Gibson Custom Shop RD Custom Electric Guitar (with Case)
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Upgraded with premium custom appointments, the Gibson Custom Shop RD is a rare rock machine -- hosting a mahogany neck and body with 490 series humbuckers.
What's special about this item?
| Feature: | What it does: |
|---|---|
| 490R and 498T humbucking pickups | Sweet, vintage tone with crystal-clear character |
| Ebony fretboard | Dark color, tight grain; premium fretboard wood |
| Mahogany body | Rich, warm, focused sound; added sustain |
| Mother of Pearl block inlays | Iridescent; especially stylish on dark fretboards |
Overview
Initially released in 1977, the Gibson RD model has been a cult classic for years. It is famous for its unique appearance, which takes inspiration from both the Explorer and Firebird designs as well as its functionality and use by several popular guitarists across multiple genres. Now the RD Custom joins the Gibson Custom core lineup for the first time. Not only is this the first Custom Shop built RD model, but it is also the first 25.5 scale length solidbody core model offered by Gibson Custom. Complete with the classic and comfortable RD body shape, including a rear tummy cut for extra comfort.
Whether you prefer a longer scale length in general, use drop tunings, or just appreciate its curvaceously elegant, classic design, the RD Custom is a great choice and a guitar that is guaranteed to help you stand out from the crowd. Now is your opportunity to experience the unique and comfortable playing experience of the cult-favorite RD Custom for yourself. A Custom Shp hardshell case is included.
- A mahogany body with multi-ply top binding
- Custom cosmetics, including mother of pearl block and Custom split diamond inlays
- Mahogany Neck with a comfortable Medium C profile and long neck tenon
- Bound Ebony Fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- Bound Headstock with Grover Rotomatic tuners
- 25.5 long scale length, which is great for drop tuning
- 490R and 498T Pickups
- CTS Potentiometers with a hand-wired harness
- Gold… read more Hardware
read less
Whether you prefer a longer scale length in general, use drop tunings, or just appreciate its curvaceously elegant, classic design, the RD Custom is a great choice and a guitar that is guaranteed to help you stand out from the crowd. Now is your opportunity to experience the unique and comfortable playing experience of the cult-favorite RD Custom for yourself. A Custom Shp hardshell case is included.
Features:
- Now joins the Gibson Custom core lineup- A mahogany body with multi-ply top binding
- Custom cosmetics, including mother of pearl block and Custom split diamond inlays
- Mahogany Neck with a comfortable Medium C profile and long neck tenon
- Bound Ebony Fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- Bound Headstock with Grover Rotomatic tuners
- 25.5 long scale length, which is great for drop tuning
- 490R and 498T Pickups
- CTS Potentiometers with a hand-wired harness
- Gold… read more Hardware
Specs
- Body Shape: RD
- Material: Mahogany
- Binding: Multi-ply Top and Headstock, Single Ply Fretboard
- Neck: Solid Mahogany
- Profile: Medium C
- Nut Width: 42.85 mm
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Scale Length: 647.7 mm
- Number of Frets: 22
- Nut: Corian
- Inlay: Mother of Pearl Block
- Bridge: Tune-o-Matic
- Knobs: Black Speed
- Tailpiece: Aluminum Stop Bar
- Tuners: Grover Rotomatic with Kidney Button
- Plating: Gold
- Neck Pickup: 490R Humbucker
- Bridge Pickup: 498T Humbucker
- Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, Hand-Wired Harness with 500K CTS Potentiometers
- Includes: Custom Shop Hardshell
- Material: Mahogany
- Binding: Multi-ply Top and Headstock, Single Ply Fretboard
- Neck: Solid Mahogany
- Profile: Medium C
- Nut Width: 42.85 mm
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Scale Length: 647.7 mm
- Number of Frets: 22
- Nut: Corian
- Inlay: Mother of Pearl Block
- Bridge: Tune-o-Matic
- Knobs: Black Speed
- Tailpiece: Aluminum Stop Bar
- Tuners: Grover Rotomatic with Kidney Button
- Plating: Gold
- Neck Pickup: 490R Humbucker
- Bridge Pickup: 498T Humbucker
- Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, Hand-Wired Harness with 500K CTS Potentiometers
- Includes: Custom Shop Hardshell
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Ebony, with Gold Hardware
- Shipping Weight: 29.75 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 51 x 21 x 7 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): CSRDCEBGH1
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-444-2766
Email: service@gibson.com
Web: https://www.gibson.com/pages/contact-support
Phone: 800-444-2766
Email: service@gibson.com
Web: https://www.gibson.com/pages/contact-support
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
(1 ratings)
Submitted May 16, 2026 by Anthony Patti in REDONDO BEACH, CA
"Yeah, idk..."
