flyguitars logo
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions

Gibson Ripper Bass

Gibson bass guitars | Gibson L9-S Ripper

• Solid alder or maple body • set maple neck • dual humbuckers • Q-system electronics • 34 1/2 inch scale

The Gibson Ripper bass was launched in 1973, as something new for the guitar buying public, who had began to tire of the EB basses that had dominated the 1960s. As one of their mid seventies adverts proclaimed, they haven't been hanging about for fifteen or twenty years. Mahogany was out - the earliest Ripper bodies were manufactured from maple, though in 1975 to 1976 alder was used before going back to maple in 1977. It was designed by Bill Lawrence who was working for Gibson at the time.

Economic pressures in the 1970s meant the L-9S had to be affordable. A good quality bass, certainly, but no expensive inlays or finishes, plastic pickup covers, and controls and pickups mounted on the scratchplate (reducing production time and costs, compared to mounting in the wood).

It was still a big bass, compared to Gibson's previous models. Long scale (there was no short-scale equivalent), with a big rounded body. All-maple ones can be quite heavy. Hardware consisted of the then brand new Ripper humbucking pickups, Gibson 3-point bridge, with chrome cover; and usually Schaller BM machines.

Gibson Ripper bass promo record, 1974

But the controls were interesting. Bill Lawrence developed the Ripper pickups and 'Q-system' electronics, which had an impressive array of tones, if a little difficult to find them all again... So Gibson put out a fantastic vinyl record with a demonstration of the bass; including suggested Q-system settings, and some funky live performances by Richard Evans and Dartanyan Brown of Chase.

The Ripper bass was available as a standard fretted instrument (left) and from 1975 as a fretless, though only 898 fretless Ripper were shipped between 1975 and 1979; around 10% of the total. Have a look and a listen to a fretless Ripper here

The exact Ripper specifications can be seen in the 1975 Gibson bass, 1978, 1980, and finally (as a close out model) 1981 catalogs.

Some more examples...

1974 Gibson Ripper bass, natural finish1974 L-9S Ripper 1977 Gibson L-9SF Fretless Ripper1977 L-9SF Fretless Ripper 1978 Gibson Ripper bass, ebony finish1978 L-9S Ripper

Gibson Ripper bass shipping totals

The L-9S shipping figures are taken from Larry Meiners book Gibson Shipment Totals. This data stops at 1979, though small numbers were shipped at least as late as 1982.

 1973197419751976197719781979total
Ripper Fretless L9-FS   951077674352
Ripper Fretless L9-FS Tobacco Sunburst  108255577947546
Ripper L9-S Ebony194261187344424661982403
Ripper L9-S Natural Maple Gloss203075  7153511874348
Ripper L9-S Natural Satin  10571185    
Ripper L9-S Tobacco Sunburst  522521928126


The specifications listed below are taken from the 1975 Gibson bass catalogue

Gibson Ripper bass guitar 1975 Ripper L9-S

BODY SPECIFICATION
Solid alder body with contoured shape (maple 1973-74, and 1977 onwards)
Double cutaway design contoured shape
3-point adjustable Tune-o-matic bridge with handrest
Combination tailpiece (strings enter through body or connect at end of bridge)
Two Gibson "Super humbucking" pickups
Master volume, midrange and treble roll-off controls
4-position transfer switch for multiple tonal changes
Available in Natural or Ebony body finish Body size: Length 21 1/2", width 14 1/2", depth 1 1/4"

NECK SPECIFICATION
Laminated maple construction
Width at fingerboard nut 1 5/8"
Choice of Natural Maple or Ebony fingerboard with dot inlays
Chrome-plated individual machine heads
Gibson truss rod with moulded truss rod cover
20 frets 34 1/2" scale length
Gibson Ripper fretless bass guitar 1975 Ripper Fretless

BODY SPECIFICATION

Solid alder body with contoured shape (maple 1973-74, and 1977 onwards)
Double cutaway design contoured shape
3-point adjustable Tune-o-matic bridge with handrest
Combination tailpiece (strings enter through body or connect at end of bridge)
Two Gibson "Super humbucking" pickups
Master volume, midrange and treble roll-off controls
4-position transfer switch for multiple tonal changes
Available in Sunburst finish (also ebony and natural by 1977)
Body size: Length 21 1/2", width 14 1/2, depth 1 1/4"

