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Average Price: $1,999
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$1001+
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Description
The Gibson 2018 RD Artist Bass is a reimagined masterpiece that resurrects Gibson's pioneering active bass from the late '70s. Crafted for those who crave a punchy, articulate sound, this bass guitar pairs a full 34" scale length with all-maple construction to deliver robust tones that are as rich as they are precise. The dual humbucking pickups, paired with a powerful active preamp, offer unparalleled control over your sonic palette, allowing you to tweak bass, treble, and mid frequencies to your liking. Whether you're laying down deep grooves or cutting through a dense mix, the Gibson RD Artist Bass ensures every note is heard with clarity.
This instrument's instantly recognizable body blends elements from the iconic Thunderbird and Explorer designs, while the dense maple adds a heft that enhances sustain and attack. It’s no surprise that this bass has been a favorite among rock legends. The neck features a rounded profile for comfortable playability, allowing you to dig into those classic rock tones effortlessly. The inclusion of the Babicz full-contact bridge guarantees maximum stability and sustain, making this bass an indispensable tool for any serious musician.
Key Features:
- Reissue of Gibson's famed active 4-string bass
- Maple body and neck for punchy, articulate tones
- Full 34" scale length for pronounced attack and definition
- Dual humbucking pickups with active preamp
- Parametric mid control for precise tonal sculpting
- Babicz full-contact bridge for enhanced sustain and stability
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | RD Artist Bass |
| Finish | Antique Natural, Ebony |
| Year | 2018 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Active Pickups |
| Active Preamp | Active Preamp |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Natural, Yellow |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass have?
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The 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass is equipped with active pickups, providing a powerful and dynamic sound suitable for a range of musical styles.
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Is the Gibson RD Artist Bass suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson RD Artist Bass is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its active electronics and robust build, offering clarity and punch on stage.
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What is the body material of the 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass?
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The body of the 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass is made of maple, which contributes to its bright and resonant tone.
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How many frets does the Gibson RD Artist Bass have?
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The Gibson RD Artist Bass features 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for most bass playing styles.
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Does the Gibson RD Artist Bass have a double cutaway design?
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Yes, the Gibson RD Artist Bass features a double cutaway body shape, allowing for easier access to the higher frets.
Videos
三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル
Gibson USA RD Artist Bass 4st 2018
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass.
Features and functionality
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The 2018 RD Artist Bass features a Babicz bridge and a filter-based 4-band semi-parametric EQ, but many users prefer running it passive due to preamp noise.
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The stock pickups are the EB series used in earlier Gibson models like the Thunderbird, equipped with Alnico V magnets and a coil tap, likely wired in parallel.
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The Moog electronics in the RD Artist are praised for reliability, though repairs may require extensive searching for parts.
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The RD Artist reissue features a sweepable mid knob, which is not common in basic wiring setups.
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Comparisons
User experience
Mods and upgrades
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There's a suggestion that the bass could have been more successful with a hip shot bridge and a third-party preamp upgrade.
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Dunable and EGC offer RD-shaped basses; Dunable uses bolt-on necks, contrasting with the original's set neck design.
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Consider aftermarket preamps with a sweepable mid, such as those from J East, EMG, or Noll, for enhanced functionality.
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Value and pricing
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Prices for vintage RD models have skyrocketed, with some selling for $3,000, up from $800 in 2014.
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Artist usage
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