1981 Gibson Victory Standard bass

The Gibson Victory Standard bass was also available in Candy Apple Red, by far the most commonly seen finish, followed by Silver. Antique Gold was available by 1983, and, towards the end of production, Ferrari Red. Unfortunately, precise shipping data is not available for the Victory series. Ebony (black finish) basses, as shown here, are not exactly rare, though come up far less than Red or Silver. And what a great looking bass; the revealed edges of that unique scratchplate work perfectly over the black body, really accentuating the repeating themes between the two. This bass is visually striking, all the better for it's matching Ebony finished neck.

1981 Gibson Victory Standard specifications

The Victory Standard was produced was at Gibson's second plant, in Nashville; the model was officially available between 1981 and 1986, though the vast majority of production occurred in the first year, mid '81 - mid '82. Initially, only Candy Apple Red and Silver were offered, with an April 1981 list price of $599. Ebony was not listed until the price list of 1982, though examples were certainly shipping as early as July 1981. Choice of finish had no impact on list price. The example shown here comes from October 1981, and is typical of the early Victory production.

The bass was designed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge (see development of the Victory Bass), who perfectly matched the sweep and flow of the guitars cutaways with the sloped pickup, fretboard edge and oddly curved scratchplate. A pickguard template is available here - Gibson Victory bass pickguard template.

The bass has a bolt-on neck, held in place with four neck bolts through a Gibson logo neckplate. The majority of Gibson Victory basses have a simple clearcoated neck; only Ebony and Antique Gold basses were regularly shipped with coloured necks.

The innovative TRI-4 wedge bridge was designed by Tim Shaw and Chuck Burge especially for the Victory bass series, though it went on to be used by the Explorer bass too. It was certainly an improvement on the seventies three-point bridge used on so many other Gibson basses, not only offering an extra plane of adjustment (laterally) but the adjustments were also far simpler to perform.

The Victory Standard was equipped with one series VIIIB humbucker, tilted towards the neck; parallel with the edge of the fretboard. It is mounted to the scratchplate with three bolts to adjust height and angle, and positioned more-or-less centrally, just like a Fender Precision. It was not the same pickup as used on the Victory Artist, being described in the 1981 owners manual as "having less highs than the Artist", but being "louder and punchier".

The Thunderbird-esque Victory headstock with triangular 'Standard' truss rod cover and 'Gibson Victory Bass' branding. The machine heads fitted to this bass are by Gotoh, part number 14102. Note, this bass has been fitted with a plastic nut; this is typical of '81 Standards; by the end of January 1982, like the Artist, they were being shipped with brass nuts,

The headstock held the eight digit serial number, and the words 'MADE IN U.S.A.'. In this case, the serial number 82811528 tells us that the bass was stamped on the 8th October 1981 (day 281). 528 means that it was a product of the Gibson Nashville plant (Kalamazoo numbers start at 0, Nashville numbers start at 500), and was the 28th instrument stamped that day.

For details of the circuitry employed in this bass, see the wiring photographs and schematic.

Gibson Victory 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.

Vintage Gibson Victory Bass Guitar - Artist

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 871**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

This is a rare Gibson Victory Artist Bass Guitar in Antique Gold. It is a heavy solid bass from the early 80s
The Artist model features two Series VIIIB humbuckers, three-ply maple neck, 24-fret rosewood fretboard, and passive / active electronics with one volume and one tone knob, bass and treble controls, a pickup selector switch, a series / parallel switch, and a three-position passive / active switch
Has a few scratches and scuffs but otherwise really nice for its age. The case has ... more

1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass Silver

Westland, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

The 1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass is a classic electric bass guitar known for its solid silver body color and durable construction. Made in the United States, this 4-string bass guitar exudes a timeless appeal with its Gibson brand pedigree and standard series design. Perfect for musicians looking for a reliable and high-quality instrument to accompany their band or recordings, the Gibson Victory Standard Bass continues to be a sought-after choice for bass players seeking a vintage yet ... more

1981 Gibson Victory Bass Red

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1595

Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Bass in original red finish
A killer bass with a nice fat tone and superb playability
This baby is a RED BEAST!
Bass plays and sounds fantastic.
Some honest signs of age and wear throughout
Completely original
Comes with nice brown hardshell case
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
International Buyers ? Please Note: ... more

Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'

Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

This a killer bass and a total P bass killer. Gibson released these to compete with the p bass and they are far, far, better quality. Mahogany body, Mable neck, brass nut, active and passive humbuckers with MOOG electronics! All original with the original case. The original case is pretty beat up with a buckle replaced but still road Worthy. Original paperwork still with it. The guitar is set up to play easy with a low action and great sound. One bridge saddle is missing the riser but works ... more

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE

Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1550

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - Serial # 81831614 - 1981 - Monday July 2nd - Nashville TN - Production # 614, beautiful guitar, professional players guitar, the case was made by Quest

... more

Gibson Victory Bass gebraucht

Leimen, 69***, GERMANY

€750

Gibson Victory BassSiehe Fotos Gebrauchsspuren an der Kopfplatte und an der Korpusrückseite.... more

1981 Gibson Victory bass guitar

Brighton, UNITED KINGDOM

£2200

Very rare 1981 Gibson Victory bass in gorgeous cherry red. Had a recent service in May 24. Comes with leather strap and a generic case to carry it in. Plays excellently, just some obvious cosmetic damage to paint as it was made over 40 years ago. Please inspect all photos and message for any questions
... more

VINTAGE 1982 USA GIBSON VICTORY BASS GUITAR TUNER

Monza, 20***, ITALY

€50

Early eighties Gotoh tuners part number 14102.
Gibson used these on the Victory Standard and Victory Artist basses from 1981, and occasionally the Victory Custom later in 1982
Hard to find, very rare and no longer produced
Very good condition, see pictures
Price for one tuner, available 4 tuners
Private auction, non guarantee
European bidders please email me for postage costs
... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co