[jules]

This ones had the headstock reshaped - but it can't be just from a regular 2x2 headstock can it....

gibson RD artist bass slightly modifyed


no pickguard - and if this had an inlays, they would'nt just 'sand' off - maybe the seller doesn't quite mean that, We need better pics....

[donnervogel]

Yes, it's difficult with the pics. If the (in my eyes beautiful Victory)headstock hadn't been ruined so cruelly ("excess cut off the head stock" ), I might have been on this. The way it looks now, minus the elegant Victory/TBird swoosh, its worse than the trad 2+2 headstock. I guess he tried to give it an Explorer look (and failed miserably as that Explorer headstock lives from its steeper angle to the neck)

I don't think those 4 in a row headstocks ever had the elaborate inlay work of the Artist 2+2 headstocks. No room really on a 4 in a row to put it except at the side where it would obstruct the Gibson logo and the model name.

But where there is one, there will be others. Patient be we must.

Uwe

[jules]

Originally Posted by donnervogel

Patient be we must.

its funny how these things come up... just after we discuss them....
I've asked for more pics...

The Guitar with the Victory headstock (this one) is an '82... did they just run out of 2x2 necks? Did they decide to redate, and sell on something that had been sitting in their stock room since the seventies?

This bass (by the switches) would seem to be seventies, unless they were usng up parts...

Yes i'm sure you will be the proud owner of a mahogany RD one day....

[donnervogel]

Yes, I noticed the old switch arrangement too. So they must have played with a different headstock for the RD right from the start rather than as a last run facelift. Maybe they wanted to de-TBird-ize it a little, it was after all to be a new model rather than a modern TBird. Combating neckheaviness might have also played a role for the eventual preference for the 2+2 headstock.

Uwe

[jules]

Originally Posted by donnervogel

So they must have played with a different headstock for the RD right from the start

well that corresponds with the description given by the original bass you just won. (We need an unofficial name for that by the way)

"During this time another model was being developed that resembled the Firebird/Thunderbird models from the 60's. This was called the RD series. I also bought a prototype RD bass that was all mahogany with a single pickup and a thunderbird neck width and headstock. (the only one they made, I paid $250.00) The RD was chosen to be the new production model"

He saw them like that in '76 - wonder what he means 'only one made'. Only mahogany, only tbird headstock, or only prototype period.... (i've emailed him)

Unless you knew otherwise, you would assume they were actually Bicentenial Tbirds with a slightly curved body, rather than RDs with a tbird headstock. Seeing as the RD didn't exist at that stage, you might say that the former conclusion was more logical.

Unless of course Gibson were using the term RD already, which I'm assuming he is saying. In which case, they maybe had a name for the other bass too....

[donnervogel]

This is hardly original, but kinda descriptive and in line with Gibson terminology: singlecut Ripper?

At the end of the day that is what it is, not expecting it to sound much different, except for the mudbuckers which will however most likely be the seventies tamed down versions.

As for RDs, I wouldn't rule out that prototypes of those were flying around as early as 75/76. My RD Standard is after all a 1977 model and Gibson is never quick from drawing board to production. Glenn, the collector quoted in the auction's description does not seem like someone to me who wouldn't be able to recognize a Bicentennial TBird when he sees it.

Poor guy is now being smothered by emails from Gibsonerds as I've sent him one too! :D

Uwe

[jules]

I asked the seller about the serial number, telling him where it would be

part of his reply -

the headstock was cut down ,it was about 6 inches wide and bulky looking (the tuners were all on the left side as they are never messed w/them) so it may have gotten cut off

And thinking about it yes I guess that could easily be the case - can you imagine this with a proper tbird head...

I am tempted to bid on it just to see the pot codes. I do actually need some RD parts at the moment too... It might even be mahogany.

[donnervogel]

If it was mahogany, I'd go after it and have the headstock reconstructed to former glory.

Do you have any indication Jules that it actually is mahogany, Jules?

I'm more interested in a potential maho body than in the electronic entrails.

uwe

[jules]

Originally Posted by donnervogel

Do you have any indication Jules that it actually is mahogany

no I don't at all. Sorry to raise your pulse...

But we will never know unless we buy it.... Theres more chance of this being mahogany than all the ones with regular headstocks.

If it stays cheap I intend to have a minor bid....

[donnervogel]

Seller wrote me "its probably alder", but wasn't sure. I guess he just didn't know.

Good luck with your bid, Jules, if it is a mahogany RD and you win it I will then be unfortunately compelled to repeat Operation Seelöwe (successfully this time) and requisition your good bass (in exchange for food stamps and perhaps some cigarettes) för ze kölleckshün.

Uwe