84 EB Ray

[EdFriedland]

Just wondering if an 84 EB RAy would be considered collectible, or valuable in a vintage sense. Saw one recently, thought it was cool, but not sure if it was too high or not (around $1200).

Ed

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

"Musicman Nut" (Dave) would probably be able to help.

I used to think Ernie Ball production didn't start untill 1985. But Dave has a Cherry Ray from the Jan 1985 NAMM show, so my guess is that it would have been made in 1984.

P.S. And welcome to the Forum Ed!

 

[todd4ta]

Did they have the actual neck & body dates available (that were in '84), or was the bass just advertised as an '84?

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Did they have the actual neck & body dates available (that were in '84), or was the bass just advertised as an '84?

That's a good point Todd.

I'd be asking for dates of the neck and body.

 

[PocketGroove82]

Hey ed! Thanks for all the wonderful years of bass player! You articles/lessons and work has helped shape countless bassplayers' careers!

If everything is original and the condition is excellent, 1200 for a 1984 seems like good price. But the collectability of the bass is hard to reckon...the 1980s were a tumultuous time for finishes. If the quality of the bass is exceptional, then it will def. appreciate in value. I'd play it a whole bunch first before making up my mind! Cause the new HH/HS models and the bongo are just so freaking sweet!

 

[Big Poppa]

actually the 84 models are really great and quite rare maybe less than a dozen and if in fact is one is pretty much hand made by Dan Norton and Dudley

 

[EdFriedland]

BP,
Well, the bass is advertised as an 84, maybe I need to check the dates. The logo on the headstock looks different, kind of like the old MM sticker with EB added on. The bass does feel nice, really light too. It tempts me, but then again.. I know I'd prefer a Sterling at some point.


Thanks for the reply!

Ed

 

[EdFriedland]

Ah, okay, I'll divulge it's location. I probably won't buy it, so I should share it with everyone.

http://www.bassemporium.com/item.php?sku=26621

 

[Bill]

Oh, man...that's beautiful!

 

[bovinehost]

It's in nice shape, but I'd want convincing evidence that it's an 84.

Is 1984 now "vintage"?

 

[azzy_wazzy]

Is 1984 now "vintage"?

If so, does that mean me and Tiffles are "vintage"?

Really nice bass though - that body is a thing of beauty!

 

[Kirby]

It seems in great shape. Can anyone here vouch that it is an actual 1984?

 

[Caca de Kick]

Emporium has had that bass for sale forever....

 

[EdFriedland]

It's a consignment and the owner refuses to lower the price, so it's been there for a while. It's very light, and in good shape for the year, a little checking, but that's mojo baby! It needs new strings to get the full picture. Guess the owner won't spring for that either. Still, it's very intriguing. If I thought I needed one now, I'd take it, it's a nice one.

 

[Strangeglow]

I've played it. As Ed says, one of the lighter 'rays I've played. Sounded good, but not better than my 'ray and it's green!

 

[Mr Light]

My $0.02

Hey,

I must say that if it is an '84, that's a good price compared to what they want at GC Hollywood for their two 'Rays...

For their '77, I believe they want $4000.00 or something in that neighborhood. They have an 80s era one also that is priced somewhere in that area. (Don't quote me).

But hey, what's with everyone taking the foam pieces off of the bridge mute kit???!!!

 

[Caca de Kick]

GC will never sell them at those prices, not when you can get 77/78's all day long for around 2500 from other vintage shops.

I don't know why some people take the mutes off I can't see them being in someones way that badly they felt the need for removal. I like having them, they are useful especially for getting a different sound when recording. I have seen some desinegrate, and I can understand that.

 

[EdFriedland]

The '84 has the mute still on it.

 

[Rano Bass]

In that picture i didn't see the mutes

 

[KennethB]

Look again.