Take an Explorer and a Firebird and smoosh them together. You get the RD “Research & Development” model. One of the more left of centre and experimental guitars of the time period.Certainly one of the more obscure models from Gibson over the years that surprisingly later in life wound up with a cult like following. Loaded with active electronics these were designed to appeal to synth players. Norlin owned both Gibson and Moog at the time. The RD bass was favoured by many but most notably Krist Novoselic of Nirvana. From 1977 we have a pretty badass RD custom in walnut. Made in USA serial 72337103 comes with the original hard case.
