1978 Gibson RD Standard Fretless Conversion Vintage Electric Bass Guitar Ebony

Up for sale, a 1978 Gibson RD Standard Bass Fretless Conversion in perfect working order. Dating to the era of Gibson production where the company was looking to expand their bass lineup with unique, forward-thinking designs, the short-lived RD Standard model (1977-79) was the passive entry into the RD lineup. Compared to the Artist, which sported Bob Moog-designed active electronics, the RD Standard is a no-frills tonal powerhouse, yielding robust, versatile tones. A factory fretted example, this bass has been modified with a fretless, unlined slab ebony fretboard.

Weighing 11lbs 11oz thanks to its all-maple construction, this bass dishes out tons of natural sustain, punch and clarity. The pair of Series IV passive humbuckers have been likened to the classic Thunderbird, but these pickups have their own high-output sound, decidedly modern with excellent presence and low-mid-centric grind. The bridge is snarling and surprisingly broad, while the neck has a focused, funky midrange burp, with a wide array of tonalities available between the two. This RD Standard Fretless Bass benefits from a professional setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 45-105 flatwound strings, comfortable action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Neck: Maple
• Shape: Chunky C, measuring .905 beyond the volute and 1.080” at the octave
• Fretboard: Ebony (fretless, replaced board)
• Scale Length: 34 3/8”
• Nut width: 1 5/8”
• Tuners: Clover button, open-gear (Gibson branded)
• Serialization: Eight-digit serial stamped into headstock, “Second” stamp

Body Specs:

• Body: Maple
• Pickups: Series IV humbucker x2
• Controls: Volume x2, Tone
• Harness: Untouched solder, CTS pots date to ‘77
• Hardware: Babicz FCH 3-Point Four String Bass Bridge (upgrade, chrome-plated)
• Plastics: Five-ply black pickguard, black speed knobs

The gloss Ebony finish has a small spot of pick wear on top between the pickups, an area of shallow buckle wear on the back, and various scattered dings and scuffs on the instrument as a whole.

A gigbag is included.