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
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.
1978 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass Natural | Vintage Icon | Original Case Included
Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2799
For Sale: 1978 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass ?? Natural Finish | Vintage Icon | Original Case Included
Up for sale is an iconic 1978 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass in its timeless Natural finish, accompanied by its original hard-shell case. This vintage beauty is in excellent condition for its age, having been carefully maintained over the years. At 46 years old, it still delivers that unmistakable Gibson bass tone that??s perfect for any genre. Rated at a solid 8 5 / 10 for condition, it??s a great ... more
Up for sale is an iconic 1978 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass in its timeless Natural finish, accompanied by its original hard-shell case. This vintage beauty is in excellent condition for its age, having been carefully maintained over the years. At 46 years old, it still delivers that unmistakable Gibson bass tone that??s perfect for any genre. Rated at a solid 8 5 / 10 for condition, it??s a great ... 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
1976 Fretless Gibson Ripper 1976
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, 172**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2700
1976 Fretless Gibson Ripper 1976. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... 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 Bass 1974
Orland Park, Illinois, 604**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2950
This 1974 Gibson Ripper Bass with OHSC is in excellent condition!
The only thing to note is the strap button on the upper horn was relocated
to the lower horn (see pic), for a lefty player, early in its life. This does not effect it's playability and / or mojo for a 50 year old bass!
It's in full working order, set up and ready to gig!
I'm offering free U S. shipping only!
... more
The only thing to note is the strap button on the upper horn was relocated
to the lower horn (see pic), for a lefty player, early in its life. This does not effect it's playability and / or mojo for a 50 year old bass!
It's in full working order, set up and ready to gig!
I'm offering free U S. shipping only!
... more
1974 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural Finish | Vintage Icon
Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2299
For Sale: 1974 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural Finish | Vintage Icon | Non-Original Case Included
Up for sale is a 1974 Gibson Ripper Bass in its classic Natural finish, complete with a non-original hard-shell case. This vintage beauty is in very good condition and is ready to deliver exceptional performance
Condition & Features:
Some scratches, dings, and wear on the back, adding to its vintage character
Replaced components: bridge pickup, pick-guard, and electronics. There was ... more
Up for sale is a 1974 Gibson Ripper Bass in its classic Natural finish, complete with a non-original hard-shell case. This vintage beauty is in very good condition and is ready to deliver exceptional performance
Condition & Features:
Some scratches, dings, and wear on the back, adding to its vintage character
Replaced components: bridge pickup, pick-guard, and electronics. There was ... 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
1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$9000
1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... more
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... 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
€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