Dave Kiswiney and the Gibson Ripper

Dave Kiswiney I got a Ripper in '73, it was one of the first ones. They say they came out in '74, but I know I got it in 1973, as one of the first ones. I bought it from Massimino's Music (Shelby, MI), which was a big store. I had never seen one before, and it was like wow man - it's got lots of switches and pickup configurations, so, I took it and started playing it. I actually traded that Thunderbird in, I got some money for the Thunderbird, it was about an even trade, I might have had to pay 20 Bucks because they went, ah you ruined this bass - you know I just needed something to play.

FlyGuitars who were you playing with at this time?

Dave Kiswiney : Local bands around Michigan. After I got out of the Mike Quatro band, I used it in a band called Airtight, My Friends and a few other bands. But the Gibson Ripper was like a godsend for me. It was balanced, different variations of what you could do with the tone, it just worked for the amplification I was using, it just worked. And it had that big body, that big maple body, right? and it just was a fantastic bass.

I played it stock for a long long time and then I Frankensteined it; put those Precision pickups in it and some more switches, and it would do anything. I had those pickups that I took out of the EB, the '54 that were from an early Precision bass - I still have those pickups they're probably worth a fortune - and hacked out, did the same thing, took the pickguard off. I was always into stuff like wiring, and fixing amps and things like that. There were great parts stores and electronics places and you could buy switches and stuff. I just started drawing it out and wiring it up.

So it had the black Precision pickups in it, and I showed up with that bass in the Nugent band and they were like woah what the heck is that? they asked me why I didn't have a Fender.. I said well I don't.. they ended up loving it, the sound guys loved it, Nugent loved it. The sound man Dansir (McCullough), he loved it. It had that great big body on it and it would just sustain and hold notes, stand in front of the amps... put that body in front of the speakers and it would just resonate and hang, they loved it.

The Ripper with added black Precision pickup

The Ripper with additional white Dimarzio pickup

Then the road crew guys, they went "hey you've got to put Dimarzios in there"; so they fit right in, they just took it apart and put in those white ones and that's the way I played it the longest time with those white pickups in. The Dimarzios were just louder, that's a great passive pickup. They also put them in my '78 Precision bass that I used on Scream Dream.

And then I put it away after I got off the road I put it away; I really screwed up, I should have taken it apart and just sterilized it but it went to bed with sweat impregnated in it - you know what I mean. There was so much sweat and moisture that got into that bass. You could clean the surface of it off but it just corroded you saw the pictures. I took it out and a couple of years later and the strings had broken they had just released and there was that patina that crud all over it, and I was like oh my god what have I done - so I spent a day cleaning each piece, piece by piece I had ordered a replacement pickguard of course the original one was tortoise - this was a three layer one you know with the white in the middle but the original one just deteriorated you'd just touch it and it would fall apart, it was crazy. I took all the pieces out and rewired it stock and it plays great. The only thing that's missing is the rotary switch, the actual pointer switch that came on it. I'd have no idea where that is. I put that toggle on which was a much better switch 'cause I could flip it with my little finger you know I could move it to an out of phase position or a coil tap or whatever it was with one little flick.

That's about it for the Ripper it was a great bass and a lot of people love that bass; it was kind of my signature thing.

"I took it out and a couple of years later and the strings had broken they had just released and there was that patina that crud all over it, and I was like oh my god what have I done"

A look at the wiring - "The Dimarzios were just louder, that's a great passive pickup"

FlyGuitars As a Gibson artist, did they ever encourage you to use their amps, the Norlin Lab Series, for example?

They never mentioned it. I mean for an amp there was nothing they could do that could compare with what I had. I mean what I had in the Nugent band, if you stood in front of it with that Ripper it would move you. If you had loose pants on, your pants would shake. It would move that much air. And that Ripper... I could actually lean back in that folded horn and move that body to the side of me, to my right side, and expose it to the 2x12s and that thing would start screaming. I mean it would just roar. And Nugent loved it. He absolutely loved it and at the end of the night we'd take out instruments off and they'd bring out out a stand and we'd set them down and the whole stage would just be screaming with Byrdlands and Rippers and just be vibrating the whole thing 'til they shut it down. It was unbelievable.

Ted Nugent live; left to right: Charlie Huhn, Dave Kiswiney and Ted Nugent

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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1961 Gibson EB-6 string Bass Sunburst w / PAF

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$14900

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1961 Gibson EB-6 Bass in its original Sunburst finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the earlier Gibson knobs, the switch and one tuning key. All original tuning key is included, but its tuning button had shrunken and crumbled. A vintage double-ring Gibson Deluxe tuning key is holding the place for the original. The original hardshell case is included. This ... more

1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !

