Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,629

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Gibson RD Standard Bass, an electric bass guitar that blends vintage allure with modern-day performance. Originally a rare gem in Gibson's lineup, this bass has made a remarkable comeback, captivating both seasoned musicians and fresh talents alike. Its solid mahogany body and neck deliver resonant, warm tones, while the ebony fingerboard provides a striking contrast, offering a sharp bite that complements its powerful sound profile.

Equipped with Gibson's iconic Dirty Fingers pickups, the RD Standard Bass promises a robust and commanding presence on stage, making it ideal for any rock or jazz setting. The sleek design is complemented by chrome hardware and black speed knobs, which not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also ensure smooth and precise control during performances. Whether you're laying down thumping bass lines or intricate solos, the RD Standard Bass offers a playing experience that's both comfortable and exhilarating.

Join a community of passionate musicians who know the value of timeless craftsmanship combined with modern innovation. The Gibson RD Standard Bass is not just an instrument; it's an invitation to explore new sonic landscapes and forge your unique musical path.

Key Features:

  • Body Material: Mahogany
  • Neck Material: Mahogany
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Number of Frets: 22
  • Scale Length: 24 3/4"
  • Nut Width: 1.695"
  • Pickups: Dirty Fingers (Neck and Bridge)
  • Controls: Two Volume, One Tone, Three-Way Switch
  • Hardware Finish: Chrome
  • Tuners: Chrome Grover
  • Bridge: Nashville with Stopbar Tailpiece

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model RD Standard Bass
Finish Ebony, Natural
Year 1977 - 1981
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Natural, Tan
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

What type of pickups does the Gibson RD Standard Bass have?

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

Is the Gibson RD Standard Bass suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Gibson RD Standard Bass, with its active pickups and solid maple body, delivers a robust tone ideal for rock music, offering both clarity and punch.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson RD Standard Bass like?

The Gibson RD Standard Bass features a maple neck that offers a smooth playing experience, with a profile that balances comfort and playability for both fast and precise playing.

How does the body shape of the Gibson RD Standard Bass affect its playability?

The Gibson RD Standard Bass has a double cutaway design which allows for easier access to higher frets, enhancing playability for bassists who explore the full range of the instrument.

Does the Gibson RD Standard Bass have an active preamp?

Yes, the Gibson RD Standard Bass includes an active preamp, providing enhanced tonal control and versatility for different playing environments.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1977 Gibson RD Standard Bass Natural Finish | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar

Video thumbnail for 1977 Gibson RD Standard Bass Natural Finish | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar by Chicago Music Exchange

1977 Gibson RD Standard Bass Natural Finish | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Gibson RD standard 1977 Demo [For sale] by Mateusz Piotrowski

Gibson RD standard 1977 Demo [For sale]

Mateusz Piotrowski

Mateusz Piotrowski

Video thumbnail for Gibson RD Standard bass 1977, SansAmp Bass Driver DI by Piotr Gruby Milczarek

Gibson RD Standard bass 1977, SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Piotr Gruby Milczarek

Piotr Gruby Milczarek

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The 1977 Gibson RD Standard is noted for its significant weight, making it heavier than many other basses.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Unlike the RD Artist model, the Standard lacks the Moog electronics, highlighting its simpler, passive setup.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The natural version of this bass was once available for as low as $750, suggesting a potential increase in value over time.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The RD Standard's Series IV humbuckers are uniquely shaped, which complicates finding suitable replacement pickups without modifying the pickguard or routing.

    Source
  • Owners seeking vintage tone should consider the current pickup routing and whether they're willing to alter it to achieve desired sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Recent Gibson RD reissues use Jazz Bass pickups and EB humbuckers, differing significantly from the original Series IV and V humbuckers.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Gibson RD Standard Bass

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

Grohl can be seen in this photo playing a Gibson RD Standard Bass.

See how Krist Novoselic uses Gibson RD Standard Bass

Krist Novoselic

Bassist, Keyboardist

Nirvana

...
See how Adam Clayton uses Gibson RD Standard Bass

Adam Clayton

Bassist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Clayton can be seen playing a Gibson RD Standard Bass.

See how Jeordie White uses Gibson RD Standard Bass

Jeordie White

Guitarist, Bassist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

Twiggy can be seen playing this bass in the video for Coma White and Dope Hat

See how Daryl Stuermer uses Gibson RD Standard Bass

Daryl Stuermer

Guitarist, Bassist

Genesis

...
Verified via Photo

Stuermer can be seen playing a Gibson RD Bass in this photo.

See how Charles Cave uses Gibson RD Standard Bass

Charles Cave

Bassist, Composer

White Lies

...
Verified via Photo

Charles can be seen using his Gibson RD bass in this photo

See how Justin Harris uses Gibson RD Standard Bass

Justin Harris

Bassist

Bloc Party

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown video for Bloc Party, at the 24:38 mark, Justin Harris mentions that during recording sessions, Kele Okereke frequently brought a Gibson RD Standard Bass to the studio. The bass, dating from the mid-70s, was slightly too long for its gig bag, leading to a bent tuning peg.

See how Fernando Ruiz Diaz uses Gibson RD Standard Bass

Fernando Ruiz Diaz

Singer, Guitarist

Catupecu Machu

...
Verified via YouTube

At 12:41 we can see him using a Gibson RD Standard Bass natural.

See how Glenn Charman uses Gibson RD Standard Bass

Glenn Charman

Bassist

Electric Wizard

...
Verified via Photo

here is glen playing a standard rd bass in 2013

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson RD Standard Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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