A$2,595.00 FREE AUS WIDE SHIPPING!
***SCROLL THROUGH PHOTOS FOR VIDEO DEMO***
☆MODIFIED FRETLESS☆
Cushmic Sounds is pleased to offer this lovely, vintage, RARE, USA made Gibson Grabber Bass from early 1974!
Weighing in at an extremely well balanced 3.67kg (8.09lbs) with an incredibly resonant 1-piece Maple body and a bolt-on "D" shape Maple neck with scarf-joint near the headstock.
Serial #430505
Designed by Bill Lawrence and originally released in 1973 after the launch of Gibson's Ripper bass at NAMM 1972, the Ripper bass featured the same body shape but with a familiar "Open-book" headstock and was designed to "Rip Your Ears Off". The Grabber featured a "Flying V" headstock and was named after the adjustable pickup that you could "Grab" into your desired position. Positioning the pickup toward the bridge gives a punchy treble tone while positioning toward the neck gives a warmer tone. Much like switching between bass and treble pickups.
More info on Bill Lawrence right here;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Lawrence_(guitar_maker)
Now, this bass is listed as "modified". Going back through the archives, these models featured fretted Maple boards. Gibson didn't release a fretless version until 1975 and this Grabber is an early 1974 model but features a fretless board. It's an absolutely beautiful peice of Rosewood with arrow side position markers that has been done so well that you'd be forgiven for thinking it was released as a factory fretless, although Gibson did and still do accept the odd Custom Order so who knows!
Nut width: 41mm
Width at 12th position: 55mm
Featuring its original Gibson logo passive sliding pickup with original potentiometers, capacitor, ouptut jack and wiring.
Pot code breakdown;
137 = CTS Manufacturer code
74 = Year
12 = Week
Hardware features its original bridge. Unfortunately the bridge cover is long gone, but keep your eyes open as they do pop up for sale from time to time.
Tuning machines are possibly vintage Schaller replacements as the originals may have featured the Gibson logo, although the early Ripper models did not have Gibson logo tuners. There are also no extra drill holes or markings from replacement tuners. These also wind in the opposite direction compared to standard tuners. In the rear of the bass-side tuners, I have added two replacement stainless steel screws and washers as the previous screws were not suited and those tuners were not functional. 2 extra screws and washers are included with the sale, should you want to make everything uniformed.
Comes with non-original UXL brand hard case, vintage Planet Waves brand leather strap and polish cloth.
Serviced and setup here at Cushmic Sounds with D'Addario 50-105 ECB82 Chrome Flat Wound bass strings, fretboard cleaned and lightly oiled, intonation and action set, truss rod tested and works as it should, electronics cleaned, tested and in working order, hardware cleaned and secured.
Overall condition is 5.5/10 (Good).
This is a vintage bass, there is finish checking, scratches and scrapes throughout, but no structural breaks or repairs. Just 2 small cracks on the original pickguard. (See photos)
NOTE: The D string tuning peg is slightly loose, resulting in rattling when playing the open E and A strings. If this bothers you, I suggest replacing this tuning machine.
SHIPPING: Fully insured shipping with tracking provided. All items from Cushmic Sounds are packed carefully and securely.
However, if you would like to organise your own shipping, I will provide the collection address once payment has cleared.
NOTE: I strongly recommend insurance and signature on delivery.
FREE DELIVERY: Perth Metro area and surrounds.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Please be aware of your country's import costs.
Viewing by appointment only.
Thanks for looking!
NOTE: THIS GUITAR IS ON CONSIGNMENT.
More info on Gibson's Ripper, Grabber and G3 right here;
https://www.vintagebassroom.co.uk/vintage-bass-guides/gibson-ripper-bass