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
Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan
New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
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
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 L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case
Chesterfield, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3800
1974 Gibson Ripper Bass
Coudersport, Pennsylvania, 169**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3200
Vintage 1974 Gibson The Ripper L9S Natural W / Good Hard Case
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3295
A real nice example with a good straight neck, and great sounding pickups
Original Natural finish is clean and looks great. Some honest signs of wear and use
Comes with a Gretsch hardshell case that fits it well and protects it well
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted ... more
1975 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Sunburst, Alder Body w / Case, Hangtag
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3800
The contoured alder body is a particularly rare option, only offered on the ... more
Original 1970s Gibson Ripper electric bass guitar case plush lined
Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$300
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Replacement 1970s Gibson Ripper electric bass guitar bridge with studs
Spring Hill, Florida, 346**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$66
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1976 Gibson Ripper L9-S Vintage Bass Ebony Black
San Antonio, Texas, 782**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1990
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Gibson Ripper LS9 1973 Natural
Port St. Mary, IM9***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2950
One of the first 20 in Maple Gloss made in 1973 for 1974 release; the second one sold in the UK
This bass is in an original "restored" condition having been lovingly refurbished and re-fretted
Plays and sounds superb, low action, flats, all wonderful
New Hiscox HSC
I have stated "Collection Only" However this will not be possible given my location - I can easily arrange Fully Insured UK / EU / Worldwide shipping, please contact me to arrange a quote or ... more
Basse Gibson Ripper Fretless Black Ebony ~ 1976
Balanod, 39***, FRANCE
€2550
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1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€299
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 !!!!
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1974 GIBSON GRABBER / RIPPER BASS CASE - made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€350
+ 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
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