1978 Gibson RD Artist bass, in three-tone fireburst finish with an ebony fingerboard. With its maple body and neck, and comparatively large size, this is a heavy bass - typically weighing over 5 kg.
Gibson produced the RD Artist bass for just four years; 1977-1981, this bass, from early 1978 is one of the earlier examples. It had a May '78 list price of $699 in the US. 1978 was, in fact, the peak year for production; this bass was one of 1402 shipped that year. See Gibson RD bass shipping statistics.
1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass specifications
This is a great looking and playing bass. The Moog electronics give it a very wide tonal range, far wider than anything produced by Gibson up until this point.
Fireburst finish was one of the initially available colours, but was discontinued (at least, removed from the price lists) in June 1979. This burst uses much stronger colours than is typical for a Gibson sunburst; sometimes referred to as ketchup and mustard burst.
This RD bass has the first series switch configuration, as detailed in the diagram (left). See the RD Artist technical page, for a view of the mode switch from inside the body of the bass; it is not a simple three-way toggle. The technical page also shows the two-switch system that replaced it. The disadvantage of this early switch system is that expansion/compression could not be used simultaneously with the bright mode. On later models it can.
Like all RD Artist basses, the guitar pictured above has mark V active humbucking pickups, the standard Gibson 3-point chrome bridge, and Schaller BM machine heads.
The RD Artist pickups and associated electronics are unique to the RD Artist. The bridge, however, is the Gibson three-point adjustable combination bridge, first used in 1973. The pickups are series V humbuckers with expansion/compression and bright mode controlled by the switch at the bridge end of the guitar. Note the three-piece maple body, with defined patterning in places.
The back control cover is actually split into two. The very top section (right hand side of the image) is a separate battery compartment, containing the 9v battery that powers the active electronics. Have a look under the control cover here
Twin scratchplate-mounted series V humbucking pickups, especially designed for the RD Artist bass. The RD Artist was Gibson's first active bass, being powered by a 9v battery. The associated electronics were designed by Bob Moog (Moog and Gibson were both owned by Norlin at this time).
The RD Artist bass controls are not straightforward. The top switch - or trick switch, has three positions: compression/expansion, neutral and bright/lead mode. The switch below is the pickup selector. The compression only affects the neck pickup, whilst expansion only affects the bridge pickup. You can read more about the controls in the original Gibson literature: RD users manual.
All RD basses were fitted with the Gibson 3-point bridge; the bass could be strung from the bridge, as shown here, or, with extra-long scale strings strung through the body. This bridge was first used by Gibson in 1973, and is still fitted to some Gibson basses to this day.
Like many sunburst bass guitars produced by Gibson, this RD has a walnut-finished reverse side. Note the large control cover, which housed the Moog circuit board. Like the Gibson Ripper, the RD Artist had a 34 inch scale maple neck, set to a solid maple body.
The serial number 70568120 tells us that this bass was stamped on the 25th February 1978 (day 056), at the Gibson Kalamazoo plant, and was the 120th instrument stamped that day. As with all Gibson guitars and basses built after 1970, the words 'MADE IN U.S.A.' are stamped beneath the serial number - though somewhat obscured by the tuning keys.
Inlaid Gibson logo, with mother-of-pearl 'flying f-hole', designed by Gibson employee Chuck Burge. The lightning bolt through the f-hole signifies this to be an active instrument. The truss rod is typical Gibson bell-shape, with model designation and revealed edge.
Like the majority of seventies maple-necked basses, this RD artist has a volute to strengthen the area directly behind the truss-rod cavity. This bass is fitted with Gibson branded Schaller BM machine heads.
Gibson RD bass guitars for sale
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1979 Vintage Maple Gibson RD Artist Bass Gtr with a History
Bloomfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2160
A Vintage Guitar with a History
From the private collection of artist / songwriter Martin Briley, this Gibson RD Artist bass was used exclusively on tour, in videos and in the studio by Martin Briley with the Ian Hunter / Mick Ronson Band in 1979 and 1980. It also appears on the Ian Hunter albums ?Welcome to the Club?? and ?Short Back ??n?? Sides??, it has been kept safely in storage ever since.
Considering it??s age the instrument is in excellent condition, with a little cosmetic damage ... more
From the private collection of artist / songwriter Martin Briley, this Gibson RD Artist bass was used exclusively on tour, in videos and in the studio by Martin Briley with the Ian Hunter / Mick Ronson Band in 1979 and 1980. It also appears on the Ian Hunter albums ?Welcome to the Club?? and ?Short Back ??n?? Sides??, it has been kept safely in storage ever since.
