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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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

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

Vintage 1976 Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass with original hard Gibson Case

East Amherst, New York, 140**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

This vintage Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass is a rare gem for any musician. With a beautiful blond body made of alder and maple, this right-handed bass guitar features a rosewood, ebony, and maple fretboard, making it a dream come true for any player. The 4-string configuration and vintage series add to its uniqueness, making it a must-have for any collector. This bass guitar comes with its original hard Gibson case, making it easy to transport and store. Perfect for any musician or collector, ... 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 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

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

All Original Vintage 1977 Gibson Grabber G-3 Bass Guitar

Fort Worth, Texas, 761**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

All original vintage 1977 Gibson Grabber G-3 bass guitar. Nice bright with depth tone. A lot of presence. G-3's were the Cadillac Grabber of it's day. This one is in remarkably good condition, especially for it's age. Kiss, Grand Funk, Nirvana, Green Day, The Who, etc BODY: Sculpted maple NECK: Maple with maple fingerboard and MOP dots BRIDGE: Original string through the body bridge, so the strings are really throwing a signal. Surprisingly still has the original bridge cover (that's rare for ... 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 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

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

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 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 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 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

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

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

Gibson G-3 Used Electric Bass Guitar

Porth, CF39***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2557

Rarely available this U S.made Gibson 'Grabber' G-3 is a superbly made qualiiy instrument with a unique sound dating from the mid 1970's. Excellent condition given its age and in perfect working order
Serial numbner: 06167800
3 position switch controlling the 3 pick-ups with volume and tone controls
This instrument was purchased by me in Cardiff south Wales in early 1982.... more

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... 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

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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