Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,910

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

Reviving a legacy from the '70s, the Gibson Ripper II Bass stands as a testament to Gibson's dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. This four-string electric bass reintroduces the classic Ripper design with modern refinements, making it a coveted piece for both collectors and performers. Crafted from a solid piece of maple, the body delivers a bright, resonant tone with a crisp attack, perfect for cutting through any mix. The 34" scale neck, also made of maple, features a sleek, hand-carved profile that promises speed and comfort, providing a seamless playing experience.

The Ripper II is equipped with two custom-wound humbucking pickups crafted by the renowned Seymour Duncan Custom Shop, ensuring a versatile and powerful sound. The 6-position selector switch offers a wide palette of tonal options, from deep, throaty lows to snappy highs, allowing musicians to hone their sound with precision. Topped with a rosewood fingerboard, the bass offers smooth playability and enhanced note bending capabilities. A Corian nut enhances sustain and ensures precise tuning stability.

Limited to just 350 units, the Gibson Ripper II Bass is not just an instrument; it's a piece of history. Whether you're laying down grooves in the studio or dominating the stage, this bass promises to deliver unparalleled performance and style.

Key Features:

  • Solid maple body for bright, resonant tone
  • Maple neck with hand-carved profile for fast, comfortable play
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth note bending
  • Two custom-wound Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups
  • 6-position selector switch for versatile tonal options
  • Limited run of only 350 units, ensuring exclusivity
  • Includes hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Ripper II
Finish Natural
Year 2009 - 2012
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 Natural, Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Ripper II Bass?

The Gibson Ripper II Bass features a set-neck construction with a comfortable maple neck, providing a smooth playing experience that suits various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Ripper II Bass for rock music?

The Gibson Ripper II Bass, with its passive pickups and maple body, delivers a punchy and articulate tone, making it ideal for rock music with a strong midrange presence.

Is the Gibson Ripper II Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Ripper II Bass is a high-quality instrument, its features and price point may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players seeking a unique tonal character.

What is the pickup configuration on the Gibson Ripper II Bass?

The Gibson Ripper II Bass is equipped with a single humbucking pickup, allowing for a rich and full sound with enhanced sustain.

How does the Gibson Ripper II Bass compare to the original Ripper model?

The Gibson Ripper II Bass retains the classic design and tonal characteristics of the original Ripper, with modern enhancements for improved playability and sound quality.

guitarsmith

guitarsmith

Gibson 2009 Ripper II Master Built Bass Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2009 Ripper II Master Built Bass Guitar Demo by guitarsmith

Gibson 2009 Ripper II Master Built Bass Guitar Demo

guitarsmith

guitarsmith

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Ripper's chicken-head pickup selector offers unique sound options: individual pickups or combined, both in and out of phase for versatile tones.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting pickup poles can ensure even string volume across the Ripper, highlighting the importance of personal setup for optimal sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 1974 Ripper models feature a tortoise guard known to decompose, potentially releasing corrosive gases that damage metal components.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ripper's neck is similar to a standard P-Bass: thick and chunky, while the body is thinner but larger, complicating case fitting.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners modify Rippers with a rotary switch from an L6S guitar to access the neck pickup independently, enhancing tonal options.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

74 Ripper

All original 1974 Gibson Ripper in natural great heavy beast amazing sound though, love the thing its my joint number 1 along with the guild.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian Cook uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Brian Cook

Bassist, Keyboardist

Botch

...
Verified via Photo

"Bassist Brian Cook’s main bass of choice is his old vintage Gibson Ripper II, year unknown."

See how Trevor Horn uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Trevor Horn

Singer, Bassist

Yes

...
Verified via YouTube

in this performance of "clean clean" horn can be seen playing a gibson ripper bass.

See how Branden Campbell uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Branden Campbell

Singer, Bassist

Neon Trees

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is when we're out in the alley looking for pedalboards and guitars that this one came up. It's a '74 Gibson Ripper, refinished as you can tell but they put in a nice tint to the lacquer to give it a yellowed finish to it. This was a trade with a friend. We all know each other. We're all out on that bass junkie circuit. These pickups are also made by Hanson in Chicago. Hanson is a division of Lakeland, they make all of the pickups that are on the Lakeland and Hanson guitars. This one is great because it's so light, especially for being a neck-through. It doesn't look light but people that know Gibson basses know they're always super heavy. This one, like right away I felt how light it was and then just felt how good it played all the way up the neck, I was like 'Dude that's it - it's happening.' This will keep me warm until I can get back to the White Falcon in the nest."

See how Igor Tikhomirov uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Igor Tikhomirov

Bassist

KINO

...
Verified via YouTube

Igor used this bass while recording the song "Ataman"

See how Tim Ward uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Tim Ward

Bassist

The Fall of Troy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video of F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X. by Fall of Troy, Tim can be seen using a Gibson Ripper bass

See how TotorRo uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

TotorRo

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, TotorRo's Gibson Ripper II Bass is visible behind a Fender Precision Bass clone, illustrating its presence in their gear collection.

See how Charlie Salt uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Charlie Salt

Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Charlie Salt, he is pictured playing a Ripper Bass. Although it resembles the Gibson Ripper II Bass, it appears to be a model by the British manufacturer Rose Morris/Shaftesbury.

See how Bobby Markos uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Bobby Markos

Bassist

Cloakroom

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "Bending" by Cloakroom, Bobby Markos plays a Gibson Ripper II Bass.

See how Kyle Kimball uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Kyle Kimball

Bassist, Drummer

Nothing

...
Verified via Photo

in this picture you can see the ripper bass

See how Sean Kennedy uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Sean Kennedy

Bassist

I Killed the Prom Queen

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture from 2017 Sean Kennedy can be seen playing a white Gibson Ripper II Bass live with Deez Nuts

See how Kyle Fasel uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Kyle Fasel

Bassist

Real Friends

...
Verified via Instagram

in this post kyle can be seen using a gibson ripper bass

See how Juanma Suárez uses Gibson Ripper II Bass

Juanma Suárez

Singer, Bassist

Eskorbuto

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Woodgrain

In the video titled "ESKORBUTO –Os Engañan– (La Bola De Cristal, TVE, 1985)" on YouTube, Juanma Suárez is seen using a Gibson Ripper II Bass.

Album Usage

The Gibson Ripper II Bass has been featured on the following albums:

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

More Gibson Electric Basses

Gibson EB-3

$359.00 - $2,250.00

# 16

Rank

Josh Homme Billy Corgan Flea
108 artists using
Gibson SG Bass

$1,699.00 - $1,999.00

 
Lemmy Kilmister Tobacco Negative XP
10 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides