Gibson RD Standard

I'm yet to really put this guitar to a full work-out live, but was instantly made aware of the muddy tone of the Dirty Fingers pickups that are factory-fitted. Although the neck pickup suits this tone very well, i fitted a Gibson 498T in the bridge position (same that are fitted in the Firebird Studio). As a result, it sounded so much better. I personally just feel that the DFs are just a little too high-output. I am a new believer of letting the amp do more of the work.
There are a few buzzes to work out, and a little more intonation adjustments to make, but overall i like this well balanced guitar. It looks great, and sits well with my 'Bird.
Maybe i'll come back and give you my final verdict after i've run this in after a few gigs.

I have the limited run reissue - Silverburst with the Dirty Fingers pickups and 2 volume/1 tone configuration. Traditional Gibson Bridge/Stop tailpiece. 3 way selector switch. Grover Tuners.
Hefty neck with ebony fretboard (dot inlays) and Les Paul/SG style headstock.
Black hardshell case with white plush interior.
Purchased from Musicians Friend - July 2008.

The Dirty Fingers sounds a bit shrill when pumped up/distorted, so EQ accordingly. I like the clean sound a lot. Especially the neck pickup with slight reverb. Real rich and warm.
The pickups along with the ebony fretboard and big frets give lots of sustain.

Guitar was flawless on arrival, but buzzed badly.
I put it aside for a week, then took it out for a whirl. The buzz seemed to mostly correct itself (getting acclimatized ?).
Either way, the most it may need for the moment is fresh strings.

So far,so good. Everything seems to indicate this could be a real workhorse. And if you are like me and try to baby your guitars, it may even outlast you.

I have called Gibson a few times, polite and helpful, but no real important issues, so hard to day.

I have a decent collection. I wanted this one because I liked the idea of a limited edition Gibson, and I wanted to try the Dirty Fingers pickups. It wasn't exactly as I expected but I was pleasantly surprised. Kind of a neat mix of a Firebird and an SG.
The case is bigger than it needs to be. The lid is so large it feels a bit flimsy when open.
Overall a unique look and sound, not too pricey. Definately a keeper

-Silverburst finish (beautiful popular finish, bummer the back isn't bursted)
-RD body shape is very similar to a firebird a little bit more curvacious
-Stop tailpiece
-Grover Tuners
-Rosewood fretboard/dot inlay
-Includes GORGEOUS Gibson case-Crocodile look exterior and the inside is snow white, or as Irefer to it as abominidble snow man
-It's a brand new re-issue of the RD body style for a limited run of 400 in 2008. These guitars ceased production in 1981(?)
-22 Fret
-Solid body, Gibson nitrocellulose finishe
-Only 3 knobs on this re-issue _1 Tone, 2 Volume_ where as all other RD Standards had 4 knobs, 3 way pickup selector
-The pickups are the re-issue Dirty Fingers great for high gain performance, with a big old booty and biting high end

-Great Rock n Roll guitar, also benefits a touch of a metal guitar as far as looks and pickup performace, while staying true to being a Gibson.

I've only played it through my Mesa Duel Rectifier, in all gain stages clarity was appearant. Got a little muddy (which im all about!)in the high gain, but I also keep my amp low end heavy, so I guess it's a preference thing on my end.

The sound is thick, and stocky. The guitar doesn't have amazing resonance but it does ring out very full when chording, and sustain is right on line.

My only gripe if ANY is the lack of a second tone knob, which most people don't even care about, but I LOVE blending the 2 pickups and tones on my 78 RD

Gibson does and AWESOME job of having the guitars plug-n-play!
There was a little buzz to work out, but I credit that to the cold weather conditions and the time it took for the guitar to be shipped>

Pickups were adjusted great, and sounded even better!

NO FLAWS, NO SCUFF, NO PROBLEMS!

Listen, these guitars are road tough!
I've being playing a 78 & 79 at gigs for the last 9 years.
Only issue was a wiring mess with my backup(the 79) which was credited to the dude who owned it prior to me (he customized the RD big time)

The guitar is heavy and maybe a burden on a bad back.
But it's a brick house and would be a stud in anyone's stable.

