The Gibson RD Artist bass (and RD Artist guitar) were developed by the Gibson research and development team (hence RD) based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, working in collaboration with Moog synthesizer inventor Bob Moog (responsible for the innovative new circuitry). At this time both Gibson and Moog were part of the Norlin stable of companies.
Bob Moog at work on the RD Artist
Little has been written about the development of these instruments, but there were some interesting snippets released by Norlin at the time.
The interesting image below shows Robert Moog working on the RD-77, and is taken from the 1978 Norlin Artists Perspectives flyer, and came with the following accompanying text:
The 'second generation' RD referred to in the text became the RD-79 when launched. The phrase 'Arr Dee Too', also has resonances with R2D2 - the impact of Star Wars was taking the world by storm; at the time the RD basses were themselves pretty futuristic!
One very interesting feature of the guitar he is working on is the bolt-on neck. Was this just the simplest way to create a test instrument, or something that was actually considered for the RD? According to one member of the design team, Chuck Burge, the RD series was initially planned to have a bolt-on neck, and idea dropped before the bass went into production. Furthermore, at least one potential prototype RD has surfaced with a bolt-on neck - Gibson six string RD bass guitar. Although the text suggests the instrument in question is a bass, the shape of the cavity, as difficult as it is to see, may suggest a six string guitar.
Gibson RD bass guitars for sale
Gibson RD Artist MOOG 1978 Natural Maple 4-String Bass w / HSC (Used)
Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4000
Gibson RD Artist Bass
Kennewick, Washington, 993**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3795
1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC
San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4000
" 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
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 279**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2999
... more