1974 Gibson Ripper

This is a beautiful example of an early Gibson Ripper bass, from 1974. Although a very limited number of Rippers shipped in late 1973, 1974 was the year the model became widely available, and was, in fact, the peak year of Ripper production. See Gibson Ripper shipping data.

1974 Gibson L-9 S Ripper specifications

The earlier, wider, slab-bodied version of the Gibson Ripper was produced from the model's inception in 1973, through 1974. Compare this body shape, particularly the bevelling around the horns, with a later 1978 Gibson Ripper - these later Rippers have a far more sculptured look about them, although this is not always easy to see in photographs.

Like all Gibson Ripper basses, this guitar was built in the famous Kalamazoo plant (MI, USA) during the Norlin period of ownership.

1975 Gibson bass guitar catalog

1974 US zone 1 price for the Ripper was $449 in the January and June 1974 price lists, rising to $469 in November. A total of 1288 Rippers were shipped in 1974, with the vast majority in Natural finish as seen here, although many very early ones had a tobacco or cherry sunburst finish. See the Ripper shipping stats for further details.

This is a really punchy bass; lots of Gibson low end, but with so much more higher frequencies than Gibson's older basses.

Have a listen to this great vintage bass 1974 Gibson Ripper soundclips.

see also 1976 Gibson Ripper, 1977 Fretless Gibson Ripper, 1978 Gibson Ripper

The Ripper body changed from this wider slab bodied bass, to a more sculptured version - see a 1976 Ripper with the newer body styling.

The alder grain patterns on this Ripper are clearly visible through the natural finish. Like the other 70s-designed basses, controls are scratchplate mounted, so requiring no rear control-cavity access.

The Ripper humbuckers are mounted with two screws through each pickup, and into the guitar's body wood. Not the most adjustable method... and Gibson soon improved upon this. Compare this 1974 (or any up until at least 1976) to the pickups of a later Ripper; Gibson then mounted them directly on to the scratchplate, but now with three screws. Note also the four polepiece screws, one under each string.

The Ripper's electronic circuitry, or Q-system consisted of a four way tone selector switch, volume control, mid range control and tone control. For a more about these controls see Gibson's Ripper controls description, but also listen to the 1974 Ripper promo record and some soundclips of this actual bass here - 1974 Gibson Ripper soundclips
Like all early Rippers, the varitone position markers are on the metal switch marker ring - compare this with a later 1977 Ripper - which has these numerals engraved into the scratchplate.

All Ripper basses came equipped with the Gibson Three-point bridge with metal saddles. Extra long scale strings can be used, and strung through the body, as shown here, or standard long scale strings can be used, and strung directly from the bridge. The chrome-plated bridge cover has been removed for this picture.

Each string of the Gibson Ripper was able to be strung through the bass' body, entering from the rear, and passing over the bridge at the front. Early and middle period Rippers had four separate holes as shown here, but later these were covered by a 'four-hole eyelet' - see a 1977 Ripper for comparison.

The serial number on the back of the headstock still has six digits - a sure sign of an early Ripper. But precise dating of six digit s/n Rippers is not so easy - unlike the eight digit decals (see a 1976 Ripper serial number) or the eight digit stamp (see a 1978 Ripper serial number), there is no date encoded into the number. However from studying several Ripper basses, it would seem that the majority of six digit serial numbers starting 1 would have been shipped in 1974. The other headstock marking, the 'MADE IN U.S.A.' stamp, can be seen, though to some extent obscured by the tuning keys, if fitted.

The headstock of the Ripper bass was simple compared to basses of the previous decade; no fancy inlaid designs or logos, just black paint and a simple silk-screened 'Gibson'. Slight finish cracks can be seen where the wings attach running vertically down this bass' headstock. All Ripper truss rod covers had 'The Ripper' model designation, but early ones like this were one-ply black. Compare this to a later 1978 Ripper Truss rod cover with white revealed edging.

Three-piece neck and solid headstock. The three piece maple has two extra wings added at the headstock to give it a little extra width. 1973/74 open gear tuners. Seventies Gibsons (especially those with maple necks) typically have the volute where the neck meets the headstock; this strengthens the potentially weak area on the other side of the truss rod cavity.

Gibson Ripper soundclips

The Gibson Ripper bass is tonally very different from the 50s and 60s Gibson models that preceded it. Much more midrange frequencies, much more tonal definition and much more bite. With the four position switch, tone and midrange controls, there is a wide range of sounds available. The two sounds below were suggested in the 1974 Ripper promotional disk, and were recorded through a 1964 Ampeg B15. For more clips, check out the audio samples of this bass through various vintage valve amps 1974 Gibson Ripper soundclips.

Gibson Ripper bass for sale

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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

1976 Gibson L-9S The Ripper Bass Black Finish w / OHSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3495

This Is Located At Our Brick'n'Mortar Store In San Diego, CA
1976 Gibson L-9S The Ripper Bass
In Very Good Overall Condition - Shows Some Playwear Throughout - Small Nicks And Scratches - Pretty Nice For Being 49 Years Old
Original Pickups And Electronics
Original Frets In Very Good Condition - LOTS Of Life Left
Original Hardware - Shows Tarnish
Weighs In At: 10 Pounds 4 Ounces
Nut Width: 1 61 "
Neck Depth At The 1st Fret: .83" - 1 00" At The 12th Fret
Comes... more

Gibson Ripper Bass L-9S 1974 Ebony Black W OHSC ALL ORIGINAL

Stanford, Kentucky, 404**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

Incredible bass, almost like a time capsule this one is. Plays like butter, with all original parts. minimal play wear;
The frets are in great shape as well. Only defect I see is a chip at the pickguard typical of these basses, as well as a little wear / shapedness on the tuners from use.
OHSC included with key.

Offers considered !
... more

Gibson L-9S Ripper Bass - 1974-75 - Natural - Great shape with HSC

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

the stripped truss rod nut and put a new one on. I also added some double sided tape to the choke so it's not rolling around in the cavity
Currently set up with new 40-100 DR Pure Blues which I think fit this bass really well . Plays perfectly for me
BUT, if you like a little more struggle in your strings, I'll include the barely played / new set of DR Half Rounds 50-110 that the previous owner installed right before I got it
8lbs 10oz - which is fantastic with this thin (32 5mm) ... more

Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar Natural Finish with Case Early 1970s

Hawleyville, Connecticut, 064**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

Good Working Condition
I am not a player looks to be all original but i can??t tell probably missing the tail cover
... more

1974 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass Natural | Vintage Icon | Original Case Included

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2299

For Sale: 1974 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass Natural | Vintage Icon | Original Case Included
Up for sale is a stunning 1974 Gibson Ripper Bass in its classic Natural finish, complete with its original hard-shell case. This vintage bass is in very good condition and is ready to deliver exceptional performance with that unmistakable classic Gibson tone
Condition & Features:
Cosmetic Wear: This bass shows some light scratches, dings, and general wear throughout, with noticeable wear on the ... more

1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

Kaufman, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$370

Good working condition, all the latches and hindge work, lots of wear around the edge see pics
... more

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

Gibson L-9 S Ripper

LONDON, E3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2353

Very nice 1974 Gibson Ripper, recently serviced by the Bass Gallery in Camden.

Some body wear as you'd expect from a 51 year old bass, but overall in great shape, and the neck is especially clean.

Plays really well, with a straight neck low action and good truss rod. Electronics and pickup selector all in good working order.

Frets are in excellent shape, and I believe it has had a refret at some point in its life.

The pickguard comes from a ... more

1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€333

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

1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€279

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

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