We'll see

If you are an RD fan (this is RD number 3 for me!) or better yet just a Gibson fan in general...then you will NOT want to pass up an opportunity to get your paws on this axe.
Forget that it's the first RD in some 20 odd years. Forget that it is in a F$%&ing Silverburst finish. Or that it's got some gnarly pickups, and the coolest case.
This guitar is a collectors dream, and a players best friend.
And the cost!!!
Just under $1200...I dare you to find me a comparable Gibson at this cost!?!? Don't exsist.

All the features of my RD Standard are already listed. I bought this guitar in Shreveport LA in 1978. that 30 years ago now. I walked into a music store there and saw three walls were lined with hanging guitars. They were as close together as they would fit; there must have been over 100 axes on display. This one jumped out and I knew it was mine the second I laid eyes on it. I traded in a Sunburst LP delux. Still wish I had that too but I never regretted the trade. Since it is a standard it is just a basic LP setup, just the way it should be. I always had the feeling that the active crap on the artist threw the balance off (of a body that was designed for balance). Not suprising since almost half the body was routed out to make room for the moog. I would not even consider spending money on that.

It roars through my 3 channel Marshall TLS 122. When I back it off it sounds sweet and purdy.

Its still in very good shape. My playing has worn the frets unevenly and I got a buzz goin on. Need to get the frets worked over. I just jacked the bridge a bit till I could do my double bends above the 12th fret again. I'll find a decent guitar man in Reno this summer and get that right again. The neck is perfect for my big hands. and I like to lay the strap across the beveled horn in the back. This tips it back just a bit and alows me even more comfort. I can now hardly play a strat because of this habit. I was inspired to buy it because it looked like the Firebird improved. Recently thinking the design would be improved with a slight arch top like a a Paul. Mine is a tobacco sunburst.

This thing will out live me. In fact one of its qualities is also its only fault. Its killing my back because its so heavy. Recently thinking about something lighter like the Frampton LP. But the price! And I seriously doubt it sound as as good as the RD. Grover peg on the g string always had a catch in it. I love to get the tuning right so it will really growl and howl. So the sticky peg is a bit of a annoyance

Took a year to get a price from the factory for insurance when I thought it got lost in shipping. It turned up 18 months later though

Been playing 30+ years. Slowing down now but I still love to raise up a stink with this thing. If I ever lost it I would be devistated. But I would buy something lighter and press on. I guess its part of my heritage now! I don't care what its worth. I'll never sell it.

1977 Gibson RD Standard
Passive Electronics
Dark Brown Tobacco finish w/Black Pick Guard
All Maple - body and neck - very heavy and sturdy
Original Pickups (two)

Various Rock Sounds
Line 6 Spider with Floor Board
Quiet on all settings
Sweep of sounds from smooth/warm/muddy/cracky...

Unbeliveable action - (blame that on Gibsin and my luthier) it is by far the closest action I have ever seen on any guitar - anywhere - and does not buzz at all! Every guitar player that plays it agrees!

Pickups are cool - original. My luthier talked me out of putting something else in there...I am very glad I listened.

The only problem is the previous owner (before my Dad) had a junky tail/whamy put on it - I had my luthier remove it and fill the three screw holes - thery are noticeable, but I think it adss character.

The finish is Tobacco Brown - the grain of the wood (both body and neck) is beautiful.

Solid as a rock

I have played it live for seven years

I never had a backup guitar - I did not need one...

The only person to every touch it is my luthier.

been playing for ~ 20 years

The only problem is the weight - but that is a result of it being solid as a rock...

Paid 500$ for it new and it had the dimarzios.solid maple neck and body.

Used this for Rock and metal thru various amps tube and solid state with various pickups.Ive also owned the Rd artist and played the rd custom and the standard blows them away(think its the huge body cavity and active electronics that hurt the others).I dont think Ive heard any 10 guitar yet.

Had since new and it was when Gibson really made fine axes.The brazilian rosewood is just sweet for the fingerboard.Its a 1977 model and came from the factory with dimarzios! Paf and Sd. kept them about 2 years and then swapped out for other types including megadrive.Then switched to emg,s in 82 and kept those for 20+years.Recently replaced the Emgs with gibson pickups.This guitar is all maple and sings with any pups!

