The Gibson Grabber and Ripper are both phenomenal bass guitars. They were produced by the Gibson company in the 1970s.
While they have some similarities, they also have distinct differences. Choosing a bass guitar can be an exciting process if you know the right spec to look for.
Let’s compare the various aspects of the Gibson Grabber and Ripper.
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The Gibson Grabber
The Gibson Grabber has gained popularity among bassists for its unique design and versatile sound capabilities.
It features a distinctive body shape with a large lower bout and a smaller upper bout. This gives it a somewhat asymmetrical appearance.
One of the standout features of the Gibson Grabber was its innovative pickup system. It had a sliding pickup, known as the “sliding humbucker,”.
This is positioned anywhere along the length of the strings. It allowed players to adjust the tone of the instrument by varying the pickup placement. Also, it provides a wide range of sounds.
The Gibson Ripper
The Gibson Ripper guitar is designed to be a high-end, professional-grade bass guitar with a unique appearance and innovative features.
It features a solid body design with a distinctive double-cutaway shape. It had a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and it typically had a natural or sunburst finish.
The body was made of solid ash or alder, and it had a through-body maple neck construction for enhanced sustain.
One of the notable features of the Gibson Ripper was its versatile pickup configuration.
It had two humbucking pickups, which could be used in various combinations since it produced a wide range of tones.
The pickups had coil-splitting capabilities, allowing players to switch between humbucking and single-coil sounds for added tonal versatility.
The Gibson Grabber vs. the Ripper
Wondering which one of these two guitars would fit your style? Here’s a detailed comparison of the Gibson Grabber and the Ripper.
The Design
- The Grabber had a relatively simple, sleek design with a single-cutaway body shape and a pickguard. The original Gibson Grabber basses had a three-point adjustable bridge, a bolt-on maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. Over the years, there were a few variations and updates made to the design. This includes changes to the pickup configuration and hardware. In recent years, Gibson has reintroduced the Grabber bass model as part of their lineup. This offers players a chance to experience this iconic instrument once again. The newer models aim to capture the essence of the original Grabber while incorporating some modern improvements.
- The Ripper has a more conventional design. This is a double-cutaway body shape and a pickguard. It had two pickups, one near the bridge and one near the neck, with separate volume controls for each pickup.
Pickups
- The Grabber originally featured a single sliding pickup, which could be positioned near the bridge or neck. This design allowed for different tonal options.
- The Ripper had two humbucking pickups, providing a wider range of tonal possibilities. Each pickup had its own volume control, allowing for blending or isolating each pickup’s sound.
Sound
- The Grabber’s sliding pickup system gives it a unique sound. Depending on the position of the pickup, it could produce a warm and round tone near the neck or a brighter and punchier sound near the bridge.
- The Ripper’s dual humbucking pickups delivered a more traditional and versatile bass tone. It had a thicker, fuller sound compared to the Grabber.
Construction
- The Grabber had a bolt-on maple neck, which contributed to its overall bright tone. It had a relatively lightweight body, making it comfortable to play for extended periods.
- The Ripper had a set-in maple neck, offering enhanced sustain and stability. It had a slightly heavier body compared to the Grabber.
Market Availability
- The Grabber was produced from 1973 to 1982, and it has gained a cult following over the years. Its production was initially discontinued in the 1980s but has been reintroduced by Gibson in recent years.
- The Ripper was also manufactured within the same timeframe. Like the Grabber, it has become a sought-after instrument among collectors and enthusiasts. However, it is also no longer in production. Only a few have resurfaced over the past few years. The Ripper is highly regarded by collectors and bass players alike. This is due to its distinctive appearance, versatile pickups, and vintage status.
Weight
- The Grabber bass guitars are known for their relatively lightweight construction. This makes them comfortable to play for extended periods.
- However, the Ripper bass guitars generally have a slightly heavier weight compared to the Grabber, but individual weight can vary based on specific models and materials used.
Color
- Original Grabber models from the 1970s were available in natural or sunburst finishes. These finishes showcased the wood grain of the body. In recent years, since its reintroduction, the Grabber has been offered in a variety of color options, including vintage sunburst, cherry, and natural finishes.
- Originally, the Ripper was available in three colors. They included the natural (with a maple fingerboard) and black and tobacco sunburst (with ebony fingerboards). They all have maple fingerboards. The Ripper also had limited edition color variations during its production run, including solid colors like white, black, and red.
Scale Length
- The Grabber typically had a 34-inch scale length, which is the standard scale length for most bass guitars.
- Similar to the Grabber, the Ripper also had a 34-inch scale length.
The fingerboard material
- The Grabber bass guitars commonly featured a rosewood fingerboard. This is known for its warm and smooth playing surface.
- The Ripper bass guitars also utilized a rosewood fingerboard for comfort and playability.
The genre
Due to their distinct characteristics, these guitars may lend themselves more naturally to certain genres
- The Grabber’s sliding humbucker pickup and its ability to be positioned at different points along the strings make the Grabber highly versatile. This allows for a wide range of tonal options and is suitable for genres such as rock, funk, blues, and jazz. The Grabber can produce warm and mellow tones as well as bright and aggressive sounds. It is adaptable to different playing styles.
- The Ripper’s dual humbucking pickups with coil-splitting capabilities offer a punchy and powerful sound. This makes it well-suited for genres that require a heavier and more aggressive tone. We’re talking rock, hard rock, punk, metal, and alternative. Similarly, the Ripper’s ability to switch between humbucker and single-coil sounds allows for further tonal versatility. It is also a flexible instrument for different musical styles.
Which one is right for you?
The Gibson Grabber and Ripper are both notable bass guitars but with their own unique features. The Grabber stands out for its sliding pickup system and sleek design.
Otherwise, the Ripper offers a more conventional design with dual humbucking pickups and a versatile tonal range.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the desired sound. If possible, It’s always recommended to try out both instruments.
This would help you determine which one suits your playing needs and tonal preferences.
Lastly, Gibson’s product offerings may change over time. It’s always a good idea to check with official sources or authorized dealers.
They offer the most up-to-date information on the availability and specifications of the Gibson guitars.
If you’re interested in acquiring a Gibson Ripper or Graber, you may need to explore the used market or consider alternative options.
Try out reissues or similar bass models from other manufacturers.
