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Gibson - The Grabber bass - Serial Number

I

isuck@bass

Feb 12, 2010
60
0
Brenham
#1
Hello all,

There is a Gibson bass that I am interested in purchasing but I am having trouble telling if this bass is legit or rip. It has serial number 402279. Does this serial number appear real and what year?

Thanks for your help.
 
#6
Thanks for looking at it! Just trying to get an opinion :) I've been learning those basses don't have a high resale value. I've seen some as high as $1000 and as low as $600. Guess it just depends on how bad someone wants the bass.
 
#7
isuck@bass said:
Thanks for looking at it! Just trying to get an opinion :) I've been learning those basses don't have a high resale value. I've seen some as high as $1000 and as low as $600. Guess it just depends on how bad someone wants the bass.
Click to expand...

Right now, these basses have resurgent popularity because of their age and little else; they weren't very popular when first sold by Gibson, so it's not like they've gotten "better" with age... but folks like old stuff and will pay for it.

Now, were *I* gripped by the Grabber Desire, I'd be VERY patient and check pawn shops and the CL - I'm quite sure there are plenty out there for much less than $600, particularly the blonde ones which were the most common.
 
#8
BigOldHarry said:
Now, were *I* gripped by the Grabber Desire, I'd be VERY patient and check pawn shops and the CL - I'm quite sure there are plenty out there for much less than $600, particularly the blonde ones which were the most common.
Click to expand...

Very rare to find one under $700 these days unless it's trashed or an 80s model (not as much demand). They've gotten very popular because a lot of newer rock bands are playing them.
 
#9
I have a 1977 Grabber w/ natural finish and alder. It is a comfortable bass and the neck has a Precision feel to it. At 8.2-lbs, it is surprisingly light for the body footprint. If this was the maple body version, I imagine it would be noticeably heavier. The body width is quite slim, which I also like.

That eBay Grabber looks legit and quite nice. I predict it is going to sell on the high end of the used Grabber range. The 402xxx SN of the eBay Grabber fits with 74-75. Per Flyguitar.com, the natural finish first came out in 75, so that bass is likely a 75. Only alder was offered in 75, and the wood grain looks alder-like to me as well. That means this is likely one of the lighter Grabbers.

While the blondesare more common, I personally much prefer the look of the blonde Rippers and Grabbers over ebony.

The eBay Grabber comes with the HSC, and it is difficult to find a case that fits these Gibsons, so that adds to the value as well. It is true Grabbers and Rippers were dirt cheap not so long ago, but I think those days are gone.

A good site for Grabber info:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#13
Me & Micky.jpg
Me and Micki Free back in the day.:bassist:
note "Grabber"
 

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