Dave Kiswiney and the Gibson Ripper

Dave Kiswiney I got a Ripper in '73, it was one of the first ones. They say they came out in '74, but I know I got it in 1973, as one of the first ones. I bought it from Massimino's Music (Shelby, MI), which was a big store. I had never seen one before, and it was like wow man - it's got lots of switches and pickup configurations, so, I took it and started playing it. I actually traded that Thunderbird in, I got some money for the Thunderbird, it was about an even trade, I might have had to pay 20 Bucks because they went, ah you ruined this bass - you know I just needed something to play.

FlyGuitars who were you playing with at this time?

Dave Kiswiney : Local bands around Michigan. After I got out of the Mike Quatro band, I used it in a band called Airtight, My Friends and a few other bands. But the Gibson Ripper was like a godsend for me. It was balanced, different variations of what you could do with the tone, it just worked for the amplification I was using, it just worked. And it had that big body, that big maple body, right? and it just was a fantastic bass.

I played it stock for a long long time and then I Frankensteined it; put those Precision pickups in it and some more switches, and it would do anything. I had those pickups that I took out of the EB, the '54 that were from an early Precision bass - I still have those pickups they're probably worth a fortune - and hacked out, did the same thing, took the pickguard off. I was always into stuff like wiring, and fixing amps and things like that. There were great parts stores and electronics places and you could buy switches and stuff. I just started drawing it out and wiring it up.

So it had the black Precision pickups in it, and I showed up with that bass in the Nugent band and they were like woah what the heck is that? they asked me why I didn't have a Fender.. I said well I don't.. they ended up loving it, the sound guys loved it, Nugent loved it. The sound man Dansir (McCullough), he loved it. It had that great big body on it and it would just sustain and hold notes, stand in front of the amps... put that body in front of the speakers and it would just resonate and hang, they loved it.

The Ripper with added black Precision pickup

The Ripper with additional white Dimarzio pickup

Then the road crew guys, they went "hey you've got to put Dimarzios in there"; so they fit right in, they just took it apart and put in those white ones and that's the way I played it the longest time with those white pickups in. The Dimarzios were just louder, that's a great passive pickup. They also put them in my '78 Precision bass that I used on Scream Dream.

And then I put it away after I got off the road I put it away; I really screwed up, I should have taken it apart and just sterilized it but it went to bed with sweat impregnated in it - you know what I mean. There was so much sweat and moisture that got into that bass. You could clean the surface of it off but it just corroded you saw the pictures. I took it out and a couple of years later and the strings had broken they had just released and there was that patina that crud all over it, and I was like oh my god what have I done - so I spent a day cleaning each piece, piece by piece I had ordered a replacement pickguard of course the original one was tortoise - this was a three layer one you know with the white in the middle but the original one just deteriorated you'd just touch it and it would fall apart, it was crazy. I took all the pieces out and rewired it stock and it plays great. The only thing that's missing is the rotary switch, the actual pointer switch that came on it. I'd have no idea where that is. I put that toggle on which was a much better switch 'cause I could flip it with my little finger you know I could move it to an out of phase position or a coil tap or whatever it was with one little flick.

That's about it for the Ripper it was a great bass and a lot of people love that bass; it was kind of my signature thing.

"I took it out and a couple of years later and the strings had broken they had just released and there was that patina that crud all over it, and I was like oh my god what have I done"

A look at the wiring - "The Dimarzios were just louder, that's a great passive pickup"

FlyGuitars As a Gibson artist, did they ever encourage you to use their amps, the Norlin Lab Series, for example?

They never mentioned it. I mean for an amp there was nothing they could do that could compare with what I had. I mean what I had in the Nugent band, if you stood in front of it with that Ripper it would move you. If you had loose pants on, your pants would shake. It would move that much air. And that Ripper... I could actually lean back in that folded horn and move that body to the side of me, to my right side, and expose it to the 2x12s and that thing would start screaming. I mean it would just roar. And Nugent loved it. He absolutely loved it and at the end of the night we'd take out instruments off and they'd bring out out a stand and we'd set them down and the whole stage would just be screaming with Byrdlands and Rippers and just be vibrating the whole thing 'til they shut it down. It was unbelievable.

Ted Nugent live; left to right: Charlie Huhn, Dave Kiswiney and Ted Nugent

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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ESTATE Old Vintage 1970s GIBSON Bass Guitar The RIPPER In Case

Friedheim, Missouri, 637**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

Up for bid is a Gibson bass guitar in the original case. It is The Ripper and is serial number : 00156503. I think that means its a 1976 model, check for your self to be sure. I took it to the guitar shop and they hooked it up to an amplifier and it played, it only had one string left on it. They said it was dirty inside and needed a good tune up and cleaning to sound its best. It needs a good scrubbing inside and out. It has scrapes and scratches on it, missing some small spots of paint, ... view on ebay

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case.

