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
1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar
Mission Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
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
" 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
Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Natural w / Case
Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2430
Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass... more
Used Gibson 1977 RD Artist Bass Moog - Black w / Case
Maricopa, Arizona, 851**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
This particular bass was used without the Moog portion engaged when I was in the band with the bass player back in 2006. He no longer plays... more
Gibson RD Artist (MOOG) Bass (Simms Custom repaint) + Original Hard Case
London, NW5***, UNITED KINGDOM
£4837
1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass - Natural
Mansfield, England, NG18***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2595
This 1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass is one of Gibson??s more unusual designs from the late ?70s, combining an all-maple construction with a distinctive offset body and a seriously forward-thinking electronics package. Finished in Natural, it has a clean, understated look that suits the design perfectly
At the heart of it is the original Moog-designed active circuitry, offering a wide range of tones with built-in compression and switching options that were ... more