Bob Moog and the RD Artist (RD-77) Bass

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

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

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

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

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

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
... more

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 ... more

Vintage Gibson RD Artist Bass Natural 1978

Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2999

Vintage Gibson RD Artist Bass Natural 1978
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Ah, the '70s. A time when forced ingenuity trumped conventional wisdom & gave us amazing instruments such as this one. Like the line of electric guitars, the RD Artist bass features active preamp circuitry designed by Moog, long before Moog exploded onto the marketplace. This preamp combined with bulletproof all-maple construction makes for a white hot explosion of ... 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

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 ... more

1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass (Fretless) - Natural

Mansfield, England, NG18***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2599

This 1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass in Natural is a great example of Gibson's late-70s innovation. Built with a solid maple neck and body, it features a distinctive offset shape and has a solid, substantial feel that is typical of the era
The main talking point here is the original onboard Moog active circuitry. It was incredibly advanced for 1977, offering built-in compression and expansion modes that give the twin humbuckers a massive range of tones, from a deep punchy thump, to a very clear, ... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co