Gibson Grabber/Ripper Info + general bass playing advice

[green3101]

Hi all,

Was wondering if you Gibson Grabber/Ripper owners could provide me with some much needed advice.

Basically, I’m a tall guy at 6’2.5, 27 years old, not that strong and don’t weigh much, about 64/65kg (most likely considered underweight due to a couple of medical issues), I sometimes suffer from back pain when playing bass, especially when standing. I also have incredibly small hands for a guy, my middle finger is only about 3 inches long and not very thick either. Most small women have the same, if not bigger hands and longer fingers than me. I actually made a post about my problems previously: Am I not built right to play Bass?

Anyway, I just wanted some opinions on these basses. Would I be able to cope with them? What’s the neck like? My overall large/tall frame with long arms would probably favour the larger body. It’s just I wonder if my small hands and back would be able to cope. I tend to wear my basses fairly high (neck plate joining the body around belly button or just under), would this work? I currently play a fender USA jazz and don’t know if I should just go shortscale.

These are essentially my favourite basses in terms of look, vibe and sound and I’ve always dreamed of owning one. I just don’t have the opportunity to try one out due to being so rare where I’m based (the UK) but I can get one online. I'm curious on opinions about the vintage ones from the 70's and the reissue ones (Grabber II etc) from 2009, I've actually got my eye on one these that are available.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Mike

 

[Mark76]

I'm curious on opinions about the vintage ones from the 70's and the reissue ones (Grabber II etc) from 2009, I've actually got my eye on one these that are available. I'm curious on opinions about the vintage ones from the 70's and the reissue ones (Grabber II etc) from 2009, I've actually got my eye on one these that are available.

You wrote the same thing twice. You might want to edit to remove the duplicate sentence.

 

[Gaolee]

My understanding is that those bass guitars are fairly heavy, so if that's a concern, there it is. You will find that Gibson ergos and Fender ergos are different. Fenders tend to sit horizontal, where a Gibson is going to sit better if you use a longer strap, let the body down lower and have the neck pointed more toward the ceiling. I don't own a Grabber or Ripper, but I have had Gibson bass guitars for more than 35 years now, and they all are easier to play when rotated up a bit.

I personally find the ergos much better, since it allows both of your wrists to be reasonably straight. Others don't get along with Gibson ergos at all. Different isn't better or worse, just different.

As far as hand size, all I can say is that your hands are what they are. A very small young woman played upright bass with my son for a number of years. She was about 5'-1" tall, and petite to go with her shortness. Her hands were very small, but she played the bass just fine. Another example of a bass player with small hands, whose hand size doesn't matter is Bridget Kearney of Lake Street Dive. She's a monster on the bass. A bass guitar's neck is smaller than an upright and has frets. Don't let hand size make your decision for you, because it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Fresh Eddie]

I used to own a The Ripper about 25 years ago (yikes!) and I remember it was fairly heavy, but not as heavy as you would think a bass that size would be (the body is thinner than a Fender). I would definitely try and find one to try out if you are on the fence. It isn't as different as you would think, but still different, if that makes sense.

 

[green3101]

Interesting, thanks for the replies. Really would like to try one out, I just don’t have any opportunity right now which is frustrating, as no place in London I know of has any.

Did you guys always wear these basses low? Interested to see what they’d be like a bit higher up. Like I said, small digits. I’m wondering if my small hands and previous back issues mean I should check lighter short scales. The new Gibson les Paul DC bass does interest me too as that has a similar vibe and sound from what I’ve heard in some clips.

 

[GretschWretch]

The Ripper was the first release in the line of what sometimes is termed as Gibson's "big-bottomed girls": the body is wide but also thinner than a Fender's. A Ripper also has some heft; there is more on-body weight due to electronics and metalware than is on a Fender, so be prepared for that. I have Trump-fingers too, but I play upright and have played 35" scale bass guitars; I have not found finger size to be an issue.

Overall length, however, may be an issue. Gibson's standard long scale is 34.5", and if you wear the bass high that first fret is going to be way out there. For a try-on try-out, see if you can find an Epiphone Jack Casady bass. Fit, reach, and weight should be very similar to a Ripper.

