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Average Price: $3,481
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$1001+
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Description
Celebrate Gibson's 120th anniversary with the RD Artist, a guitar that fuses vintage charm with modern innovation. This solid body electric guitar is a nod to Gibson's legacy while embracing the present with a suite of contemporary features. The RD Artist stands out with its distinctive body shape and Moog-designed active electronics, which offer a diverse range of tones that cater to any playing style. Whether you're into blues, rock, or jazz, this guitar provides lush, responsive sound that adapts to your musical expression.
Crafted with a solid maple body and neck, the RD Artist is designed for durability and sustain, making it an ideal choice for both stage and studio. The ebony fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface and enhances playability, while the 22 frets allow for comfortable access across the entire neck. The inclusion of a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover tuners ensures that your tuning remains stable, even during the most intense performances. The RD Artist also features a unique control layout with volume, tone, and active EQ controls, giving you precise command over your sound.
Key Features:
- Solid maple body and neck for durability and sustain
- Ebony fingerboard with 22 frets for smooth playability
- Moog-designed active electronics for versatile sound options
- Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover tuners for enhanced tuning stability
- Unique control layout with volume, tone, and active EQ controls
- Part of Gibson's 120th anniversary collection
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | RD Artist 120th Anniversary |
| Year | 2014 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | White |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson RD |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson RD Artist |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary?
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The Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, slim taper neck profile, making it suitable for fast playing and offering a smooth feel for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary?
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The Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a powerful, versatile tonal range suitable for rock, blues, and metal, delivering both warm, rich cleans and aggressive, high-gain distortion.
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Is the Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary is designed with advanced players in mind, offering high-quality craftsmanship, versatile tone options, and a professional-grade build that meets the demands of experienced musicians.
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How does the offset body shape of the Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary affect playability?
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The offset body shape of the Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary provides a unique aesthetic and ergonomic balance, making it comfortable to play whether standing or sitting, and offering easy access to higher frets.
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Does the Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary come with any special features for its 120th anniversary edition?
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The 120th Anniversary edition of the Gibson RD Artist includes special features such as a commemorative inlay and unique cosmetic details that celebrate Gibson's rich history and craftsmanship.
Videos
Premier Guitar
Summer NAMM '14 - Gibson ES-Les Paul, 120th Anniversary Explorer, and RD Artist Demos
Summer NAMM '14 - Gibson ES-Les Paul, 120th Anniversary Explorer, and RD Artist Demos
Premier Guitar
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary.
User experience
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Owners of the Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary report that finding one in good condition is rare and that prices have roughly doubled over the years.
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A buyer was convinced to purchase due to a friend's advice, highlighting the importance of seizing the opportunity with unique models like the Gibson RD Artist.
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An Explorer owner describes the body shape as ideal for resting the right elbow, providing comfort during extended play sessions.
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Some owners appreciate the TP6 for its ease of restringing, allowing for fewer wraps on tuning machines.
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Value and pricing
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It's noted that while initially expensive, the Gibson RD Artist 120th Anniversary appreciates in value, making it a good investment for collectors.
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Features and functionality
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The RD Artist model, especially in white, is particularly sought after for its unique aesthetics and rarity in the market.
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Explorers have a toggle switch placement that players prefer over Les Pauls for easier access during performances.
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Fine tuning tailpiece, known as TP6, allows for quick, precise tuning adjustments without needing a locking nut.
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The TP6 fine tuners are praised for making mid-performance tuning adjustments faster and more convenient.
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Build quality
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Owners report that Explorers, like the RD Artist, have substantial weight but are praised for balance and playability, especially when standing.
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Comparisons
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It's noted that Explorers can sound similar to SGs, with a warm and bassy tone, but not as heavy or bass-rich as Les Pauls.
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The Explorer's large body is likened to a "giant slab," but it's reportedly lighter than expected, making it comfortable for both sitting and standing play.
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The TP6 is noted to work well with locking tuners, eliminating the need for a locking nut, unlike Floyd Rose systems.
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Mods and upgrades
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A user replaced Explorer pickups with Seymour Duncan SH11/APH1N, preferring them over the original D-Activator X pickups for improved tone.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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