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Difference between Epiphone ripper models?

A

ashjamben

Mar 23, 2008
12
0
#1
just a quick question, i've found an epiphone ripper bass on ebay and thinking of buying it. i thought i'd give it a quick google search to get some more reviews and found most of the pictures show it with a black headstock (on the plain wood model), but the one on ebay just shows plain wood.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Epiphone-Ripp..._Guitars_CV?hash=item2a02af4571#ht_618wt_1081

thats the one on ebay. what gives? is this a different model? or is this a fake or something?

any help would be great, thanks
 
#2
There were two versions. This is the first that had one humbucking pickup in the middle. The second edition had the P and J pickup combo. Neither of these two options are like a real Ripper but I have played the ebay version and like it alot. The second version must sound real Fendery.
 
#5
The second edition of the Epiphone Ripper is my first bass, and it's pretty good for the price i paid for it (200 euro's) I don't like the bridge pickup very much, sounds far too weak for my tastes. I just solo the neck pickup, wich gives it quite a P-bass'ish sound.

The stock strings that came with it *Rounds with red cloth at the ends?* were not my thing, i changed them with Fender Stainless Flats in a week or 3 and it sounds and plays way better. I have absolutely no experience with the older version *wich is the one of the ebay auction* but it doesn't seem radically different then mine, save for the pickup and the bridge.

Edit: A word of advice, the ripper body is rather huge, wich makes it a bit cumbersome, and it aint a lightweight either, mine weighs about 5,2 kgs. I recommend getting a wide strap when you buy it.
 
#6
I have both models. I modded the '97 with Gibson tuners, the bridge "mod bar" that is on ebay and extends string length for 3 piece bridge, EMG P/J active pickups, and a new pickguard to accomodate them. My '06 is stock. I am really a Fender P guy at heart and I never owned a Gibson. They both sound sort of "smooth" compared to a P to me. I think the '97 sounded too boomy and bottomy with the single pup, so I switched to a P, then the P/J combo. I have it sounding about as clear and punchy as I can get it. The '06 was less boomy and decent sounding. However, neither has the cut and punch of a P style bass to ME. I love the way they look and feel in my hands, but I don't think I am into the tones for my band. We are heavy in the distorted guitar and I need more cut/punch. They are really sort of cultish really. Those that play them love them. I am actually thinking of selling or trading mine cause they are not getting the use they should.
 

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