 

[jd56hawk]

I also have incredibly small hands for a guy, my middle finger is only about 3 inches long and not very thick either. Most small women have the same, if not bigger hands and longer fingers than me. I actually made a post about my problems previously: Am I not built right to play Bass?
It’s just I wonder if my small hands and back would be able to cope. I tend to wear my basses fairly high (neck plate joining the body around belly button or just under), would this work? I currently play a fender USA jazz and don’t know if I should just go shortscale.

Never let size get you down.

Other than that, Gibson just came out with this. You might want to try it out.
Yes, available in the UK for a good price.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Am I not built right to play Bass?
I don't think it sounds like a Grabber but it definitely sounds good, and it does resemble one, to some degree...not to mention the pickguard is much, much nicer on the Les Paul.

Very nice review.

 

[GretschWretch]

Never let size get you down.
Weight is a different story, but...

Other than that, Gibson just came out with this. You might want to try it out.
Yes, available in the UK for a good price.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Invalid Link Removed
I don't think it sounds like a Grabber but it definitely sounds good, and it does resemble one, to some degree.
Very nice review.

Banjo tuners! Banjo tuners! Banjo tuners!

 

[JW56789]

I owned a Ripper back in the day, and it's a fairly substantial axe. I'd agree with GW, if you can find an Epi jack Casaday bass, that would be an approx. sim of a Ripper, though probably a bit lighter. Would definitely be a size bigger than your Jazz all 'round. Can be fairly heavy depending on the example.

Completely different world, but from what you say about yourself, a SoundGear Ibanez might be just the ticket. I'd think lighter/smaller would help you more than the choice you're considering, but then actually, it's none of my business.

 

[LanEvo]

I’ve been a Fender player since the ‘80s, so they always feel comfortable to me. I’ve got a Ripper and it definitely feels different, but the basics are still quite familiar.

The scale length is close enough to a Fender than I don’t notice. The neck profile is about the same as a modern Precision Bass. Weight is in the same ballpark: certainly lighter than most Fender basses of the ‘70s.

The biggest difference (besides the tone, obviously) is the balance. Even with those big bodies and heavy hardware, they tend to neck-dive a little bit. The upper strap horn is short and the Schaller tuners are pretty heavy. For me, a wide suede-backed strap makes a huge difference; replacing the stock tuners with Hipshot Ultralights also helps. For me, the Ripper hangs right when standing, but doesn’t really want to stay in my lap when sitting down.

Again, maybe this is just because I’m a “Fender guy,” but the Ripper never really sounds right to me in a band mix. Something about the mids is just a little off ... I’m not good at describing this stuff, so it’s hard to put my finger on it. I’m swapping out the electronics on mine to bring it into more familiar sonic territory for me.

The bottom line is that if you can get around a typical 34” scale bass with a middle-of-the-road neck profile, you shouldn’t have any trouble playing a Ripper.

 

[led4thehed2]

I played a Ripper once, and it was the worst balancing bass I've ever played. Put a big, wide, leather strap on it and and as soon as I let go that neck dove for the floor! Not an exaggeration. Tone wasn't exactly to die for either. But, that's just me- some people love them. Hope you find something comfortable.

 

[One_Dude]

I have a Grabber and a Ripper, both from the 70's. The Ripper is the heavier of the two and can get a really "ballsy" sound which I like eq'd with a little edge on it. The Grabber weighs less and has a " lighter more airy" sound if that makes sense. My Grabber is the model with the sliding pickup that some folks don't like, but I have never had a problem with it.

Except for the weight difference, I think they feel about the same in my hands. I am 6' 1" and not as slim as I once was. I have normal size hands and have no trouble reaching anything. I have played both basses in band situations and have been able to acheive the sound I want. I play out pretty often and don't usually take the Gibson's mostly because I don't want to risk them being stolen, and I am uncomfortable leaving them unattended. Lately I have been playing either my Epiphone EBO, or my Epiphone EB1 when I play out. The EBO is a short scale, and EB1 is a long scale fretless. They both have the Gibson feel and sound that I like. Some folks don't like the EBO and think the single pickup makes it sound "muddy". For me, I like the heavy thump that is similiar to what I can get with the Ripper. When Eq'd the way I like it, I frequently get compliments from other players and audience members. Over the years I have been more of a Gibson guy than a Fender guy, and I don't think you can go wrong with either a Ripper or a Grabber.

Good luck with your search.