This has taken a lot of use over 25 years of playing and on its second refret.Built to last (it feels like it weighs twice what my V,s do!)

Well gibson stopped making these in 82 and soon the kalamazoo plant closed. I was offered a couple last in line Rds but like a fool I turned them down.If the Rds had a regular scale length 24 /34 then they would probably reissue the standard as theres a resurgence of these now. But as they would have to retool I dont see it anytime soon.That means these will only get rarer!

THis was my first good guitar and I wont part with it ,I recently sold the Rd artist as I never played it much over 25 years.This thing just has an authoritative sound that doesnt come from any other axe Ive owned.

'77 Gibson RD Standard, Tobacco finish, almost black in some places. Absolutely beautiful grain. 3-way selector, all original pickups and hardware, passive electronics.

Everything I could desire in a reliable vintage guitar

Incredible tone. The tonal aspects of this guitar really shine when using a good tube amplifier. I use this guitar through a 3-channel dual rectifier and it just sounds insanely wonderful. This guitar is brighter and more resillient than my '76 Explorer or Epi Supernova. It distorts the clean channel only slightly, but I adore that aspect of the RD. On vintage or modern settings on the Recto, the guitar shines in all three pickup modes. The pickups do squeal slightly due to the fact that they are older and microphonic. Hey, back in '77, I don't think that guitar manufacturers anticipated the future desire for the amount of gain that is used in Rectifiers. However, the rhythm pickup is incredible for single-note soloing or sludgy rhythm. The best way to describe the bridge pickup is warm, crisp, and full.

Guitar set up was fine for being 27 years old with all the original parts.
All of the frets are original as well, and are worn down, so there is some minor buzzing, but it isn't detrimental to the sound, and you seldomly hear it through the amp clean or overdrive.

This guitar was obviously made during a time when craftsmanship and quality were still a priority across the board. The action, playability, and overall tone are just exquisite.

-Bridge pickup volume knob is unresponsive. Have to get it repaired. But this guitar holds up

YEah. Made in '77, loads of frets, solid chunk of something heavy, 2 x tone and volume, 3 way selektor, double big fat humbucker of the Gibson origional variety, passsive, tobacco burst. The case is bigger than most small homes.

Its '98, the Bull and Gate, my nose is full and its not sulphate. Hands are attached to a speed boat cutting through the waves of the rhythm section like magic like surfing. This guitar is awesome. looks great glam retro up own *rs* puts the swagger back in, feels like hands are automatic.
With a few pedals you can really make this scr*****m. alot.

did I mention it feels like your left hand is just like, getting a massage from this nice shiny fretboard?

THis guitar will survive most modern weapons.

Never spoke to 'em.

I been playing for about 15 years, of all the guitars I have owned this is the best. It is simply wonderful. Take it out of case at gigs and people come and look at it. saying 'ooooh' and things like that.

1977 usa made. 21 frets. solid Heavy natural finished maple slab of wood. 2 humbuckers (mark IV's and passive). 2 volumes, 2 tones and 3 way switch.
It looks kind of like an explorer. its set up just like a les paul, with grover tuners.
It came with a hard shell case.

sounds great. nice and thick. not noisy at all.
i use an orange ad30tc combo, but it sounds best when i run it through a 4x12 cab. i also have an ampeg v-4 and v-2 half stack that sounds awesomely huge with the rd. i use a string of effects: boss tu2, dd5, chorus ensamble, phaser, at i switch between a rat and marshall govn'r for a little boost/sustain.
She won't get too twangy, but thats not my thing anyway.
my only beef with the guitar is that the clean always sounds a little nasty, this thing was made for overdrive.

nice action, finish is in good shape for its age, and all of the electronics are OG and in working order

i have only had a month and haven't gigged it yet, but it seems real sturdy.

i really like this guitar. i have a gibson les paul, and an l6-s and i love them all, but i think the rd will be seeing a lot more action that its sisters.

1977 US-made Gibson RD Standard. Solid maple, pseudo reverse Firebird-style body. 22 fret, 25-1/2 in scale neck. 2 humbuckers, 2 vol, 2 tone passive electronics. Stop tailpiece. Grover tuners. I don't know how to "rate" the features on this guitar- it doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles but it has everything I need in a guitar.

