Question '79 Music Man Sabre…

[depalm]

…With Sting Ray Neck and ebony fingerboard.

A friend of mine is selling this bass and I'm thinking in pull the trigger.
According to him this bass was custom made to bassist Joel Di Bartolo (who was a MM consulting in that period).

That's a one of a kind bass for sure, my friend is asking U$5000, which is way expensive for me now.

If you have to put a price on it how much do you think it should cost?

Pics:

 

[mynan]

Without documentation to verify the story that it's a custom one-of...not anywhere close to $5k.

 

[bovinehost]

There are so many things wrong with that - I don't even know where to start.

But if I had to start somewhere, it would be with the price.

But also, there are a lot of parts that are NOT correct for a 79 Sabre. I think you're looking at a FrankenSabre, which might be worth something as a player but certainly not as a collectors item.

And when I say "worth something", I mean about a fifth of what your "friend" is asking for it.

 

[depalm]

There are so many things wrong with that - I don't even know where to start.

But if I had to start somewhere, it would be with the price.

But also, there are a lot of parts that are NOT correct for a 79 Sabre. I think you're looking at a FrankenSabre, which might be worth something as a player but certainly not as a collectors item.

And when I say "worth something", I mean about a fifth of what your "friend" is asking for it.

Hey, thanks for reply.
The covered pole-pieces and the blade pickup selector are from 80's production right?
What else do you think is not correct for a 79 Sabre?

best

BTW this guys is a good friend, he just don't have any idea of what he should asking for. I've just spoke with him and he agreed to lower the price.
The bass is in Rio/ Brazil.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

It has an Ernie Ball neck. It may even be an EB Bass. They didn't aquire Music Man untill 1984.

The logo says "Sting Ray" and not "Sabre".

P.S. What's the serial number?

 

[depalm]

Mr. Trussbroken
I don't have the SN right now but I can ask my friend.
According to him it was a custom order from Joel Di Bartolo who was MM consultant at that period.