❌SOLD❌ Gibson RD Standard Solidbody Electric Maple, 1977

Here is a rarity – an original Gibson RD Standard from 1977, the least elaborate of the short-lived RD (Research and Development) line, using only passive electronics. The RD line appeared at a time when synthesizers were suddenly readily available and electronic music was making dramatic gains in popularity, even displacing the guitar as the major instrument in bands.

One of the most prominent appearances the RD Standard made was on the cover of an album named ‘Pickin’ Cotten’ by Richard Cotten and the late, great Lenny Breau.

The Gibson RD Standard was built in Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1977 to 1979, though some of the Artist models were made as late as 1982. Using Maple as the primary material for the body and neck, Rosewood was used for the Standard fingerboard and Ebony or Maple for the Artist models.

The RD Standard has fairly ordinary electronics – a pair of humbuckers, a three way pickup selector and individual volume and tone controls. Some of the Artist models included active circuitry designed by Robert Moog – yes, that Robert Moog – and were aimed at synth players. On the RD Standard version, the scale length is 25.5 inches while the Artist versions had their long scales reduced to 24.75 inches – standard Gibson scale length – in 1979, after the RD Standard was discontinued.

This Gibson RD Standard dates to October 7th, 1977 at Gibson’s historic Parsons Street plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is in overall good and original condition (except for the addition of Dunlop Strap Locks), with a three piece Maple body, five piece Maple neck, and Indian Rosewood fingerboard. Fret and fingerboard wear are minor, though at the time this guitar was built, Gibson rets tended to be fairly wide, but not high. The finish is in good shape, with a few small dings, to be expected for a 42 year old instrument.

The original rectangular hard shell case is included.