Gibson bass guitars

Justin with Gibson RD Artist bass
"It's got flatwounds that are ancient...great, 'cardboard' sort of tone"

FlyGuitars What was your first Gibson bass or Gibson bass experience?

JMJ A very weird one. I saw an RD Artist at a shop in LA years ago and was blown away by how it looked. Then I picked it up and felt immediately disheartened, because it weighed as much as an SVT cabinet. But the tone was very attractive, and I've used it on various records to good effect...Beck stuff, Ima Robot, and a nice prominent feature on Marianne Faithful's single Sex With Strangers from a few years back. It's got flatwounds that are ancient...great, "cardboard" sort of tone.

FlyGuitars What Gibson basses do you own now and can you tell us what you like or dislike about them?

JMJ I found another RD artist that looked the same as my other one, and I bought it so I could do one with roundwounds. Turns out it is a sequential serial number after my original one. It's rad, but also heavy beyond compare. Those are great basses, just kind of noisy. The compressor and treble boost are useless to me, but the basic tone is cool, particularly with flats. I've got two mid '70's Rippers; one maple, one black. Love those. Also three Thunderbirds that are from around 1999-2000 eras. One is pelham blue, another natural burst, another natural. They have been worked over pretty severely, with bone nuts, Badass bridges, and chrome new old stock pickups I got from Japan. They sound and play incredible. Oh - and I've got an Epiphone Newport - kind of like an EB-0. Nice.

Ebony Ripper and late 90s natural Thunderbird.
The thunderbird has "been worked over pretty severely, with bone nut, Badass bridge, and chrome new old stock pickups"

FlyGuitars Do you find yourself having a favorite Gibson bass?

JMJ My favorite is the natural T-Bird, which is by now quite beat up, but I feel very close to it, and seem to have the ability to play things on it that I can't do on other basses.

FlyGuitars Do you do your own work on your basses?

JMJ I can do setups, but not much else. I have a guy who can really do fine things for me and put back together broken stuff, things like that.

FlyGuitars What recordings have you used Gibson basses on?

JMJ Ima Robot, Beck, Marianne Faithful, Garbage, Macy Gray, Ken Andrews, and quite a few more. They are in constant use. When I do a session, I have my cartage company bring a couple of Gibsons along always.

FlyGuitars Do you ever use Gibson basses in the live setting and with what bands?

JMJ Yeah, with Beck I use my '74 maple Ripper live, my natural T-Bird, and my RD Artist with flatwounds. With Ima Robot, I almost exclusively used the T-Bird; I think most all footage or photos from my time in the band feature me with that bass.

[See youtube clips]

FlyGuitars What varitone (or other) settings do you use with your Rippers? How would you describe it's tone?

JMJ Ripping. Lots of midrange "note", and a warm, round bottom. Position one on chicken head, treble knob rolled down to 7.

Playing live with Beck - image courtesy of Losanjealous.com

FlyGuitars Do you find a big tone difference between the Ebony & Maple Rippers? Which is your favourite?

JMJ Not at all, surprisingly. The natural one is best, it plays better and is a little less beat.

FlyGuitars One other Gibson bass that you own is a 1980s model, the headless 20:20. Tell us about that.

JMJ My 20/20 is living in the garage. Plays good. It has a very punchy sound, good for live, it's not my bag in the studio, because the DI sound has that "active" tone that I dislike, but it sounds pretty rad going through an SVT and two 8x10's. It looks pretty retarded, i'm quite fond of it in that Roland G-77/Steinberger way, both of which I also own and have played live. The problem is, when my tech and I do bass changes, the preamp has a 4-5 second delay before it starts functioning after you plug in a 1/4". Strange.

FlyGuitars Do you raise eyebrows by bringing a Gibson Bass to a studio gig in a Fender world and have you run into Gibson bass prejudice?

JMJ No, not really. In LA, the people I work with are very open-minded. It's an easy-going scene, and people love hearing different tones too.

FlyGuitars Have you tried any of Gibsons newer basses? Any Gibson basses you have your eye on acquiring?

JMJ Just the T-birds I mentioned. I like super deep sounds, so an EB2 is probably in my future as is an EB-0, if I can find some for reasonable prices someday. I also like the Casady.

Youtube Video Clips
Justin with Ima Robot - click the images to view clips

Two videos by the Ima Robot in which Justin uses a 1999 Thunderbird. Left - Alive. Right - Dynomite

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Burgundy Mist

McDonough, Georgia, 302**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$510

Bass is in great condition. Has some light scratches and small dings in the heads. Has 2 dings in the headstock, one on the bottom and one at the top. Can be seen in the pics. Also has a tiny ding onnthe back of the headstock and a small flaw in the clearcoat on the back of the headstock about the size of a dime. Could not get a good pic of it. Everything is in good working condition. Comes with case and every thing pictured. Free shipping. Thanks! Bass is very light!
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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
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Gibson RD Artist MOOG 1978 Natural Maple 4-String Bass w / HSC (Used)

Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

Has light wear and scratches from being played. Overall in great condition with no major wear or dings. Has typical flat Gibson style frets. Overall in great condition. Have some light wear but no divoting or anything to worry about. Screws for battery compartment cover have been swapped with flat head screws (as seen in photos). Corner of back plate is chipped (as seen in photos). Expander Sensitivity Control on back plate is missing the plastic cap. It does work and is accessible. Strap ... 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
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Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Guitar

Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1599

Beautiful red sparkle non-reverse Thunderbird bass guitar professional set up excellent condition some very light scratches. Nothing to mention. Looks just like the pictures Babicz replacement bridge Bartolini Thunderbird pick ups Plays and sounds fantastic. New strings case has some scratches nothing major
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Gibson RD Artist Bass

Kennewick, Washington, 993**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3795

The Gibson RD Artist Bass is a high-quality electric bass guitar from the renowned brand Gibson. With a solid Maple body in a vibrant Fireburst color, this full-scale instrument is perfect for right-handed players. Featuring a Maple neck and Ebony fretboard, this 1978 model from the Artist series delivers exceptional sound and craftsmanship for bass players looking for a reliable and versatile instrument. Complete with a case, the Gibson RD Artist Bass is a classic choice for musicians seeking a... more

1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !

