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Buying a Music Man Saber

This is a discussion on Buying a Music Man Saber within the Music Man Basses forums, part of the Gear Talk category; Hey Everyone, I'm new to the boards and was wondering if anybody could give me a clue to a fair ...

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    JonGallant is offline Registered User Newbie
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    Buying a Music Man Saber

    Hey Everyone,

    I'm new to the boards and was wondering if anybody could give me a clue to a fair price on a Music Man (Pre-Ernie Ball) Saber. My buddy wants about $4000 for a 77ish Saber (I'd have to take off the neck to see the real date). It's got the two sets of pickups, the humbucker phase switchs and a maple neck. It plays really nice and I want to buy it; but I'm not sure if he's asking too much.

    Any opinions bass friends?

    Jonny
    Last edited by JonGallant; 09-05-2006 at 03:31 PM.

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    muggsy's Avatar
    muggsy is offline Registered User Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by JonGallant
    Hey Everyone,

    I'm new to the boards and was wondering if anybody could give me a clue to a fair price on a Music Man (Pre-Ernie Ball) Saber. My buddy (if that's what I'd call him) wants about $4000 for a 77ish Saber (I'd have to take off the neck to see the real date). It's got the two sets of pickups, the humbucker phase switchs and a maple neck. It plays really nice and I want to buy it; but I'm not sure if he's asking too much.

    Any opinions bass friends?

    Jonny
    That price sounds WAY too high to me. For that kind of money you could buy three new EB two-pickup basses and get change back. That's the way I'd go.
    My EB basses:
    30th Anniversary Stingray
    lined fretless honeyburst Sterling
    BFR Big Al 4H w/roasted maple neck package

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    JonGallant is offline Registered User Newbie
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    Quote Originally Posted by muggsy
    That price sounds WAY too high to me. For that kind of money you could buy three new EB two-pickup basses and get change back. That's the way I'd go.
    Thanks for the reply.

    I love my current two Sting Ray's; but wanted a vintage one to add to my collection. What do you think would be a fair price?

    Jonny

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    todd4ta is offline Registered User Senior Member
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    I have recently sold several pre-EB Sabres, and the prices ranged from $1200 to 1600. Check ebay completed auctions to look at recent sales.

    Your location isn't filled out. These prices are assuming you are in the USA.
    my band The Madeira - original, authentic surf rock

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    JonGallant is offline Registered User Newbie
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    Quote Originally Posted by todd4ta
    I have recently sold several pre-EB Sabres, and the prices ranged from $1200 to 1600. Check ebay completed auctions to look at recent sales.

    Your location isn't filled out. These prices are assuming you are in the USA.

    Wow! Big difference between $4000 and $1600.

    I'm Canadian; but the dollar is near equal value now.

    If anybody else has a price opinion I'd love to hear them. Thanks again!

    Jon
    Last edited by JonGallant; 09-05-2006 at 04:26 PM.

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    bassmonkeee's Avatar
    bassmonkeee is offline Registered User Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by JonGallant
    Wow! Big difference between $4000 and $1600.... I guess he's not much of a friend.

    I'm Canadian; but the dollar is near equal value now.

    If anybody else has a price opinion I'd love to hear them to build some amo for a negotiating battle.

    Thanks again!

    Jon
    $1600 is about the top end, unless you are talking about a rare color in mint condition, and even then, you're talking under $2K.

    IMNSHO, if you go anyway near what he is asking, you lose. Period.

    There's a reason they stopped selling them, ya know.

    Buy new.
    Big Al 5SSS Sunburst, rosewood fretboard, tort, EB Flats

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    Franken-Bongo 5 SHp (aka Moby Dick, the White Whale), black fretted neck with a abalone pickguard, EB Slinkys and a BassMute.

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    Musicman Nut is offline Registered User Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by JonGallant
    Hey Everyone,

    I'm new to the boards and was wondering if anybody could give me a clue to a fair price on a Music Man (Pre-Ernie Ball) Saber. My buddy (if that's what I'd call him) wants about $4000 for a 77ish Saber (I'd have to take off the neck to see the real date). It's got the two sets of pickups, the humbucker phase switchs and a maple neck. It plays really nice and I want to buy it; but I'm not sure if he's asking too much.

    Any opinions bass friends?

    Jonny
    First Off buy one of the New 2 Pickup Ernie Ball Music Mans they sound a million times better then any Sabre on it's good day, and second that price is about $3200 too High.

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    $4000 for a sabre...wow..what a friend...lol....that is WAY too high....depending on condition and such....1000-1500 is more along the lines....i sold a 79 last year for 1100....

  9. #9
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    Just get a dualie SR. It'll kill a Sabre.
    Andrew

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    todd4ta is offline Registered User Senior Member
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    I agree with all of the above. You'll notice, I just sold 4 or 5 Sabres - I lost track. On the old Sabres, many of them don't sound that great with both pickups on. I usually play mine with just the bridge pickup - then it's just about the same as a Stingray.

    I'm keeping my one '79 Sabre for now, and it's about as rare as they get - Inca Silver. I would sell it for $4K, though

    I think your friend is either delusional or not much of a friend.
    my band The Madeira - original, authentic surf rock

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    JonGallant is offline Registered User Newbie
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    Thanks for everyones help!

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    $4000? Worth every penny IMHO
    Whoz Playing? All types of music. Music for all ages. Variety specialists.
    Whoz Playing Jazz Trio
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    Quote Originally Posted by JonGallant
    Wow! Big difference between $4000 and $1600.

    I'm Canadian; but the dollar is near equal value now.

    If anybody else has a price opinion I'd love to hear them. Thanks again!

    Jon
    Here in sweden they're about $1200 ot $2000 depending on condition and finish/neck. White being a bit more pricey, and the slim neck option too.
    bovinehost: Yes, I do agree with that, but if there's nothing wrong then there's nothing wrong.
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    kompressaur is offline Registered User Senior Member
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    heres one that just sold on evilbay here in blighty

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1979-Musicman-...QQcmdZViewItem

    I'd say thats a fair price for a pre EB Sabre.which at most works out half of $4000.

    surely you'r better off with a new Bongo or dual pup Ray/Sterling and (all that) cash left over
    just my tuppence worth
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    Jon Gallant, are you Billy Talent bassists?...
    Last edited by Ginnagan; 09-07-2006 at 05:11 PM.

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