Gibson basses

Ralphe talks about his music, playing, and his endorsement of Gibson bass guitars. By John Fertig

Ralphe Armstrong with Gibson L9-S.Photo Armando Gallo, courtesy www.armandogallo.com

FlyGuitars So the first Gibson bass you tried was the EB-2?

Ralphe Armstrong I always liked the sound of it. Being a bass violinist, I like its mellow tone. Some guys had it sounding mushy, but the guys in Detroit that played around here, they had a sound! Labella strings, they had a big sound going through Ampegs.

FlyGuitars You soon got a contract endorsing Gibson basses. How did that come about?

How I got with Gibson guitars was with John McLaughlin, he took me to Lincolnwood, Illinois, in 1975. I met Bruce Bolen and designer Walt Johnston and they asked me to write down what I wanted; and that’s how they came up with this bass called the Ripper and the G-3 with three pickups. And we had the RD Artist, that was a great bass. It was a whole lot of wood and a whole lot of sound! It had a hell of a sound. I had a mahogany fretless RD too, with an ebony fingerboard!

FlyGuitars Tell me about your fretless Ripper you used.

Ralphe Armstrong Oh, that bass had a good sound. It had a real deep sound; then it had a very high legato, which is very long. I could do glissandos on it. It had a lot of sustain.

FlyGuitars I noticed you had ebony and maple Rippers; did you find any differences?

Ralphe Armstrong The ebony is always closer to the bass violin, the tonality of it.

FlyGuitars Tell me more about the RD Artists.

Ralphe Armstrong That to me, it was one of the best ones ever made. A lot of people did not like it because it was heavy, but I liked because it was big and it had a long fingerboard; you can play a G harmonic on it and it had a big sound. It was a well-made piece of machinery.

1978 advert for the Gibson RD Artist. This RD is a real rarity in that it is mahogany, with a fretless ebony fretboard. Production models were maple-bodied, and rarely fretless

1981 advert for the Gibson Victory. Ralphe remembers owning fretted and fretless Victory Artists, though perhaps also the one-pickup Standard. In 1982 a Gibson Gazette edition claims he had phoned in 'to let us know how pleased he is with his Victory Standard bass... says it gets down, but never lets him down'

FlyGuitars Ever use the Moog options on it?

Ralphe Armstrong Oh, of course! I used everything on that bass!

FlyGuitars Did you have more than one Mahogany RD? Where is it now?

Ralphe Armstrong No, just that one and a maple fretted one. I sold it years ago to Marion Hayden. She still has it today; she still plays it. She's an excellent musician. She also teaches at University of Michigan.

Demonstrating the Gibson Victory bass (fretless in this case) at the Atlanta NAMM show, 1982

FlyGuitars Another bass you endorsed was the Gibson Victory; appearing in a 1981 advert along with a number of other musicians.

Ralphe Armstrong (thinking) Oh yeah, the Victory, a great maple bass. All Gibsons are great sounding basses. It was heavy, but that never bothered me. I had the two pickup one, I had a fretted & fretless version.

FlyGuitars Do you still own your original Gibson basses or other Gibson basses? What basses do you play now?

Ralphe Armstrong No, I got rid of them, but I still have the last two they made for a Jimi Hendrix and me special. You know they are making some really great basses now. I really want to get a 5 string Thunderbird. That bass is amazing. They make some fine instruments. I play some Fenders: a P bass, a Jazz Bass fretless. Also a Thunderbird, the black Les Paul with Bartolinis, an acoustic Hohner bass and a Yamaha 6 string.