Thump on,

One_Dude

 

[40Hz]

I played a Ripper once, and it was the worst balancing bass I've ever played. Put a big, wide, leather strap on it and and as soon as I let go that neck dove for the floor! Not an exaggeration. Tone wasn't exactly to die for either. But, that's just me- some people love them. Hope you find something comfortable.

That’s surprising! I own two Rippers. Bought the first one new back in 1974. And I’ve played many more over the years and none of them exhibited neck dive. Same goes for the Grabber and G3. I hang with some people who are kinda connoisseurs when it comes to basses from that series and I’ve never once heard any of them mention even minor neck dive let alone the extreme amount you’re describing. That series was specifically designed to be balanced on the strap. So I’m curious. Do you know what year the one you tried was? And was there anything unusual about it - like was it modded or something?

As far as tone goes, the Ripper’s is unique. Definitely not for everyone. You either like it or you don’t. There’s no glory or shame whichever way it hits you. There’s plenty of other equally fine basses out there.

 

[Alex Bass]

Medium scale small body. You're welcome

 

[40Hz]

The scale length is close enough to a Fender than I don’t notice.

The Ripper’s scale length is 34.5” rather than the standard 34”. I doubt hardly anyone would notice the difference if you didn't tell them.

I’m swapping out the electronics on mine to bring it into more familiar sonic territory for me.

That’s a shame IMO. But your bass, so your call. If you do pull the electronics be aware there’s a market for the original wiring harnesses and pickups. Especially the pickups since the magnet in them is no longer manufactured so an exact copy can no longer be made. And original replacements for that Bill Lawrence pup (and the ones in the G3) are extremely hard to come by. So if you do manage to pull the electronics out of yours without damaging anything (easier to do than you’d think since there’s a lot of very fine wires and a glued down midrange choke) please put them up for sale? There are Ripper fanciers out there who want them.

 

[40Hz]

If you’re interested in getting a Gibson and are concerned about weight, you might consider trying out the 2017 (and later) [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. I have one and it’s the lightest solidbody I ever owned.

Like virtually every Gibson bass, it has its own voice - so it doesn’t sound like a Ripper. But it does have a very good selection of useable tones courtesy of its two wide range pickups with coil split switching. And it’s easier to play sitting down for some people than the Ripper is. Lots to like, and not very expensive (for a Gibson) even when buying one new. You can get one used for well under a grand. I’ve seen some in excellent condition going for as little as $600-$700. So be sure to shop around and maybe hold off for a bit if you’re thinking ‘EB’ and thinking ‘used.’ I’m guessing with the current feeding frenzy surrounding the new $999 LP DC Tribute bass that the bottom is soon going to fall out on used EB prices.

 

[Spirit of Ox]

I played a late 70's Grabber last month and it wasn't very heavy at all. It sounded amazing. I never thought they would sound that good. I think Gene Simmons ruined them for me. No offense to Gene or any Kiss fans but I always thought that tone was muddy and undefined.

 

[40Hz]

I played a late 70's Grabber last month and it wasn't very heavy at all. It sounded amazing. I never thought they would sound that good. I think Gene Simmons ruined them for me. No offense to Gene or any Kiss fans but I always thought that tone was muddy and undefined.

All in how you play a Gibson. Flail away on them like you might on a PB and they don’t sing or snarl. They bark in a very unmusical (to my ears) way. Really slamming or digging in on a PB will often sound fantastic. But it doesn’t usually work that well with a Gibson based on my experience. You can get that that same growl and big sound. But you have to go about it a different way.

 

[Microbass]

I don't have any experience with the reissue ones, but my Grabber is 4KG/8.8lbs. No neck dick. My Ripper did a bit of dive but nothing that wasn't manageable.

With the G3/Grabbers, there are 2 variations of the neck. My Grabber has an almost jazz like neck, quite thin. The G3 has a baseball bat. Neither are the same sort of dimensions as a Fender.

Tone wise I definitely prefer the G's to the Ripper. The Grabber is very growly, thumpy but with good articulation and punch. What ones are you eyeing up ? I don't think you'll struggle with them as long as the neck is good.

 

[dalkowski]

For a try-on try-out, see if you can find an Epiphone Jack Casady bass.

Excellent idea. Methinks JC would likely be far easier to find too.