NECK SPECIFICATION
Laminated maple construction
Width at fingerboard nut 1 5/8"
Fretless Ebony fingerboard (also maple by 1978)
Chrome-plated individual machine heads
Gibson truss rod with moulded truss rod cover
34 1/2" scale length

Gibson Ripper bass variations

Gibson Ripper prototypes

Gibson Ripper prototypes

Prototype A small batch of Ripper prototypes/samples were produced in 1973, with a different body style; a few of which have surfaced over the last few years. There were several variants, with differing circuitry, finishes and body woods. Perhaps other details too? Note the shallow 335-style top cutaway, and deep lower cutaway. These early basses had none of the money-saving components of the final production model; pickups and controls are mounted directly to the body, and the electronics are accessed from the back. The examples shown here include one that has been stripped entirely, one in Walnut (or is it a faded Cherry over mahogany?), and one in Cherry Sunburst. None appear to have had a maple fretboard.

These were the guitars demonstrated at the June '73 NAMM show in Chicago - UK music magazine Guitar reported the new L65 (sic) guitar and L95 (sic) bass; "the neo-cutaway design on these models is similar to the new semi-acoustic Les Paul Signature guitar and bass" - note at this stage there is no mention of the name 'Ripper'.

Early advertising for the Gibson Ripper L-9S

Prototype 2 The earliest photographed guitar clearly identifiable as a Ripper appeared in the January 1974 guitar magazines, and is pictured here. This would also have been built in 1973. This Ripper is very different from all later guitars featuring a smaller pickguard (only one pickup is mounted in it), 2 EB style humbuckers with surrounds and no bridge cover (also no strung through body?).

Dartanyan Brown, bass player with jazz rock group Chase was one of a number of artists given early Rippers to 'road-test'. He recalls this bass well.... "that was one of several 'first drafts' that Bruce (Bolen) reviewed with me, Greg Lake and probably a few others. The instrument pictured has a beveled edge; that's because it was originally flat-edged (like a telecaster bass) and I thought it very uncomfortable so they were bringing various bevel/contour designs. They needed something for the print ad (upcoming Christmas season) so they grabbed that one. It was just a mock-up for an ad that was produced way ahead of the actual guitars on the assembly line." Dartanyan went on to record a track called Base Meant for a Gibson Ripper publicity disk in 1974.

The Gibson Ripper bass body shape changed in 1975
The Gibson Ripper pickup mountings and selector switch variations

Gibson Ripper bass production models

There were some other differences between the earliest and latest Rippers other than choice of body wood. Most notably in body shape, but also varitone selector markings and pickup mounting. The earliest models were wider bodied, but with short rounded horns, and tortoiseshell pickguards ranging from deep red to almost black. By late 1974 with the change to an alder body, the horns were lengthened, and sharpened, whilst the body became slightly narrower.

The Gibson Ripper pickup cavity changed shape when the pickups changed

The Gibson Ripper bass stringthrough recess - initially 4 separate holes, but later (late 76 / early 1977) a recessed metal plate

The next modifications came in somewhere in late 1976, early 1977; the pickups had previously been mounted with 2 screws going through the centre of the pickup itself, however now this was replaced by 3 screws attaching it to the scratchplate. This required modification of the pickup routes; from rectangular, to a five-sided shape.

At around the same time, the varitone position labels were etched into the scratchplate, rather than using a label ring similar to an EB3 bass, and the back of the body now had a recessed black metal plate through which the strings pass, rather than individual string holes. Pickguards (at least on some instruments) were now five-ply b/w/b/w/b. All of these differences are illustrated in the pictures to the left.

The Ripper was still featured as late as the 1983 catalogue, with no changes in specification, except for an ultra-safe "Posi-Lok" strap button fitted to all Gibson basses of this period. Few guitars actually shipped in the 1980s.

Ripper bass copies and reissues

In the mid 1970s, Gibson 'lawsuit' copies were everywhere. On first glance, some guitars were hard to distinguish from the real thing, even using very similar hardware. Rippers branded Aria, Cortez, Shaftesbury, Ventura, Westminster - to name but a few - were being produced in Japan and imported by European and American dealers.

