• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

1972? Gibson RD Artist Bass

I

isuck@bass

Feb 12, 2010
60
0
Brenham
#1
So I think I struck GOLD today :) I bought a Gibson RD Artist Bass from an older lady that was trying to create more closet space for $150. From the serial number it appears to be a 1972 model but I can't tell for sure. The SN # starts with 72 so I figure it is a 1972 but I could be wrong. Can anyone help me out with this??

** Story continued . . . she told me she wants $185 for the bass but is willing to drop the price. So I figure offer her $150. She just knew it was a Gibson bass but nothing about the model, year, or type. Here are pics finally. I am planning on having the body sanded down and refinished because of the stuff glued on the body. Any suggestions to get that junk off the bass?
 

Attachments

  • RDbass.jpg
    RDbass.jpg
    48.4 KB · Views: 606
  • RDbass2.jpg
    RDbass2.jpg
    36.8 KB · Views: 342
#6
I just saw this on Superior Music's website.Don't know how valid it is tho.....

"In 1977, Gibson introduced the serialization method that is in practice today. This updated system utilizes an impressed eight digit numbering scheme that covers both serializing and dating functions. The pattern is as follows:
YDDDYPPP
YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
PPP is the plant designation and/or instrument rank."


v More info in the link,such as figuring out which plant it was made in.


http://www.superiormusic.com/page202.htm
 
#8
It might have just been the 24th instrument stamped that day.

I'm sure more of the expert types here at TB will chime in tomorrow.


Either way,like I said,for $150.00,you made out like a bandit! I knew there had to be some cool old instruments out there in the Austin/Washington county area.

Former Bellville boy here......... :D
 
#10
some guys have all the luck.

here, this will get you psyched for it...justin meldal-johnsen rockin' an rd artist to some hall and oates on the ellen degeneres show.

Link Removed
 
#15
This page is supposed to be able to match the 6 digit numbers:
http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx

I don't have a 6 digit gibson so I can't be sure that is 100% accurate. For the 8 digit numbers it is YDDDYPPP as said above with the PPP portion referring to the instrument stamped that day I believe with numbers below 500 referring to Kalamazoo and numbers above 500 meaning Nashville.
 
#16
coreyfyfe said:
This page is supposed to be able to match the 6 digit numbers:
http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx

I don't have a 6 digit gibson so I can't be sure that is 100% accurate.
Click to expand...

It isn't accurate for the early seventies stuff at all i'm afraid.

It will tell you your Ripper/Grabber etc is from 1970-72. You need to examine pot codes, physical features (like bridges etc) to get a vague date. And also know when models were produced.

It is not possible to get a 100% exact date for these things... and besides they were often made/shipped over a long enough period of time to make a notion of one specific date obsolete.

The Gibson serial number system at this time is effectively worthless.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back