 1986 here and there at previous shows.

See how Paulo Jr. uses Gibson Grabber

Paulo Jr.

Bassist

Sepultura

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Paulo can be seen holding two gibson grabbers from his collection

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 Gibson Grabber, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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naturalbornvillianess

naturalbornvillianess

Gear IQ 2810

iannash

iannash

Gear IQ 272

iannash

iannash

Gear IQ 272

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