Gibson Victory, Gibson Explorer

As well as an artist, Dave is known for his publicity work for Gibson, particularly the Gibson Victory adverts of 1981. In fact Dave had three Victory basses from Gibson: a red Victory Artist (that appears in the advertisements), a white single pickup Artist (single pickup like a Standard, but with active circuitry like a Artist) which was stolen, and another identical replacement.

FlyGuitars When did you first hear about the Gibson Victory?

Dave Kiswiney Pat Aldworth, the artist rep, told me they were making a bass, more like a Fender type of thing, and did I have any input. And i'd get with Chuck (Burge - read his interview on the development of the Victory bass) and and we'd talk about it, and he'd say what do I like, you know. The V came from the way the pickup configuration is that's how they named it Victory... because they had a slanted front and straight treble one, and they slanted it like that and got 24 frets out of the first string.. and then they looked at it and it looks like a V, so they just decided that's why they call it the Victory. That's what they told me because it looks like you're holding a letter V.

FlyGuitars Can you remember what input you gave Chuck back then?

Dave Kiswiney A bigger, more massive, more adjustable bridge... the thing they ended up with, that's a Schaller. And active pickups. Lots of boost on the low end, and on the high end I liked a lot more variations. I like active basses, just wanted it to be active. Other than that, balance; some of the Gibsons i've had fall down.

Chuck Burge was the king, and if you went to his shop.. my gosh.. he would make some incredible stuff.. he was an artist, really a genius.. just a way lot of stuff going on in his brain, you know, he was really something. And he made that Victory bass, and he gave it to me and I did the ad with it, and they let me leave the property with it. Chuck said it's yours, get it out of here. That’s prototype number 8. It's a monster.

We did it in a theatre in Kalamazoo, I think it's the State. It was an old movie theatre and they had a proscenium stage, and that's where we did it. I was at the edge of the stage wearing that same jacket; it was the same photo shoot.. I was holding that thing up in the air. It's not a candy apple red either, it's an awful tomato soup red.

FlyGuitars Is the back of the neck red?

Dave Kiswiney No not on that one, the back of the neck is Maple and it's got a stamp on it that says 'Gibson prototype' 08.

Two Gibson Victory basses, both active. The 1983 single pickup Artist, and the original dual pickup Artist, #08

Headstock front view, with 'Dave' truss rod cover

The reverse has Chuck Burge's 'Original Gibson Prototype' stamp, and serial number 08. This is probably one of the 'eight rack' of show instruments built before production started in full see Chuck Burge interview

FlyGuitars How did you lose your first white Victory bass?

Dave Kiswiney I took a flight to Fort Lauderdale to do an album with Pat Travers, (Hot Shot) 1983 - and I had two basses a Fender and Gibson; that white (single pickup) Gibson Artist that he made for me - and it never came off the plane. It just never came from Detroit.. and I had metal cases, hardshell cases. The Fender came off the plane but the Gibson did not.

He (Chuck Burge) started making another for me right away. There was a tour that we did where we all had white Gibsons. It was the Bound and Gagged tour I believe, anyway, at the end of the show we all stood in the middle and held up our guitars in a three-way. Ted had a skull crossbones painted on the back of his. It wasn't a Byrdland, it was a Howard Roberts Fusion maybe, and they painted on the back, it had this big skull and crossbones and he stood in the middle with that holding it by the neck, up in the air, and Derek and I would cross in front of it with our white.. he painted the neck white on that, you know, so that was the reason for that.

FlyGuitars How did your Victorys differ from stock instruments?

Dave Kiswiney Well Chuck carved the heel out on the white one; where the neck joins the body and it's square, he rounded that off so your hand fit on it really nice. The one that got stolen was even more so, and where your hand fits up like on the 21st, 22nd fret on the first string it's indented a little bit more and leaned in, carved in. He did that for me. Chuck was an artist and genius. He didn't talk much, he was a Michigan Guy and an artisan, and he built some really cool stuff. (It's) a single pickup but it's got activate electronics in it. The only other one out there Tim Shaw's got. I said "I've got the only one you made for me", he said "no you don't, I've got two!". Who knows what he walked out of Gibson with. The single pickup artist is beautiful, you should see it.. the patina on it, it's absolutely amazing what's happened to these basses over the years, you know it's 45 years old

FlyGuitars Is that the one in the bass frontiers video?

