For Sale: 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless – Ebony Black w/ OHSC

Up for sale is a 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless in Ebony Black, complete with its original hard-shell case.

This is a very cool and very rare original fretless Gibson bass from the late ’70s. Original fretless Rippers do not come up often, and this one has all the bold visual presence and unmistakable feel that make these basses so appealing. With its long-scale Gibson design, ebony fingerboard, and classic Ebony Black finish, it is a standout piece for players and collectors alike.

Condition

This bass is in very good condition and I would rate it a solid 8/10. It shows scratches and dings throughout, some wear on the back, a small crack on the pickguard near one of the screws, and slight bends to the A and D tuning keys. The tuners still function properly. Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

There is also minor string wear to the ebony fingerboard. This is very typical of fretless basses and does not affect playability. Please see the photos for a close look.

There are no cracks, breaks, or structural repairs to the bass itself. It plays cleanly up and down the neck and has been recently professionally set up and is ready to go.

The original hard-shell case is included. It does show some wear, and one latch on the back of the case is broken, but the case still works great.

Specifications

Serial Number: 73069082
Weight: 10 lbs 4 oz
Nut Width: 1.57"
Finish: Ebony Black
Fingerboard: Ebony
Case: Original Hard-Shell Case

Electronics & Features

One of the biggest draws of this bass is simply how uncommon it is. Original fretless Rippers are very hard to find, and they offer a very different feel and voice from the more common fretted versions. It is a model that stands out immediately to anyone who appreciates unusual vintage Gibson basses.

The ebony fingerboard is another great feature here. It gives the bass a smooth, fast feel and a strong, articulate response that works especially well in a fretless format.

Tone & Feel

This bass has the strong, authoritative presence you would expect from a vintage Gibson bass, but with the added expressiveness and nuance that comes with a fretless fingerboard. It has a smooth, vocal quality with plenty of low-end support and midrange character, making it a very inspiring instrument to play.

At 10 lbs 4 oz, it has a solid, substantial feel in hand, just like many of the great vintage basses from this period. The ebony fretless board adds a smooth, controlled feel that suits the model very well.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the actual instrument. At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to highlight any wear. We don’t just describe the condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises. Many customers tell us our guitars often arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments. Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation, so there is no risk to you as the buyer. We know how to pack and ship guitars so it arrives safely.

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This 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless in Ebony Black is a rare original fretless vintage Gibson with tons of character, honest wear, and its original hard-shell case.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006