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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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
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
1979 Vintage Maple Gibson RD Artist Bass Gtr with a History
Bloomfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
A Vintage Guitar with a History
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
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 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
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
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