Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,379

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
H

Hilmer Hassig

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Love Shop

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 1990 performance at the Danish national broadcasting service (DR), Hilmer Hassig clearly uses a Gibson RD Artist for the song 'En nat bliver det sommer'.

See how ROOKIE! uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

ROOKIE!

...
Verified via YouTube

ROOKIE! is seen using the Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar in a YouTube video by Joshua Corrington, featuring the enhanced bass version of Metallica's "Cliff The Lightning" album.

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.

See how Baltasar Comotto uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Baltasar Comotto

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Comotto en vivo con una Gibson RD

See how Timoteo Rosales III uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Timoteo Rosales III

Guitarist

I am ghost

...
Verified via YouTube

In the studio video titled "I Am Ghost- Studio Diary Part 4 (Guitars)" by Epitaph Records, Timoteo Rosales III can be clearly seen using a Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar to track the song "Lovers Requiem."

M

Magna Carta Cartel

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Martin uses this guitar throughout the performance.

See how Milan Mladenović uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Milan Mladenović

Singer, Guitarist

Ekatarina Velika

...
Verified via YouTube

His guitar can be seen in this live performance.

See how Niclas Stalfors uses Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar

Niclas Stalfors

Guitarist

...
Verified via The Sleeping Shaman

In an interview with The Sleeping Shaman, Niclas Stalfors discusses his use of the Gibson RD Artist Electric Guitar while performing with Lowrider.

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.

EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V1
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V1 Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson SG Standard
Gibson SG Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Wampler Ego Compressor
Wampler Ego Compressor Compressor Effects Pedals
1
Eventide H9 Max
Eventide H9 Max Multi Effects Pedals
1
MXR M135 Smart Gate
MXR M135 Smart Gate Noise Gate Effects Pedals
1

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    austinmw
    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227