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RD Standard Technical Specifications

Gibson bass guitars | RD bass main page | RD Standard technical information

Body and neck

Maple body, three-piece maple laminate neck. Maple or Ebony fretboard. The RD Standard is typically heavier than the Artist; although both basses are externally identically sized, the RD has a larger body cavity in which it's electronics are housed.

Body
Length 19 9/16"
Width 14 5/8"
Depth 1 5/8"
Neck
Width at nut 1 5/8"
Scale 34 3/8"
Frets 20
Headstock pitch 14ยบ
Total
Length 48"
Weight 5.4kg


Electrics

Gibson RD Standard circuit schematic

The RD Standard circuitry was vastly simpler than the RD Artist, just a pair of series III/IV humbuckers and a wiring loom quite similar to that of the Gibson Thunderbird: i.e. a volume control for each pickup, and a master tone. There is some confusion as to whether these pickups should correctly be labelled series III or series IV. Gibson used both numbers throughout 1978: they used the term series III more often, though series IV makes more sense when compared to the other new pickups in the range (series V, VI and VII).

The potentiometers listed in the diagram above are all 100kΩ audio taper, Gibson part 70035, with a .047µF capacitor controlling tone. These were typically CTS made (manufacturer code 137). The 1981 parts list, however retrospectively suggests 300kΩ volume controls, Gibson part 70028, and a .02µF capacitor.


RD Standard hardware

Gibson RD Standard parts list (1981) - All the components listed with part numbers

A closer look at a 1978 RD Standard and its components

Machine heads Schaller BM, or Schaller M4
Pickguard Five ply - BWBWB
Truss rod cover Inscribed with 'RD STANDARD BASS' in block capitals
Bridge Gibson three point
Pickups Series V humbuckers


Gibson RD bass guitars for sale

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1976 RD Standard Gibson Jazz Bass Guitar

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
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Used Gibson RD artist reproduction- Natural

Used Gibson RD artist reproduction- Natural

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$300

Up for sale is a Chibson RD Artist bass I had made. The bass electronics and everything work. I am selling because I have too many guitars right now. Again, this is a reproduction, NOT the vintage RD Artist bass.... more
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1979 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar with active Moog Electronics

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
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1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC

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
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Gibson RD Artist Bass w / Bag! -LL

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
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Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Ebony w / Case

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
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Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Natural w / Case

Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Natural w / Case

Winchester, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2430

ProAudioStar DJ GEAR INSTRUMENT GEAR LIVE SOUND RECORDING MICROPHONES HEADPHONES ACCESSORIES SOFTWARE LIGHTING BUNDLES Authorized Dealer - Full Warranty
Used Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass... more
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Gibson RD Artist (MOOG) Bass (Simms Custom repaint) + Original Hard Case

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
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1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass - Natural

1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass - Natural

Mansfield, England, NG18***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2595

1977 Gibson RD Artist Bass - Natural
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
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