Definitely. I have a copy and it's a valuable resource!
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Gibson Grabber with Rosewood, Is It Real?
- Thread starter Rainus
- Start date
Greg Lake's Ripper was a custom order. It's a one-off"One-offs" and "prototypes" have become catchall terms used whenever anyone spots a Gibson in the wild that doesn't confirm to the specs for that instrument. And I'm not comfortable buying into the argument that there are as many out there as some claim. Especially since Gibson won't confirm virtually any of them are factory originals. So my feeling is that if an oddball Gibson wasn't positively seen at a Gibson booth at a trade show; or photographed in the hands of an artist right around the time of the product's initial release; or seen in a Gibson ad, then I wouldn't be too quick to say it's probably a prototype or one-off.
In this case however, it's very odd. The serial number checks out as being in the ballpark range for that bass. And I'm inclined to think the fingerboard is unstained ebony (which is something Gibson would more likely use) rather than rosewood. So it might be all original since I'd be very surprised if someone went through the trouble and expense of retrofitting a custom fretboard on that particular model. But who knows?
Whatever. It's a nice bass. If it sounds and feels good, just play it and don't worry about it.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,919
- 142,475
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
No, not on the book, although I did purchase several of the newer basses in the book and ship them to the gentleman that owns the large collection you see in these photos. There is a small shot in the book of one of my basses as well, a Tahiti Coral Pink Non Reverse 8 string Thunderbird. Rob is a super talented guy, aside from being a good bassist he's a skilled luthier and also coordinated a very cool Non Reverse Thunderbird project through Czech manufactures BaCH.
His was a semi-prototype from what I understood. Greg Lake was one of the people Gibson approached and asked to debut the bass. He had one of the earliest before they went into full production. Correct me if that's wrong.
From the 1974 GP article:
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You're right and it's still a one-off.
Maybe we define the term differently and that's all good.
One-offs (in my universe) are single copy production products that usually sport some customization or mod. Basically what Fender does in their custom shop. In the case of Fender they're not really custom instruments since you can't spec every single detail like you can with a real custom built instrument. They're more "customized" or recreations of classic instruments than true custom. But they were built to order for an individual with the intent they be sold.
Prototypes are experimental and "proof of concept" designs. Sometimes their design may enter into production. But most times they're just design essays or early drafts leading up to the final release. Very few companies ever sell their prototypes. Sometimes the person testing the product or someone on a design team gets to keep one. But they were never intended to be released to the public.
Maybe we define the term differently and that's all good.
One-offs (in my universe) are single copy production products that usually sport some customization or mod. Basically what Fender does in their custom shop. In the case of Fender they're not really custom instruments since you can't spec every single detail like you can with a real custom built instrument. They're more "customized" or recreations of classic instruments than true custom. But they were built to order for an individual with the intent they be sold.
Prototypes are experimental and "proof of concept" designs. Sometimes their design may enter into production. But most times they're just design essays or early drafts leading up to the final release. Very few companies ever sell their prototypes. Sometimes the person testing the product or someone on a design team gets to keep one. But they were never intended to be released to the public.
I was looking at it in the literal meaning as in 'done, made, or happening only once and not repeated.'
I was also providing this example to help quell the OP's cynicism over undocumented models as being legitimate.
That being said, whether it's a prototype or a customization from the actual manufacturer and there was only one of them (whether prototype or mod or customization by the actual manufacturer), then by all literal accounts it is a one-off.
Now, if someone where to go out and buy two different Rippers and switch necks with FB of different woods; one rosewood and one maple it would not be quite the same as it wasn't provided by the manufacturer that way.
I truly don't want to split hairs with you concerning your perceived definition of a prototype and a One-off (which you are entitled to) which to me can be one in the same if there truly is only one of said item.
I truly hope we can agree that Greg Lake's Black and Maple Ripper is one of the coolest ones made.
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I didn't notice the OP was particularly doubtful about undocumented models. But I certainly was.
Here's the thing. I've seen a lot of modded Gibson Rippers and Grabbers over the years. But over the last three or so years I've started noticing (now that prices are rising) that in the wake of the cherryburst Rippers there seem to be a lot of modded Rippers/Grabbers/G3s that are now claiming to be either prototypes or one-offs. And they now miraculously seem to be popping up more and more frequently despite never having been seen in the past.
So I tend to be skeptical in the absence of some sort of provenance.
My bad, post #14 was by you and not byI didn't notice the OP was particularly doubtful about undocumented models. But I certainly was.
Here's the thing. I've seen a lot of modded Gibson Rippers and Grabbers over the years. But over the last three or so years I've started noticing (now that prices are rising) that in the wake of the cherryburst Rippers there seem to be a lot of modded Rippers/Grabbers/G3s that are now claiming to be either prototypes or one-offs. And they now miraculously seem to be popping up more and more frequently despite never having been seen in the past.
So I tend to be skeptical in the absence of some sort of provenance.
@Rainus
As long as we have experts on this subject like @Basvarken and @TBird1958 I think we're in good shape
I'm always interested in learning something new. I've followed that trio of Gibson's very closely over the years. I'd be the last person to call myself an expert on them. But I have learned a thing or two about them over the years. So I'm obviously very curious despite some skepticism.
Quoted for truth. A friend of mine loaned me his very early production run Grabber for a short tour back in '06ish (can't remember how many zeros were involved in the serial number but the number was 000008ish) and it felt great and sounded amazing. Guessing that means it's the eighth production Grabber ever made!
Also, as an owner of an exquisite full aluminum prototype, I'm looking forward to seeing the differences in the production models. Pretty sure they mostly nailed it out of the gate though. From what I've heard from the builder, there will be minor changes made to how the strings are strung through the bridge. In the meantime, feels cool owning #002 of #005 being made.
I'd love to put my hands on a Grabber or Ripper prototype. Need to find a photo but I once owned a 1973 model Ripper for a short while back in 1999. Researching the serials, it was one of only 21 made that particular year and had a much more "round" overall appearance. Wish I'd never sold it.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,919
- 142,475
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
As one that really likes most all Gibson basses (wish I knew more!), I find these basses to be amongst their best, I'm very fortunate in knowing the gentleman who owns the vast majority of the basses pictured in "The Gibson Bass Book" and to gain some knowledge over the years on the old, long dead forum called "The Dudepit" and of course it's much better follow on The Last Bass Outpost.
this is a 1981 gibson victory artist bass bought by me when new..this is gibsons finest bass ever produced..I am going to go out on a limb and say that mine is the highest condition one on the planet.........
No argument there. And not just about the bass, but the player. Greg Lake is probably the single greatest inspiration I've ever had for playing bass. That article in GP about Lake along with its brief paragraph on his Ripper was literally life changing for me as far as music went.
The skunk striped necks were first year production AFAIK - @cataract - what did your #8 have?
99% of them were maple. The reissue bass had rosewood.
Oooooo my!!!!
You may well be right about it being in the best possible condition of any. That bass is immaculate.
The Victory is amazing. Still kicking myself for not getting one when they first came out. The Victory Custom (that's the dual pickup passive version) is one of the very last basses still on my bucket list. And it will probably remain there. I've only seen one up for sale one time in the last 30 years.
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- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,919
- 142,475
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