Verified Purchaser
zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Ok, Please pardon this rant. I really love how this new purchase turned out. That being said, I have described this guitar as... "Fistfight out of the gate"... It took a lot of time and money to get it to play. The builders for certain were aware of all the issues I came across and I'm surprised to some degree. I have owned many Gibson Custom Shop (LP's mostly) guitars and they all needed something to get going, but this was another level. Eeek, not a mouse, but I'd rather fight the mouse than this corkage.
Sound
I was unable to use any of the original electronics. The (per me) maunfacturer engineering did not correctly compensate for the shallow thickness of the body in relation to how the Switch Type and Location, as well as how the Pick Up Leads entered the control cavity directly on top of the exposed blades of the switch with ZERO adjustment slack to where grounded. Even though stepts were attempted from GCS to deal with the obvious issue, it failed in my purchases case. This ultimate resolve was made by purchasing Aftermarket Pickups and entire electronics. Also, the Nut od the guitar was damaged and repaired likely during initial build and then that repair was done with overcut nutslot on String Nunber One. This guitar seems like it should've been labeled a "2nd". I'm sorry zZounds had to be involved.
Features
I want to use the original components someday, but the design of this guitar prevents that without… read more severe wood modification which I am not willing to do. So I use aftermarket Pickups and electronics to bypass the design flaw.
Ease of Use
I have no problems using this guitar after I have modified it.
Quality
This is a typical Gibson Guitar. Aside from the design flaw regarding the electronics, it is a decent player and fun to play.
Value
This purchase was NOT worth the amount I paid due to all the cost associated to making it playable.
Manufacturer Support
I did reach out for the issue withthe NUT but opted not to use their recomondation to send to a local (Mega) Guitar store for warrenty repair. I did not contact them for the Major Electronics Issue.
The Wow Factor
As a long time Gibson guitar owner and player, I will say I really like the feel and style of this guitar. I feel happy (now fixed) when I play it every time.
Musical Background:
entering 6th decade
Musical Style:
Metal - Hard Rock - Blues - Music - not necessarily in that order read less
Sound
I was unable to use any of the original electronics. The (per me) maunfacturer engineering did not correctly compensate for the shallow thickness of the body in relation to how the Switch Type and Location, as well as how the Pick Up Leads entered the control cavity directly on top of the exposed blades of the switch with ZERO adjustment slack to where grounded. Even though stepts were attempted from GCS to deal with the obvious issue, it failed in my purchases case. This ultimate resolve was made by purchasing Aftermarket Pickups and entire electronics. Also, the Nut od the guitar was damaged and repaired likely during initial build and then that repair was done with overcut nutslot on String Nunber One. This guitar seems like it should've been labeled a "2nd". I'm sorry zZounds had to be involved.
Features
I want to use the original components someday, but the design of this guitar prevents that without… read more severe wood modification which I am not willing to do. So I use aftermarket Pickups and electronics to bypass the design flaw.
Ease of Use
I have no problems using this guitar after I have modified it.
Quality
This is a typical Gibson Guitar. Aside from the design flaw regarding the electronics, it is a decent player and fun to play.
Value
This purchase was NOT worth the amount I paid due to all the cost associated to making it playable.
Manufacturer Support
I did reach out for the issue withthe NUT but opted not to use their recomondation to send to a local (Mega) Guitar store for warrenty repair. I did not contact them for the Major Electronics Issue.
The Wow Factor
As a long time Gibson guitar owner and player, I will say I really like the feel and style of this guitar. I feel happy (now fixed) when I play it every time.
Musical Background:
entering 6th decade
Musical Style:
Metal - Hard Rock - Blues - Music - not necessarily in that order read less
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Ebony, with Gold Hardware
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