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From the pics, that looks to be a “pointy horn” Ripper, which suggests that it was made some time after 1974.
Mainly I’m just wanting make sure I get the correct size tuners, I’m assuming the bridges were consistent throughout the years of production right? I’m gonna be trying to dig out where they filled in the bridge holes and need to get a tap and eventually buy a 3 point bridge and pickups...for the time being I will be playing a single Dimarzio model 1 humbucker
There are no pots btw so not sure I'll be able to date this bass. maybe by looking at pickup screw holes..?
Agreed! '75 onwards.
Doesn't look like there are telltale signs of pick up screws into the body; looks like its been painted white at some stage or something..
I'd ditch the 3-point bridge as well. Get the HipShot - SuperTone Gibson® Bass Replacement Bridge
1974, 1977-83 was all maple bodies, 75-76 was the alder body period. Yours falls in the alder wood catergory, as does the shape (pointed horns rather than short & round)
Grover tuners might be your best aftermarket bet. Or Schallers.
these are the ones i'm looking at, think they will fit..? TK-0791-001 Set of 4 Schaller BM Nickel Bass Tuners 645208017766 | eBay
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Those should do the trick nicely, however I'm sure Thomann at least used to carry these, to save you buying them from the states.... Schaller is German after all!
Hey guys! I've been offered a 78 Grabber un exchange for my 78 Mustang. The Grabber is one of my bucket list basses, so I'm pretty excited. The thing is, the current owner sent me some pics and one thing caught my eye: instead of white pearloid dot inlays, this one has black dots. I've never seen such thing. Is the neck non original or repaired, is it normal? What do you think?
Looks like a new fingerboard to me. The neck isn't sitting in the pocket correctly either - should be an easy fix, loosen the neck bolts and straighten the neck in the pocket.
But yea, the neck itself is original, the FB has been lifted or cleaned up & refretted & re-dotted, or its a new FB.
I'd want to play it first if trading with a vintage Fender, although it's a move I'd definitely make - I'm not overly familiar with the Mustang values, but from what I've seen on the second hand market that seems like a great deal? The FB looks to have been done really well, so if anything this is possible a good thing as it's probably been any number of bad things repaired! Checking it out in person will be the only way to tell of course
But yea, the neck itself is original, the FB has been lifted or cleaned up & refretted & re-dotted, or its a new FB.
I'd want to play it first if trading with a vintage Fender, although it's a move I'd definitely make - I'm not overly familiar with the Mustang values, but from what I've seen on the second hand market that seems like a great deal? The FB looks to have been done really well, so if anything this is possible a good thing as it's probably been any number of bad things repaired! Checking it out in person will be the only way to tell of course
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<strikethrough>Man those photos show an exTENSive refinish, and a completely different fingerboard. Lumpy super-gloss reflections. If you do this without putting your hands ALL OVER the Grabber first, you will regret it. What would the guy want for a cash-only sale??? Mustang in-hand is pretty damn cool.</strikethrough>
I need to retract this, with an apology, as this is a misinformed post.
When I checked the photographs, the three relevant photos appeared all together with the five photos from the first post at the top of the page. Those five photos from the other post up top are the ones that show a refinish in progress.
My mistake, and seriously, I am very sorry to have mislead anyone.
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I dunno. My Grabber is a ‘76 and I’ve put some serious player wear into, parts of it remain quite glossy where the original finish is still there. I have to admit looking again it appears to be wear rather than a reflection on the treble side of the pickguard, but it was common for these to be made into lefties (mine sports a dowled strap pin hole on the treble horn from a previous owner). The body doesn’t look like a refin, more case queen. The nitro top coat, as with any Gibson, is very thin.
Do you have the ability to see this one in person? From those pix it looks like a good job. Only reason I bring this up as it's not unheard of for these necks to have twisted or have a ski jump. The new FB may have been put in to repair those issues..
Hello!
I've heard and read of some Ripper owners replacing the 4-way rotary switch with a 3-way switch, with a tradition Neck/N+B/Bridge type of set up. I'm thinking about doing this, as the wiring on my MIJ Ripper copy is currently in disrepair and I can't figure out what's supposed to go where. Anyway, What kind of 3-way switch would I need for this? I'm afraid a straight, "tall" 3-way switch wouldn't fit. Is right-angle the way to go? Could I use an On/On/On mini toggle switch?
Any thoughts would help! Thanks!
I've heard and read of some Ripper owners replacing the 4-way rotary switch with a 3-way switch, with a tradition Neck/N+B/Bridge type of set up. I'm thinking about doing this, as the wiring on my MIJ Ripper copy is currently in disrepair and I can't figure out what's supposed to go where. Anyway, What kind of 3-way switch would I need for this? I'm afraid a straight, "tall" 3-way switch wouldn't fit. Is right-angle the way to go? Could I use an On/On/On mini toggle switch?
Any thoughts would help! Thanks!
Looks like a new fretboard to me too. This does not have to be a bad thing but I would want to play it first before trading ist in. Maybe the neck had a twist and this was the only way to get it back on duty.
I needed to do this with my Gibson SGZ because the neck was way too soft and weak. If it is done good it ain't cheap too.
I picked this guy up recently.
Looks great, and with a night tight neck pocket from the looks of things. Is that quite a bit of damage below the volume/tone knobs?
Aesthetically, it’s been rodeo’d pretty good. Structurally, it’s rock solid. I believe it to be all original. The battle scars don’t bother me one bit.