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

$13495

These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... 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

1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

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

$8995

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more

1958 Gibson EB-2 Thinline Bass Guitar

Keene, New Hampshire, 034**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$7500

1958 Gibson EB-2 Electric Bass. All original and in excellent condition. Tobacco Sunburst finish. Single pickup, earliest version. Laminated maple thinline body. Banjo tuners in excellent condition. Serial number is A27810. A total of 90 EB-2 basses were shipped in 1958. Comes with original case in very good condition with all functioning latches. A very nice example for any vintage Gibson collection. Shipping will be $150 00 in the CONUS. I only ship in the USA
... more

1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC ~ 100% Original, VG+

Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

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Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Here we have a very historic bass guitar from Gibson, an EB-0 from 1960.
This is a double cut solid body guitar, featuring banjo-style tuners and a one pickup design. Condition-wise this piece is in great playing and sounding condition, and bears typical signs of wear and tear. Small dings, checking, and scratches can be seen on the surface, as well as more checking and wear up the neck (as seen). This will include a non original case.... more

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

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

$5700

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

Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul Bass, Gold Top, 4 string with Gibson OHSC

Brentwood, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul Bass, Gold Top, 4 string w / OHSC
The Gibson ES-Les Paul is a stylish short-scale, semi-hollow bass with classic Les Paul-inspired looks, versatile humbucking pickups, and outstanding playing comfort from rounded ?C?? neck with rolled binding
Note from seller:
Extremely rare, Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul semi hollow Bass guitar, gold top. Soon to be a collectable ! This bass is in absolute mint / Like new condition. If you are looking for a rare, ... more

Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

This listing is for a rare and amazing Vintage Gibson Style J Mando Bass. To the best of my knowledge this bass was made in 1913 and these Style J Mando Basses were made in small quantities between 1912 throughout throughout the 1920's and 1930's. This one is not in great shape and will require some professional restoration but these are so rare it would be a great project for the right player or luthier to restore
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... more

Gibson EB-1 Violin Bass Electric Bass w / Original Case SN: 810964

Lafayette, Indiana, 479**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4899

HH139 Vintage Gibson EB-1 Violin Bass Electric Bass w / Original Case SN: 810964. Please be aware that the guitar has some spots where there's extra holes in the body crazing crackling on the Finish and some of the Gibson and the crown have come off over time. Guitar may need some work handle on case one side has popped off also exterior case has some peel up of the black around the edging as well as one strip down the neck. Please see pictures ask any questions you may have before buying. If ... more

Vintage 1961, Original Style Gibson EB-0 Bass, Cherry Red, GREAT PRICE

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

$4750

A reasonably priced, 1961 Cherry Red EB-0 Bass. Very nice Condition
No cracks or damage
The Cherry Red finish has faded on the front, but it has a very nice vibe and patina 1961 is the last of the Thicker Double-Cutaway body style before Gibson introduced the SG style bodies The bass plays very nicely and has just been setup with Brand New D'Addario Short scale Round wound strings
This bass is original except the Pots have been replaced.
There is also an added Strap Button on the... more

1970s Gibson Studio Bass

Oceanside, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4600

Redone by richie guitar repair in carlsbad.
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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

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

1965 Gibson EB-3 - 100% Original - Straight Neck - Low Action - Great Player!

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

For your consideration is this 1965 Gibson EB-3 in a Transparent Cherry finish. Overall the guitar is in very good shape with only light to moderate play wear. 100% Original! The original pickups deliver excellent sound across all playing styles, truly capturing the iconic tones of your favorite players. Playability is excellent with low action & no fret wear. Mute is in case. Straight neck, low action, moved thumb rest (much more usable)
Comes with the original case and candy as shown. ... more

1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass Sunburst

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Very good condition 1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass. All original, outside of the removal of the Moog electronics. Original pickups sound MASSIVE and have tons of low end on tap. Really a special bass from Gibson that was not made that long. Original sunburst finish looks great on this specific bass. Some signs of play as pictured, but nothing crazy. All electronics have been tested to be working perfectly. Recently set up as well. Kept in a smoke free, pet free studio for recording purposes. Comes ... more

Vintage Gibson EB-1 Walnut Brown 1970

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Vintage Gibson EB-1 Walnut Brown 1970
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Based on an earlier design, this gorgeous reissue from '70 retains most of the original 50's look, including the ultra cool violin-shaped body. Exquisite tone with a smooth, comfortable feel. Professionally set up & ready to play straight out of the case
Cosmetic Condition: Various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches, weather checking & some finish wear. ... more

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3995

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!. Slotted headstock with original Gibson tuners!! Perfect for the collector!! This bass is in exceptional condition and so is the original case!! You will not find one in better condition!! Simply amazing!! Has new strings and comes with a beautiful vintage ??Made in Mexico?? leather strap!! Everything 100% original!! Thanks for looking!!
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Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'

Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

This a killer bass and a total P bass killer. Gibson released these to compete with the p bass and they are far, far, better quality. Mahogany body, Mable neck, brass nut, active and passive humbuckers with MOOG electronics! All original with the original case. The original case is pretty beat up with a buckle replaced but still road Worthy. Original paperwork still with it. The guitar is set up to play easy with a low action and great sound. One bridge saddle is missing the riser but works ... more

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