Gibson's Ripper?

[Phippy]

I haven't seen this talked about much. I had one in the '70's for 2 or 3 years, and it served my needs very well at the time. The lows/mids were very good, but the highs suffered some.

How is that bass regarded now, bad/ok/good?

 

[Thorsoundcore]

um.how is it regarded now? not too bad,a few people have some rippers on here,but i don't see them too often.
i know that some time in the mere future they are suposed to reissue it,or at least i heard that.but idk when that would be

 

[Thorsoundcore]

p.s,you might wanna use the search function,cause you will actually find quite a few threads on them

 

[ryco]

n00b alert! search function awareness unit

but welcome to TalkBass!

 

[Chuck King]

They're not for everybody but some people REALLY like them. They don't sound like your typical Fender, which may put some people off. I have one; for years it was my main bass and I played a lot of gigs with it---great bass, and I think under-appreciated for a long time, although they are starting to creep up in price.

 

[marwady]

They're not for everybody but some people REALLY like them. They don't sound like your typical Fender, which may put some people off. I have one; for years it was my main bass and I played a lot of gigs with it---great bass, and I think under-appreciated for a long time, although they are starting to creep up in price.

+1

Same here, I made a shload of money playing gigs w/mine.

Although it does not nail the Fender Jazz or P or Rick tone, it comes pretty close.

Tonally, one of the most versitile basses I own and very comfortable to play eg. balance, neck, etc.

 

[ryco]

Here's mine -

Bought new in '77 to replace a stolen EB-3. Was my only bass 'til '80!
Still play it everyday! It's my bass for jazzin'. Great sounds - very versatile bass!!

Been toyin' with the idea of gettin' a white pickguard. Whaddaya think?

 

[mikeswals]

Wow, just look at that ebony fretless! Very nice Ryco!

Anyway, Rippers are very cool basses, and yes I agree that they're under appreciated. The veri-tone knob does offer alot of different sounds. I used to have the guitar version which also sounded killer (SG on steroids), and I have bought and sold Rippers a few times, but so many I find have either been modded or just absolutely beat.

 

[mccartneyman]

Only Gibson bass I ever liked, because it sounded the most like Fender -- that is, it punched. But it also had lows a Fender doesn't, and I never had trouble getting highs out of it.

 

[RickenBoogie]

ryco, a white pg would look killer on that bass. I've never owned a fretless, but maybe someday.