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:
With the ghost of Orville Gibson looking over his shoulder... Bob Moog dips his designer's hands into the second generation Gibson active electronics guitar the Gibson RD-77... already in use by the Who's John Entwistle recording in the United Kingdom... The RD-77 shows more Moog technology blended with Gibson tradition...
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
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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 ... view on ebay
PICK UP ONLY Mission Hills, CA (LA ... view on ebay
1978 Gibson RD Artist Vintage Electric Bass Guitar w / Moog Electronics
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2800
Up for sale, a 1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Designed as a collaboration between Gibson and Moog Music (who were both owned by Gibson's parent company Norlin at the time), with input from The Who's John Entwistle, the RD Artist sports an active compression and expansion circuit designed by Moog, available at the flip of a switch. Perhaps best known for its use by bass players such as Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, IMAROBOT, Nine Inch... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
1979 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar with active Moog Electronics
Frankfort, Indiana, 460**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6000
This vintage 1979 Gibson RD Artist is in MINT Condition. The sunburst finish in perfect condition. It has Robert Moog active electronics on board. At the flip pf a toggle switch you can have compression with indefinite low end sustain to clean midrange and high treble tones. Each pick up has a dedicated volume and tone control that are clean with no noise. Requires X-Tra Long Scale strings if you want to go through the body or long scale from the bridge. Comes with the original hard shell ... view on ebay
1978 Gibson RD Artist Vintage Electric Bass Guitar w / Moog Electronics, Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2700
Up for sale, a 1978 Gibson RD Artist bass in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. Designed as a collaboration between Gibson and Moog Music (who were both owned by Gibson's parent company Norlin at the time), with input from The Who's John Entwistle, the RD Artist sports an active compression and expansion circuit designed by Moog, available at the flip of a switch. Perhaps best known for its use by bass players such as Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, IMAROBOT, Nine Inch Nails), ... view on ebay
Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Ebony w / Case
Pine Brook, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4600
1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass in Ebony
Bass is in very good condition
All Moog electronics function
There had previously been a thumb rest which was removed and the holes patched. Still visible
There is slight damage to the finish on the back of the neck from the bass being hung
Comes with a case, but not the OHSC
... view on ebay
Bass is in very good condition
All Moog electronics function
There had previously been a thumb rest which was removed and the holes patched. Still visible
There is slight damage to the finish on the back of the neck from the bass being hung
Comes with a case, but not the OHSC
... view on ebay
1978 Gibson RD Standard Fretless Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Ebony
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2800
Up for sale, a 1978 Gibson RD Standard Fretless Bass in perfect working order. Dating to the era of Gibson production where the company was looking to expand their bass lineup with unique, forward-thinking designs, the short-lived RD Standard model (1977-79) was the passive entry into the RD lineup. Compared to the Artist, which sported Bob Moog-designed active electronics, the RD Standard is a no-frills tonal powerhouse, yielding robust, versatile tones. This particular RD bass is 100% original... view on ebay
1977 Gibson RD Standard Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Ebony w / Case
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3400
Up for sale, a 1977 Gibson RD Standard Bass in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Dating to the era of Gibson production where the company was looking to expand their bass lineup with unique, forward-thinking designs, the short-lived RD Standard model (1977-79) was the passive entry into the RD lineup. Compared to the Artist, which sported Bob Moog-designed active electronics, the RD Standard is a no-frills tonal powerhouse, yielding ... view on ebay
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 / ... view on ebay
" 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 / ... view on ebay
Gibson RD Artist Bass 4-String Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar Natural RH
Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3040
Most likely a one off build by an Gibson employee. Fret lines are in the fret board and not raise so it plays like a fretless Gibson ripper probably around 1974, 1975. never seen another one exactly like it. It??s definitely a one-of-a-kind.... view on ebay
1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass - Natural- MOOG Expansion and compression
Beckenham, Kent, BR3***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3200
The 1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass guitar designed for right-handed players. Made with a solid maple body and neck. This vintage model from the United States comes in its original hard case, making it ideal for professional musicians looking for a classic and high-quality bass guitar from Gibson's Artist series. With its timeless design and superior craftsmanship, the RD Artist Bass is a sought-after choice for bass players in need of a top-tier instrument. The MOOG electronics are in full working ... view on ebay
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.... view on ebay