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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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

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 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

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

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

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

1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Bass - Very Clean

Georgetown, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5200

This 1977 Gibson Bicentennial Thunderbird bass is in almost new condition. Everything is original. The pots date to 1976. The neck has not been broken which is very common on these models. The original hardshell case is included
In 1976, to celebrate America's 200th anniversary of independence, Gibson reissued the Thunderbird bass in its original early 60s reverse body shape. Production in Kalamazoo continued to 1979 and in total, only 1855 were made. There were only 841 Tobacco Sunburst ... more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
... more

GIBSON NON REVERSE THUNDERBIRD BASS (P03047365)

Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

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Metallica??s Jason Newsted Owned And Played Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1987

Meidrim, SA33***, UNITED KINGDOM

£4937

This bass was owned and played by Jason Newsted. I bought this bass from a renowned auction house in the US in 2022. I have documents to prove authenticity and legitimacy. Please ask if you are seriously interested

The bass is in excellent condition. It has some marks of use, but I guess this is what you are looking for when owning a celebrity owned instrument

I am a Metallica fan, but I am a guitarist and do not play bass very often. An instrument needs to be used, so I ... 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

60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY DELUXE BASS - made in USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£2850

60's Epiphone by Gibson Embassy Deluxe Bass - made in USA:
+ mahogany body finished in wine red, has lots of weather checking and wear, several extra screw holes on back
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, LONG SCALE, has 4 minor SURFACE stress cracks below tuners=check last 3 pics
* skinny neck profile on back around first 5 frets
+ new Fender Reissue tuners
+ 1 original THUNDERBIRD pickup & 1 newer Fender Jazz bass single coil
+ new pickguard
+ new pots and ... more

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