Sub 1 a collectors item?

[Vikunt]

does anyone know how many sub 1's were made before they where dis continued? i just bought one but someone told me they are to become a collectors item as they are discontinued. the dealer i got it from has one more in black and im thinking of buying the second as an investment, any thoughts or opinions?

 

[zombi]

Depends on the price. I wouldn't say they are so much a "collector's item" as a great budget EBMM and many people's introduction to the brand. The used market on them is still under what street prices were new because they do still pop up. Usually as people upgrade to a higher end MM. With the existance of several REALLY low production number guitars as is, they aren't the top of the market. If investing I'd look on the sale thread and see what price people have theirs up for sale at and see if the margin of profit is worthwhile.

 

[Vikunt]

well it was advertised as $1600 but im mates with the store owner so i got it for 800. this is aus dollar though so probs works out to about $1200 US$ originally

 

[Luc]

I'm sorry, 1200$ for a SUB is insane...I bought the one I had for a while for less than half of that..and at that time they were discontinued too. Don't pay that amount of money for a second one!

 

[poj]

I don't think Sub1 is for the collectors, but for the modifier.

It's a budget EBMM. If you can find one used with good price, get it.
It's better than OLP anyway.
You can change anything you want, start with the PU.
Here's mine with EMG PU.

 

[zombi]

Um, yeah. Poj, that sub looks dangerous. I was over getting a sub, but I think you might have just ruined that. Thanks...

 

[Spudmurphy]

I don't think the sub will become an "Investment" type guitar - there were too many made (relatively speaking). Just as a snapshot - I have been looking at a second hand EVH hardtail on Ebay, only 200 of them made - advertised as a 9/10 for US $2000 and not one single bid.
There are good bargains to be had in the second hand market at the moment as sellers want to move them to increase the "velocity" of their money (Economics speak!!).

So SUB a good investment? - putting everything into perspective prolly not imo.

EDIT
I played one in an exhibition last year (Spud duels with the Devil) and I have to say that it was a very very nice guitar and if one came up super cheap - I'd get one. I bleeb some were sold recently in the UK for under £200 !!!

 

[Sticky1973]

I don't think Sub1 is for the collectors, but for the modifier.

Definately, brother.

A deceivingly good axe, the Sub.

It may be missing the engraving on the bridge, the artist signature on the headstock, or the hi end DiMarzio's. Indeed, there are no body contours, or shiny buffed finish, but that's it really. The financial saving in manufacture was passed onto the consumer as a result.

They play great, and they are built like tanks.

I actually love the textured finish on them.

 

[jamminjim]

Sub 1 madness

Sub 1' have been going for around $300 to $400 here in the States used in good shape no issues, maybe higher if mint like new. They'll go higher in the future I think. $800 Aus is around $525 US. Not bad for a new one.

I agree, they are highly modable, easliy modified to be in Silhouette Special configuration. They play and sound excellent. The pups are unique sounding and I think they rival any DiMarzio in quality.

Here's a pic of my blackie

 

[Sticky1973]

I agree, they are highly modable, easliy modified to be in Silhouette Special configuration..... Here's a pic of my blackie....

Every time I see that guitar..........

Awesome example of how flexible an axe it really is.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

The limits on a Sub's value is really that it's not a household name like some guitars are (you know what I'm talking about). Where it truely shines is when someone wants a guitar that plays outstandingly well and doesn't need the kind of looks that something like a BFR would bring.

If you've watched the used market for the household name guitars, I'm sure you've seen what I have......their prices are dropping like a rock.

jack

 

[Spudmurphy]

^
Yup my point exactly.

 

[Smellybum]

SUB's are amazing, and one day they'll probably be worth what the originally retailed for, but.. I wouldn't swap your bonds for them

Killer guitars mind you - I'm on my second one, they totally kill any Korean made 'affordable range' - be interesting to see what the Sterlings are like in comparison.

Oh Yeah, Here's my disco pimp edition

 

[DaPatrooch]

Probably not going to become an investment, but they sure are great. I got mine used for $400 and the guy had already put Seymour Duncans in it. It sounds really good.

 

[brokenvail]

Do the subs have the swimming pool routing? I have turned down some because they only had one pickup but if it had that swiming pool routing under that pick guard I will be upset with my self!

 

[jamminjim]

Hey Vikunt

There's a saying around here that if there are no pictures of your Sub 1, then it just doesn't exist mate.

Let's see it!

 

[mischultz]

Just had the guard off mine and it was a 2HB route. Pretty sure the bodies were all machined that way regardless of the PU configuration. I'll post a belated photo later this week. I have a Harmonic Design Z90 (maybe my favorite PU of any description) inbound for the bridge. Leaving the neck empty for now and going for Esquire simplicity with EBMM utility. One killer PU, trem and a perfect neck. New guard is black/creme/black (on black). Just not going to be a fan of the aluminum any time soon, but to each his own...

Michael

 

[jamminjim]

Just had the guard off mine and it was a 2HB route. Pretty sure the bodies were all machined that way regardless of the PU configuration. Michael

Michael - no need to post the pic, it's a fact retold here many times. The Sub1's were all routed with two humbucker cavities.
Here's a pic of mine and you can see the two stock hummer cavities and the single in the middle that I routed...no swimming pool like on the Silo...although it could easily be done...

Silo swimming pool rout

Cheers!

 

[brokenvail]

Michael - no need to post the pic, it's a fact retold here many times. The Sub1's were all routed with two humbucker cavities.

Cheers!

Ok, so I am officially mad! If they are all routed for 2 HBs how did the other guy get the single coil in the middle on the one he modded? Did he route it out him self?

 

[marsguitars]

Like others have said, I think you need to just accept the Sub as a nice guitar ar a reasonable price... it might be a rarity some day, but not in the next decade or two!