Considering it??s age the instrument is in excellent condition, with a little cosmetic damage ... more
1979 Vintage Maple Gibson RD Artist Bass Gtr with a History
Bloomfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
A Vintage Guitar with a History
From the private collection of artist / songwriter Martin Briley, this Gibson RD Artist bass was used exclusively on tour, in videos and in the studio by Martin Briley with the Ian Hunter / Mick Ronson Band in 1979 and 1980. It also appears on the Ian Hunter albums ?Welcome to the Club?? and ?Short Back ??n?? Sides??, it has been kept safely in storage ever since.
Considering it??s age the instrument is in excellent condition, with a little cosmetic damage ... more
From the private collection of artist / songwriter Martin Briley, this Gibson RD Artist bass was used exclusively on tour, in videos and in the studio by Martin Briley with the Ian Hunter / Mick Ronson Band in 1979 and 1980. It also appears on the Ian Hunter albums ?Welcome to the Club?? and ?Short Back ??n?? Sides??, it has been kept safely in storage ever since.
Considering it??s age the instrument is in excellent condition, with a little cosmetic damage ... more
1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar
Mission Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
The 1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar is a classic electric bass guitar by Gibson, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and iconic design. With a sleek black body color, this guitar is sure to make a stylish statement in any musician's collection. Featuring the renowned Standard series, this bass guitar is known for its versatile sound and exceptional playability, making it a popular choice among bass players in various genres of music
PICK UP ONLY Mission Hills, CA (LA ... more
PICK UP ONLY Mission Hills, CA (LA ... more
1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC
San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4000
1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar + Original Gibson Hardshell Case
" NATURAL BLONDE" FINISH
GIBSON NORLIN-ERA
Original MOOG ELECTRONICS
Made in USA (Kalamazoo Plant, MI)
Production # 102 (April 17th release)
Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free household. Kept inside case when not used
Up for sale is a BEAUTIFUL LATE-70's Gibson Bass Guitar (RD ARTIST)
EXCELLENT overall vintage condition. Standard surface scratches, light dings, marks on front / back body / ... more
" NATURAL BLONDE" FINISH
GIBSON NORLIN-ERA
Original MOOG ELECTRONICS
Made in USA (Kalamazoo Plant, MI)
Production # 102 (April 17th release)
Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free household. Kept inside case when not used
Up for sale is a BEAUTIFUL LATE-70's Gibson Bass Guitar (RD ARTIST)
EXCELLENT overall vintage condition. Standard surface scratches, light dings, marks on front / back body / ... more
Gibson RD Artist Bass 1977 - Natural *USA Small Business*
Hillsborough, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2199
For sale is a 1977 Gibson RD Artist in Good Condition
This bass is in good condition. There is plenty of finish checking leading to a beautifully aged look. There is stand wear along the edges of the headstock. The frets are low but in good shape and do not have any divots. It has been setup and ready to play by our in-house repair shop
There are three primary issues
1. The electronics work except for the expansion circuit on the bridge pickup
2. The fretboard was lifting when ... more
This bass is in good condition. There is plenty of finish checking leading to a beautifully aged look. There is stand wear along the edges of the headstock. The frets are low but in good shape and do not have any divots. It has been setup and ready to play by our in-house repair shop
There are three primary issues
1. The electronics work except for the expansion circuit on the bridge pickup
2. The fretboard was lifting when ... more
Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag! -LL
Mesquite, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
Item: Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag!
Description: You are purchasing a Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag!Neck had a break but has been repaired. See PhotoIT has some wear and tear from normal usage Beautiful flamed wood finish Plays and sounds Please ask any questions before buying if you have any Shipping: $100 00 shipping to the Lower 48 States! We ship overseas. Overseas shipping prices will vary. Overseas buyers pay their own import taxes Payment: We accept Paypal for your ... more
Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Natural w / Case
Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2430
ProAudioStar DJ GEAR INSTRUMENT GEAR LIVE SOUND RECORDING MICROPHONES HEADPHONES ACCESSORIES SOFTWARE LIGHTING BUNDLES Authorized Dealer - Full Warranty
Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass... more
Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass... more
Gibson RD Artist (MOOG) Bass (Simms Custom repaint) + Original Hard Case
London, NW5***, UNITED KINGDOM
£4837
Quite clearly a one-of-a-kind instrument. The bass was overhauled by Feline Guitars, and then repainted by Simms Customs. All Moog electronics intact. If you have ever played one of these before you will know that no other bass sounds like these. Thunderous, but completely defined and tight. Collection, please.... more