82 Gibson Grabber

[Hobobob74]

So, i did some searching, but just needed some extra opinion.

I have the chance at an 82 Grabber in Red. Plays nice, neck is straight, only a few dings where the string enter the back for the string through, no case

Guys looking for $800. Is that fair?

Was just kind of wondering what people think of these, ive never played one myself, and didn't know if there where 'common' issues with them.

Thanks guys!

[Spinal Tapper]

Fair price (if the finish is original). Play it first if you can and see if you like it.

I played one of these a few weeks for a gig once. I found the tone to be AMAZING on it's own, but it got quite lost in the band mix.

[godofthunder59]

Not a bad price if it is in really good original condition and has the original case. Lost in the band mix? Not in my experience. I have a '78 that just kicks ass, it's a gritty nasty Rock and Roll bass. http://youtu.be/hYeo8am2iyc

[lavmonga]

They sounds pretty awesome, and the price is fair. But I'd still play it first, definitely a different feel than the Tbird your profile says you're using.

[Spinal Tapper]

Now that I think about it, it was a Ripper I played that wasn't "ripping" through the band mix. Could've been my amp, but I never have that prob w/ my P or Jazz bass.

It was this exact bass, actually.

[godofthunder59]

That explains much! Ripper pups are weak as day old kittens!

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

Now that I think about it, it was a Ripper I played that wasn't "ripping" through the band mix. Could've been my amp, but I never have that prob w/ my P or Jazz bass.

It was this exact bass, actually.

[godofthunder59]

Originally Posted by lavmonga

They sounds pretty awesome, and the price is fair. But I'd still play it first, definitely a different feel than the Tbird your profile says you're using.

I have over 40 basses the Grabber sees some stage time from time to time but mostly it's 60's NR Thunderbirds

[Hobobob74]

I played it, it plays nice. It just seems like its a one trick pony. Just kinda always muddy and with then tone all the way open, it just doesn't seem to really get any zing to it.

So I guess my thoughts where, if 800 is a good deal, I'd buy it just because. If I can flip it, cool. But if 800 is about what its worth then idk, I'd rather pay a little more for an eb-0 or something.

Just seeing what people thought. Never owned an old Gibson before

[godofthunder59]

Sounds like it needs new strings. If you think the Grabber is Muddy just wait till you try the EB0!

[Hobobob74]

Haha, I knew that was coming. Mud is good, don't get me wrong, but it has brand new strings and just, well, nothing, lol. Needs some stainless strings on it.

But it just, to me, didn't have that classic Gibson tone, mud or not.

[Figjam]

Thats a fine deal. If you like it, get it. Bonus points if bridge cover is present and pickup slides well.

I like the red color a lot.

[coreyfyfe]

The grabber is definitely deep, but by no means muddy. They have a ton of low mid but really cut through especially with the tone up and pickup all the way back. $800 is a good price for a rare color.

[monkeyland]

If you do buy that bass I may have a case for it. I used to have a ripper that got stolen but the case did not. I think that old case is still kicking around my families house from years ago.

[Hobobob74]

Yes, bridge cover is there and pup slides nice.

Thanks for the input!

[tbirdsp]

I'll always have a soft spot for The Grabber - learned to play on one in high school (1978). I was a tuba player in the jazz band. School bought a Grabber and a Fender Bassman 135. I beat the crap out of that rig (sorry Mr. Milford) playing AC/DC in the garage with my buddies.

[garmenteros]

Rippers are alright, i have no problem cutting through with mine although I do agree with others, their output isn't the loudest but its quite versatile and has sounds in there for everyone.