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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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
... view on ebay
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
... view on ebay
1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless Ebony Black OHSC Rare
Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2999
For Sale: 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless ?? Ebony Black w / OHSC
Up for sale is a 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless in Ebony Black, complete with its original hard-shell case
This is a very cool and very rare original fretless Gibson bass from the late ??70s. Original fretless Rippers do not come up often, and this one has all the bold visual presence and unmistakable feel that make these basses so appealing. With its long-scale Gibson design, ebony fingerboard, and classic Ebony Black finish, it... view on ebay
Up for sale is a 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless in Ebony Black, complete with its original hard-shell case
This is a very cool and very rare original fretless Gibson bass from the late ??70s. Original fretless Rippers do not come up often, and this one has all the bold visual presence and unmistakable feel that make these basses so appealing. With its long-scale Gibson design, ebony fingerboard, and classic Ebony Black finish, it... view on ebay
1979 Gibson Ripper Bass Natural
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3250
This Gibson Ripper was made in the USA in 1979. It shows play wear, but overall this one is quite clean with no structural damage. It is all original, although 1 pickup was re-wound. The bass is stamped "Second" but unclear why. This bass has been pro-setup in our store, plays great, and comes with the original case
If you have any questions, please message us
We ship Worldwide! Message for international shipping rates.... view on ebay
Gibson "The Ripper" L-9s Original Bass Guitar 1970's
Marquette, Wisconsin, 539**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1550
Very good condition, made from 1973-1983. A favorite of rock musicians of the era. Serial number scratched out indicating minor imperfections that made it a factory second quality. Great playing bass guitar with incredible sound
... view on ebay
... view on ebay
Vintage 1976 Gibson L-9S Ripper Electric Bass Guitar w / Original Case
Fresno, California, 937**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3400
American Music is proud to present this beautiful Gibson Ripper Bass!
Bass was kept in its ORIGINAL case, as the case is pretty beat up
Brand New StringsTruss Rod worksNo warping in neckWeighs roughly 9lbsFret board is in good shape for a instrument of its age, but could use some fret work.... view on ebay
Bass was kept in its ORIGINAL case, as the case is pretty beat up
Brand New StringsTruss Rod worksNo warping in neckWeighs roughly 9lbsFret board is in good shape for a instrument of its age, but could use some fret work.... view on ebay
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 !!!... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
+ 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 ... view on ebay
Gibson G3 Grabber Ripper Bass 1975-1985
Belper, DE55***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2863
1984. With the Gibson Growl! Neck straight, intonation good. Tuners 100% reliable. Recently serviced by John Le Voi of Louth. New springs to pickup. Electrics cleaned and re soldered, Bass all original. As seen; a few cosmetic dings. Includes hard case
This model has been made famous by
Mike Dirnt (Green Day)
Gene Simmons (Kiss)
Krist Novoselic (Nirvana)... view on ebay
This model has been made famous by
Mike Dirnt (Green Day)
Gene Simmons (Kiss)
Krist Novoselic (Nirvana)... view on ebay
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 !!!... view on ebay
Gibson The Ripper L-9S Bass 1973-83 d'occasion
Berck, 62***, FRANCE
€4500
Gibson The Ripper L-9S Bass 1973-83 d'occasion
Vendu avec un étui fait maison et non l'étui d'origine
... view on ebay
Vendu avec un étui fait maison et non l'étui d'origine
... view on ebay
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