1974 Gibson Ripper Bass

Gibson Ripper Bass 1974

The unmistakable looks, charm and growl that became the staple of bassists like Kris Novocelic, Suzi Quatro, JMJ amongst many others, this bass kicks ass!

The frets have been replaced due to heavy gigging and a new guard too, although the original comes with the bass. Its in beautiful condition and sounds killer.

Comes with a new hard case.

The Gibson Ripper (or Gibson L9-S Ripper) was the product of guitar and pickup designer/builder Bill Lawrence. He worked at Gibson from 1972 onwards designing a number of similar solid bodies, such as the S-1 and L-6S. The first Gibson Ripper basses were produced in late 1973, to a good reception; 1974 was a good year and production at Gibson's Kalamazoo plant continued throughout the decade. Ripper production slowed into the eighties, with a trickle of basses being produced towards the end of 1982.

Bill Lawrence specifically designed the humbuckers and tone circuitry to accentuate the natural sounds of the guitar. A lower impedance giving clearer tones to those associated with some other Gibson bass guitars. It was also built out of maple and alder rather than mahogany and rosewood as was so often the case with previous models. These changes had a major impact on the sound and feel of the guitar; a Ripper is just not like a Thunderbird or EB bass.