Gibson RD Standard Electric Guitar Formerly Owned by Ron Nine of the Band Love Battery

This Gibson, Inc. RD (Research and Development) standard series, ebony finish, solid body, electric guitar and hard-shell case, built in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was played by Ron Nine (born Ron Rudzitis, 1957) of the Seattle, Washington musical band Love Battery. This model was originally released in 1977, and only in production for five years., This particular guitar was made in 1978. The body and neck are made of maple which is meant to give a brighter sound, while the fingerboard is made from rosewood. This model was also distinguished by its passive electronics and was meant to appeal to fans of synthesizers as well as guitars. 

Founded in 1989, Love Battery took their name from a Buzzcocks song of the same name and originally included singer Ron Nine, formerly of Room Nine, guitarist Kevin Whitworth (birthdate unknown), formally of Crisis Party, bassist Jim Tillman (birthdate unknown), from U-Men, and drummer Dan Peters (b. 1967), also of Mudhoney, who soon left the band and was replaced by Jason Finn (b. 1967), of Skinyard and Presidents of the United States. They released their first EP in 1989, Between the Eyes (Sub Pop Records) and their full-length debut Dayglo in 1992. In 1996, Love Battery was featured in the documentary Hype!, which documented the rise of the Seattle Grunge scene.  

Their music is not easy to categorize, mixing grunge with psychedelic guitar solos, punk, and a garage band sound. With a changing lineup, including Tommy Simpson (birthdate unknown) who was replaced by ex-Green River and Mother Love Bone guitarist Bruce Fairweather (b. 1960); and other drummers including ex-Posies and Fastbacks drummer Mike Musburger (birthdate unknown), the lineup briefly reunited in 2018 to play the entire LP Dayglo at Slim’s Last Chance in Seattle.