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 of the actual instrument are provided. Toward the end of the photo set, I include close-up images taken under direct lighting to clearly highlight any wear. We don’t just describe condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many customers comment that our guitars arrive in better condition than expected.

📦 Shipping Information

We offer fast, secure shipping anywhere in the continental USA with two flat-rate options:

Every guitar is professionally packed and fully insured for transit. We require a signature upon delivery to protect both you and the instrument — minimizing any risk during shipment.

🌍 International Shipping

We’re experienced in shipping worldwide. For international orders:

🎸 Why Buy from Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience selling premium guitars and basses both locally in Salt Lake City and online, Guitar Chimp has built a reputation for:

✅ Top-Quality Instruments
✅ Accurate, Honest Listings (real photos, no surprises)
✅ Professional Setups by Our In-House Luthier

Every instrument is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and setup before it leaves our shop — ensuring it arrives ready to play.

Check our reviews and feedback to hear from hundreds of satisfied players around the world.

📞 Call or Text Jerald
💬 Message anytime — we're always happy to help.

Thanks for trusting Guitar Chimp — Providing the Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps since 2006.

—
Jerald
Guitar Chimp 🎸