Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,900

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Embrace the thunderous growl of the Gibson Ripper Bass, a beloved relic from the '70s that has found favor with musicians seeking a robust and flexible sound palette. With its lean body and beveled edges that bear the classic Gibson signature, this bass guitar not only looks the part but also delivers on performance. The unique six-position switch gives you the freedom to control the humbuckers independently, together, or split for a punchier single-coil sound. Famed for being the weapon of choice for legends like Gene Simmons and Krist Novoselic, this model stands tall as a powerhouse of heavy bass tones.

Key Features:

  • Versatile six-position switch for varied tonal outputs
  • Classic Gibson design with beveled edges
  • Humbuckers that can be operated separately, in tandem, or split for a single-coil sound
  • Notable association with legendary bassists Gene Simmons and Krist Novoselic
  • Heavily favored for its aggressive character and flexible sound options

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Ripper Bass like?

The Gibson Ripper Bass features a hard maple neck with a satin finish, providing a smooth playing experience. The neck is designed for comfort and playability, suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Ripper Bass pickups?

The Gibson Ripper Bass uses a single-coil/split-coil pickup combination, offering a versatile range of tones from bright and punchy to warm and mellow, making it suitable for rock, funk, and jazz genres.

Is the Gibson Ripper Bass suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Gibson Ripper Bass is well-suited for advanced players, featuring high-quality materials like a hard maple body and neck, brass nut for sustain, and versatile pickup configuration, which allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities.

How does the 3-way switching work on the Gibson Ripper Bass?

The 3-way switching on the Gibson Ripper Bass allows players to select between different pickup configurations, offering a variety of tonal options to suit different musical styles and preferences.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Ripper Bass?

The Gibson Ripper Bass is constructed with a hard maple body and neck, a maple fingerboard, and features a durable polyurethane finish on the fretboard, ensuring longevity and excellent playability.

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

A True Classic! - 1974 Gibson Ripper [Demo]

Video thumbnail for A True Classic! - 1974 Gibson Ripper [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

A True Classic! - 1974 Gibson Ripper [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for NEW BASS DAY! [1974 Gibson Ripper] by Patrick Hunter

NEW BASS DAY! [1974 Gibson Ripper]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for 1976 Gibson L-9S Ripper Natural | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar by Chicago Music Exchange

1976 Gibson L-9S Ripper Natural | CME Vintage Demo | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1974 / 75 Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar by Dave Simpson

1974 / 75 Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar

Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1981 Gibson L9-S Ripper Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1981 Gibson L9-S Ripper Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass Natural 1975 USA by Loud Lemon Demo

Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass Natural 1975 USA

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Video thumbnail for Gibson Ripper Bass Krist Novoselic Nirvana Bass Guitar by guitarsmith

Gibson Ripper Bass Krist Novoselic Nirvana Bass Guitar

guitarsmith

guitarsmith

Video thumbnail for 1977 Fretless Gibson Ripper Bass Demo by Capsule Music

1977 Fretless Gibson Ripper Bass Demo

Capsule Music

Capsule Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Ripper's chicken-head pickup selector can toggle pickups in and out of phase, offering versatile sound options.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The 1974 models have tortoise guards known to decompose and release corrosive gases, affecting metal parts.

    Source
  • Some users recommend moving the strap button to the back of the body to address neck heaviness.

    Source
  • Incorrect winding of A and G strings can cause nut issues, such as becoming unseated, requiring careful string installation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ripper's 34.5" scale allows for excellent string tension, beneficial for drop tuning and metal genres.

    Source
  • The Grabber, G3, and Ripper each offer distinct sounds, with the G3 being used on early Green Day tracks.

    Source

User experience

  • The bridge's intonation screws can be uncomfortable, sticking out and digging into hands during play.

    Source
  • Owners often find Rippers with bent or warped necks, making it difficult to find one in good condition.

    Source
  • Some owners find the Ripper's neck to be unusually thick, which may require larger hands for comfortable playability.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Ripper is notably heavier and denser than many basses, which can be uncomfortable for long playing sessions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for the Gibson Ripper have significantly increased recently, making it challenging to justify without a good deal.

