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Fly Guitars Interview: Ralphe Armstrong Part 4: Ralphe on YouTube

Intro / Mahavishnu Orchestra | Gibson basses | John Luc Ponty and beyond | Ralphe on YouTube


Mahavishnu Orchestra: Wings of Karma pt. 2
Mahavishnu Orchestra: Wings of Karma pt. 2
Jean-Luc Ponty: Cosmic Messenger, Cannes 1982. Ralphe plays a Gibson Victory bass and Maestro Bass Brassmaster
Jean-Luc Ponty: Cosmic Messenger, Cannes 1982. Ralphe plays a Gibson Victory bass and Maestro Bass Brassmaster
James Carter Quintet. Listen to the fantastic bass soloing!
James Carter Quintet. Listen to the fantastic bass soloing!
James Carter (North Sea Jazz 2006). Ralphe plays upright bass
James Carter (North Sea Jazz 2006). Ralphe plays upright bass




Thanks to John (Redbird) Fertig and Ralphe Armstrong for making this interview possible, Armando Gallo, Henrietta Bannister and Brian Patneaude for use of some great photos, and Nick Horowitz for making it more legible.

Further reading: PBS TV show on Howard Armstrong | John McLaughlin Homepage | Jean-Luc Ponty homepage | other FlyGuitars interviews

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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Epiphone by Gibson PJ Bass + SKB Hard Case (Late ?80s  /  Early ?90s?)

Epiphone by Gibson PJ Bass + SKB Hard Case (Late ?80s / Early ?90s?)

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$425

Vintage Epiphone by Gibson 4-string bass with Precision / Jazz pickup configuration. Made in Korea, late ?80s to early ?90s. Solid condition, plays great. No visible serial ?? typical for this era
Includes a SKB hard shell molded case ($70??$80 value) ?? durable & secure.... more
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Epiphone by Gibson PJ Bass + SKB Hard Case (Late ?80s  /  Early ?90s?)

Epiphone by Gibson PJ Bass + SKB Hard Case (Late ?80s / Early ?90s?)

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$425

Vintage Epiphone by Gibson 4-string bass with Precision / Jazz pickup configuration. Made in Korea, late ?80s to early ?90s. Solid condition, plays great. No visible serial ?? typical for this era
Includes a SKB hard shell molded case ($70??$80 value) ?? durable & secure.... more
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1969 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Electric Bass Guitar Slotted Headstock / Short Scale

1969 Gibson EB-0 Cherry Electric Bass Guitar Slotted Headstock / Short Scale

Dewey, Arizona, 863**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

1969 Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar purchased new. Bass has been kept in excellent condition has Slotted Headstock and Short Scale has original case in good condition. Cherry finish and chrome in excellent condition... more
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1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

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

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

$5200

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... more
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Epiphone by Gibson PJ Bass + SKB Hard Case (Late ?80s  /  Early ?90s?)

Epiphone by Gibson PJ Bass + SKB Hard Case (Late ?80s / Early ?90s?)

Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$425

Vintage Epiphone by Gibson 4-string bass with Precision / Jazz pickup configuration. Made in Korea, late ?80s to early ?90s. Solid condition, plays great. No visible serial ?? typical for this era
Includes a SKB hard shell molded case ($70??$80 value) ?? durable & secure.... more
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Gibson L-9S Ripper Bass - 1974-75 - Natural - Great shape with HSC

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
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Gibson Thunderbird IV 4 String Rex Brown Pantera Bass Ebony Black w /  VIDEO

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
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Gibson EB-3 FRETLESS Bass Guitar Electric Vintage Rare 60??s / 70??s SG Fret Less

Gibson EB-3 FRETLESS Bass Guitar Electric Vintage Rare 60??s / 70??s SG Fret Less

Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1799

Wow look at this beast. Fretless monster from I think the 70??s. Not sure if it was made into a fretless, or if that??s stock. Either way. Its such a cool bass.

-11 pounder
-nics and dents everywhere, wear here and there. Belt rash
-extra hole from a once moved strap peg

Ive had this for a few years. Im just not a fretless player, but I always dug this thing. Was in this condition when I originally purchased it. Pots look original

Switch #4 and #1 light ... more
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V intage 1973 Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass, COLLECTOR ALERT Gorgeous with TAGS

V intage 1973 Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass, COLLECTOR ALERT Gorgeous with TAGS

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

$7750

VERY RARE and hard to find in this condition. NO mods, added switches or issues
If you collect clean and original vintage gear, this Vintage Gibson Bass may appeal to You
If you are going to pay today's higher valuations, you may as well get a great one
Produced in a collaboration with LES PAUL, the prominent features of this model are the
Low Impedance pickup and circuitry and the fact that this is a LONG 34 5" scale bass
It is also interesting that they chose a GOLD TOP ... more
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1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass Silver

