Taxes are almost due, so it's time to say goodbye to this beast. This is a 1973 Gibson ripper (going off of dating sites, it was produced in the kalamazoo plant between 1970-1972) that has an extremely rare "Black Tortoiseshell" pick guard. From what I have read, only a handful of them were made out of the 20 that shipped in 1973. This bass is made entirely out of maple, and has the larger, more round body style (it modified in 1974, to a thinner, sharper body.) As far as I know it has the original Maple Stain Gloss finish.
When I purchased this bass a couple years ago, the neck pickup was bad, so I ordered a Seymour Duncan Custom shop replacement. I had my tech install it according to the provided Gibson diagram. I also replaced the bridge (i will include the original, but I don't have the bridge cover) with a Hipshot one that was specifically designed to be an upgrade to Gibson's terrible 3-point bridges. I personally think the hipshot is much better, and it looks great too. This bass is a "players" bass, its beat up pretty much all over. But it is completely functional. The neck is straighter than any grabber/ripper I have played ( I have owned 4) and the frets still have a good amount of life in them for being over 40 years old. The headstock it beat to hell ("wings" were "removed" by previous owner to fit it in a case, ), but nothing that affects the way the bass works. If the cosmetic shape of this thing doesn't bother you, you're in for a treat! This thing sounds amazing. She comes in a hardshell Coffin Case, as she doesn't fit into any of my grabber/ripper cases due to the larger body size. This is either a great restoration project (my original goal) or just a sweet players bass. thanks
I'm asking $850 Shipped, ConUS, Paypal only. No Trades at the moment, but I may add some trade interest in time.
Feel free to ask any questions, I can also get more pictures also by request.
When I purchased this bass a couple years ago, the neck pickup was bad, so I ordered a Seymour Duncan Custom shop replacement. I had my tech install it according to the provided Gibson diagram. I also replaced the bridge (i will include the original, but I don't have the bridge cover) with a Hipshot one that was specifically designed to be an upgrade to Gibson's terrible 3-point bridges. I personally think the hipshot is much better, and it looks great too. This bass is a "players" bass, its beat up pretty much all over. But it is completely functional. The neck is straighter than any grabber/ripper I have played ( I have owned 4) and the frets still have a good amount of life in them for being over 40 years old. The headstock it beat to hell ("wings" were "removed" by previous owner to fit it in a case, ), but nothing that affects the way the bass works. If the cosmetic shape of this thing doesn't bother you, you're in for a treat! This thing sounds amazing. She comes in a hardshell Coffin Case, as she doesn't fit into any of my grabber/ripper cases due to the larger body size. This is either a great restoration project (my original goal) or just a sweet players bass. thanks
I'm asking $850 Shipped, ConUS, Paypal only. No Trades at the moment, but I may add some trade interest in time.
Feel free to ask any questions, I can also get more pictures also by request.