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.

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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/headstock pickguard swirls. Classic Gibson Norlin-Era "volute" on back of headstock neck. NO HEADSTOCK CRACK.

VERY STURDY AND HIGH QUALITY BUILD. Has decent weight to it just like many Norlin Era Gibsons. Built like an absolute TANK. Probably one of the highest quality bass guitars I've played.

Feels very stable when sitting down or standing up with a strap. Comfortable 70's style U/C hybrid shaped neck profile. Starts out a bit slimmer on the first 5 frets, and gradually thickens towards the end of the neck. Great neck for standard playing with a pick but also versatile for both slap bass and fingerpicking styles.

Absolutely beautiful rounded maple neck and fretboard. Great looking flames throughout the entire fretboard that adds a nice touch. Fretboard is still very clean with tons of life left.

Standard Gibson headstock design with interesting looking "Flower/Wing" style pearl inlay on front of headstock. "RD ARTIST BASS" trussrod cover logo.

The body is contoured with a solid maple body. String through tail with a 3 point bridge system and adjustable saddles. The previous owner bypassed the strings through the string-thru holes and placed the strings directly through the saddle/bridge. I think it has better intonation and tone this way. But can be strung normally if wanted.

VERY UNIQUE AND INTERESTING MOOG ELECTRONICS (active circuitry). Dual volume + tone knobs with 2 separate 3-way pickup selectors. Provides TONS of different sounding tones without needing to swap to new pickups. Great pickups for Jazz, Blues, Rock and even Heavy metal.

Upgraded to modern strap locks for those who like to play standing up with a strap. Very high quality locks. The strap will not fall off even with lots of moving around when standing up.

This is an excellent bass guitar for both professional bass guitarists and serious Gibson collectors. The RD ARTIST model is a bass guitar that strays away from the traditional bass guitar designs and more into the experimental Gibson era. High quality bass guitar overall that was clearly built to last decades to come.

Comes with:
- 1978 Gibson RD ARTIST Bass Guitar
- Original Gibson Bass Hardshell Case
- MISC (Guitar strap, Picks)

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

❤️ Will be shipped with love and care :) ❤️

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Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar HISTORY:

The Gibson RD Artist Bass is a unique and innovative bass guitar, introduced in the late 1970s as part of Gibson's RD (Research and Development) series. Known for its cutting-edge electronics, bold design, and high-quality craftsmanship, the RD Artist Bass is a highly regarded instrument for bass players seeking both versatility and style.

Key Features

1. Body and Design

• Body Shape:

  • The RD Artist Bass features a distinctive, contoured body shape, designed to be ergonomic and comfortable for extended playing sessions.
  • Made from solid mahogany, giving it a warm, rich tone with plenty of sustain.
  • The body is relatively large compared to typical basses, which adds to its unique aesthetic.

• Finish:

  • Available in various finishes, including natural, sunburst, and black.
  • The finish is typically glossy, showcasing the natural wood grain.

• Neck:

  • The RD Artist Bass features a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard.
  • The neck is set into the body (set-neck construction), contributing to the instrument's sustain and resonance.
  • 22 frets with dot inlays.

2. Electronics

The RD Artist Bass was notable for its advanced onboard electronics, which were quite innovative for the time.

• Active Electronics:

  • The bass was equipped with active electronics, featuring Gibson's active EQ system that allowed players to fine-tune their tone with greater precision.
  • The active system provided a wide range of tonal options, from deep, punchy lows to bright, cutting highs.

• Pickups:

  • The RD Artist Bass was equipped with two humbucking pickups, designed to deliver a thick, powerful sound with reduced hum and noise.
  • The pickups were highly responsive and versatile, making the bass suitable for various genres.

• Controls:

  • Volume and tone controls for each pickup.
  • Active EQ with a boost/cut control for adjusting bass, midrange, and treble frequencies.
  • Pickup selector switch to choose between the bridge, neck, or both pickups.

3. Hardware

• Bridge:
  • The RD Artist Bass features a Gibson Tune-O-Matic bridge, known for its excellent intonation and sustain.
• Tailpiece:
  • Stopbar tailpiece for added stability and sustain.
• Tuners:
  • Vintage-style tuners for precise tuning adjustments.

Tone and Playability

The RD Artist Bass is known for its wide tonal range and musical versatility:

• Powerful and Punchy:
  • The humbucking pickups provide a thick, full-bodied sound with plenty of low-end punch, making it great for rock, funk, and metal.
• Clear and Articulate:
  • The active EQ system allows for a highly articulate tone, with the ability to cut through the mix in live settings.
• Sustain and Resonance:
  • The set-neck construction and mahogany body contribute to the bass's long sustain and rich resonance.

History and Legacy

• Introduced: The RD Artist Bass was introduced in 1977 as part of Gibson's RD series, which also included electric guitars like the RD Artist guitar.
• Discontinued: The RD series was discontinued in the early 1980s due to a lack of commercial success, making the RD Artist Bass a relatively rare and collectible instrument.
• Innovative Electronics: The active electronics and unique tonal flexibility set the RD Artist Bass apart from other basses of its time, making it a favorite among bassists who wanted a modern, cutting-edge instrument.

Notable Players

While not as widely adopted as some other Gibson bass models, the RD Artist Bass has found favor with several notable musicians:

• Gene Simmons (Kiss): Known for using a variety of basses, Simmons occasionally played the RD Artist Bass during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
• Billy Sheehan: The renowned bassist, known for his virtuosic playing, has occasionally been seen with an RD Artist Bass, particularly for its tonal flexibility and unique sound.

Why Choose an RD Artist Bass?

1. Unique Electronics:
   • The active EQ system provides unparalleled tonal control and versatility, making it ideal for bassists who need to adapt to different musical styles.
2. Classic Gibson Build Quality:
   • Known for its excellent craftsmanship, the RD Artist Bass offers great playability, sustain, and resonance.
3. Collectible Status:
   • Due to its limited production and unique design, the RD Artist Bass is a sought-after collector's item, especially for fans of vintage Gibson instruments.

Modern Reissues

While Gibson has not reissued the RD Artist Bass specifically, the Gibson Custom Shop has occasionally recreated vintage models for collectors. Additionally, bass players seeking similar features may find modern Gibson basses with active electronics and humbucking pickups, such as the Gibson Thunderbird or Gibson SG Bass.

Why Consider the RD Artist Bass?

• If you're looking for a bass with a distinctive design and innovative electronics, the RD Artist Bass offers a unique blend of classic Gibson craftsmanship and modern features.
• Its versatility and tonal control make it suitable for a wide range of genres, from rock to funk to jazz.