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Gibson Ripper technical reference information

Gibson bass guitars | Ripper bass main page | technical information

Gibson Ripper wiring and circuitry

The Ripper was fitted with Q-system electronics designed by Bill Lawrence

Gibson L9-S Ripper circuit schematic (1973) - including some description of the Q-filter
Gibson L9-S Ripper circuit photographs (1976, 78) - close ups of two Ripper wiring looms
L9-S Ripper pots - potentiometer details and part numbers

Gibson Ripper controls

Ripper controls (1978) - Gibson produced the following description of controls in 1978. What the varitone and three pots actually do.

Ripper hardware

Part 13679, Ripper L-9S humbucker - neck and bridge pickups are identical
Gibson three point bridge with cover - as used on all Rippers
Tuning keys were initially these unnamed early 70s open gear type and later Schaller BM.

Published part lists

Gibson Ripper parts list (1981) - All the components listed with part numbers

Gibson Ripper bass for sale

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1974 GIBSON GRABBER  /  RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

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
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1974 Gibson Ripper L9-S Bass Natural | Vintage Icon | Original Case Included

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
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1970s Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar and Case

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
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Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar Natural Finish with Case Early 1970s

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
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Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

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
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1974 GIBSON GRABBER  /  RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

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
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1974 GIBSON GRABBER  /  RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

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
eBay logo
1974 GIBSON GRABBER  /  RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

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
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Basse Gibson Ripper Fretless Black Ebony  ~  1976

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
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1975 Gibson Ripper Bass Guitar

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
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40Hz Comment left 22nd June 2019 06:06:14 reply
You said: “What the varitone and three pots actually do.” The switch is not a varitone control. It’s a transfer switch. Basically a glorified pickup selector. The coil is a mid choke or notch filter if you prefer. A true varitone circuit is a multi-capacitor switcher (usually 5 or 6 different values) and a coil. :-)