Sounds great. It's got all the chunk of a Les Paul but the longer neck gives it a little more clarity and really tightens up the low end. I really liked the original bridge pickup but it went microphonic. I replaced it with a Gibson Tony Iommi and it still sounds good through a Boogie Dual Rectifier. The neck pickup is real warm sounding- again, the longer scale length really makes a difference. Think Tele Custom that's not quite as bright and has more sustain (or a brighter Les Paul with a bit more snap).

I can't comment on factory setup since I bought it used when it was over 20 years old. The current setup is great. The original hardware is still in good shape. I redid the frets with standard Gibson size wire and it plays fantastic.

This thing is tougher than I am. It's solid and dependable. I can't say that I'd use it without a backup since I go through strings a little faster due to the longer neck (more tension). The only thing I can say about the finish in regards to live playing is that nitrocellulose lacquer doesn't hold up to mace very well (don't ask).

I don't bother them, they don't say no.

I've been playing almost 20 years. I bought this guitar mainly because you don't see a lot of them. After playing it for a while, I can say I would buy another if it gets lost or stolen (or even before that happens). It takes a little adjustment if you're used to Les Pauls due to the longer neck and it balances a little differently, but man I love this guitar. It sounds fantastic and plays great. It's the perfect combination of a Fender and a Gibson. The only complaint I've got is that I lost the original bridge pickup so I can't get it rewound.

My RD Standard is a Kalamazoo USA-made '77 model in natural finish w/22 frets, dual passive chrome-covered humbuckers, dual volume & dual tone controls, & the standard Gibson three-way selector switch. The pickups are "Gibson Series VII" humbuckers, which are very hot for Gibson pickups (more like a Duncan Distortion than anything else) and which are no longer being produced or installed in stock Gibsons. The remaining hardware compliment is the typical Gibson stopbar & tune-o-matic bridge. The body and neck are both maple; the transparent natural finish shows off a very nice woodgrain. The body shape is quite reminiscent of a reverse Firebird, though the front lower bout is not more rounded, not nearly as severe. The headstock is the standard 3-on-a-side Gibson "open-book" design with the Gibson decal (no inlay). The tuners are the top of the line chrome Gibson-labeled (not "Grover") bow-tie variety. The neck profile is different from any Gibson I've owned--it's like a 60s slim-taper neck, but retains the slimness all the way down to the joint, more like some of the slimmer Telecaster necks I've handled. Adding to the "Telecaster" feel of the neck is the fact that the fretboard scale is 25.5", not the typical Gibson 24.75" scale. The fretboard is rosewood with MOP dot inlays. I received the guitar in trade with it's original Gibson hardshell case.

Soundwise I really like this guitar. I was warned that the solid maple body would make for an un-versatile guitar with an extremely bright sound, but this warning was completely off base. IMO the guitar has a very well balanced sound, and actually generates a better bottom end than almost anything else I've played. The neck pickup can produce a very nice "jazzy" sound with the volume and tone knobs rolled back, and the bridge pickup alone can give you crunch and grind like you'd expect from a Gibson. The neck alone with some very bright amp settings can also approximate a "Fender" twang quite well. The strength of the Gibson dual volume/dual tone setup, of course, is that you have tremendous tonal flexibility, and the RD Standard maximizes that potential in a wonderful way. I plug straight into the amp and avoid using too many effects. This guitar shines with this "minimalist" setup. It responds quite well to amp overdrive, and the flexibility/variety of overdriven sounds is no different than the variety of "clean" sounds.

Getting the 1977 guitar in 2003 I can't really comment on the factory setup. I can say that the guitar must have been really well made, because it's in really good shape after 26 years. I received it in almost mint condition, and there are no visible construction flaws on/in it. This is the first Kalamazoo Gibson I've owned, and having it I now understand the almost cultish appreciation that some people have for the Kalamazoo Gibson. It's the oldest Gibson I've ever owned, and perhaps the best made.

It's 26 years old and it looks brand new. I believe that speaks for it's durability. The hardware is all stock, and all good. I don't gig without a backup. Who would do that? No single guitar covers every "base."

