The RD Standard bass was launched alongside the active RD artist in 1977, and sold just over 900 instruments to 1979 when production ceased. Both guitars were produced side by side at Gibson's Kalamazoo plant, Michigan, USA. The Standard was the passive model, fitted with two newly designed Gibson series III /series IV humbuckers unique to this model. The body was solid maple, typically three-piece, with a three-piece laminated set maple neck. Fingerboards were either maple (for the Natural models) or Ebony (for the black models).
The first catalog appearance of the RD Standard was in the 1978 catalog, along with the RD artist bass, and a range of RD guitars (see RD bass Prices & Publicity).
Gibson RD Standard bass specifications
As mentioned above, the Standard was fully passive, and therefore featured vastly simpler electrics than the RD Artist: just a volume control for each pickup, and a master tone control, each topped with a black speed knob, numbered 0-10 (see RD Standard circuit. The pickups were described as 'explosive' in the 1978 catalogue. Being all-maple, and long scale, all RD basses had a distinctly brighter sound than many of the older mahogany short scale Gibson basses, irrespective of any circuitry, and their very original styling was a major contrast to the very much fifties and sixties bias of the EB series basses. They were heavy though; in fact the Standard, with it's smaller control cavity than the Artist was the heaviest of all Gibson basses, typically weighing around 5.4kg.
The RD Standard was offered in two finishes: Natural and Ebony. Thanks to Brandon Howell for the Ebony RD pictured.
Gibson RD Standard Bass sound clips
These sound clips are recorded directly into a mobilepre preamp. Recorded with round wound strings, and played with a pick. My favourite setting is the fourth, with the tone turned down on both pickups. These recordings were recorded with low gain, but this bass really growls when you turn it up a couple notches.
Compare these clips with those of the RD Artist RD Artist soundclips.
Typically warm maple sound
The bridge pickup gives the bright highs and mid tones
The neck pickup gives a rich bass sound
This has a honky Rickenbackeresque vibe. Lovely maple.
Gibson RD bass guitars for sale
Gibson RD Artist Bass 1977 - Natural *USA Small Business*
Hillsborough, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2199
This bass is in good condition. There is plenty of finish checking leading to a beautifully aged look. There is stand wear along the edges of the headstock. The frets are low but in good shape and do not have any divots. It has been setup and ready to play by our in-house repair shop
There are three primary issues
1. The electronics work except for the expansion circuit on the bridge pickup
2. The fretboard was lifting when ... 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
Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Natural w / Case
Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2430
Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass... 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
1979 Vintage Maple Gibson RD Artist Bass Gtr with a History
Bloomfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3000
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
1979 Vintage Maple Gibson RD Artist Bass Gtr with a History
Bloomfield, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2160
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
Gibson RD Artist (MOOG) Bass (Simms Custom repaint) + Original Hard Case
London, NW5***, UNITED KINGDOM
£4837