Gibson's RD series was launched in 1977 with 2 models, the RD Artist and the RD Standard. The RD Standard was a typical passive bass with two pickups, two volume controls, and one tone control. As Gibson's first attempt at active electronics, the Artist was very different, featuring complex expansion/compression circuits designed by Bob Moog, which allowed a wide range of sounds and effects. It had no passive mode. A Krist Novoselic signature RD bass was released to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Nirvana's "Nevermind." [wiki | more info]
Placed on the Pumpkins' official eBay account on 2011/12/02, ending on 2011/12/12 at $1913. The accompanying text read:
1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass. Used by Billy Corgan on the 2003 Zwan Mary Star of the Sea album. Bass has scratches on the back of the body due to its age, but does not affect functionality. Serial #72228010. A hardshell case is included as well as a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Billy Corgan.