I've emailed Gibson a few times, once about this guitar. I received a return email the same day. No complaints there.

Overall I like this guitar alot. It's not fancy, or flashy, but it's very solid, very well made, very versatile/flexible, and obviously durable. It's distinct--you don't see too many Gibson RDs--and it's attractive. With the longer scale it's capable of more "snap" than other Gibsons, but IMO it will do all the things that you expect a Gibson to do. I've been playing 30 years and have owned numerous guitars of many makes (Gibsons, Godins, Guilds, Fenders, DeArmonds, Deans, Ibanezes...). At this point my other guitars are a Guild Starfire IV and a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe. I play through an Ampeg Reverb-Rocket, a Peavey Classic 30, and a '66 Fender Blackface Super Reverb.

my RD is passive, not like the active rd's out there, its actually setup just like a les paul - 2 volume, 2 tones. i rarely find myself using the neck pickup, cuz its so bassy. i flat out love this guitar, its like an ergonomic explorer, only with more bass, and the warmth of alnico pickups. 25 1/2" scale gives you great harmonics you cant get with shorter scales. all mahogony, and a massive neck joint give it sustain for days. it doesnt give you great neck access, but who cares? it plays like a dream. has a voulte - right behind the nut, looks funny, but is so comfortable.

sounds too good to be true, so thick and warm. this aint a ska guitar, its a beast! its not bright, but its bright enough for me... i cant believe this guitar is passive - its got so much power. for my tastes, in the sound catagory, its perfect.

the frets are so low, its feels like im playing the actual "fretless wonder". action is great. the nut seems to be filed for tiny little strings, i use 11-48 gauge strings which work just fine. beautiful tobacco burst finish.

this guitar is 20 years old, it has stood up to live playing, it looks like its been dropped, thrown around and mildly abused. but the neck is still straight as can be. original hardware, i just polished her up and shes beatiful. very reliable. old pots, switch and output jack had to be replaced, but thats it. rock solid

im just a gibson person, they make great stuff. ive played explorers (a bit too ceramic sounding), les pauls (i wanna get me a LP), and sg's (peghead heavy) and this is the best ive ever played, no question about it. this thing will make any amp growl. i like the fact that i dont have to carry aroung extra batteries for my guitar. this guitar will never be stolen or lost, cuz i sleep with the thing. finding a case for it would be the worst possible situation. its too bad that so many people are trying to get thier hands on these guitars, i like the fact that people dont know what to think when they see it.

I have a 1977 RD made in the USA by Gibson. It is absolutely awesome! It is all original hardware, I bought it from a good family friend who has had it since 1977 and it has been in a closet since 1978. It is equipped with two Gibson Original humbuckers. It is a beatiful natural color without even one single scratch on it. I think the body is maple. It has a long wide neck that is very comfortable. It has the best action on it that I have ever played. It did come with the original Gibson case that looks like a bass case because it is so big. It sounds unreal, thick, cutting, and like a LesPaul but more full than one. It is an RD Standard so it doesn't have active electronics in it so I give it a 9 for features but it sounds killer!

This guitar suites my style perfect. I am a Gibson guy so it fulfills my blues/rock type of style. I play a lot of classic rock because that was when guitar players played tasteful talented licks and riffs. So it sounds unreal kind of like a Les Paul but better. I can get scorching highs if I want and great lows as well. It has the best pickup combo I have ever heard. It sounds unreal.

As I said this guitar was only played for a year and barely played during that year and has been sitting in a closet for 22 years. It does not have 1 single scratch on it and after I polished the body in lemon oil and soaked the fretboard it looked absolutely beautiful. There is no rusting of the hardware, no flaws in this department. And the action is great, the best I have ever played. I put 9's on it.

I'm sure this is a reliable axe. It is big and constructed very well. However I don't intend on playing out live with it, I was told that this guitar is going to be worth big bucks and to keep it in mint condition. So for Durability as far as the construction aspect of it is concerned this thing is solid I give it a 10. I do record with this a real lot. I have a 48 track Pro tools system.

