GIBSON RD ARTIST BASS. SUNBURST. 1978. COLLECTIBLE.

Description:

GIBSON

RD ARTIST BASS

1978

SUNBURST

BEAUTIFUL BASS.

ABOUT THE INSTRUMENT:

The RD Bass guitar was historical for Gibson.  And its BODY DESIGN is EXTREME.  This is one of the “new” collectible guitars.  If you are a beginning collector, this is a good place to start.

Here is some online information about it (content remains under ownership of publisher and creator): T

The RD Artist hit the market in the last half of 1977.  Stories abound about Gibson’s extensive R&D program (2+ years) to develop an “electronic guitar” prior to the introduction of the RD Artist.  At that time, MOOG Electronics was a sister company to Gibson and was a partner in the development of this “new electronics” style guitar.  Next, they turned to the “OX” himself, John Entwistle to make it a “musical electronic” bass.  But even after all that R&D and Oxblood, it only had modest sales and only lasted a short time (dropped in 1981).

But the RD Artist was capable of making a lot of sound.  It has four knobs (volume for each pickup, a treble, and a bass control).  Where it really showed its innovative side was in its active electronics which featured “expansion (bridge pup), compression (neck pup), and bright mode (both pup)”.

Details :

BRAND:   GIBSON

DATE MADE:  July 18, 1978, Prod# 54. Kalamazoo Plant.

SN:  71998057

MODEL:  RD ARTIST BASS

BODY:  Solid MAPLE.

BODY FINISH:  BURST.

NECK:  MAPLE.  Three Piece.

FRETBOARD:  EBONY.

PICKUPS:  DUAL HUMBUCKERS. (RD Artist humbucker Gibson part number 13066 (front and back pickups identical). Resistance is around 6.5k?. Dimensions: 73.5mm x 42mm x 27.3mm. The RD artist pickups connect to the Moog circuit board, but are not soldered directly to it; instead they use three-pin connectors which clip to the board.)

ACTIVE ELECTRONICS. “MOOG”.

BRIDGE:  3 Point, TOM (Tune-O-Matic).  Chrome.

TUNERS:  SCHALLER.

CASE:  ORIGINAL IN GOOD CONDITION.

OVERALL CONDITION:   GOOD.  The finish on this guitar shows that it has been played often, or at least, held a lot.  The fretboard does not show much wear at all so maybe this was used by the bass player who was the singer and only had to hold the guitar.  Please look at the photos here to satisfy yourself about it condition.

If you need more information, please email us at:  margateltd@nc.rr.com.

NOTES: 

This guitar has been completely set up by the TERRY MCINTURFF CUSTOM SHOP including new strings, electronics cleaned, intonation set, etc

Please remember to read our policies and procedures listed below but if you still have questions, please email us through ebay or directly at margateltd@nc.rr.com.  Thank you.

THE TERRY C. MCINTURFF EVALUATION:

For those guitars selected for evaluation by Mr. McInturff’s custom shop, each will receive the following work:

1.       Audit of the guitar giving details about the guitar (buyer to receive a copy of this audit).

2.      Complete cleaning of the guitar and all components (including electronics and frets).

3.      All repairs necessary to insure correct operation of the guitar.

4.      Replacement of strings.

5.      Complete setup (adjustment of bridge, pickups, tremolo device etc).

In the event of a problem with the guitar that Mr. McInturff, and his staff, cannot completely resolve, a notice will be given as to the nature of the problem and the Buyer must use his/her judgment in making a decision to purchase the instrument.

GUARANTEE:

NO REFUND.

BUYER HAS 48 HOURS TO HAVE THE INSTRUMENT INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL GUITAR REPAIR PERSON OR LUTHIER.  IF ANY DEFECTS ARE FOUND IN THE MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL CONDITION OF THE INSTRUMENT (NOT DISCLOSED IN THE AUCTION AD), BUYER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHIP THE INSTRUMENT BACK TO US BY EXPRESS SHIPMENT USING THE ORIGINAL PACKING MATERIALS AND ANY ADDITIONAL PACKAGING TO INSURE ITS SAFE RETURN.  IT MUST BE FULLY INSURED.  BUYER PAYS ALL COST TO SHIP THE INSTRUMENT BACK TO US.   WE WILL REPAIR THE INSTRUMENT WITHIN TEN DAYS OF RETURN RECEIPT AND SHIP IT BACK TO THE BUYER AT OUR EXPENSE.  THIS ASSURANCE DOES NOT APPLY TO KNOBS, STRINGS, HARDWARE DISCOLORATION, STRAPS. CASES, OR ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR AFTER RECEIPT BY BUYER.  ALL INSTRUMENTS ARE FULLY PHOTOGRAPHED PRIOR TO SHIPMENT.  IT IS THE BUYER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY SELLER IMMEDIATELY IF THE INSTRUMENT HAS INCURRED ANY DAMAGE DURING SHIPMENT.  IN THE EVENT OF SUCH DAMAGE, PLEASE RETAIN ALL SHIPPING MATERIALS FOR INSPECTION.

