1978 Gibson Ripper flyer detailing the Ripper bass Q-system controls
The Ripper bass is quite distinct, tonally, from Gibson models that preceded it. This is largely thanks to Bill Lawrence's novel pickup design, Q-system electronics and the choice of maple body and neck woods. It is far brighter than other Gibson basses, with real mid punch. The Q-system consisted 3 control knobs, which are self explanatory (Volume control, Midrange control and Tone control) and a four position varitone.
The varitone (four position transfer switch) settings are as follows (descriptions are taken from the 1978 Gibson Ripper L9-S spec sheet).
- Position 1. Activate both pickups in a series in phase configuration. (Series wiring achieves a bit more "bite" than might otherwise be obtained.)
- Position 2. Activates back pickup only for a maximum treble response.
- Position 3. Activates both pickups in an in phase, parallel wiring configuration. ("Parallel" resulting in more bottom end response.)
- Position 4. Activates both pickups in series, out of phase for a very funky, dirty type tonality.
Sound clips for four Rippers are available on this site; the alder bodied 1976 Ripper, and 1977 Fretless Ripper, and maple bodied 1974 and 1978 Ripper. All, except the 1974, are recorded direct; the '74 record through an older amplifier.
Gibson Ripper bass for sale
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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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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
The contoured alder body (as opposed to maple) is a particularly uncommon option, only offered ... more
The contoured alder body (as opposed to maple) is a particularly uncommon option, only offered ... 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.
... more
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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
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
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
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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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1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€350
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
+ 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
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
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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There are 1 comments on this article so far. Add your comment
Alex Fez Comment left 8th November 2017 20:08:43 reply
Hi mate. It sounds to me like all the Rippers except the '76 have the pickups wired out of phase, as in positions 1 and 3 they have that barky, dirty sound, and only on position 4 do they have the deep, scooped Jazz bass-like sound that the basses are known for. Compare it to this guy's demo of his 1982 Ripper and I think you'll hear what I mean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyPBFSZmci4
Hi mate. It sounds to me like all the Rippers except the '76 have the pickups wired out of phase, as in positions 1 and 3 they have that barky, dirty sound, and only on position 4 do they have the deep, scooped Jazz bass-like sound that the basses are known for. Compare it to this guy's demo of his 1982 Ripper and I think you'll hear what I mean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyPBFSZmci4