Sabre serial # revisited

[ceddy]

Hi,
Sorry to add another serial# check to the pile. But can anyone get me close on the year of a Sabre with # C005232.

Thanks in advance. I have all but a done deal on this bass and just wanted to verify that it is indeed what it is claimed to be ..Rob

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Can you provide more info......

layout of controls on control plate?

pickups...can you see the magnetic pole pieces?

fret board...maple or rosewood?

colour of finish and pickguard?

Cheers.

 

[ceddy]

Sorry, I have no more info for you. I appreciate your response.

The only thing I know for sure is that it's sunburst. It's supposed to be 99.9% mint. I'm using an escrow service to purchase online. That gives me 4 days to inspect it and return it if doesn't meet my expectations. I would only be out shipping and escrow fees if it is not what is claimed. The price is more than right considering what they have been bringing lately and I've had the hot's for a sabre for quite a while now.

I'll remove the neck when I get it and post the build dates so you can add it to your database. ........Thanks again.....Rob

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Hi Rob.......

>>>>>>I'll remove the neck when I get it and post the build dates so you can add it to your database.

That would be great!

In the meantime the following may or may not assist.

The serial# you've quoted indicates that it's a Pre-EB Bass which, in the main, were manufactured from 1979 to 1983. HOWEVER, some serials are claimed to be 1978 and I've read material suggesting that manufacture did commence in 1978. At the other end of the scale, I know of another instrument where the owner claims it to be an early 1984.

Circa 1980, the neck changed from 3 bolt to 4 bolt. The earlier Pre-EB Sabres had a 3 way slide switch and two toggle switches on the control plate in addition to the Vol, Treble and Bass. Also, the magnetics on the pickups were visible. Latter Pre-EB Sabres only included a 5 way slide switch (no toggles) in addition to the Vol, treble and Bass. The pickups were capped on top...the magnets were not visible (especially the case with 1983 Pre-EB Sabres).

Pre-EB serials are all over the place with regards to chronology. Unfortunately, the Sabre list I have is too small to reveal any general dating pattern. I've included a selection anyway:

C0013xx..1979. Sunburst with Maple. Black pg.
C001359..Neck 12 Aug 1980. Body 25 Sept (?) 1980. Natural with Maple. Black pg. Not Chronological.
C001971..1979. Walnut with Maple. Black pg.
C002266..1979. Sunburst with Maple. Black pg.
C00317x..1979. Natural with Maple. Black pg.
C003301..Neck and body BOTH dated 22 Aug 1979
C003454..Aug/Aug 1979. Natural with Maple. Black pg.
C003558..Owner purchased as a 1978 model. Black with Maple. Not Chronological.
C003795..Aug/Aug 1979. Natural with Maple. Black pg.
C004480..8 Jun/22 Oct 1979. Black with Maple.
C004526..1979. Natural. Black pg.
C004555..Neck Apl 1980. No Body date. Black with Ebony. Not Chronological.
C004714..Neck..17 Jul 1979. Body..2 Jul 1979.
C004xxx..Owner believes 1981. LEFT HANDED. Sunburst with Maple. Black pg.
C005092..Owner says purchased in 1978. Black with Maple. Not Chronological.

Cheers.