The Gibson RD Artist bass development started in 1975, with the production basses shipping in 1977 (see RD timeline). The bass was a product of Moog and Gibson; both subsidiaries of Norlin; Bob Moog produced some highly innovative electronics, housed in a body designed by Bruce Bolen, head of the Gibson Research and Development department (hence RD), based in Kalamazoo. Note the large control cavity in the rear to house the Moog circuit board. (more about the RD Artist circuitry here).
The body design was patented: filed in 1978 and granted in 1980, and is reproduced below.
The bass pictured in the design patented has the first version RD77 electronics, i.e. it has two three way toggle stitches, rather than the later arrangement of one toggle/two mini toggles of the RD79. Find out more about the RD Artist's controls, and their operation here.
Gibson RD bass guitars for sale
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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
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
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
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
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
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
" 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
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
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 (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
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