More recently, Gibson and Epiphone have both reissued the Ripper, if only in very limited runs.

Gibson Ripper bass for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9000

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
 
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more
eBay logo
Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan.
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
... more
eBay logo
1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w /  Case, Hangtag

1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w / Case, Hangtag

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

Up for sale, a 1975 Gibson "The Ripper" L9-S bass in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and warranty card. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, the Ripper comes equipped with its original pair of Bill Lawrence designed "Super Humbucker" pickups and a four-way rotary switch for series, parallel, and out of phase pickup settings
The contoured alder body is a particularly rare option, only offered on the ... more
eBay logo
1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC

Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2650

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black With OHSC. This guitar sounds and plays excellent. There's not much fret wear. There is some minor scratches, bumps and dings and a small buckle rash spot on the back. Other than that, this is 100% original with no cracks. Damage or repairs. Missing the truss rod cover .Includes the original Gibson hard shell case. Will ship FedEx ground fully insured with tracking shipping to the lower 48 states only. No Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam or PO boxes. ... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural w /  Good Hard Case

Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural w / Good Hard Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3295

Vintage original circa 1974 Gibson The Ripper Model L9S in original Natural finish
A real nice example with a good straight neck, and great sounding pickups
Original Natural finish is clean and looks great. Some honest signs of wear and use
Comes with a Gretsch hardshell case that fits it well and protects it well
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted ... more
eBay logo
Original 1970s Gibson Ripper electric bass guitar knobs set of 3 yellow

Original 1970s Gibson Ripper electric bass guitar knobs set of 3 yellow

Holiday, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$69


Setof 3 Yellow tinted Gibson Ripper bass control knobs. They are in goodcondition. Only have some small dents on the bottom edges which willnot show. Very hard to find knobs. Will fit any Gibson Ripper from1975-82, or just about any Gibson bass or even guitars too.
Click on "Seller's Other Items" for more vintage Gibson Ripper parts
FREE SHIPPING
... more
eBay logo
Gibson The Ripper Bass

Gibson The Ripper Bass

Jersey City, New Jersey, 073**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Introducing the iconic Gibson The Ripper Bass, a must-have for all serious bass players. This electric bass guitar boasts a cool and unique design that is sure to impress any audience. Made by one of the most respected brands in the industry, this 4-string model is perfect for musicians of all levels.
With its powerful sound, sleek look, and incredible playability, this bass guitar is ideal for a wide range of genres. Whether you're playing rock, jazz, or anything in between, The Ripper... more
eBay logo
1974 Gibson Ripper Bass

1974 Gibson Ripper Bass

Coudersport, Pennsylvania, 169**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

A serious bass for a discriminating collector or player. Very versatile tone options. Solid maple body and neck. Comes with original case. Equipped with flatwound strings for a darker tone but sounds great with roundwound strings. Some minor finish checking as can be expected on a nearly 50 year old instrument. I've played this bass regularly for decades and always get compliments on its great sound and uniqueness. I've made a minor alteration to the strap pin location. The original locations ... more
eBay logo
Gibson L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case

Gibson L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case

Chesterfield, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

I bought this guitar around 1982. I played it in the high school marching band. It is a marvelous instrument that has always deserved a better player than myself. That being said, my only consolation in letting it go is that whoever owns it next plays the hell out it. They didn't call this model the Ripper for nothing and rock stars have long sought after this model built during this time. It sounds beautiful and it is painful for me to sell it. But I don't play it often and my home air ... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural W /  Good Hard Case

Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural W / Good Hard Case

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3295

Vintage original circa 1974 Gibson The Ripper Model L9S in original Natural finish
A real nice example with a good straight neck, and great sounding pickups
Original Natural finish is clean and looks great. Some honest signs of wear and use
Comes with a Gretsch hardshell case that fits it well and protects it well
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted ... more
eBay logo
1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black

San Antonio, Texas, 782**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1990

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.
... more
eBay logo
1974 GIBSON GRABBER  /  RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€299


1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA:
+ black tolex, has a lot of wear & rips
+ bottom is loose=check pic 7
+ strap that holds case open is gone
+ deep purple interior, has stains
+ 1 latch is broken=check last pic
+ handle was replaced
+ all feet on bottom are missing
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more
eBay logo
1974 GIBSON GRABBER  /  RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€350

