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Gibson Grabber/Ripper/G-3 club

#421
A friend came to one of my bands shows a few weeks back and took some nice pictures. This one was one of my favorites

8qcLw.jpg
 
#423
Here's my 1978 Ripper that I just scored from a gentleman on Craigslist. Absolutely incredible condition, and somehow, it has no fret wear. Unbelievable for a 34 year old instrument. It came with its original hardshell case (also in nearly new condition) as well as the chrome bridge cover (still super glossy) and original Gibson warranty card.

The dealer that it was originally purchased from had written the serial number and date of purchase on the back of the card. It had a date of 8-5-81. Apparently, this bass sat for 3 years before being purchased. Crazy! The bottom photo is the Ripper next to my '77 Grabber tuned to B standard. Meat City: Pop. 002 :D
 

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#424
Hey, nothing earth shattering here, but I had a minute of time left on my camera the other day and shot this mini tone tour on the Ripper. You can hear the persistent ground hum, and how weak the neck pickup sounds solo... I'm beginning to suspect it's bad, though the blend with the bridge is nice. Anyway, I should be getting my fretless 73 Ripper back from Brady Muckleroy on Sunday. He's installing two new Duncans, replacing the wiring harness with a new old stock one I found, and re-planing the fingerboard. Looking forward to hearing the difference between the Duncans and the old stock Gibsons.

Ripper Teaser
 
#426
edfriedland said:
Hey, nothing earth shattering here, but I had a minute of time left on my camera the other day and shot this mini tone tour on the Ripper. You can hear the persistent ground hum, and how weak the neck pickup sounds solo... I'm beginning to suspect it's bad, though the blend with the bridge is nice. Anyway, I should be getting my fretless 73 Ripper back from Brady Muckleroy on Sunday. He's installing two new Duncans, replacing the wiring harness with a new old stock one I found, and re-planing the fingerboard. Looking forward to hearing the difference between the Duncans and the old stock Gibsons.

Ripper Teaser
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Man, I thought that Ripper sounded awesome in your demo, but I've always loved those basses. Has anyone tried the G3 reissue yet?
 
#427
dukeorock said:
Has anyone tried the G3 reissue yet?
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I have one, and I really like it. I've never played an original personally, so I can't compare the two. I will say that it sounds very much like a G3 though, and it's a nice bass.

I'm in the process of getting some shielding tape for mine. I gigged it last weekend and it was humming pretty good with all of the lights in the venue. It was annoying enough for me to grab a different bass to finish the gig.
 
#428
The G3 reissue is a pretty good bass, but anyone really in love with the original may not be happy. It just doesnt feel quite the same. The neck feels a bit off, and the pickups are a completely different style. It seems like a cheaper alternative. I am glad they are US made, but for $999 or so I think you are better off tracking down a used vintage one. Or a used reissue. That would be a good deal. I just find myself too in love with the original to fully accept the reissue.
 
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#429
Figjam said:
The G3 reissue is a pretty good bass, but anyone really in love with the original may not be happy. It just doesnt feel quite the same. The neck feels a bit off, and the pickups are a completely different style. It seems like a cheaper alternative. I am glad they are US made, but for $999 or so I think you are better off tracking down a used vintage one. Or a used reissue. That would be a good deal. I just find myself too in love with the original to fully accept the reissue.
Click to expand...

Thanks! That's what I wanted to know :)
 
#430
Figjam said:
I am glad they are US made, but for $999 or so I think you are better off tracking down a used vintage one. Or a used reissue. That would be a good deal. I just find myself too in love with the original to fully accept the reissue.
Click to expand...

I paid $650 for my G3 a few years ago and $725 for my grabber earlier this year. I know they've gone up a bit in price since the reissues came out, but you can definitely find an original for less than the cost of the new ones.
 
#431
coreyfyfe said:
I paid $650 for my G3 a few years ago and $725 for my grabber earlier this year. I know they've gone up a bit in price since the reissues came out, but you can definitely find an original for less than the cost of the new ones.
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I haven't been able to find the right G3 at the right price in a long time...one day :) I sold my Grabber a few years ago for about $800. Looking for ebony Ripper and G3
 
#432
What strings are you guys using on your Gibson basses? I have been using TI’s on my G3 for years, but think it’s time for a change. Thinking of going back to rounds, specifically DR’s Sunbeams. What do you like?
 
#437
DR Marcus Miller fat beams, same as I use on all my fretted instruments. They last forever in general and they retain that "fresh string" brightness a lot longer than other strings I've used which helps to balance the bottom-heavy tone of my grabber.
 
#438
coreyfyfe said:
DR Marcus Miller fat beams, same as I use on all my fretted instruments. They last forever in general and they retain that "fresh string" brightness a lot longer than other strings I've used which helps to balance the bottom-heavy tone of my grabber.
Click to expand...

Oh good! I just bought a set :)
 
#439
Seeing all these magnificent basses makes me wanna cry cause i don't own one. :crying:

My dad had a 77-78 gibson ripper ebony finish with ebony board. It was so cool. except the electronics were scrap. and, with a little help from me :hiding:, the wires inside would always break. He sold it eventually. Kinda wish i had it.....

BUT, i'm planning on building two gibson rippers of my own (one natural finish with maple board, one ebony with ebony board) also a junior model (short scale white/blue with rosewood board.

Can't wait and my budget is less than a grand!!! I'm stoked :hyper:
 

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