Rare Gibson Basses

With very few Tobacco Sunburst and fretless Ripper basses produced, these models are quite rare to find for sale. There are also other early variations of the Gibson Ripper that are somewhat rare and sought after.

1970s print advert for the gibson ripper bass — Early models from 1973 are particularly valuable, with only 39 of the model built in 1973. A rare handful were early prototypes with a shallow 335-style top cutaway and pickups mounted on a smaller pickguard, which were unveiled at the NAMM show that year (*see image right*).

From 1974, the shape of the body and pickguard changed. Instead of the heavier natural maple bodies of the early models, alder became the preferred wood. The Ripper’s body shape and design then largely remained unchanged, apart from the fretless models introduced in 1975.

The tobacco sunburst model was also introduced in 1975. Compared to the other colours, it was produced in smaller quantities.

Regardless of rarity, the Gibson Ripper Bass is still a highly collectable bass guitar. Collectors still seek out all-original, non-modified examples from the 1970s and 1980s. However, the value of a Ripper bass can vary depending on its rarity, with other factors like condition and age playing a part.

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