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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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

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

Vintage Gibson RD Artist Bass Natural 1978

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

Vintage Gibson RD Artist Bass Natural 1978
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Ah, the '70s. A time when forced ingenuity trumped conventional wisdom & gave us amazing instruments such as this one. Like the line of electric guitars, the RD Artist bass features active preamp circuitry designed by Moog, long before Moog exploded onto the marketplace. This preamp combined with bulletproof all-maple construction makes for a white hot explosion of ... 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

Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag! -LL

Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

Item: Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag!
Description: You are purchasing a Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag!Neck had a break but has been repaired. See PhotoIT has some wear and tear from normal usage Beautiful flamed wood finish Plays and sounds Please ask any questions before buying if you have any Shipping: $100 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping prices will vary. Overseas buyers pay their own import taxes Payment: We accept Paypal for your ... 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

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

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

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 / ... view on ebay

Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Ebony w / Case

Pine Brook, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4600

1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass in Ebony
Bass is in very good condition
All Moog electronics function
There had previously been a thumb rest which was removed and the holes patched. Still visible
There is slight damage to the finish on the back of the neck from the bass being hung
Comes with a case, but not the OHSC
... view on ebay

1979 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar with active Moog Electronics

Frankfort, Indiana, 460**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

This vintage 1979 Gibson RD Artist is in MINT Condition. The sunburst finish in perfect condition. It has Robert Moog active electronics on board. At the flip pf a toggle switch you can have compression with indefinite low end sustain to clean midrange and high treble tones. Each pick up has a dedicated volume and tone control that are clean with no noise. Requires X-Tra Long Scale strings if you want to go through the body or long scale from the bridge. Comes with the original hard shell ... 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

€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

Original Gibson Victory Bass fretless

Mülheim, 45***, GERMANY

€1100

Original Gibson Victory Standard fretless Bass
Biete meinen original Gibson VictoryStandard fretless Bass für 1100 ?? zum Kauf. Ich habe den Bass 1985 inBochum gekauft, er befindet sich in einem Top-Zustand, der body ist silbern, das Griffbrett besteht aus Palisander (?). Der Bass ist gut spielbar und hatden singenden fretless-sound, ich habe ihn früher sehr gerne gespielt. Aberleider ist er mir jetzt zu schwer geworden (ich bewege mich in der Altersklasseder Stones??). Der Bass kommt mit ... view on ebay

1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass (Fretless) - Natural

Mansfield, England, NG18***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2599

This 1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass in Natural is a great example of Gibson's late-70s innovation. Built with a solid maple neck and body, it features a distinctive offset shape and has a solid, substantial feel that is typical of the era
The main talking point here is the original onboard Moog active circuitry. It was incredibly advanced for 1977, offering built-in compression and expansion modes that give the twin humbuckers a massive range of tones, from a deep punchy thump, to a very clear, ... view on ebay

Gibson Fretless Basse 4-cordes

Saint-Boes , 64***, FRANCE

€2799

Gibson The Ripper, 4-cordes fretless basse, couleur: noir, année: 1979, fabrication: Etats-Unis, Neck : ebony fingerboard. Tout est original, sauf le corp à été revernis. Action basse, électronique fonctionne parfaitement. Réglée par luthierTrussrod et manche sont en très bon état. (très stable). Originale Hardcase mais pas en bon état. (Plusieurs photos sur demande)Livraison possible (emballage solide)
#Basse #Gibson #Fretless #Bass... 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

Gibson Grabber G3 Bass ?? Original 1976

Hamburg, 20***, GERMANY

€3000

Der hier zum Verkauf stehende Gibson Grabber G3 ist laut Seriennummer von 1976, also satte 50 Jahre alt und ist soweit ich das beurteilen kann unverändert geblieben ?? er verfügt über die originalen Tonabnehmer und die ursprüngliche Elektronik
Er befindet sich also komplett im Originalzustand und ist insgesamt in gutem Zustand. Er weist jedoch einige Kratzer und Abnutzungsspuren auf. Auf der Rückseite mehr als auf der Vorderseite Diese Dings and Dents sind rein ästhetischer Natur und ... view on ebay

1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass - Natural- MOOG Expansion and compression

Beckenham, Kent, BR3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3200

The 1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass guitar designed for right-handed players. Made with a solid maple body and neck. This vintage model from the United States comes in its original hard case, making it ideal for professional musicians looking for a classic and high-quality bass guitar from Gibson's Artist series. With its timeless design and superior craftsmanship, the RD Artist Bass is a sought-after choice for bass players in need of a top-tier instrument. The MOOG electronics are in full working ... view on ebay

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