    Source
  • While typical values range from $2,000 to $3,500, unique modifications or conditions, like glitter finishes, can influence market value.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's recommended to replace the bridge for better action, enhancing playability and setup precision.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its iconic tone, the Ripper has been used by Krist Novoselic of Nirvana and Suzi Quatro, highlighting its appeal in rock and punk music.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Complete Guide To The Gibson Ripper Bass | Gibson Ripper For Sale — Vintage Bass Room

vintagebassroom.co.uk

The Gibson Ripper bass is a 1970s classic, celebrated for its aggressive and versatile tonal range, courtesy of its Bill Lawrence "Super Humbucker" pickups. While its unique 'Q-system' electronics offer a wide palette of sounds, its rarity and vintage status make it highly collectible yet potentially costly. The Ripper's distinctive design, including a set neck and a three-point bridge, differentiates it from its Gibson siblings like the Grabber and G3. However, the Ripper's reissues haven't matched the allure or value of the originals, and fans may find the clones lacking in quality. The sentiment here is neutral, as the Ripper's strengths in tone and collectibility are offset by its variable market value and mixed reception of newer models.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
icicle_band

Smooth as butter!

Smooth as butter neck makes it a real joy to play! The sound is awesome - full of bite, growl and edge. It's the real deal!

peasinafookinpod420

The name says it all

It was gifted to me by Hannah as she did not need it because she had just bought the Non Reverse Thunderbird. its a great bass, and every time I play the first thing I play is the bass riff to "Breed" by Nirvana.

dbia
dbia

166

Really mixed feelings

I played a '73 Ripper for a couple years. It had a great "tuba" sort of sound. Partly due to the longer scale and partly to those fat single coils. Plus...it looks cool as hell. But it was the biggest neck diver I have ever played. I tried everything to get it to sit right around my neck so my hand could move, but nothing worked and I finally sold it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Kurt Cobain is seen playing a Gibson Ripper Bass.

See how Billy Corgan uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via reverb.com

In the Reverb News article "New Reverb Shop Will Let You Own a Piece of Billy Corgan," a Gibson Ripper Bass is shown among the gear associated with Billy Corgan.

See how Krist Novoselic uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Krist Novoselic

Bassist, Keyboardist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

"Krist had at least two of each in Ebony and Natural finishes. One of Krist's Natural finish Rippers can be seen in the Come As You Are video; An Ebony model can be seen in some of the footage used for the Sub Pop In Bloom video (you may also have seen one smacking Krist in the face at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards!."(http://www.livenirvana.com/equipment/krist.php).

Also used from 91' - 93' on tour seen here at playing Milk It for the first time live at Cow Palace

See how Mike Dirnt uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

According to this article from Guitar Center Mike says "I had a Gibson Ripper bass similar to the Grabber with a Bill Lawrence pickup system, the same thing that Chris Novoselic used to play." now that bass was sold to Mike friend.

See how Kim Gordon uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Kim Gordon

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

Kim Gordon can be seen with a Gibson Ripper Bass in this photo. On Sonic Youth's website it says:

"Used by Kim: 1993 NOTES:

Only seen in "Youth Against Fascism" video, no idea if it was borrowed or just one of the many spare instruments SY have accumulated. -Sunburst body -2 pickups? -Rosewood fretboard w/ C D E G markers -Black pick guard"

See how Nate Mendel uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Nate Mendel

Bassist

Foo Fighters

...
Verified via YouTube

For the video of "Best Of You" Nate uses a Gibson Ripper Bass

See how Michael Shuman uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Michael Shuman

Singer, Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

Michael Shuman used two Gibson Rippers throughout the 'Era Vulgaris' tour, using a black model for songs in C Tuning and a natural model for songs in E Standard.

See how Tony Levin uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Tony Levin

Bassist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Steveadelson

"Gibson Ripper - played it on many of the Paul Simon tracks I did in 70's, including the movie "one trick pony" because it had that warm sound engineer Phil Ramone liked."

See how Chris Squire uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Chris Squire

Singer, Bassist

Yes

...
Verified via Photo

Further down on this page, in the touring programs, it is mentioned that Squire owned a Gibson Ripper.

See how Dee Dee Ramone uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Dee Dee Ramone

Bassist

Ramones

...
Verified via YouTube

In the i want you around scene at minute 3:16 we see dee dee playing a ripper bass in the shower from "Rock N Roll High School" film, not used in concert or recording

See how Paz Lenchantin uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Paz Lenchantin

Singer, Bassist

Pixies

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Paz Lenchantin can be seen holding a Gibson Ripper Bass

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Gibson Ripper Bass

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

“I've got two mid '70's Rippers; one maple, one black. Love those” - JMJ https://www.flyguitars.com/interviews/justinMeldalJohnsen2.php

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 Ripper Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
colin

colin

Gear IQ 187

iannash

iannash

Gear IQ 274

1 alternative for Gibson Ripper Bass, curated by the Equipboard community.

Epiphone Ripper

$1,072.58

cheaper alternative

It is pretty much the same bass, just with cheaper components.

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