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Average Price: $1,999

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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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

What type of pickups does the 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass have?

The 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass is equipped with active pickups, providing a powerful and dynamic sound suitable for a range of musical styles.

Is the Gibson RD Artist Bass suitable for live performances?

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.

What is the body material of the 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass?

The body of the 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass is made of maple, which contributes to its bright and resonant tone.

How many frets does the Gibson RD Artist Bass have?

The Gibson RD Artist Bass features 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for most bass playing styles.

Does the Gibson RD Artist Bass have a double cutaway design?

Yes, the Gibson RD Artist Bass features a double cutaway body shape, allowing for easier access to the higher frets.

三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

Gibson USA RD Artist Bass 4st 2018

Video thumbnail for Gibson USA RD Artist Bass 4st 2018 by 三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

Gibson USA RD Artist Bass 4st 2018

三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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

  • Some enthusiasts note the shorter scale length of the reissue compared to the original, suggesting a preference for the original's 34.5” scale.

    Source
  • The RD Standard, with jazz-bass-style pickups and three knobs, is distinct from the RD Artist, which has Moog electronics.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the unique preamp design, comparing it to a Wal, though it's acknowledged that this comparison may be an overstatement.

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  • Despite common complaints of heaviness and neck dive, some owners consider the RD Artist a "tank" with unbeatable tone.

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Mods and upgrades

  • 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

  • Prices for vintage RD models have skyrocketed, with some selling for $3,000, up from $800 in 2014.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Electrical buzzing noise may indicate a disconnected preamp; checking for shorts or open connections is recommended.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Krist Novoselic uses Gibson 2018 Gibson RD Artist Bass

Krist Novoselic

Bassist, Keyboardist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

Plays one during some Gigs with the Bonafide Band.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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wosmossel

wosmossel

Gear IQ 130

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