I called Gibson for specs on this and they were just average in helping me answer my questions, but they did answer them so I give this a 7. The original warranty is still in the case.

I have been playing for about 10 years. I own a bunch of other guitars all gibson. I am completely happy with my purchase of the RD and out of all my guitars this is my favorite one. Now I want to get an RD Artist or Custom so I have the active electronics in as well. I would just like to play one to just to hear what the Moog electronics sound like. This guitar is the ultimate in guitars and I don't understand why it had such a short production. Who knows maybe they will be produced again?

Had three of these guitars. I am a Hammond B3 player, but find the RD to be just perfect for my kind of 'hunt and peck' guitar playing. Two RD's that I owned were 'dark cherry' stained maple ~ the third was a tobacco sunburst. All were made 1977-78.

These guitars always sound very unique to me. They have all of Gibson's Humbucking chunk and yet much more top end. When ever I plug in to an amp, I always seem to get that Johnny Winter sound ~ I love that.

All three of the RD's I owned had never been played. They were all in mint condition in cases where not even the felt was squashed!

These are basically just chunks of lumber with strings on them. i know if I was stuck out at batting practice I could pop a few line drives with the RD.

n/a ~ although I detect some real snobbery with Gibson reps I have talked to. It's like they don't want to admit they ever made the RD's.

as mentioned, am keyboard player by trade. Never wanted to take a 'proper, in-demand' guitar out of circulation, so always looked around for guitars nobody wanted. No serious guitar player seems to want the RD ~ but I think that's their problem because these guitars are very cool indeed.

I have a '77 RD Standard that I bought two weeks ago. It is a Gibson so it was USA made all original hardware. It is a laminated top and has 2 volume and 2 tone controls, as well as a 3 way selector. It has Gibson original pickups in it. It is the Standard not the custom or artist so it doesn't have active electronics. The finish is natural and it is in mint condition. The guitar itself is in mint condition!! I bought it from a local store and they sold it in '77 and the guy who bought it sold it back to the store in '79 and it has been sitting in a closet ever since without strings on it. It really looks newer than my SG that I bought last october. It is a perfect guitar. It sounds unreal and is so comfortable to play. It isn't top heavy like an SG or a Firebird or bottom heavy like a lespaul, it is perfect. It sounds better than any of my other guitars. I have a '77 Les Paul Custom, '99 SG Special black with a white pearloid pickguard and a 5ooT and 496R equipped in it that I had installed. I also have a Joe Pass Signature guitar, a Guild Artist award Archtop, and a bunch more, blah blah blah. But I do really like my RD. It is all original with the original case and the original warranty in the case, thats how unused it was. And the tone is so consistent when the volume gets lowered. It is truly an underated and awesome guitar. The shape is a little strange but it is a great guitar. I payed only $800 for it. I am good friends with the owner, but even for that price it was a steel, its really like a brand new guitar, in mint condition.

It sounds like a gibson but more unique.

The finish is in mint condition in Natural.

It seems reliable but I haven't had it long enough to make an accurate judgement.

I called Gibson to get some info and specs and they said the RD series is making a come back and that a lot of people are using them lately but the guy didn't really tell me everything about the specs.

I think this is a great guitar to own. I have been playing since I was in fourth grade, so I have been playing for 11 years. I would buy another one and would like to buy a custom or artist just to test out the active electronics in them.

made a while back, this is (i think) the culmination of all the RD experiment guitars. its the standard model, passive, and setup just like a les paul with 2 tones, 2 volumes, 3 way switch. all passive. the real story is the pickups - i think alnico, but they are bassy and chunky as anything ive ever heard. all mahogony, funny little voulte on the back of the nut region. 25 1/2 inch scale.

it sounds fat, through anything. i love the sound, very little noise. rich, full, fat, and clear. i replaced the scratchy pots, and everything is fine. the guitar is grounded and shielded well. i love everything about the guitar, theres nothing wrong with it.

the guitar is all stock, and perfect. the nut was filed for tiny little strings, though.

the neck joint on this thing is quite large, and the reinforced headstock thing combine to make a real strong guitar

ive played long enough to know that quality is worth paying for. you cant cut corners. i want another one of these. my favorite feature has to be the sound of he pickups.