In 1978 Gibson published a series of single-page sheets, describing in detail the specific operation of some it's instruments with the least intuitive controls; the RD Artist was a good example of a bass with a huge tonal range, but with controls beyond the usual tone and volume. No equivalent sheet was produced for the much more conventional controls of the RD Standard.
The control description below is actually for the first version of the RD Artist bass, the RD77, circa 1977-1978. Have a closer look at a 1978 RD Artist bass. As can be seen, the three-way mode selection switch, (#7 in the image below) only allows expansion / compression, OR bright mode).
In late 1979 the controls were changed; the three way mode switch replaced by two separate two-way mini-toggle switches, allowing both expansion/compression and bright mode simultaneously; something that could not be achieved the earlier RD77 version. Basses with this second switch arrangement are referred to as RD79 basses. Have a closer look at a 1981 RD Artist bass.
There are several RD Artist bass soundclips on this site demonstrating the nature of the built-in effects, and showing some of the more typical settings I use on my RDs.
See also the equivalent sheets for the Ripper, G3, Les Paul Signature and EB3 basses.
Gibson RD bass guitars for sale
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 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
PICK UP ONLY Mission Hills, CA (LA ... more
Vintage Gibson RD Standard Bass Natural 1977
Brookfield, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2499
Vintage Gibson RD Standard Bass Natural 1977
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR AN IN-HAND DESCRIPTION
Made for only a brief moment in the late '70s, this lovely RD Standard bass offers excellent tone & feel with passive electronics. Professionally set up with fresh strings & low action so it's ready to play straight out of the case
Cosmetic Condition: Various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches & some finish wear
Neck: Semi-chunky maple neck with... more
1979 Vintage Maple Gibson RD Artist Bass Gtr with a History
Bloomfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4900
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
Gibson RD Artist (MOOG) Bass (Simms Custom repaint) + Original Hard Case
London, NW5***, UNITED KINGDOM
£4837