• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Those pre-NBD jitters: ‘75 Gibson Ripper

cataract

cataract

Supporting Member
Feb 14, 2007
5,403
15,773
Athens AL
#1
This is kind of an unconventional NBD thread but it’ll make sense in a minute lol.
I just made a trade for a 1975 Gibson Ripper last night, and it should be here mid next week.

Earlier today, while going through and packing up all of our stuff for a big move next weekend, I came across some forgotten photo negatives of me and my old band in the recording studio back in late 1999— the highlight of this being actual photographic evidence of the Ripper that got away, the one I owned for about 4 months and foolishly traded away but was lucky enough to have used on an album that was never released. But boy did it sound great.

I didn’t realize I had any photos taken with it so for me to come across these negatives today of all days, well shucks. What are THE ODDS lol
IMG_0231.jpeg

Pics of the new Ripper incoming, of course, once it gets here. I’m so stoked !!
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: bitterminnows, BrentSimons, PrimitiveMan and 37 others
#2
cataract said:
This is kind of an unconventional NBD thread but it’ll make sense in a minute lol.
I just made a trade for a 1975 Gibson Ripper last night, and it should be here mid next week.

Earlier today, while going through and packing up all of our stuff for a big move next weekend, I came across some forgotten photo negatives of me and my old band in the recording studio back in late 1999— the highlight of this being actual photographic evidence of the Ripper that got away, the one I owned for about 4 months and foolishly traded away but was lucky enough to have used on an album that was never released. But boy did it sound great.

I didn’t realize I had any photos taken with it so for me to come across these negatives today of all days, well shucks. What are THE ODDS lol
View attachment 7442440
Pics of the new Ripper incoming, of course, once it gets here. I’m so stoked !!
Click to expand...
Looking forward to your pics of the bass. I had a '72 Ripper (fretless) and have missed it ever sense I lost it. Happy for you~
 
  • Like
Reactions: REMBO, Saetia, covermego and 1 other person
#7
I bought one brand new in its day back in the mid 70's. To my mind, the only real competition to the Precision and Jazz that Gibson ever made. It was just fine, although the body can seem a little wide across. Brilliant tone switching and pickups by the late Bill Lawrence.

1772403280896.png


Hopefully you won't need them, but Seymour Duncan offers replacements for these basses:

customshop.seymourduncan.com

Ripper Bass

Design your dream pickup. The Seymour Duncan Custom Shop hand-builds humbuckers, Strat, Tele, P90 & bass pickups, wound to your exact specs. Choose magnets, wire, wind, covers & more. Made in Santa Barbara.
customshop.seymourduncan.com customshop.seymourduncan.com

Here's hoping you like yours.

JW
 
  • Like
Reactions: REMBO, cataract and Saetia
#9
Jeff Scott said:
I had an Ebony Ripper that I bought in '76-'77. Loved the tone, not so much the feel of the neck, though. Nowadays, I may feel different about that. Having had a couple other Norlin era Gibsons (two 1978 RD Artist guitars) I never got what the ill-will was towards them.
Click to expand...
Now Jeff: RD Artist, I bought one brand new after the Ripper.

I got ILL from having to wear (and hold the neck heavy monster up to play it) that 13+ pound monster, and then I WILL sell this beast and get something reasonable.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bob_Ross and cataract
#10
J Wilson said:
Now Jeff: RD Artist, I bought one brand new after the Ripper.

I got ILL from having to wear (and hold the neck heavy monster up to play it) that 13+ pound monster, and then I WILL sell this beast and get something reasonable.
Click to expand...
Ha! I never played mine standing up, nor even ever had a strap on them. Those RD Artists were used for recording and I always sit when doing so. I guess I never got the full experience. :crying:
 
  • Like
Reactions: cataract
#12
Yes, totally relatable on those anticipation jitters! A feeling so awful, yet so rad.

That said, that photo negative is so excellent... Oh to be back in 99, stacks of CD's, VHS tapes, musiciansfriend and rockabilia catalogs... thanks for rehashing the vibe!

Stoked to see photos of your NDB too though! Still in touch with those guys in the photo? Would be sweet to recreate it 27 years later!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Saetia
#14
Oh man, so some time’s passed and I forgot to update this thread lol. APOLOGIES!
IMG_1261.jpeg

So turns out that this Ripper is supernaturally lightweight. It doesn’t make sense. 8 lbs 6 oz of crushing lows. I’m in love with this thing and I’m so glad to have one again, especially one that sounds and feels so great.
IMG_1562.jpeg

The fifth fret on the G string was choking out quite a bit when it arrived but as it turns out, the neck was simply set too straight and a tiny truss rod adjustment got it playing perfectly.
IMG_1262.jpeg

The frets on these are inherently low and flat by design. Makes for a very unique feel when you’re playing it. Effortless, and almost feels like a fretless lol.

These are my top two at the moment. I’m a lucky guy, for certain!! I need to snag a set of proper fitting knobs for this thing. Keep forgetting to do that lol
IMG_1621.jpeg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Wow
Reactions: filler83, covermego, Goatrope and 4 others
#17
Saetia said:
Why you always making me want your basses like that?
Click to expand...
Dude- LIKEWISE (always! Lol)
Bob_Ross said:
Screw the Ripper, I’m in love with your TB-2000!
Click to expand...
LOL I know right!? The Bean is next level for sure. Going back and forth between them is kinda crazy with the different scale lengths too (34.5” vs 33.25”)— it really keeps me on my toes lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: Saetia

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back