1978 Gibson Ripper flyer detailing the Ripper bass Q-system controls
The Ripper bass is quite distinct, tonally, from Gibson models that preceded it. This is largely thanks to Bill Lawrence's novel pickup design, Q-system electronics and the choice of maple body and neck woods. It is far brighter than other Gibson basses, with real mid punch. The Q-system consisted 3 control knobs, which are self explanatory (Volume control, Midrange control and Tone control) and a four position varitone.
The varitone (four position transfer switch) settings are as follows (descriptions are taken from the 1978 Gibson Ripper L9-S spec sheet).
- Position 1. Activate both pickups in a series in phase configuration. (Series wiring achieves a bit more "bite" than might otherwise be obtained.)
- Position 2. Activates back pickup only for a maximum treble response.
- Position 3. Activates both pickups in an in phase, parallel wiring configuration. ("Parallel" resulting in more bottom end response.)
- Position 4. Activates both pickups in series, out of phase for a very funky, dirty type tonality.
Sound clips for four Rippers are available on this site; the alder bodied 1976 Ripper, and 1977 Fretless Ripper, and maple bodied 1974 and 1978 Ripper. All, except the 1974, are recorded direct; the '74 record through an older amplifier.
Gibson Ripper bass for sale
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1970's Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar and Case
Portland, Oregon, 972**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
A vintage 1970's Gibson Ripper bass guitar and case. Serial number 551760. Designed by Bill Lawrence, the Ripper was produced by Gibson from 1973 to 1983. It typically features a maple body with a laminated maple neck, although some 1975 models had lighter alder bodies. The Ripper is known for its two "Super Humbucker" pickups and a unique "Q-system" electronics with a four-way pickup selector and passive midrange control, offering a wide range of tonal options. This model appears to be made ... 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
... 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
I am not a player looks to be all original but i can??t tell probably missing the tail cover
... 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
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 (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
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
€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
1975 Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar
Hertford, SG13***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2719
For sale is this Players bass. 1975 model of the iconic Gibson Ripper
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
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
€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
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK ... more
+ 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
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
... more
... more
There are 1 comments on this article so far. Add your comment
Alex Fez Comment left 8th November 2017 20:08:43 reply
Hi mate. It sounds to me like all the Rippers except the '76 have the pickups wired out of phase, as in positions 1 and 3 they have that barky, dirty sound, and only on position 4 do they have the deep, scooped Jazz bass-like sound that the basses are known for. Compare it to this guy's demo of his 1982 Ripper and I think you'll hear what I mean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyPBFSZmci4
Hi mate. It sounds to me like all the Rippers except the '76 have the pickups wired out of phase, as in positions 1 and 3 they have that barky, dirty sound, and only on position 4 do they have the deep, scooped Jazz bass-like sound that the basses are known for. Compare it to this guy's demo of his 1982 Ripper and I think you'll hear what I mean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyPBFSZmci4