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Hipshot bridge to replace the Gibson three-point bridge
Hipshot bridge to replace the Gibson three-point bridge

A direct replacement bridge for your Gibson 3-point bass bridge that uses your existing hole pattern. Gold, Black or Chrome.
Hipshot bridge to replace the Gibson three-point bridge
Hipshot bridge to replace the Gibson two-point bridge

A direct replacement bridge for your Gibson 2-point bass bridge that uses your existing hole pattern. Gold, Black or Chrome.
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1976 Gibson G-3
1976 Gibson G3 - Maple Gloss finish


Gibson G3 Bass

Solid maple or alder body, maple neck. 34 1/2 inch scale.

The Gibson G3 bass, or Grabber 3 bass, was launched in 1975, as an upgraded Grabber, or G1. The only difference between a Grabber and a G3 is the pickup configuration. The G3 features 3 single coil pickups wired in humbucking configuration, whilst the Grabber, had one 'sliding' humbucker.

G3 Controls

  • Forward position activates the front and middle pickups in humbucking configuration.
  • The back position activates the middle and back pickup in the same manner.
  • The middle position activates all three pickups for what we have coined a "buck-and-a-half".

Woods and Finishes

Like G1s, G3s were available in several finishes: ebony, natural maple gloss (maple body), natural satin (alder body), sunburst, walnut and wine red. It is not mentioned as being available in white in the G3 production totals. The rare colours are walnut (40) and wine red (9). In the early 1980s, candy apple red was another finish offerred. Fretboards are maple, rosewood, and ocasionally ebony.

1982 Candy Apple Red G3 bassThe 1980s

The last price list / catalogue appearance of the G3 was in 1980, but as is often the case with Gibson, they still made them for a little longer. They were made at the Gibson Kalamazoo factory from 1975-1982 or maybe later. In 1985 some G3s were stamped in the Nashville plant, though in very small numbers, so potentially using Kalamazoo bodies and necks.

This 1982 G-3 is unusual in having an ebony fingerboard, and Candy Apple Red finish. This colour was being widely used at the time on the eighties Victory basses, and was never offered on seventies instruments.
Picture courtesy of Uwe Hornung.

Gibson Grabber G3

Gibson G3 FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Gibson G3 bass

Was the G3 bass available in the older, 'wide' body style of the Gibson Ripper
No, the Gibson G3 bass was only produced after the introduction of the new body style.

Was all G3 production at the Gibson Kalamazoo plant in Michigan?
The vast majority of G3 basses were produced in kalamazoo, however a few of the very last basses from 1985 have Nashville serial numbers - although these may have been partially built in Kalamazoo, but then completed and shipped from Nashville. It is highly unlikely that the Nashville plant actually built G3 basses from scratch.


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US ebay listings

2009 Gibson Grabber II Bass Limited Edition Owned by Mike Hindert of the Bravery

Current price: $1124.99
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Gibson 1979 Maple Grabber Bass Body & Maple Neck

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Gibson Grabber 3 '70s Tribute Electric Bass Satin Ebony LN

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HIPSHOT Gold Supertone 5G400G 3 point Bass bridge Gibson, Epiphone NEW Auth Dlr

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VINTAGE USA GIBSON THE GRABBER BASS GUITAR TRUSS ROD COVER

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EPIPHONE BY GIBSON RIPPER? GRABBER? BASS GUITAR REISSUE / BEAUTIFUL MAPLE BODY

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1970's Gibson G3 Vintage Bass Pickup

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1970's Gibson G3 Vintage Bass Pickup

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UK ebay listings

Gibson Grabber Bass 1975 - Made in USA - With original hard case. Fender strings

Current price: £945.00
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Time left: 4d 14h 40m
EPIPHONE BY GIBSON RIPPER? GRABBER? BASS GUITAR REISSUE / BEAUTIFUL MAPLE BODY

Current price: £318.21
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1976 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE -- made in USA

Current price: £169.00
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Vintage Gibson NOS Parts Grabber Slider - 2 Pc Lot

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VINTAGE & ORIGINAL 1970'S GIBSON EB-0 EB-3 GRABBER RIPPER BASS TUNER GOOD (#2)

Current price: £111.37
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Vintage 1960s Gibson Bass Guitar Case Orange Fuzz Lining EB SG Ripper Grabber

Current price: £149.56
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1970's Gibson G3 Vintage Bass Pickup

Current price: £94.51
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1970's Gibson G3 Vintage Bass Pickup

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1974 Gibson Grabber Bass Guitars~Music Memorabilia~Large Size Promo Trade Art AD

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1979 GIBSON MARAUDER GRABBER THE PAUL SG RIPPER S-1 G-3 BASS & GUITAR PRINT AD

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1970's Gibson G-3 Pickguard Vintage

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1970's Gibson G-3 Harness Pots Vintage 1977

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HIPSHOT Gold Supertone 5G400G 3 point Bass bridge Gibson, Epiphone NEW Auth Dlr

Current price: £79.55
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Time left: 18d 14h 14m
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