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 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
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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
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
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 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
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1982 Gibson Victory Standard Electric Bass Guitar w / Original Gibson Case & More
Chillicothe, Ohio, 456**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1525
Travel back in time with this classic bass guitar. It's a Gibson Victory Standard. With a serial number of 80782604, Gibson made it in 1982. Gibson only made the Victory from about 1981 to 1986
With a 34" scale length, it's a full-scale bass. 1-3 / 4" brass nut. Single slant-mounted humbucker. Volume and tone controls. Series / parallel switch affects the pickup wiring. When switched to parallel, it sounds brighter, but thinner tone, like a single-coil. Series has a fuller, darker, ... more
With a 34" scale length, it's a full-scale bass. 1-3 / 4" brass nut. Single slant-mounted humbucker. Volume and tone controls. Series / parallel switch affects the pickup wiring. When switched to parallel, it sounds brighter, but thinner tone, like a single-coil. Series has a fuller, darker, ... more
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
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 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
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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
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
Gibson Victory Standard Candy Apple Red Classic Bass Guitar USA 1981
Arnside, Cumbria, LA5***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1100
Gibson Victory Candy Apple Red Classic Bass Guitar USA 1981
When I bought this some years ago, it was advertised as being manufactured in 1981 and with a special paintjob. The special paint job is a refinish, and I'm pretty sure they painted the back of the neck as I've never seen another like it. Looks quite nice but has some chips and knocks but overall, it's a very cool 43 year old bass. Plays great. sound great but I'll only be selling it to somebody that comes and plays it in person ... more
When I bought this some years ago, it was advertised as being manufactured in 1981 and with a special paintjob. The special paint job is a refinish, and I'm pretty sure they painted the back of the neck as I've never seen another like it. Looks quite nice but has some chips and knocks but overall, it's a very cool 43 year old bass. Plays great. sound great but I'll only be selling it to somebody that comes and plays it in person ... more
Gibson Victory Bass gebraucht
Leimen, 69***, GERMANY
€750
Gibson Victory BassSiehe Fotos Gebrauchsspuren an der Kopfplatte und an der Korpusrückseite.... more