Description
Slip Slide! 1975 Gibson L9 Ripper Fretless with OHSC, $4049!
Introduced in the mid-1970s, the Ripper series was known for its versatile tonal capabilities and innovative electronics. The fretless version offers a smooth, continuous fingerboard, allowing for expressive glissando and microtonal variations, appealing to bassists seeking a unique sound and feel.
Type: Fretless Electric Bass Guitar
Body Material: Three-piece Alder
Neck Material: Three-piece Set Maple
Fingerboard: Maple
Scale Length: 34.5 inches (876 mm)
Number of Strings: 4
Pickups: Two Bill Lawrence-designed Super Humbuckers
Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone, Midrange Control, 4-position Rotary Pickup Selector
Bridge: Gibson 3-point Adjustable with String-Through-Body Option
Tuners: Schaller BM Tuning Keys
Finish Options: Natural Satin, Ebony, Tobacco Sunburst
Country of Manufacture: United States
Functionality: The Ripper’s Super Humbucker pickups, designed by Bill Lawrence, provide a broad tonal spectrum, from deep, resonant lows to articulate highs. The innovative Q-System electronics include a 4-position rotary selector offering various pickup configurations:
- Both pickups in-phase, series
- Bridge pickup only
- Both pickups in-phase, parallel
- Both pickups out-of-phase, series
This setup allows bassists to easily switch between tones suitable for different musical styles. The fretless maple fingerboard offers a distinctive tonal character, combining the brightness of maple with the smoothness required for fretless play. The string-through-body bridge design enhances sustain and resonance, while the Schaller BM tunersensure stable and precise tuning.
Notable Features:
- Fretless Design: Enables smooth glissando and microtonal expression.
- Q-System Electronics: Provides versatile tonal options through innovative pickup configurations.
- String-Through-Body Bridge: Enhances sustain and overall resonance.
- Bill Lawrence Super Humbuckers: Deliver a powerful and clear bass tone.
