Question Advice regarding a 1990's Music Man Silhouette Special

[elixiriszog]

I'm hoping someone on this forum can offer advice on a guitar I might buy. Its a Silhouette Special I believe from '97 (at least serial number begins 97 and is 5 digits). My main concern is that this model has grover tuners and the Wilkinson bridge. As far as the bridge/tuners go would anyone know if this guitar will stay in tune as well as the more modern versions with the vintage Music Man bridge and schaller tuners after using the vibrato/whammy? I'd like to know how this older version measures up as the vibrato system is one of the main reasons I'm thinking of moving over to Music Man. Any info is appreciated!

 

[edhalen]

Welcome to the forum! While I have no experience with Wilkinson trems you can go here to find out the mfg date of the guitar - http://forums.ernieball.com/music-m...l-numbers-what-production-date-my-guitar.html

 

[DrKev]

Serial number starting 97 could also have been a 1996 guitar. I don't know for sure they were ever intended to start with the year, but they were certainly out of sync around that time and eventually the serial numbers were pretty much randomised.

If the guitar was brand new with brand new Grovers and Wilkinson trem, it'll stay in tune pretty good. What condition the hardware is in now is the question. Personally, I'd stay with a modern vibrato. Don't get me wrong, Grovers are good and Wilkinson makes great parts, but if the modern vibratos are one of the reasons you're interested in Music Man, I'd let this one go.

Still, nice guitar in great shape. This guitar could make somebody very happy.

And welcome to the forum!

 

[elixiriszog]

Thanks for the info! The serial is 97402 FYI but I have posted this in the appropriate thread as well.
I do know the the guitar is totally original and the Wilkinson bridge and Grovers were stock parts at the time.
Unfortunately the guitar is kinda far away from me so I can't really test it out until I go to buy it. If anyone out
there can vouch for the Wilkinson bridge working well or not so well it would be appreciated!

 

[Stratty316]

I played a Silo Spec with the same trem years ago and it was a great playing instrument. I do like the MM Vintage trem better, but I have always thought there was some serious mojo associated with Balls from that period of time. I would pick it up if I were you... its not like you would not be able to sell it here with much trouble.