1974 GIBSON case for RIPPER & GRABBER models:
+ black tolex, has a lot of wear & rips
+ rips & material missing at the plastic surround
+ strap that holds case open has a rip
+ deep purple interior, has some wear
+ all latches work fine
+ handle is gone
+ top of case is at headstock front resting on the bottom part=NOT OVRRLAPPING AS USUAL
+ all feet on back are missing
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK ... more
eBay logo
Basse Gibson Ripper Fretless Black Ebony  ~  1976

Basse Gibson Ripper Fretless Black Ebony ~ 1976

Balanod, 39***, FRANCE

€2550

Superbe basse Fretless Gibson "The Ripper" L-9-SF Black, touche ébène, en très bon état. ~ 1976Configuration d'origine passive avec 2 micros humbuckers Bill Lawrence d'origine, sélecteur 4 positions d'origine, réglages Volume, Treble et Tone. Potentiomètres "CTS" et condensateurs "TAD Mustard" neufs. Chevalet d'origine avec pontets laiton réglables en hauteur individuellement. Etui d'origine usagé inclus
... more
eBay logo
Gibson Ripper LS9 1973 Natural

Gibson Ripper LS9 1973 Natural

Port St. Mary, IM9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2950

1973 Gibson Ripper
One of the first 20 in Maple Gloss made in 1973 for 1974 release; the second one sold in the UK
This bass is in an original "restored" condition having been lovingly refurbished and re-fretted
Plays and sounds superb, low action, flats, all wonderful
New Hiscox HSC
I have stated "Collection Only" However this will not be possible given my location - I can easily arrange Fully Insured UK / EU / Worldwide shipping, please contact me to arrange a quote or ... more
eBay logo
There are 11 comments on this article so far. Add your comment

Comment on this article

Name
Email address
Anti-spam question - to catch web robots
How many legs does a duck have?
Brian Comment left 8th May 2017 00:12:28 reply
I spotted a 1976 black ripper with a tort scratch plate. https://reverb.com/item/5171149-1976-gibson-ripper-bass Is this rare or some after market change by a PO?
Louis Arthur Comment left 28th August 2016 08:08:08 reply
In search of a sunburst fretless ripper...
Jake Comment left 26th October 2013 06:06:05 reply
Anyone have any info/estimates as to how many fretless ebony rippers were ever made?
William Vogelsang Comment left 1st October 2019 10:10:52 reply
All of the production runs and numbers produced are in this article.
Trevor-Australia Comment left 24th August 2013 02:02:50 reply
I am trying to locate a switch control for my 1974 L9-S Ripper as well as a set of adjustable pick-up magnet screws and pick-up mounting screws. Can anyone please assist me?
CherryBurstRipper Comment left 1st April 2013 06:06:43 reply
Why are there no cherry sunburst finish Rippers not shown in the shipping figures? Gibson certainly did make them. Mark Evans of ACDC had one early on.
GHL Comment left 12th April 2018 23:11:04 reply
The cherry burst Rippers were said to be a very limited run for Nam 75, maybe 6 but little interest led to the tobacco burst.
Joe Iaquinto Comment left 21st February 2013 07:07:23 reply
If you can find a sunburst Ripper, BUY IT! Those, for some reason, are the best-made Rippers ever.
Jason8 Comment left 18th February 2013 09:09:35 reply
I just found a 78 black (ebony) ripper with the newer body style and ebony board. Great condition (maybe 8.5/10) and great playing bass, but i'm not sure what it is worth (it seems a tad expensive). I don't want to overpay. What is a really nice all original Ripper worth. With case too. Thanks, Jason
Fly Guitars Comment left 2nd September 2012 16:04:09 reply
The second body style Rippers use the same cases as the Grabber and G3 - these are fairly frequently seen on ebay, and you should be able to pick one up in the region of $80. Maybe less for a beater. It probably is worth getting the original case if you can.
mister ripper Comment left 14th August 2012 22:10:29 reply
Cool basses. I wanted one of these throughout my youth.. always too expensive :( but I've got one now ( as of last week ) and I can't put it down. I think it's changing the way I play. I need a case though. What fits? TIA