Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,154
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Gibson RD Artist Bass is a distinctive choice for bassists seeking a fusion of classic style and modern technology. Originally introduced in the late '70s, this electric bass stands out with its innovative design and versatile tonal capabilities. Combining the legacy of Gibson craftsmanship with active Moog electronics, the RD Artist Bass offers a unique blend of traditional resonance and cutting-edge sound shaping.
The body shape is an intriguing departure from the usual, offering an ergonomic design that balances well whether you're on stage or in the studio. Its solid maple construction ensures durability and a bright, sustained tone, while the three-piece maple neck provides a smooth playing experience. The 34-inch scale length is perfect for those who want a comfortable reach across the fretboard, making it ideal for both intricate solos and steady grooves.
The RD Artist Bass features two specially designed pickups that deliver a wide range of tones, from deep, warm lows to crisp, articulate highs. The bass is equipped with precision tuning pegs and a bridge that allows for easy string change and fine intonation adjustments. Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or a modern player, this bass offers a sound palette that can adapt to any musical style.
Key Features:
- Active Moog electronics for versatile sound shaping
- Solid maple body for bright and sustained tone
- Three-piece maple neck with a 34-inch scale length
- Specially designed pickups for a wide tonal range
- Ergonomic body shape for comfortable playability
- Precision tuning pegs and adjustable bridge for optimal performance
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | RD Artist Bass |
| Finish | Ebony, Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1977 - 1981 |
| 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, Brown, Natural, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony, Maple |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What makes the Gibson RD Artist Bass unique compared to other bass guitars?
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The Gibson RD Artist Bass is distinctive for its active electronics and active preamp, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities. Its maple body and neck, along with the double cutaway design, provide a unique aesthetic and playability.
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Gibson RD Artist Bass?
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The Gibson RD Artist Bass delivers a powerful, versatile sound thanks to its active pickups and preamp. It is well-suited for genres requiring strong, clear bass tones, such as rock and funk.
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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, offering robust sound output and stage presence. Its active electronics help maintain clarity and punch in live settings.
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How does the weight of the Gibson RD Artist Bass affect playability?
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Weighing approximately 11 lbs 11 oz, the Gibson RD Artist Bass is relatively heavy, which may affect comfort during extended play. However, its weight contributes to its solid feel and sustain.
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What are the finish options available for the Gibson RD Artist Bass?
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The Gibson RD Artist Bass is available in Ebony, Natural, and Sunburst finishes, each offering a distinct visual appeal while maintaining the bass's classic design.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
1979 Gibson RD Artist Bass w/ Moog Electronics | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar
1979 Gibson RD Artist Bass w/ Moog Electronics | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar
Chicago Music Exchange
1979 Gibson RD Artist Bass | Guitar of the Day
Normans Rare Guitars
A look at the Gibson RD Artist bass
andyg3
Gibson RD Artist
PinkbassmanMusic
1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars
GuitarPoint
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers versatile tones from gritty to warm and bright
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Moog compression circuitry offers absolute tonal control
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Optimal for players with bigger hands/longer fingers
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The long-scale neck provides a unique playing experience
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Considered a rare and collectible "musical unicorn"
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Produces monster tones ideal for heavy sounds
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Intonation and action are often praised for their smoothness
CONS
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Notable for being very heavy on the shoulder
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson RD Artist Bass.
Features and functionality
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The RD Artist includes onboard electronics designed by Bob Moog, which can be complex but are praised for their unique tonal capabilities.
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The reissue features a Babicz bridge and a filter-based 4-band semi-parametric EQ, which some users liken to a Wal bass.
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The preamp can be noisy, leading some users to operate the bass in passive mode most of the time.
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The reissue did not retain the original 34.5” scale length, which some enthusiasts miss for its unique feel.
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Stock pickups are the EB series, featuring Alnico V magnets and a coil tap, likely wired in parallel, similar to models used in the Thunderbird from 2015-2017.
Source
Build quality
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Owners describe the RD Artist as a "tank of a bass" with a robust build that withstands heavy use without issues.
Source
User experience
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Some owners express a strong attachment, stating the RD Artist is the only bass they would never sell, highlighting its enduring appeal.
Source
Comparisons
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Dunable makes RD-shaped basses, offering an alternative with bolt-on necks, differing from the RD's original set neck design.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
One of the best I own
Absolutely love this beast of a bass. They're rare and very heavy...if you can find one and take the weight they're worth every penny for the monster tones you get out of them! Mine's a '78 model in natural that I picked up on Reverb.com. They come up there if you keep an eye out for them.
Artist usage
Add artist
Dave used the Gibson RD Bass at “The Hollywood Rock Festival 1993”. Dave also used the Gibson RD Bass while Krist was recovering from the iconic “Bass Toss Fail” at the “MTV Music Awards” in 1992. nirvana
Krist Novoselic used the Gibson RD Artist Bass during Nirvana's "Nevermind" recordings and live performances. In the video "Nirvana - Breed (Live At The Paramount/1991)" at 02:30, you can clearly see the two switches and humbuckers characteristic of the RD Artist Bass, distinguishing it from the standard RD model.
"It's got flatwounds that are ancient...great, 'cardboard' sort of tone" -JMJ https://www.flyguitars.com/interviews/justinMeldalJohnsen2.php
In a video on his Instagram, Gordon Moakes is seen playing a Gibson RD Artist Bass while working on new music ideas.
In this 1987 video of The Mission, Craig can be seen playing a Gibson RD Artist bass, visible by the headstock inlay
Ross in the Dirty Nil music video for Doom Boy with his RD Bass
We can see TonyB using a RD bass here, The concert was with 3 big punk bands: Sex pistols, Damned and Buzzcocks
In an interview with darkstars.de, Marco Zanin, the bassist from MESSA, confirmed his preference for the Gibson RD Artist Bass, stating:
"My Gibson RD Artist. I’ve spent so many good times with it. I’ll never ever sell it."
This is further substantiated by concert footage and photos showcasing him playing this specific bass guitar.
Album Usage
The Gibson RD Artist Bass has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson RD Artist Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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