The Gibson Ripper has three controls: volume, midrange and tone; and a four-way rotary tone switch; unfortunately these are not marked, so players have to learn and remember what they do! The varitone positions are as follows:
| Varitone position | Electronic description | Tonal description |
| 1 | Both pickups, in-phase, wired in series | More bite |
| 2 | Back pickup only | Maximum treble |
| 3 | Both pickups, in-phase, wired in parallel | More bottom end |
| 4 | Both pickups, out-of-phase, wired in series | Funky, dirty tonality |
The Ripper was designed to use all of these controls in conjunction with each other. Today, people that don't like Rippers (yes there are some!) have probably had a bad experience without really experiencing what this bass can do. But this is perhaps not surprising, especially if the pickup outputs are not balanced.. it is tempting to leave all controls on full and only change varitone positions. But this was not how Bill Lawrence designed the bass to be used. Pickup signal must be comparable for neck and bridge to get the correct out-of-phase signal. Any Ripper owner should listen to, and study the sleeve of Gibson's 1974 promo record which gives a number of examples of Ripper tones, and suggested Q-system settings to replicate them.
Because the controls for many Gibson bass instruments were not straight forward, aswell as the promo-record mentioned above, Gibson issued single-page summary sheets in 1978, detailing the precise operation of some of the more complicated models. The Ripper's is reproduced below.
The controls, as listed above, have no setting for solo neck pickup - according to Bill Lawrence's notes, this was not originally to be the case, and in many people's eyes is the one downfall of the production Ripper bass.
Gibson Ripper bass for sale
Vintage Gibson L-9S The Ripper Bass Natural 1974
Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1999
Vintage Gibson L-9S The Ripper Bass Natural 1974
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
A truly wonderful solid body bass offering fabulous tone & texture. Very comfortable to play & quite resonant, delivering rich dynamic tones. Professionally set up & ready to play straight out of the case
Cosmetic Condition: Cool vintage vibe with good honest play wear typical of its age - various nicks, chips, dents & dings; surface scratches & ... more
Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar Natural Finish with Case Early 1970s
Hawleyville, Connecticut, 064**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
I am not a player looks to be all original but i can??t tell probably missing the tail cover
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Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan
New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
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
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Gibson The Ripper L-9S Bass 1973-83 d'occasion
Berck, 62***, FRANCE
€4500
Vendu avec un étui fait maison et non l'étui d'origine
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1975 Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar
Hertford, SG13***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2200
Just been refretted and set up by a great great tech, very detailed report available on request. Sounds great and welcome to come and try. Piece of guitar history and a great example of this model
Previous headstock break, great repair does not effect playing?? adds more character
Any more questions get in touch,
Local collection available or if you want to organise a courier that's fine
I can't send in the... 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
1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€333
+ 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
Basse Gibson Ripper Fretless Black Ebony ~ 1976
Balanod, 39***, FRANCE
€2550
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