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

$13495

These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more

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 ... more

Gibson Ripper Bass L-9S 1974 Ebony Black W OHSC ALL ORIGINAL

Stanford, Kentucky, 404**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

Incredible bass, almost like a time capsule this one is. Plays like butter, with all original parts. minimal play wear;
The frets are in great shape as well. Only defect I see is a chip at the pickguard typical of these basses, as well as a little wear / shapedness on the tuners from use.
OHSC included with key.

Offers considered !
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Rare Black Gibson 1976 Bicentennial Thunderbird / All Original / No Breaks

Louisville, Kentucky, 402**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Only 91 Black Thunderbirds were produced in 1976 and here is one of the nicest I've seen. All original, no cracks, no breaks and an ebony fretboard. The neck is straight and really not a lot of playwear for it's age. Overall a fine playing bass. Original pickup cover, bridgecover plus a later hard-shell case that is also in fine condition. As per usual with older Thunderbirds, the strap button on the neck has been moved for better balance. It has never been gigged in the years I have owned it ... more

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 ... more

Used 2022 Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass, Ebony

Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2380

A rock 'n' roll legend, Gene Simmons has inspired countless metal-heads to bring groovy, rockin' sound to the world. The 2022-model Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass carries that essence in the purest form. Built in America, this striking bass has a Reverse Thunderbird body made from mahogany, with a Mirror Plex pickguard for an awesome look. The rounded mahogany neck hosts an ebony fingerboard, and it's powered by a set of T-Bird pickups, each with individual volumes and a master tone ... more

1976 Gibson L-9S The Ripper Bass Black Finish w / OHSC

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3495

This Is Located At Our Brick'n'Mortar Store In San Diego, CA
1976 Gibson L-9S The Ripper Bass
In Very Good Overall Condition - Shows Some Playwear Throughout - Small Nicks And Scratches - Pretty Nice For Being 49 Years Old
Original Pickups And Electronics
Original Frets In Very Good Condition - LOTS Of Life Left
Original Hardware - Shows Tarnish
Weighs In At: 10 Pounds 4 Ounces
Nut Width: 1 61 "
Neck Depth At The 1st Fret: .83" - 1 00" At The 12th Fret
Comes... more

1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC

San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar + Original Gibson Hardshell Case
" NATURAL BLONDE" FINISH
GIBSON NORLIN-ERA
Original MOOG ELECTRONICS
Made in USA (Kalamazoo Plant, MI)
Production # 102 (April 17th release)
Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free household. Kept inside case when not used

Up for sale is a BEAUTIFUL LATE-70's Gibson Bass Guitar (RD ARTIST)
EXCELLENT overall vintage condition. Standard surface scratches, light dings, marks on front / back body / ... more

Gibson L-9S Ripper Bass - 1974-75 - Natural - Great shape with HSC

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

the stripped truss rod nut and put a new one on. I also added some double sided tape to the choke so it's not rolling around in the cavity
Currently set up with new 40-100 DR Pure Blues which I think fit this bass really well . Plays perfectly for me
BUT, if you like a little more struggle in your strings, I'll include the barely played / new set of DR Half Rounds 50-110 that the previous owner installed right before I got it
8lbs 10oz - which is fantastic with this thin (32 5mm) ... more

1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial - Rare Vintage Electric Bass

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

€2200

1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Bass ?? All Original, Near Mint Condition
This rare 1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial bass is in exceptionally well-preserved, near mint condition. Everything on the instrument is 100% original, including the electronics ?? with potentiometers dated to 1976. Importantly, the neck is completely intact, with no breaks or repairs, which is uncommon for this model. It comes with the original Gibson hardshell case
? Historical Background:In 1976, to ... more

Gibson RD Artist Bass

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 279**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

1978 (February 25, #117) Gibson RD Artist Series Bass Guitar in very good condition. Lightly played with all original parts and electronics. All switches and knobs work smoothly without crackle or static. Minor blemishes and scuffs from playing, no deep gouges or scrapes. Hamer brand case is clean inside, needs some hardware but is functional. Medium heavy flat-wound strings on it now. Sounds like a beast!! Case kept, non-smoking home.
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Gibson Thunderbird IV 4 String Rex Brown Pantera Bass Ebony Black w / VIDEO

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1895

Scroll down to see 44 HD Images of this bass
Here's a 2022 Gibson Rex Brown Thunderbird 4 string bass guitar in a factory original Ebony finish
She's in very good condition and has light playwear
The top back and sides are glossy and clean with some very light indents and a few superficial scratches
The back has some clear coat micro scratches
The serial number is 226530207 and she made in the Nashville Gibson plant in 2022
She has a fresh set up with d'addario 45 / ... more

1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass an outstanding example its 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$17495

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 pretty mahogany 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 ... 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
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