1976 Gibson Ripper

The Gibson Ripper changed subtly over the years of it's production. This particular Ripper was built soon after the changeover to the second, narrower body style (you can see the older style on this early 1974 Gibson Ripper). Another change from the earliest Rippers is that the body wood is now alder as opposed to maple. Like all Rippers, it was produced in the USA (Kalamazoo, MI) under Norlin's period of ownership.

Note that the serial number on the back of the headstock 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.

1976 Gibson L-9 S Ripper specifications

The bass pictured has typical Ripper hardware Ripper humbucking pickups - mounted through the pickup rather than to the scratchplate (as in for example this 1978 Gibson Ripper). The bridge is the Gibson 3-point chrome bridge, with chrome cover; and Schaller BM machine heads.

The translucent Natural Satin finish was the best selling of 1976 - see the Gibson Ripper shipping totals for full details.

1976 zone 1 prices for this guitar were as follows: $469 in March 1976, rising to $499 in June 1976. The Ripper was more expensive than the Grabber and G3, less expensive than the Les Paul Triumph, and priced the same as the EB3.

Alder body, maple neck and fingerboard. Translucent satin finish. The L-9S Ripper had new electronics, called the Q-system, designed by Bill Lawrence.

The Ripper body changed in the mid 1970s, with a subtle shape change around the cutaways. This is the second, redesigned Ripper body shape - compare with the earlier version here -1974 Gibson Ripper. The Ripper was the first Gibson bass that could be strung through the body, using extra long scale strings; but it could also be strung just to the Gibson three point bridge using regular long scale strings.

This Ripper's body is made up of three pieces of alder, glued together - the joins are clearly visible. The neck is made from three pieces of maple, in turn set into the body. The string-through entry holes are situated towards the bottom of the body, and are just four holes. This is a feature of early Rippers -later they had a metal plate across all four holes - have a look at a 1977 Ripper from the same angle.

The Ripper humbuckers are mounted with just two screws, attached through the pickup itself into the guitar's body wood. These are the screws between the strings in this picture. Later examples had three screws, mounted onto the scratchplate (compare with a 1978 Ripper). The adjustable polepiece screws are the ones situated directly under the strings.

The Q-system consists of a four-way rotary switch, with chicken head knob, and three controls: volume, midrange, and tone, each with a speed knob. The output jack is also mounted onto the scratchplate, beside these controls. For a more detailed description of these controls see Gibson's own description - Gibson Ripper controls, and check out their 1974 promotional disk which suggests some interesting settings. The varitone position marker is still the circular metal plate familiar from the EB3 basses; although this was about to change to numbers engraved into the scratchplate. Have a closer look at the controls of a 1978 Ripper.

This bass is strung through the body. The strings come from the bass body, over the Gibson Three-point bridge with bridge cover, and over the pickup to the neck. Stringing through the body increases sustain and facilitates body resonance, but the strings may feel stiffer when played. The Gibson three-point fitted to all Ripper basses allowed normal stringing too. Have a look at this 1977 Fretless Ripper strung just to the bridge.

The Gibson three point bridge was first used in 1973. It can be seen here also fitted with chrome bridge cover. Note the black plastic spacers between body and cover. The Ripper was fitted with Ripper humbuckers, in this case mounted with two screws going through each pickup.

The use of light woods (alder, maple) and an almost clear natural finish give the Ripper a very clean look, a real contrast from the darker Cherry, Walnut and Sunburst finishes that were so typical of Gibson basses of the previous decades.

The model name, country of origin and serial number are shown as a decal, and within the serial number is a date code. The first two digits can be: 99 - 1975; 00 - 1976 or 01 - 1977. This is a mid-period feature - older Rippers still had the six digit impressed serial number (compare with a 1975 Ripper) whilst newer Rippers had an eight digit stamped number (compare with a 1978 Ripper).

1970s Gibson bass headstocks are typically bigger than 1960s headstocks. The truss rod cover designates the model "The Ripper". The truss rod cover is multi-ply with a white revealed edge at this time. Older basses have single ply truss rod covers. See a 1975 Ripper bass truss rod cover. Tuning keys are Schaller BM.

This Ripper bass is fitted with Schaller BM tuning keys - each with the Gibson logo engraved into it. The earliest Rippers had a slightly different tuner which looked very similar, with the same footprint, but without the word 'Gibson' and with a slightly different dimension post (and therefore) post holes.

1976 Ripper soundclips

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

Gibson Ripper basses for sale

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1978 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass Natural | Vintage Icon | Original Case Included

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

$2799

For Sale: 1978 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass ?? Natural Finish | Vintage Icon | Original Case Included
Up for sale is an iconic 1978 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass in its timeless Natural finish, accompanied by its original hard-shell case. This vintage beauty is in excellent condition for its age, having been carefully maintained over the years. At 46 years old, it still delivers that unmistakable Gibson bass tone that??s perfect for any genre. Rated at a solid 8 5 / 10 for condition, it??s a great ... 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

1976 Fretless Gibson Ripper 1976

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, 172**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

1976 Fretless Gibson Ripper 1976. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... 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

Gibson Ripper Bass 1974

Orland Park, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2950

This 1974 Gibson Ripper Bass with OHSC is in excellent condition!

The only thing to note is the strap button on the upper horn was relocated
to the lower horn (see pic), for a lefty player, early in its life. This does not effect it's playability and / or mojo for a 50 year old bass!

It's in full working order, set up and ready to gig!

I'm offering free U S. shipping only!
... more

1974 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural Finish | Vintage Icon

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

$2299

For Sale: 1974 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural Finish | Vintage Icon | Non-Original Case Included
Up for sale is a 1974 Gibson Ripper Bass in its classic Natural finish, complete with a non-original hard-shell case. This vintage beauty is in very good condition and is ready to deliver exceptional performance
Condition & Features:
Some scratches, dings, and wear on the back, adding to its vintage character
Replaced components: bridge pickup, pick-guard, and electronics. There was ... 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

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

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

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
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AUCTIONS !!!!
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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

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
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