FULL DETAILS INCLUDED IN AD. BUYER HAS 48 HOURS TO HAVE THE INSTRUMENT INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL GUITAR REPAIR PERSON OR LUTHIER.  IF ANY DEFECTS ARE FOUND IN THE MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL CONDITION OF THE INSTRUMENT (NOT DISCLOSED IN THE AUCTION AD), BUYER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHIP THE INSTRUMENT BACK TO US BY EXPRESS SHIPMENT USING THE ORIGINAL PACKING MATERIALS AND ANY ADDITIONAL PACKAGING TO INSURE ITS SAFE RETURN

PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU BID.

SHIPPING CHARGES.  The charges listed in this ad are for the continental US only.  Shipment outside that area is at actual cost and Buyer must pay all tariffs, duties, and other charges that may be levied on the item when it is imported into its final destination.  And for foreign buyers, please request a quote for shipping  cost before you bid.  No surprises are always good.  And please do not ask that we use a lower value for an export shipment.  NOTE:  NO THIRD PARTY SHIPMENTS-WE ONLY SHIP TO THE BUYER WHO PAYS FOR IT. 

NO TRADES CONSIDERED.  WE ARE A SALES CONSULTANCY ONLY.

How we indicate condition of guitar:

Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of selling guitars (and most collectibles) is the manner in which condition is determined and rated.  We have chosen to stay away from the percentage scale and from the “MINT” down scale as well.  They just cannot be quantified.  We will use the definitions listed below, which are also subjective, but more general.  Rating collectibles of any type is always subjective and to do attempt to do it on some objective checklist basis always seems to raise more questions than answered. We just want the Buyer to be pleased with her/his purchase and to not complain if there is a cat hair under the E string on the 5^th fret.

Our definitions used to describe condition of guitars:

PRISTINE/EXCELLENT.  Very little, if any, fret wear, neck wear, body wear, scratches, dings, or other cosmetic damage.  Electronics work correctly.  Hardware works correctly (tuners, tremolo systems, bridges, and tailpieces).  Other accessories with the guitar, i.e., hang tags, tools, etc., will be noted in the ad.   Pictures in ad, or as provided later, will take precedence over any written description.ks correctly (tuners, tremolo systems, bridges, and tailpieces). 

VERY GOOD.  More wear and tear than EXCELENT but still in very good cosmetic condition.  Again, the nicks, dings, etc will be described in the ad and shown in the pictures.  Hardware works correctly (tuners, tremolo systems, bridges, and tailpieces). 

GOOD.  Step down from very good.

Other definitions we may use:

NOS.  New Old Stock.  Speaks for itself but the condition will still be rated.  PROTOS.  These are usually one of a kind prototype instrument. DEMOS (Display):  From NAMM etc. ONE OF A KIND.  Only one like it.

If you have any questions about the condition of a guitar that we are advertising for sale, please ask us before you bid and we will provide you with whatever information you require to make your decision about bidding on an item.  BUT THE ULTIMATE GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL GIVE YOU ON ANY ITEM IS “YOU ARE BIDDING ON WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PICTURES AS TO COSMETIC CONDITION” AND WHAT IS LISTED IN THE AD AS TO ELECTRONIC CONDITION.  FOR NOS GUITARS, PROTOS, AND DISPLAY GUITARS, THEY ARE SOLD IN “AS IS” CONDITION.

Thank you.

ONE LAST NOTE:  We appreciate feedback about our offerings but please do not email us about our prices.  WE DO NOT BELIEVE, AND HAVE NEVER TRUSTED, “BOOK VALUE” AS A MEASURE OF VALUE FOR A GUITAR (and most other things).  Such a concept only works if you are selling in a mass market situation where one item is just like the next one off the line.  NONE OF OUR GUITARS SOLD HERE REALLY CAN BE CALLED “MASS MARKET” PIECES.  Each was purchased for a unique feature (appearance, sound, construction, craftsmanship, ownership, maker, etc) and therefore cannot be given a “book value”.

NOTE: ABOUT PAYMENTS FOR THIS GUITAR.  WE ARE FORCED BY EBAY TO USE PAYPAL AS A FORM OF PAYMENT.  WE WILL DO THAT BUT ONLY FROM PAYPAL FUNDS AVAILABLE IN YOUR ACCOUNT OR BY ECHECK.