Dave Kiswiney Yes that's it, yep that's it

FlyGuitars I noticed that, unusually, it's got the black hardware, the black bridge. Is that something you asked for?

Dave Kiswiney No. I may have, but I don't think I did, I think they just did it for me that way. And it's beautiful, it's got a brass nut, it's an absolutely gorgeous bass, and not only that, they gave me a fretless neck for it. For both the guitars I have a fretless neck. just bolts on perfectly. how about that?

But I mean I love the bass.. they're the heaviest things i've ever owned but you get used to it after a while you don't even realize; they play so good. The Victory's not light, but it's lighter than the RD I think. It's 12/4 lbs, the red one. That's pretty heavy. But I can stand with it. I actually perform better standing, my parts I might learn them sitting down but, I like to stand up when I play.

FlyGuitars The red Victory had serial number #08. What about the white one?

Dave Kiswiney No serial number. It just says Gibson custom shop original, but no serial number. How about that? And this is the replacement. This one (the accompanying fretless neck) has a serial number, it's very faded 82741573 that's what it looks like. It was stamped and then it was heavily lacquered.

Gibson Explorer

Single pickup active Explorer bass. The bass appears to have a 1986 serial number (80566525) which doesn't quite make sense! See text.

Dave Kiswiney I've got an Explorer bass here, that's medium scale. I told Tim (Shaw) I said "can you make it active?" and he said "well, yeah, we don't have anything that would fit in there, but..." so they took the circuit board out of a Chet Atkins acoustic gut string. He took the circuit board from that and plopped it in this Explorer bass; cut it out and put it in the back. And it's ungodly. Like something from another planet. I played it in 1984, it was just the coolest bass, it plays so good and it's louder than bejesus. I mean it's just a monster. It's absolutely a monster. The paint job on it is a cherry red.. everything but the neck has rolled up, the body rolled up on the back and the front, and the paint, if you're not careful with it, will fall off it.. it's absolutely beautiful but the neck didn't do that, just the body

This Is what kills me about that Explorer. I got it for the '84 tour because Dave Amato was in the band, he now plays with REO Speedwagon, and he had Gibsons, and all kinds of weird shape things, Flying Vs and stuff like that, and it just seems like '84 was the year for that to come back with Ted. He didn't tour in '83, and going back out there with Brian Howe, who was the singer who went on to Bad Company. But I had that red guitar; they built it for me. Tim Shaw put the electronics in it from a Chet Atkins acoustic electric. I said wanted it active, and they didn't have anything, so Tim Shaw figured out how to wire it into that bass. I've got extra boards for it; he said I don't know what will happen but if this gets screwed up you've got a couple extra circuit boards. And they're still here some place, i've got them even to this day. When you plug that thing in it takes a second for it to fire up, you can strike a note it doesn't come out it goes...... (makes noise). And it's goes through batteries you know, I take the batteries out of it when it's on display. I don't want anything to go wrong with it, any ones that are active I go and check the batteries on them, you know like those Victorys, because I don't want this stuff to rot especially that Explorer. But I got it in 84, I swear to God I don't know why it's got a number on it like that. I got that in Kalamazoo. They gave it to me in '84. I'd moved back from Maui in '83. My father had passed away I moved back, and moved all my stuff back and had an apartment in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and that's where Nugent headquarters were, so we rehearsed for the tour in like January, February, and I was going to Gibson I was driving to Kalamazoo and they made that bass for me.. and yeah there was no talk of Heritage or any of that, so I went out on the road with the Ripper, the Explorer, and a Fender. The Fender had an 8 string conversion bridge called 'Octopus' - I cannot find another like it. I always took the Ripper out, but it was not my primary. In '84 the Explorer was the primary. I had those three basses. it's all I had and I played it for the whole tour.