The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!!  It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... view on ebay

Gibson Les Paul Triumph Electric Bass Guitar

Merritt Island, Florida, 329**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

Defaulted Pawn Collateral
1972ish SN: 622898
Obviously well traveled and knocked around
* Please study the pictures *
Ready to ship
24lbs 2oz 50x20x8
Good Luck and thanks for stopping by!
All previously owned items are sold as is, as shown
----------------------------------------------------------... view on ebay

GIBSON 1970 EB-0 Electric Bass (Excellent) ALL ORIGINAL AND CASE

Frankford, Delaware, 199**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

The Gibson 1970 EB-0 Electric Bass is a vintage right-handed electric bass guitar with a solid mahogany body, 4 strings, and 20 frets. This classic instrument is all original, comes with a case, and is a must-have for any bass player looking for a high-quality vintage sound. The brown body color and distinctive Gibson brand make this bass guitar a standout choice for musicians seeking a beautifully crafted and timeless piece.... view on ebay

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3995

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!. Slotted headstock with original Gibson tuners!! Perfect for the collector!! This bass is in exceptional condition and so is the original case!! You will not find one in better condition!! Simply amazing!! Has new strings and comes with a beautiful vintage ??Made in Mexico?? leather strap!! Everything 100% original!! Thanks for looking!!
... view on ebay

Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'

Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

This a killer bass and a total P bass killer. Gibson released these to compete with the p bass and they are far, far, better quality. Mahogany body, Mable neck, brass nut, active and passive humbuckers with MOOG electronics! All original with the original case. The original case is pretty beat up with a buckle replaced but still road Worthy. Original paperwork still with it. The guitar is set up to play easy with a low action and great sound. One bridge saddle is missing the riser but works ... view on ebay

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

Epiphone By Gibson 4 String Electric Bass Guitar - White Jazz Bass

Connellys Springs, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Good Bass plays well
No issues
Used condition
... view on ebay

1968 Gibson EB-2DC Bass it's beautiful w / 2 pickups w / all the tones you need !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3750

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1958 & made famous by many players. Its beautiful slightly faded original Cherry Red finish is what this is all about. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She's got a perfect orange label too. Its pickgard is intact. Its powerful 2 pickups along w / its original push-button switch make really fabulous tones on steroids. She has a set of witch hat knobs & chrome bridge cover to finish her off nice. Its orange ... view on ebay

1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals it's 1 of a kind & Minty

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$27495

These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is straight as an arrow ... view on ebay

1958 Gibson EB-2 1st year Museum Quality 100% original its 1 of a kind & Minty !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9995

This is a truly superb original example of one of the rarer Gibson electric basses: the first-generation semi-hollow EB-2. The EB-2 in general is not a overly rare bass, but these earliest models built in the debut year were sold in only small numbers; many more were built in 1964-68 when production was at its peak. The ES-335 guitar from 1958 is one of Gibson??s most treasured and sought after instruments; this matching bass is actually considerably rarer, if not as highly in demand ! The EB-2 ... view on ebay

1963 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Vintage Short Scale SG Bass, 100% Original w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3600

Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson EB-0 in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body in 1961, boasting a shorter 30 1 / 2?? scale length
Featuring solid Honduran mahogany construction and a rosewood fretboard, this EB-0 weighs 7lbs 13oz. The famous ??Mudbucker?? pickup ... view on ebay

1967 / 68 / 69 Gibson USA EB Bass Husk - Routed

Garland, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$795

1967 / 68 or 69 GIBSON USA EB bass husk. No parts included. Routed and extra holes for pots and switches as you can see in the pictures. Truss rod turns both ways. Could make a cool project bass. No case. Please review pictures carefully.
Buyer pays $60 shipping and insurance.
Thanks for looking.
... view on ebay

1970 Gibson Les Paul Bass Low Impedance Pickups. VINTAGE!

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, 190**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2499

This VINTAGE, 1st generation Gibson bass is over 55 years old! The bridge is an old Leo Quan Badass Bridge. It has a changed XLR input done many years ago. The pots are master volume and master tone. This bass is quiet and heavy. It produces a thick and thumpy sound. NON original hardshell case is a dreadnaught size case. The pots are stamped 1970.... view on ebay

1994 Orville by Gibson Thunderbird IV Reverse Body Bass Vintage, Japan Terada

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

Up for sale, a 1994 Orville by Gibson Thunderbird IV bass in 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Made exclusively for the Japanese market and uncommon outside its country of origin, this Orville is an official Gibson-licensed guitar and a result of a partnership between Gibson USA and their Japanese distributor Yamano Gakki. Named after Gibson's founder, Orville Gibson, this long-since discontinued Orville model was crafted at the Terada factory
As its name would suggest, ... view on ebay

1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar

Mission Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

The 1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar is a classic electric bass guitar by Gibson, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and iconic design. With a sleek black body color, this guitar is sure to make a stylish statement in any musician's collection. Featuring the renowned Standard series, this bass guitar is known for its versatile sound and exceptional playability, making it a popular choice among bass players in various genres of music
PICK UP ONLY Mission Hills, CA (LA ... view on ebay

1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case

Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... view on ebay

Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar 1970's

Flagstaff, Arizona, 860**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Here is a beautiful bass guitar from the Gibson company! This vintage bass was made between 1970-1975 and has been kept in great condition and does its job at supplying a bassline to any group / ensemble!
As with any used instruments, there are signs of cosmetic wear throughout. There are minor scratches and tiny chips throughout the body of the instrument. However, this does not affect the playing of the instrument! The age of the current strings are unknown, but they appear to be in good ... view on ebay

Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished)

Greenwood, Mississippi, 389**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

Gibson SG 4 String Made In USA Electric Bass Guitar (Blemished). Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.... view on ebay

Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

This bass guitar string mute is a must-have for any Gibson Thunderbird owner. Made in 1966, this mute is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. It is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and provides a unique sound that is sure to impress
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... view on ebay

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