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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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
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
Gibson RD Artist MOOG 1978 Natural Maple 4-String Bass w / HSC (Used)
Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4000
Has light wear and scratches from being played. Overall in great condition with no major wear or dings. Has typical flat Gibson style frets. Overall in great condition. Have some light wear but no divoting or anything to worry about. Screws for battery compartment cover have been swapped with flat head screws (as seen in photos). Corner of back plate is chipped (as seen in photos). Expander Sensitivity Control on back plate is missing the plastic cap. It does work and is accessible. Strap ... more
1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC
Healdsburg, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2800
The 1977 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric Bass. fantastic shape for it's age Guitar is a vintage instrument known for its association with Moog synthesizers. This right-handed bass features a solid maple body in a natural blonde finish, with a maple fretboard. The 4-string configuration and Artist series designation indicate a high-quality build, made in the United States. This bass comes with its original hardshell case, adding to its collectible value. A classic choice... more
Gibson RD Standard bass Maple Wood 1977 PERFECT
Oakland, California, 946**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2895
RD Standard Gibson electric bass, all maple wood
This fantastic instrument was made in 1977, is all original and is in superb almost-new condition!
It has very easy action but does not buzz on the neck. In my opinion it does not need an action set-up. It plays perfectly as is. It was my best friend's brother's who was the sole owner and it has spent most of its time stored in its case
The serial Number is 72697004. This means it was made on the 269th day of 1977 (September 26th,... more
This fantastic instrument was made in 1977, is all original and is in superb almost-new condition!
It has very easy action but does not buzz on the neck. In my opinion it does not need an action set-up. It plays perfectly as is. It was my best friend's brother's who was the sole owner and it has spent most of its time stored in its case
The serial Number is 72697004. This means it was made on the 269th day of 1977 (September 26th,... more
Gibson RD Artist Bass
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 279**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2999
1978 (February 25, #117) Gibson RD Artist Series Bass Guitar in very good condition. Lightly played with all original parts and electronics. All switches and knobs work smoothly without crackle or static. Minor blemishes and scuffs from playing, no deep gouges or scrapes. Hamer brand case is clean inside, needs some hardware but is functional. Medium heavy flat-wound strings on it now. Sounds like a beast!! Case kept, non-smoking home.
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