ELECTRICIZED

Fender Precision Bass Plus

1989-1993
Alder or Ash, Maple, Rosewood

Nicknamed “Boner P-Bass” because of its elongated horn, it is one of the first 22 frets american made bass. Two Lace sensor pickups (one Jazz + one precision). Hear it

Gibson Grabber

1973-1983
Maple, Alder

Released at the same time as the Gibson Ripper, the Gibson Grabber broke even more the EB series mold.

The Grabber was Maple head to toe up until 1975, when the body got swapped with Alder. Same headstock as on the Flying V.

A single pickup, modular, could be easily moved to a neck or bridge position. In parts due to the wood choice, Its tone is brighter than what you could expect from a Gibson humbucker. Hear it

A limited edition re-run was produced in 2009.

Gibson Ripper

1973-1983
Maple, Alder, Ebony

Gibson EB bass series was very popular, but getting old. They freshened up in 1973 with the release of two basses that would clash with the Gibson tradition: The Gibson Grabber and the Gibson Ripper.

Instead of the Mahogany body, the Ripper was built with Maple (and alder in 1975), woods usually found on a Fender Production line. The bass was kept at low cost by keeping it cosmetically basic. In 2009, Gibson released a limited edition reissue called the Gibson Ripper II.

Photo: BCR Music

Rickenbacker 4001

1961-1981
Maple, Walnut, Rosewood

Hard to keep track of all the bass legends that played the Rickenbacker 4001 at some point in their carreer. To name a few: Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, Phil Lynott, Paul Simonon and here is how Cliff Burton mastered it.

Neck through, triangular inlays, crescent wave body shape, the 4001 is iconic in many ways. Its successor, the 4003 model, remains very similar in features and definition.

For sale by Vintage & Rare

Charvel Explorer Shazam Bass

1984

The eighties glam metal is resumed right there. I swear i can hear some Def Leppard just by looking at that bass. This is straight from San Dimas era, in other words, the best of Charvel. For sale

Fender Bass VI

1961 — 1975
Alder, Maple, Rosewood

Don’t be mistaken, despite all appearances this is not a Jaguar, its is a six string bass. Although not as popular as the Fender precision, the VI got adopted by a bunch of well known bass players (John Entwistle, Noel Redding…). A 2006 Custom shop version was also released. Hear it play

Ultra thin and dark 2005 Ritter Roya Concept Bass. Good luck on getting your hands on it, it’s ONE of a kind.

If you can’t decide between bass and guitar, here is Vintage Hofner 191 double neck, early 60s.