Bob Moog working on an RD-79 (RD Artist) Bass Guitar >> FlyGuitars

Bob Moog and the RD Artist (RD-77) Bass

This interesting image shows Robert Moog working on the RD-77, and is taken from the 1978 Norlin Artists Perspectives flyer, and came with the accompanying text...

With the ghost of Orville Gibson looking over his shoulder... Bob Moog dips his designer's hands into the second generation Gibson active electronics guitar the Gibson RD-77... already in use by the Who's John Entwistle recording in the United Kingdom... The RD-77 shows more Moog technology blended with Gibson tradition...

The 'second generation' RD referred to in the text became the RD-79 when launched. The phrase 'Arr Dee Too', also has resonances with R2D2 - the impact of Star Wars was taking the world by storm; at the time the RD basses were themselves pretty futuristic!

One very interesting feature of the guitar he is working on is the bolt-on neck. Was this just the simplest way to create a test instrument, or something that was actually considered for the RD? According to one member of the design team, Chuck Burge, the RD series was initially planned to have a bolt-on neck, and idea dropped before the bass went into production. Furthermore, at least one potential prototype RD has surfaced with a bolt-on neck - here. Although the text suggests the instrument in question is a bass, the shape of the cavity, as difficult as it is to see, may suggest a six string guitar.

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1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass Sunburst

Antioch, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3999

Very good condition 1980 Gibson RD Artist Bass. All original, outside of the removal of the Moog electronics. Original pickups sound MASSIVE and have tons of low end on tap. Really a special bass from Gibson that was not made that long. Original sunburst finish looks great on this specific bass. Some signs of play as pictured, but nothing crazy. All electronics have been tested to be working perfectly. Recently set up as well. Kept in a smoke free, pet free studio for recording purposes. Comes ... more

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

San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000