Note that the serial number is in the form of a decal, which also includes the model name. Instruments with this numbering follow their own dating method. The first two digits give the year: 99 - 1975, 00 - 1976, 01 - 1977. This was a short-lived practise, and from late 1977 the eight digit stamped serial number that is used today replaced it. The bass pictured has Ripper humbucking pickups, Gibson 3-point chrome bridge, and Schaller BM machine heads.

Soundclips were recorded on a 1976 alder bodied Ripper with Labella flat wound strings, plugged directly into a mobilePre preamp.

• Postion 1. Activate both pickups in a series in phase configuration. (Series wiring achieves a bit more "bite" than might otherwise be obtained.)
  soundclip - position 1 tone - 10, midrange -10 fingerstyle | soundclip - position 1 tone - 0, midrange -0 fingerstyle
• Position 2. Activates back pickup only for a maximum treble response.
  soundclip - position 2 tone - 10, midrange -10 played fingerstyle
• Positon 3. Activates both pickups in an in phase, parallel wiring configuration. ("Parallel" resulting in more bottom end response.)
  soundclip - position 3 tone - 5, midrange -5 played fingerstyle
• Position 4. Activates both pickups in series, out of phase for a very funky, dirty type tonality.
  soundclip - position 4 tone - 10, midrange -10 fingerstyle | soundclip - position 4 tone - 10, midrange -10 played with a pick | soundclip - position 4 tone - 5, midrange -0 fingerstyle