1978 Gibson L9-S Ripper

• Solid maple body • set three-piece maple neck • ebony fingerboard • 34 1/2 inch scale

This bass was produced in 1978 at Gibson's famous Kalamazoo plant, Michigan, USA (Original Rippers were only ever built in Kalamazoo), under the ownership of Norlin. The serial number dates this bass to November 27th (day 331) of 1978. This example is one of 466 Ebony Rippers produced in 1978; out of a total production of 991 shipped that year. In May 1978, the Ripper had a US list price of $559.

This is a great example of a late-period Gibson Ripper: note the five ply scratchplate with pickups mounted directly onto it with three screws (older versions were mounted into the body wood itself with two screws), and the varitone numbers engraved into it. Compare this bass to a 1976 Ripper.

Hardware fitted includes Ripper humbucking pickups, the Gibson 3-point chrome bridge, and Schaller BM machine heads. The Ripper bass can be strung from the bridge (top-loaded) using regular long (34") scale strings, or strung through the body, as shown here using extra-long scale strings.

Have a look at the Gibson Ripper in the 1978 Gibson guitar catalog

The Gibson Ripper looks particularly sleek in ebony finish. Only the white revealed edge of the pickguard and a flash of chrome bridge cover stand out from all the black: body, pickguard, pickups, control knobs... Ebony, is of course, Gibson's name for a black finish, not a reference to the body wood, which is maple in this case. The fingerboard on black and Sunburst Rippers was actual ebony wood though, as opposed to the maple boards of Rippers with a natural finish.

Later Rippers had the 5-ply (b-w-b-w-b) scratchplate, with the varitone position numbers etched into it, instead of the numbered metal ring of older Rippers - much tidier... have a look at the previous version on a 1976 Ripper. The pickups are now mounted to the scratchplate via three screws rather than directly screwed into the body via two screws through the pickup itself, giving a greater degree of accuracy when setting pickup height.

The reverse side view of the Gibson Ripper bass. Note the string-through plate at the lower end of the body. When stringing this bass through-body, (rather than top-loading at the bridge) the strings are posted through these holes. Of course to do this, extra-long scale strings are required. There is no control access on the reverse of this bass (and numerous other seventies and eighties Gibson instruments); the electronics are accessed by removing the scratchplate on the front. Whilst this is a little inconvenient when performing repairs and maintenance, it simplified the production process, reducing routing and allowing the electronics to be assembled remotely from the guitars themselves. This in turn kept costs down at a time of incredible pressure on the US guitar industry in the mid-1970s.

The Ripper humbuckers are attached to the scratchplate via three spring-mounted screws. Earlier versions of this bass had them mounted with just two screws going through the pickup itself into the guitar's body wood - see the pickups of a 1976 Ripper. Three-screw mounting allows height and tilt adjustment rather than just height. Each pickup has four adjustable polepieces.

The Ripper's electronic circuitry, or Q-system consisted of a four way tone selector switch, volume control, mid range control and tone control. For a more about these controls see Gibson's Ripper controls description, but also listen to the 1974 Ripper promo record. Note also that the position numbers are engraved onto the scratchplate - compare this with a 1976 Ripper - still with metal label plate.

All Ripper basses came with the Gibson Three-point bridge with chrome-plated bridge cover. The four holes beneath the bridge allow stringing with extra long strings through the guitar body from the back, for potential increased sustain and resonance; but this bridge can also be top-loaded. To what extent sustain is increased by stringing through the body is always up for debate, but string tension is increased, and is certainly noticeable for finger style players!

The Gibson Ripper humbucker as fitted to Gibson Ripper and Flying V bass guitars. The three-screw mounting allows the pickup height to be set, but also the angle, allowing easy alignment with the strings.

Gibson's black finish was called ebony in catalogues and company literature of the time, though the body and neck woods were maple at this time. Black, and sunburst basses did have an actual ebony wood fretboard. Maple is heavier than many other woods used in guitar building: at 4.7kg this is a heavy bass.

The serial number is stamped on the back of the headstock, above the Schaller BM machine heads. The serial number follows the same pattern as today's Gibson basses, ie 73318034 tells us that this bass was stamped on the 27th November 1978 (day 331), at the Gibson Kalamazoo plant, and was the 34th instrument stamped that day. Older Rippers either had six digit (see a 1975 Ripper serial number) or eight digit decals (see a 1976 Ripper serial number).

Few 70s Gibson bass guitars had inlaid headstocks, and the Ripper is no exception; just a simple black headstock with Schaller BM tuning keys and silk-screened Gibson logo. A late period Ripper feature is the white edged truss rod cover. For the first couple years, Ripper's had single ply black truss rod covers, though still with "The Ripper" model designation. See a 1975 Ripper for comparison.

The three-piece maple neck and headstock with stamped, eight digit serial number. This serial number system started in 1977 and continues to this day. Tuning keys are German-made Schaller BM type. The slightly raised area of wood where the neck meets the headstock is known as a volute, and was added to strengthen the area behind the truss-rod adjustment cavity. Headstock breaks are common in Gibson guitars without this volute (especially those with mahogany necks), but can still occur occasionally in guitars with it.

Gibson Ripper sound clips

Soundclips were recorded on this 1978 maple bodied Ripper with Fender flat wound strings, plugged directly into a mobilePre preamp. Compare this clips with a Ripper with a maple fingerboard here.

Gibson Ripper basses for sale

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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
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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
 
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Gibson L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case

Chesterfield, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

I bought this guitar around 1982. I played it in the high school marching band. It is a marvelous instrument that has always deserved a better player than myself. That being said, my only consolation in letting it go is that whoever owns it next plays the hell out it. They didn't call this model the Ripper for nothing and rock stars have long sought after this model built during this time. It sounds beautiful and it is painful for me to sell it. But I don't play it often and my home air ... more

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Ebony Black

San Antonio, Texas, 782**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1990

1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Black. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.
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1975 Gibson The Ripper L9-S Vintage Electric Bass Ebony, Alder Body w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

Up for sale, a 1975 Gibson "The Ripper" L9-S bass in 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. One of the more unique and versatile Gibson basses ever produced, the Ripper comes equipped with its original pair of Bill Lawrence designed "Super Humbucker" pickups and a four-way rotary switch for series, parallel, and out of phase pickup settings
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Gibson L-9 S The Ripper Bass Guitar (Serial # 00157884)

Raleigh, North Carolina, 276**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

This vintage Gibson L9S RIPPER electric bass guitar is a rare find for any musician. Made in the United States in 1976, this guitar features a solid body type with a natural wood / clear body color. I inherited this bass and I am not a very musical person. I know it is in good shape and in working order. I will provide more pictures upon request. Serious inquiries only please
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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
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Gibson 1974 Ripper Bass in Natural

Hexham, NE47***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2500

1974 Gibson Ripper in natural Maple. This one has replaced tuners (Schaller) and one pick up is a SD replacement. I do have the original pick up which needs a rewind. Frets are fine with life left in them, a really great bass. These are becoming fairly thin on the ground, especially without any neck breaks or issues. Weight is 3 9kg.
Comes in a non original case ( Jack Cassidy Epiphone)
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1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€350

1974 GIBSON case for RIPPER & GRABBER models:
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+ all feet on back are missing
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1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€279

1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA:
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+ 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
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