Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,382

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Step into the realm of musical innovation with the Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar, a true icon born out of the bold, experimental spirit of the late 1970s. Revered for its avant-garde design and powerful sound, this guitar is a testament to Gibson's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what an electric guitar can be. Featuring a solid mahogany body and neck, the RD Artist delivers a rich, warm tone that resonates with depth and character.

This guitar isn't just about looks; it's a powerhouse of sound versatility. The active GEM pickups are the heart of its sonic capabilities, providing a high-output signal that cuts through the mix while retaining remarkable clarity. Whether you're crafting intricate solos or driving rhythms, the RD Artist ensures every note is heard with precision.

The exotic torrefied granadillo fretboard not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also offers a smooth playing experience, making it an ideal choice for guitarists who demand both style and substance. With its unique combination of features, the Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar is not just an instrument—it's a statement.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body and neck
  • Exotic torrefied granadillo fretboard
  • Active GEM pickups for high-output clarity
  • Strikingly original design
  • Exceptional tonal versatility

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model RD Artist
Finish Ebony, Fireburst, Natural
Year 1977 - 1982
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson RD
Model Sub-Family Gibson RD Artist
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar?

The Gibson RD Artist features a 24.75" scale maple neck with a set-neck construction, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson RD Artist's pickups?

The Gibson RD Artist is equipped with dual Gibson GEM active pickups, offering a versatile range of tones from warm and smooth to bright and cutting, ideal for rock and blues genres.

Is the Gibson RD Artist suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Gibson RD Artist, with its active electronics and unique body shape, is better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully utilize its tonal capabilities and ergonomic design.

What is the body material of the Gibson RD Artist, and how does it affect the sound?

The Gibson RD Artist features a solid mahogany body, which contributes to its rich, warm sound and sustain, making it ideal for genres that benefit from a full-bodied tone.

Does the Gibson RD Artist have any unique features compared to other Gibson models?

Yes, the Gibson RD Artist stands out with its reverse offset body and active electronics, which were designed to appeal to musicians interested in both traditional guitar tones and more modern, synthesized sounds.

Leigh Music Co

Leigh Music Co

GIBSON RD ARTIST CUSTOM 1977 Moog Guitar

Video thumbnail for GIBSON RD ARTIST CUSTOM 1977 Moog Guitar by Leigh Music Co

GIBSON RD ARTIST CUSTOM 1977 Moog Guitar

Leigh Music Co

Leigh Music Co

Video thumbnail for Gibson RD Artist by PinkbassmanMusic

Gibson RD Artist

PinkbassmanMusic

PinkbassmanMusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Moog electronics provide exceptional tonal versatility and sound quality.

  • Built in the legendary Gibson Kalamazoo plant, ensuring high build quality.

  • Offers nearly limitless sustain with onboard compression.

  • Unique 25" scale length on early models, similar to Fender.

  • Distinctive RD body style offers balanced and comfortable playability.

  • Slim profile ebony neck allows for super-fast playing.

  • Treble and bass EQ boost/scoop knobs provide precise tonal control.

  • Active circuitry avoids the muddiness common in other active guitars.

  • Rare and collectible, particularly early models with original electronics.

  • Can emulate a wide range of mainstream guitar voices.

CONS

  • Requires learning to manage complex controls for optimal sound.

  • Heavy body may be uncomfortable for some players during long sessions.

  • Not suitable for beginners due to its complexity.

  • Adjusting internal switches incorrectly can render the instrument unusable.

  • Expensive and increasingly rare on the market.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The RD Artist's original Moog-designed electronics from the 1970s are known for picking up radio signals, which some owners have been unable to mitigate even with shielding.

    Source
  • The active pickups in the RD Artist can be noisy, prompting some users to employ a noise gate to manage the interference.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RD Artist's sound is compared to a Les Paul but with a slightly more treble-heavy tone, especially when using the tarback humbuckers found in the Standard model.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's suggested that switching to heavier gauge strings might help with sustain issues that some users experience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RD Artist has been a mainstay for some guitarists, being favored for its unique body style and tone, making it their primary instrument for performances.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 12 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimmy Page uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified

He played it, as per the provided video, for Misty Mountain Hop at Knebworth in 1979

See how Lee Ranaldo uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Lee Ranaldo

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

Sonic Youth's website states, about Lee Ranaldo's Gibson RD Artist:

"Used by Lee/Thurston: 1993-1999 1993 -- EG#EG#EG# (PCH - Lee) 1994? -- EG#EG#EG# (PCH - Lee) 1995 -- EG#EG#EG# (PCH, Expressway - Lee) 1996? -- EG#EG#EG# (PCH, Expressway - Lee) 1999 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway - Thurston) NOTES:

The RD Artist had onboard electronics for sound modulation, which were removed. This guitar was stolen in July 1999. I've never actually seen Thurston using this but set lists from February '99 indicate it was his "Expressway" and "PCH" guitar (the latter of which was not played). Reddish body 2 humbuckers Rosewood fretboard Black pickguard Controls removed Serial # -- 71218092 Listed as "RD-1" on '95 set lists. Listed as "GIBSON RD" on '99 set lists."

See how Nameless Ghoul uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Nameless Ghoul

Singer, Guitarist

Ghost

...
Verified via Photo

The Nameless Ghouls of Ghost have been known to carry Gibson RD's since the early days. The German branch of Gibson Guitar Corporation has interviewed the Nameless Ghouls and learned that Fire Ghoul's guitar carries a pair of Seymour Duncan with a coil-tap switch, just like Omega Ghoul's guitar.

See how Daniela Villarreal uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Daniela Villarreal

Singer, Guitarist

The Warning

...
Verified via Instagram

In a video posted by thewarningargentina on Instagram, Daniela Villarreal is seen playing a Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar during the recording of the song "Satisfied" by The Warning.

See how Ryan "Fluff" Bruce uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Ryan "Fluff" Bruce

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dragged Under

...
Verified via YouTube

At 37 seconds into the video, Fluff shows the main guitar he is using with his band Rest, Repose, a 1977 Gibson RD Artist.

See how Tim Lash uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Tim Lash

Guitarist

HUM

...
Verified via Photo

It appears Tim is playing a black Gibson RD Artist with gold hardware

See how Jason Molina uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Jason Molina

Guitarist, Singer

Songs: Ohia

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Jason Molina can be seen holding a Gibson RD electric guitar.

See how Igor Sidorenko uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Igor Sidorenko

Guitarist

Stoned Jesus

...
Verified via YouTube

Played along the entire song

See how Bob Welch uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Bob Welch

Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via YouTube

Bob Welch can be seen playing a Gibson RD Artist in the 1981 concert, 'Live at the Roxy', in which he appears with members of his former band, Fleetwood Mac. The RD Artist also features in the cover art for Bob's 1981 self titled album. The same year as the RD Artist hit the market.

The album cover can be found in the Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Welch_(album)#/media/File:Bobwelch81.jpg

In the video, you can first see the guitar at 0:44

See how Sheena Ringo uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Sheena Ringo

Singer, Guitarist

Tokyo Jihen

...
Verified via Twitter

Gibson RD Artist Natural 1977, as shown in picture from official twitter account.

R

Rob Dean

Guitarist

Japan

...
Verified via Photo

Rob Dean predominantly plays a Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar, as evidenced by the user-uploaded photo from Garynuman. While he has also been seen with a Firebird, the Gibson RD appears to be his primary choice.

J

Juliet Nozisway

Guitarist

...
Verified via MYTF1

In this video at 0:44, you can see Juliet playing with a Gibson RD Artist 40th Anniversary.

Album Usage

The Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar 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 Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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