Gibson bass guitars for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless Ebony Black OHSC Rare

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

For Sale: 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless ?? Ebony Black w / OHSC
Up for sale is a 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless in Ebony Black, complete with its original hard-shell case
This is a very cool and very rare original fretless Gibson bass from the late ??70s. Original fretless Rippers do not come up often, and this one has all the bold visual presence and unmistakable feel that make these basses so appealing. With its long-scale Gibson design, ebony fingerboard, and classic Ebony Black finish, it... more

Gibson "The Ripper" L-9s Original Bass Guitar 1970's

Marquette, Wisconsin, 539**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1550

Very good condition, made from 1973-1983. A favorite of rock musicians of the era. Serial number scratched out indicating minor imperfections that made it a factory second quality. Great playing bass guitar with incredible sound
... more

Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0 Bass 1970's 1960's with case 1¢ No Reserve

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

$41

Used and worn over the years. Plugs in and works but don't know much about it. Listing AS-IS for 1 penny no reserve. Not sure of exact year but think its 60's or 1970. Serial # shows light but we see 10308. Took a few picture angles of it.
The Vintage 1970 Gibson EB-0 Bass is a highly sought-after classic from the 1960s, boasting the iconic Gibson brand and craftsmanship. This solid-bodied 4-string bass guitar, made in the USA, is designed for right-handed players and comes with a case for ... more

1975 Gibson Grabber Bass Body ,With 1991 Music Man Stingray Neck

Lummi Island, Washington, 982**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2700

This has been a difficult decision to part with
75 gibson grabber bass with 91 musicman stingray neck
This bass has seen some action   See photos.
I bought bass this way. With different neck
Body of bass has lots of dings, scratches,   worn out gouge. Been played hard
Still sounds sweet in my opinion.
Pickup slides, volume and tone work ( could use cleaning on pots). Has new strings
Neck is beautiful back is pretty smooth.
Please ask any questions, I can ... more

Gibson SB-450 1973 Electric Bass Guitar Natural Finish w / Curtis Novak Pickups

Manhasset, New York, 110**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Gibson SB-450 1973 Electric Bass Guitar Natural Finish w / Curtis Novak Pickups
This 1973 Gibson SB-450 electric bass is a classic early-??70s American-built instrument featuring a natural finish and period-correct construction, enhanced with modern performance upgrades for improved playability and tone
Originally built with a lightweight alder body, this long-scale bass delivers the open, resonant feel typical of Gibson??s bass designs from the era. It has been upgraded with a set of ... more

GIBSON LES PAUL DOUBLE CUT BASS GUITAR

Tempe, Arizona, 852**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$435

UP FOR BID / AUCTION "NO RESERVE" IS A VERY NICE GIBSON LES PAUL DOUBLE CUT BASS FROM MY GUITAR COLLECTION. THIS BASS HAS AN UPGRADED HIPSHOT BRIDGE AND TUNERS. THIS BASS COMES IN THE SOFT LEATHER GIBSON CASE AS PICTURED. THE DETAILS FROM GIBSON ARE LISTED BELOW: GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BIDDING!
our Gibson was built in 2021
Production Year2021Production DateDecember 11, 2021FactoryNashville, TNFormatGibson USA (Mid 2019??Present)EraModern Gibson era under JC Curleigh... more

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

1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w / OHSC

Towson, Maryland, 212**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

[contenteditable]{ pointer-events: none; }1968 Gibson EB2 Bass Cherry w / OHSC
1968 Gibson EB-2 Bass in Cherry with original hardshell case??a vintage semi-hollow thumper with unmistakable Gibson character. The double-cut hollow body design delivers a deep, woody low end with a warm, blooming response, while the neck-position humbucker provides that classic ??mudbucker?? fullness that sits perfectly in the mix and a bridge humbucker with a little more bite. Its short-scale feel makes it ... more

1968 Gibson EB-2D 2 Color Sunburst Electric Bass Guitar

Hollywood, Florida, 330**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5865

Near mint condition, still have an original hard case, this guitar means a lot to me, so please serious inquiries only

Feel free to ask me any questions
... more

1980s Gibson Victory Bass Neck ONLY

Statesville, North Carolina, 286**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$500

80s model Gibson victory, Bass neck, fresh frets truss rod works great has imperfections ready for a body needs hardware take note when these basses were made thesenecks was fit to a specific body so if you buy this, and for some reason, it doesn??t fit right don??t tell me it??s messed up or there??s something wrong with it because these are all custom fit to a body when they??re built thank you for looking

