Question 25th Anniv vs Reflex

[Ixyka]

Hi guys, I'm new to Music Man, but I'd like to purchase one in the near future.

Could someone outline exactly what the differences are between the Reflex and the 25th Anniversary?

Like, say if I could buy a Reflex for about $2200 or a 25th for about $2700, just what am I going to get for that extra 500 dollars? Better construction? Better tone? Will the 25th's electronics hold up for 60 years while the Reflex's hold up only 50? (I say that only half jokingly)

So, exactly what bonuses would the 25th give over the reflex?

A point-by-point outline would be really appreciated.

Thanks to any/all who respond. =)

 

[DirtyHippie]

They are almost the same. The 25th has a figured top, either flamed or quilted maple, and was only produced in venetian red burst. It also had special dots on the fretboard. The Reflex is available in white, black, gold, or vintage sunburst, with no figured top, and black dots on the fretboard. Oh, 25 of the 25th anniversary basses had solid rosewood necks.

 

[Manfloozy]

Fancy top and finish, perloid dots... thats about it. Same electronics package, same people putting them together, same woods.... just different paint and headstock logo.

Seriously, the Reflexes even have a maple cap and mahogany tone block like the 25th.

 

[syciprider]

And they're not making anymore 25ths.

 

[Ixyka]

Fancy top and finish, perloid dots... thats about it. Same electronics package, same people putting them together, same woods.... just different paint and headstock logo.

Seriously, the Reflexes even have a maple cap and mahogany tone block like the 25th.

Thanks, this is pretty much what I was hoping to hear.

And to syciprider: Yes, I am aware that 25th has been out of production for quite some time now, but I wanted to make sure that the higher cost was a reflection of the rarity/novelty and not because of better production quality/loving care. =)

 

[jlepre]

Plus if you find any 25th's for sale NEW you could probably be a MUCH better price than $2700. I know "I" did.

 

[keko]

When I was making a decision to buy a reflex I tried only 25th in my local store, but in unwanted configuration for me (4H), so I asked a question to EBMM CS about the sound difference between these two and the answer was, ... "There is minimal sound difference between the 2 models."

All other differences are written above in this Thread!

Now I'm still waiting mine to arrive, it's 4 months now from order..., but I'm patient!

Maybe even DOB of mine will be for 2011.

 

[projectapollo]

GC had a clearance event going on that included some new 25ths.

Guitar Center Clearance Event

 

[fogman]

....but I wanted to make sure that the higher cost was a reflection of the rarity/novelty and not because of better production quality/loving care. =)

NEVER!!!!

everything that comes out of the factory is top notch no matter what the offering.

 

[syciprider]

EBMM lavishes as much TLC on the most common black SR4s as they do on the most exotic BFRs as per the Premier Guitar factory vid

 

[Ixyka]

NEVER!!!!

everything that comes out of the factory is top notch no matter what the offering.

Please don't misunderstand. Of course, I would expect exceedingly high quality in either of those basses, however, even when it comes to two high-quality items, it is possible for one to still be of an even higher quality than the other. =)

If this wasn't the case, then I never would have asked the question. Is it so strange that I want to know what the extra money would be paying for?

 

[Bass Control]

The reason for the difference in price, I think, would be the high grade top, the exclusive finish to those instruments, and the fact that the 25th Anniversary moniker was only available for one year, thus making it a rarer and more special instrument. Pretty much the same deal with the 30th Anniversary Stingrays, 20th Anniversary Stingray 5s, and the 20th Anniversary Silhouette.

 

[Manfloozy]

Please don't misunderstand. Of course, I would expect exceedingly high quality in either of those basses, however, even when it comes to two high-quality items, it is possible for one to still be of an even higher quality than the other. =)

If this wasn't the case, then I never would have asked the question. Is it so strange that I want to know what the extra money would be paying for?

Either is a GREAT choice, but the reason to buy a 25th would be because of the top and/or the limited run. There will be no difference in quality, materials or sound other than the normal variances between two like models.

I do highly recommend calling the dealer on the 25th for a sale price like John suggested before making a decision. After you know the difference in take home prices make your decision based on aesthetics and whether you want a limited edition instrument. Either way you'll have a fantastic high quality instrument!

 

[jlepre]

Either is a GREAT choice, but the reason to buy a 25th would be because of the top and/or the limited run. There will be no difference in quality, materials or sound other than the normal variances between two like models.

I do highly recommend calling the dealer on the 25th for a sale price like John suggested before making a decision. After you know the difference in take home prices make your decision based on aesthetics and whether you want a limited edition instrument. Either way you'll have a fantastic high quality instrument!

+1 Matt!

That's what I did when I was going between the Reflex 5 of the 25th, and got a MUCH better deal on a leftover 25th.

 

[projectapollo]

... got a MUCH better deal on a leftover 25th.

+1. This is the way to go.

 

[TheAntMan]

Love my 25th in Venetian Red Flame top but the Reflex in Vintage Gold is a drool maker!!!

If end up having to sell my 25th due to current financial situation then I will replace it with a Reflex in Vintage Gold when things turn around.

--Ant

 

[smokey]

I love the look of the white Reflex's, but I can't live without my 25th BFR 5HH. Appearance aesthetics aside, resale value may hold up better on a 25th due to the limited run (and guaranteed killer looking tops on all of them). There are a few 25th still around and available for much less than $2.7K. There's also a 2nd hand 25th 5HH at Bass Central. I'd recommend contacting a few places and see what's around.
Cheers

 

[oli@bass]

BobKos has a 25th 5HH for sale

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=722304

 

[Ixyka]

Either is a GREAT choice, but the reason to buy a 25th would be because of the top and/or the limited run. There will be no difference in quality, materials or sound other than the normal variances between two like models.

I do highly recommend calling the dealer on the 25th for a sale price like John suggested before making a decision. After you know the difference in take home prices make your decision based on aesthetics and whether you want a limited edition instrument. Either way you'll have a fantastic high quality instrument!

Thanks. This is all the info I needed. And sorry for not replying sooner; Was busy for most of last week.

Venetian Red Flame top but the Reflex in Vintage Gold is a drool maker!!!

If end up having to sell my 25th due to current financial situation then I will replace it with a Reflex in Vintage Gold when things turn around.

--Ant

I think I personally like the Red Burst 25th and the Reflex Black (yeah, yeah, I know... how boring my tastes are, hehe).

There are a few 25th still around and available for much less than $2.7K. There's also a 2nd hand 25th 5HH at Bass Central. I'd recommend contacting a few places and see what's around.
Cheers

BobKos has a 25th 5HH for sale

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=722304

Thanks.