Gibson The Grabber Bass

[blindmouse]

Just got myself a 1975 Gibson Grabber bass. Came in pretty dirty, but cleaning it made a big difference. I suppose it is a 1975. One of the pots read 1377418. On the other pot a layer of tin makes things unreadable. The bridge cover is missing and I replaced the (Fender) knobs with knobs that come close to the original ones. Now my concern is the pickguard, it is tortoise, all other Grabbers I've seen carry black pickguards. But not all of them. In the Gibson 1975 Bass Catalogue the Grabber is pictured with a tortoise pickguard, even the Ripper carries one. There also is an add in which the Grabber features tortoise. The guard on my bass looks original. The serial number supposed to be on the oval see through transfer on the back of the headstock. It looks like Gibson put a sticker right on the serial number. It can't be removed without destroying it all, so the serial number remains hidden. Opinions please.

 

[Dave Bassincus]

Looks real, but I've never seen a factory stock Gibson with a sticker covering the serial #

 

[godofthunder59]

The sticker isn't stock nor is the screw in the back of the headstock. Pg isn't stock either, regardless cool bass.

 

[Callused Finger]

Beautiful Grabber!
Someone probably stuck that on there. Seems to be an impression from something else.

 

[rtslinger]

The sticker isn't stock nor is the screw in the back of the headstock. Pg isn't stock either, regardless cool bass.

the pickguard maybe the real deal but not sure what the screw would be for the sticker was maybe re-positioned no way Gibson would cover the serial #

 

[godofthunder59]

the pickguard maybe the real deal but not sure what the screw would be for the sticker was maybe re-positioned no way Gibson would cover the serial #

View attachment 954756

The original Grabber tort guards were one layer and translucent as pictured in the add. The Ops bass is definitely not the same.

 

[Christine]

A shot in the dark but would it be possible to get the serial number using a rubbing technique?

Stone rubbing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[rtslinger]

The original Grabber tort guards were one layer and translucent as pictured in the add. The Ops bass is definitely not the same.

oh yeah you are right not to mention his seems to have a white banding around it. thanks for bring that to light.

 

[Sav'nBass]

Wow... I remember when this bass came out...

 

[godofthunder59]

Wow... I remember when this bass came out...

Me to!

 

[Dluxe]

The early Grabber basses had one piece maple necks like the typical Fender all maple neck of the period. I own one and have seen 2 others and all had black pickguards.

 

[skidmarkbass]

I started on a used Grabber back in 1980. The body was a dark burgandy, I miss it.

 

[Aberdumbie]

@godofthunder59 is 100% right on...... I would be a bit concerned that the sticker was placed over the serial number may be there to conceal something nefarious in that beautiful bass' past.

 

[noagreement]

Congrats!! I have a couple G3 Grabbers and the serial numbering system is the same. I got well versed on this when I sold an older 1976 model.

I have never seen that sticker on any of the older models, but it definitely looks like you have the "decal" type serial number per below.

General Numbering System:
# 1969-1975: 6 digit peghead stamped serial number, MADE IN USA stamped below.
# 1975-1977: tagged (decal) serial number, MADE IN USA below.
# 1977-present: 8 digit stamped serial number, MADE IN USA stamped below.

Gibson Serial Numbers, 1975-1977:
All models, decal, 2 digit prefix followed by 6 digits. The decal can also states the model name/number.

Prefix Year
------ ----
99 1975
00 1976
06 1977

 

[Engle]

The early Grabber basses had one piece maple necks like the typical Fender all maple neck of the period. I own one and have seen 2 others and all had black pickguards.

One piece neck with a tilted headstock?

 

[Dluxe]

Straight

 

[Engle]

Wow I didn't know Gibson went there in the 70s

 

[elgranluis]

The tuners should say gibson. Im not sure about the bridge also. I fear that there might not be any serial number under the sticker.

 

[blindmouse]

Thanks for all the info.
Let's reveal some more on this bass. First, the tuners on Grabbers came with and without Gibson insciption. Lots of detailed Grabber tuner pics make that clear. I believe this truely is a Gibson The Grabber Bass. There is Gibson on the headstock, on the pick up and on the neckplate. There is a sticker in the oval cavity underneath that Gibson promo one, so why there shouldn't be a serial number? People put stickers on lots of stupid places.
The pic I send along with this posting shows some more on this bass.
- the slide is broken on one side, fixed with tape
- the ground wire once has been desoldered
- the back side of the guard once carried two ýellow cloth sliding 'guides' on the sides of the pickup hole. Original black pickguards show these strips too.
One strip has been removed to make the system moveable, the black fixing tape generates to much resistance.
- inside of the pickup cavity a yellowish cloth is glued
- the alu foil had a 'custom' tape fix.

???????

The strange fenomenon on the left side of the pickguard is just a reflection of sunshine coming through the window.

 

[jamro217]

Hopefully you didn't overpay for this bass. It doesn't look to be a perfect specimen, but may well be a decent instrument. One thing's for sure, you'll stand out in a crowd. Yay.