... more

1961 Epiphone Newport Vintage Gibson-Made Bass w / DeArmond Coronado Pickup

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

$2200

Up for sale, a 1961 Epiphone Newport bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order. This extremely early Newport was produced by Gibson USA in their Kalamazoo, MI factory in the very first year of the model??s run. Thoughtfully modified and offering an expanded tonal range, this bass features a vintage (1967) DeArmond single coil pickup taken from a Fender Coronado bass in the bridge position and a rewired control configuration with a four-position rotary pickup selector
This ... more

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - RARE

Saint Petersburg, Florida, 337**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1250

GIBSON VICTORY STANDARD BASS GUITAR - Serial # 81831614 - 1981 - Monday July 2nd - Nashville TN - Production # 614, beautiful guitar, professional players guitar, the case was made by Quest

... more

Gibson Bass Hand Rest

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

Gibson bass handrest. Good chrome finish. Mounting holes 3 8" center to center. Note, this is not a bridge cover.... more

Vintage 1965 Gibson EB-0 Electric Bass Short Scale SG Shape w / HSC GREAT PLAYER!

Berkeley, California, 947**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

Subway guitars in Berkeley California has been the bay area's premier guitar chop shop since 1968. Our staff of highly trained trolls have been building and rebuilding all manner of instruments for as long as they can remember.
We recently got in a vintage Gibson bass that is an excellent player. We have set it up and dressed the frets and are happy to certify it as ready to be exposed to the candor of the public
serial number 341297
The bass is in very good condition with a number of ... more

1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass Natural

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

$2890

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1971 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass in its original Natural Mahogany finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original with the exception of the strap buttons and the switch tip. The original hardshell case is included and has a replaced handle. There are lots of nicks + dings, belt buckle wear, a cracked corner of the pickguard and other cosmetic wear. There are a couple of very short ... more

Gibson Les Paul Bass 90??s Black Upgrades W / case

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1950

90s Les Paul Bass refurbished lace pick ups Tremelo bridge hip shot tuners with D tuner completely rebuilt from the ground up custom by Glenn Miller Ronna??s violin shop in Niagara Falls New York Glen has been mentioned in the Gibson hardcover book for his excellent reproduction of the V, the Explorer and the modern . you can Google him to read more about his excellent work ships with hardshell Case plays amazing more pictures available upon request .
... more

1977 Gibson L-9S Ripper Natural

Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 180**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2799

Just in is this beautiful 1977 Gibson L-9S ??The Ripper?? Bass in natural

Quick Details

Make ?? Gibson

Model ?? The Ripper

Year -1977

Color -Natural

Weight ?? 10 72lbs

Nut Width ?? 1 9 / 16ths??

Neck Depth at 1st fret ?? 0 83??

Neck Depth at 12th fret ?? 0 98??

Case ??Original hard case

Serial # 73047092

Description

Just in is this beautiful 1977 Gibson ??The Ripper?? bass. This bass is in ... more

1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar w / original hard-shell case.

Clarkston, Washington, 994**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

The 1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar is a vintage piece that comes in its original hard-shell case. This electric bass guitar is designed for professional performance, making it a high-quality option for musicians. With a classic semi-hollow body, rosewood fretboard, and maple neck, this right-handed guitar offers a rich sound that is perfect for bass players looking for a vintage feel and high-performance capabilities. The red body color adds a touch of style to this iconic Gibson model from 1964.... more

Gibson SG Short Scale Bass 120th Anniversary Sunburst w Case HIPSHOT Bridge

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

$1200

2014 Gibson SG 120th Anniversary (Right Handed):
Im not a professional guitar inspector but I will do my best to present the instrument.
Excellent short scale bass with a massive low tone. I have played this on numerous gigs and have owned it for a few years so it does have some cosmetic wear
I tried to capture some of the playing scratches close to the neck pickup. Accumulated from playing towards the neck with the thumb nail scratching the wood or using a pick. It also has some ... more

Gibson Truss Rod Cover / Epiphon Thunderbird Bass Guitar

Deer Park, Washington, 990**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$599

The Gibson-Epiphone Thunderbird Bass Guitar is a high-quality electric bass guitar designed for right-handed musicians. With its classic 4-string configuration and distinctive Tobacco Sunburst body color, this model is a stylish and reliable choice for bass players. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, the Thunderbird offers a rich sound and smooth playability that is sure to impress. The Gibson brand ensures top-notch craftsmanship and durability, making it a trusted choice for any... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co