Seeking info on Silhouette special...

[Cherry1]

Hi guys!

I'm new here and stumbled upon your forum whilst trying to research the Ernie Ball musicman silhouette special. Finding it hard to get some answers and thought you guys are the pros at this and would be able to answer some of my questions.

Sooooo...

My sister is selling a green 1996 silhouette special SSS with tremolo option, pearl pick guard and maple neck and I am thinking about buying it but would like to know what it would be worth. It's in mint condish, only used in her lounge room and a rather nice looking and sounding guitar. She personally bought it brand new in 1996.

I'm also trying to find out where these guitars are made? Are the new ones made in the same place as the old ones? ie. old in USA and new ones in china? How much would it cost to buy a new one today? Are the old ones better than the new etc...?

Any information you have will be much appreciated and valued.

 

[DrKev]

Welcome to the forum!

The quality is the same, never changed, and Music Man guitars are still made in the US, at San Louis Obispo, California. The specs have changed a bit over the years. Look for the "What is the production date of my guitar?" thread at the top of the guitar section - post your serial number there and ask for the full specs of that particular guitar.

As for prices, you'll easily find much of that info online. Pay attention to ebay but look for completed auctions to see what buyers are actually paying, rather than what sellers are asking.

If you buy it, we'll look forward to a New Guitar Day post complete with photos!

Silhouettes are great guitars, I'm sure you'll love it!

.
(As a moderator I am obliged to warn that if this turns into a "for sale" thread it will be shut down in a heart beat).

 

[guitarp77]

Awesome guitars. Silhos are really a "no brainer"...

 

[GWDavis28]

Welcome, so the older Silo Specials have the Schaller bridge pieces if memory serves me right. The Pearl green is a great color, there is currently one available on EvilBay. Your best bet for checking prices is to check the recently sold and determine it from there. The older Silo Specials have been selling in the $700-800 range on Evilbay from what I've seen, but check it out for yourself. If it's your sister that's selling it, remind her that you'll be keeping it in the family and she can use it when she's over, she might give you a deal.

Good luck, Glenn |B)

 

[John C]

Actually the older Silo Specials have a Wilkinson tremolo on them and the old-style Grover locking tuners with thumbwheels on the top. I don't remember exactly when they changed from these to the current EBMM vintage tremolo and Schaller locking tuners but I think that happened in 1997 after the Axis Sports came out.

Glenn - I believe you're thinking of the 1980s Silhouettes that had a Schaller-made tremolo system on them.

 

[GWDavis28]

Actually the older Silo Specials have a Wilkinson tremolo on them and the old-style Grover locking tuners with thumbwheels on the top. I don't remember exactly when they changed from these to the current EBMM vintage tremolo and Schaller locking tuners but I think that happened in 1997 after the Axis Sports came out.

Glenn - I believe you're thinking of the 1980s Silhouettes that had a Schaller-made tremolo system on them.

John C, thanx man, I wasn't 100% sure, but I knew someone would correct me. |B)

You have pictures man?

Glenn |B)

 

[Cherry1]

Thanks so much guys! I'm just trying to work out how to attach the photo she has of it on facebook to here. Not sure if it worked... (eta it worked!! lol)

Ernie Ball

How much are they brand new? I think she is definitely wanting $1800 for it so i think i'll give it a miss and buy something new!

 

[GWDavis28]

Thanks so much guys! I'm just trying to work out how to attach the photo she has of it on facebook to here. Not sure if it worked... (eta it worked!! lol)

Ernie Ball

How much are they brand new? I think she is definitely wanting $1800 for it so i think i'll give it a miss and buy something new!

$1800 is way. way too much. You can get a brand spanking new Black Sugar with a roasted neck and Ebony fret board for that price. Again check Evilbya for completed transactions, you'll see it's more in the neighborhood (guessing here) of $800-1000, in absolute perfect condition.

Good luck, Glenn |B)

 

[Cherry1]

Thanks Glenn, that's what i thought after looking around online. She said she paid $1800 for it in 1996 and it is a beautiful guitar but i don't want to get ripped off by my own sister hahaha. Also good for her to know what it is actually worth. Lots of people want a certain price for things but it's only worth what someone is willing to pay. I noticed the John Petrucci ones go for more.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

Look at Australia pricing. It's cheaper in the US.

 

[Cherry1]

Look at Australia pricing. It's cheaper in the US.

Hey Jack! How much are they in the US?

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Hey Jack! How much are they in the US?

Glenn was giving you US pricing, the used Silo Specials typically sell for $700-900 US.

 

[Cherry1]

Glenn was giving you US pricing, the used Silo Specials typically sell for $700-900 US.

Thanks Peter but I'm talking about how much they are brand new over there.

Looks like second hand they go between $800 - $1100 here but still can't find new prices for one which is the same with the same options.

 

[GWDavis28]

Glenn was giving you US pricing, the used Silo Specials typically sell for $700-900 US.

Pete is correct, Cherry didn't have a location set. Sorry man.

Glenn |B)

 

[John C]

I just checked on the Musician's Friend website; they have them listed for between $1,600 and $1,700 new here in the US. That's probably the "minimum advertised price" (we're not supposed to post anything but the MAP on the forum but you can often negotiate with the dealers).

 

[Cherry1]

Thanks John. I assume Australia would add a couple of hundred to that price. Still not making it worth $1800 secondhand


If I buy a new one which should I be getting/ what options etc? Is the silhouette special the way to go?

 

[GWDavis28]

Thanks John. I assume Australia would add a couple of hundred to that price. Still not making it worth $1800 secondhand


If I buy a new one which should I be getting/ what options etc? Is the silhouette special the way to go?

Cherry, only you can make the decision as to what works for you. I personally prefer the Silo Specials and Albert Lee's, but that's me.

Glenn |B)

 

[Casper]

I just bought a used 96 Silo Special from an internet dealer and payed about 850 US. It was one of the first years from what I understand. Mine has 3 emg singles, came with a Wilkinson bridge and Grover locking tuners. It feels about the same as the 2008 Silo Spec I had last year...neck is a teeny bit rounder on this one) I put a different Wilkinson on it (mostly for cosmetic)and will switch to Schallers when I can confirm with someone that I don't have to mod or drill the headstock. the Grovers are okay, but I also have an LIII and love the tuners. Its a fine guitar either way with or without my mods. I WILL say that I didn't like the stock Dimarzios on the Silhouettes and would have put emgs or duncans or something. Ebay has some decent deals right now including a one-off that Sterling had made for his kids foundation or something..$900.00 check into it, eh? Best of luck!