A Vintage Guitar with a History

From the private collection of artist/songwriter Martin Briley, this Gibson RD Artist bass was used exclusively on tour, in videos and in the studio by Martin Briley with the Ian Hunter/Mick Ronson Band in 1979 and 1980. It also appears on the Ian Hunter albums ‘Welcome to the Club’ and ‘Short Back ’n’ Sides’, it has been kept safely in storage ever since.

Considering it’s age the instrument is in excellent condition, with a little cosmetic damage at the end of the body. It’s just been bench tested and set up by Matt Brewster of 30th Street Guitars in New York City.

The Gibson RD Artist Bass is a unique and innovative bass guitar, introduced in the late 1970s as part of Gibson's RD (Research and Development) series. Equipped with an active circuit developed by Dr. Robert Moog, it features a pick up selector switch and an expansion/compression switch.

Featuring a maple body with a set-neck construction, this model has a 3-piece maple neck and maple fingerboard.

5-ply black pick guard & chrome hardware.

Classic Gibson Norlin-Era "volute" on back of headstock neck

Standard Gibson headstock design with interesting looking "Flower/Wing" style pearl inlay on front of headstock

String through tail with a 3 point bridge system and adjustable saddles

The neck and frets are in very good condition

All original parts and working perfectly.

Scale: 864mm

Weighing approximately 11 lbs 

Includes ill-fitting soft bag

The RD series was discontinued in the early 1980s due to a lack of commercial success, making the RD Artist Bass a relatively rare and collectible instrument.