Gibson RD Artist Alternatives

[Harlan Beeton]

Hey just wondering if anyone has found a bass that is a good alternative to an RD Artist?

Don't get me wrong my '78 RD is an absolute dream and my favorite bass ever, but as a gigging bassist sometimes it can be hard to bring a vintage/valuable instrument to sketchy rock clubs. Also, the weight isn't a real issue but i do feel it after an hour or two of band practice. But nothing i've ever played/seen can touch the tone of that beast. Gibson Rippers come close and I'd love one of those but again the vintage/valuable factor comes into play. I'd like to try a First Act Delgada but I don't think they're making those anymore and I've never seen one in a store.

So does anyone know of a bass that can sounds close and look as cool? In a perfect world I'd go either custom EGC Acrylic and Aluminum RD (!) or Dunable R2 but those are wayyyy out of my budget.

 

[Blaargh]

I think Gibson did a short run of reissued Grabbers a couple of years ago? Maybe worth looking into. Off the top of my head the best thing I can think of is a Reverend Thundergun, those things have a pretty deep tone, although they're a little more midrange focused. I've been looking for something similar myself, but Gibson style basses aren't that common.

 

[garmenteros]

Get a vintage ibanez ripper copy or a thunderbird copy from greco. They sound awesome and look better.

 

[deepestend]

You can still get in on this: Link Removed

 

[tim gueguen]

There was an Artist version of the Victory bass, but I would guess that wouldn't be much of an advantage as far as worrying about it in sketchy clubs, assuming of course you could find one.