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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.

    Source
  • 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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1 star
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 Timi Hansen uses Gibson Grabber

Timi Hansen

Bassist, Composer

King Diamond

...
Verified via Mercyfulfatecoven

Timi obtained his nickname "Grabber" after purchasing one of these and used it in Mercyful Fate

See how Tim Ward uses Gibson Grabber

Tim Ward

Bassist

The Fall of Troy

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "Cut Down All the Trees and Name the Streets After Them" by The Fall of Troy, Tim Ward is seen playing a Gibson Grabber bass guitar. This is documented in the video provided by BlankTV on YouTube.

J

Jacob Bannon

Singer, Bassist

Converge

...
Verified via Photo

Jacob Bannon is seen using a Gibson Grabber Bass while recording the album "Rust on the Gates of Heaven" at God City Studios, as shown in a photo on his Instagram.

See how Kevin Krauter uses Gibson Grabber

Kevin Krauter

Singer, Guitarist

HOOPS

...
Verified via Photo

Kevin can be seen using this bass in multiple pictures on his Instagram. He also uses it during live performances. It can be seen in the Audiotree fest live video.

See how Ron Ficarro uses Gibson Grabber

Ron Ficarro

Bassist

Falling In Reverse

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Falling In Reverse's video, we can see Ron playing a Gibson Grabber Bass

See how Matthew Marcantonio uses Gibson Grabber

Matthew Marcantonio

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Marcantonio can be seen playing his Gibson Grabber Bass

See how John DeDomenici uses Gibson Grabber

John DeDomenici

Bassist

Bomb the Music Industry!

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Going through my Gear for the Death Rosenstock Band," John DeDomenici showcases his Gibson Grabber Bass, noting that it features a custom Stingray-style neck with pink glitter inlay. Describing it as a "lunatic bass," he highlights its unique and eye-catching appearance.

See how Frank Ene uses Gibson Grabber

Frank Ene

Singer, Bassist

The Fall of Troy

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "[8K Enhanced] The Fall of Troy - I Just Got This Symphony Goin' LIVE at the Hurley Studios" by MainNoise on YouTube, Frank Ene can be seen using a Gibson Grabber Bass.

See how Aleksandr Titov uses Gibson Grabber

Aleksandr Titov

Bassist

KINO

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Natural Year: 1970s

In the provided image, Aleksandr Titov is seen playing a Gibson Grabber bass guitar.

See how Red Canzian uses Gibson Grabber

Red Canzian

Bassist

...
Verified via Facebook

This Grabber was one of the first basses used by Red with "I Pooh". With this model, he composed, arranged and recorded the famous songs "Ci Penserò Domani" and "Io sono vivo".

See how Paul De Lisle uses Gibson Grabber

Paul De Lisle

Singer, Bassist

Smash Mouth

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided image, Paul De Lisle is clearly seen playing a Gibson Grabber bass guitar.

M

Mike Ferri

Bassist

We Are the In Crowd

...
Verified via Getty Images

We can see Mike Ferri with this bass in the image

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 274

iannash

iannash

Gear IQ 274

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