Gibson Ripper pricing
The Ripper and Ripper fretless were sold at the same price - as listed below. The only exception was the Tobacco Sunburst fretless ripper which was an extra $30 from November 1975, until the first of January 1977
Comparison of Ripper prices from the 1973-1980 | |||
June 1973 | $450 |
January 1977 |
$539 |
Comparison of prices from the March 1976 price list | |||
Grabber |
$329-379 |
EB3 |
$469 |
Ripper bass catalogue appearances
The Gibson Ripper appeared in three Gibson catalogues
Gibson Ripper advertisements
Have a look at all the vintage Gibson advertisements as well as ads from other manufacturers
Promotional Record

In 1974 Gibson produced a number of promotional 7" 45 rpm records to promote various new instruments. These included one for the Ripper bass, and one for the Marauder guitar. Unlike the earlier flexi-discs made for the Les Paul Recording guitar and Triumph bass, these were actually made of vinyl, with a proper sleeve.
This disk demonstrated the guitar with, and without, accompaniment, and in a range of styles
Side one: narrated by Richard Evans.
Introduction to the Gibson Ripper: precise settings used are detailed on the back cover. Includes a funky instrumental version of "it's your thing" with guitarist Phil Upchurch.
Side two: Bass Meant by funk rock group Chase; bassman Dartanyan Brown gets funky with his new Gibson Ripper.
Gibson Ripper bass for sale
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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1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA
Kaufman, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$370
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Gibson Ripper Bass L-9S 1974 Ebony Black W OHSC ALL ORIGINAL
Stanford, Kentucky, 404**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2999
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 !
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1976 Gibson L-9S The Ripper Bass Black Finish w / OHSC
San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3495
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 L-9S Ripper Bass - 1974-75 - Natural - Great shape with HSC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2800
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
I am not a player looks to be all original but i can??t tell probably missing the tail cover
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1974 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass Natural | Vintage Icon | Original Case Included
Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2299
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
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
Gibson L-9 S Ripper
LONDON, E3***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2353
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
€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
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Chase... wow. Just wow. This promotional disk is just great. Did they do one for the G3? Can't find it on your site. Gibson should have made more of these! Like for the RD Artist for example.