1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass Silver

Westland, Michigan, 481**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

The 1981 Gibson Victory Standard Bass is a classic electric bass guitar known for its solid silver body color and durable construction. Made in the United States, this 4-string bass guitar exudes a timeless appeal with its Gibson brand pedigree and standard series design. Perfect for musicians looking for a reliable and high-quality instrument to accompany their band or recordings, the Gibson Victory Standard Bass continues to be a sought-after choice for bass players seeking a vintage yet ... more
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Gibson EB-0 with Slotted Headstock

Gibson EB-0 with Slotted Headstock

Delray Beach, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

It's an oldie but a goody! I purchased this guitar in the late 80's or early 90's and I believe it's a 1968 but my memory isn't what it used to be and can't guarantee that. It's been sitting in my closet for a very long time and it will probably need a set-up. The instrument really growled when I did play it. It didn't come with a case when I purchased it but I purchased an Epiphone SG case for it. The bass weighs 7lbs 6oz. Please contact me with any questions you may have and I'll try to answer... more
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Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Burgundy Mist

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!
... more
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Gibson  EBO Cherry 1970

Gibson EBO Cherry 1970

Nacogdoches, Texas, 759**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

The Gibson EBO Cherry 1970 is a classic right-handed bass guitar with a solid body design and a brown color. As part of the EB-0 model series, this vintage guitar boasts a 4-string configuration, perfect for bass players looking for a traditional and versatile instrument. With its iconic Gibson brand and timeless design, this 1970 model continues to be a popular choice for musicians seeking a high-quality bass guitar
This comes with Gibson case , not original. Bass is short scale bass ... more
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ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Orig. Case

West Islip, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2910

UP FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1970s Gibson Les Paul Triumph Recording Bass Walnut Original Gibson Hard case .
HAS AMAZING TONE AND SOUND WITH A REAL NICE SMOOTH FEEL AND ACTION ALL TUNERS, ELECTRONICS, GIBSON PICK UPS, SWITCHES, VOL , TONE. WORK REAL WELL ALSO AS SHOWN HAS A TINY HAIRLINE ON GUARD BY INPUT JACK CONSIDERING THIS GEM IS APPROX. 50 YEARS OLD AS SHOWN IN REAL NICE ORIGINAL CONDITION BUT TO BE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME SCUFFS, SCRATCHES AND NORMAL USAGE WEAR .PLEASE ... more
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1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass Guitar

1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass Guitar

Rock Hill, South Carolina, 297**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2800

This 1969 Gibson EB-1 Bass Guitar is in good condition, with cosmetic wear consistent with its age. The dark brown finish shows checking and cracking in the topcoat, common for vintage instruments from this era. It has been fitted with flat wound strings, contributing to its classic thumpy tone
The EB-1 features a short scale length and a violin-style body, modeled to compete with upright basses of the time. It includes a single humbucking pickup in the neck position, delivering the deep, ... more
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1958 Gibson EB-2 1st year Museum Quality 100% original its 1 of a kind & Minty !

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 ... more
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1961 Gibson EB-3 the cleanest original extent w / hang tags 1 of a kind & Minty !

1961 Gibson EB-3 the cleanest original extent w / hang tags 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$11495

This is a beautiful 1st year produced example of the exactly ??Cream Era?? Gibson EB-3 bass, pretty much identical the primary one used extensively by Jack Bruce from 1966 into the mid-70s. These expensive double pickup EB basses were made in fairly small quantities from 1961 into the mid-1960s but most examples that surface now are the later ??60s and early ??70s models, when they were produced in much greater numbers ?? at least partially due to the popularity of Cream ! Those are fine ... more
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1953 Gibson EB-1 Bass the very 1st year made "untouched" 1 of a kind & Minty !

1953 Gibson EB-1 Bass the very 1st year made "untouched" 1 of a kind & Minty !

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

$12495

Superb mid-fifties Gibson Electric Bass or EB as it was initially known. Released in 1953 as a response to Fender releasing the Precision Bass in 1951 the two instruments couldn??t have been farther apart with the now iconic Violin shape thanks in part to Les Paul. The Gibson EB-1 bass shipped for just five years between 1953 and 1958, with 526 basses produced before being replaced with the new Thinline EB-2 model. The EB-1 was briefly reissued between 1970 and 1973 with a further 473 shipped. ... more
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1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass an outstanding example its 1 of a kind & Minty !

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
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1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals its 1 of a kind & Minty

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
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