I have a '78 music man sabre and have no idea what its current value is. It is in very good shape, still w/original active p/ups. I've had the wiring redone. I love the bass and am not selling it. Just curious since sabres seem somewhat rare.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
1978 Musicman Sabre
- Thread starter emoterply
- Start date
Someone in Dallas is selling an '83 for $1600 on craiglist. The ad says that one recently sold for $1847 on ebay. I can't really verify anything that the seller said, but I just read the ad a few minutes ago, so it was fresh in my mind....
What's your serial no.?
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Scroll down for a list of Sabre serial no.s
Mines C002328 which I think puts it at August '79
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Scroll down for a list of Sabre serial no.s
Mines C002328 which I think puts it at August '79
$1600-$1800 sounds about right. I've got an '80 left handed Sabre, which is extremely rare, though the vintage market value for Sabres has never been as strong as the Stingrays despite there being fewer of them. Personally, I prefer the Sabre due to the double pickup and switching options.
+1 to that.
To my ear the bridge pickup fills out whats missing in the "stingray" pickup.
Link Removed
I thought the white switch on mine was an aftermarket replacement til I saw your photo.
To my ear the bridge pickup fills out whats missing in the "stingray" pickup.
Link Removed
I thought the white switch on mine was an aftermarket replacement til I saw your photo.
The keyboardist in one of my bands told me I pretty much got the gig when they saw the state of my fretboard.
I play a lot- but I think the guy that had it before me must have been a bass playing robot.
Link Removed
I play a lot- but I think the guy that had it before me must have been a bass playing robot.
Link Removed
It depends on what finish it has and the condition of the bass.
1100-1500 seems average for 'more plain' colored ones. And I've seen some custom color ones go for a bit more.
Mine's on that list C006042.
1100-1500 seems average for 'more plain' colored ones. And I've seen some custom color ones go for a bit more.
Mine's on that list C006042.
Well yours originally would have had a black pickguard.
The clear guards were a later feature when the pickup routs in the body were shaped exactly like the pickups around 82-83 and later.
The clear guards were a later feature when the pickup routs in the body were shaped exactly like the pickups around 82-83 and later.
It depends on what finish it has and the condition of the bass.
1100-1500 seems average for 'more plain' colored ones. And I've seen some custom color ones go for a bit more.
Mine's on that list C006042.
I agree with your valuation. A private sale will fetch between $1100 - $1500 for the natural and sunburst finishes. Which is about $500 less than an equivalent Stingray (age/condition). That's a nice example you have, cleaner than I've ever seen.
I too have a 78 Sabre, 4 string. I never play it because I play 5 string basses now. Mine is a dark green, looks black in low light. It's in excellent condition except on the rear body, it has belt buckle rash. All original electronics. If interested, let me know and I will take pictures of it.
do you still have this bass,the sabre? i am intrested,send pix to Invalid Link Removed
The Sabre is the red headed step child of the MM line.
This thing smokes all the EBMM basses I have compared it to for getting the sound in my head. The modern EBMM offering are good basses but they aren't this.
Jim
I HAVE A MUSICMAN STERLING THAT IS SUPERIOR TO THE SABRE IN EVERY WAY. THE ONLY THING THE SABRE HAS OVER A NEWER ERNIE BALL IS AGE. IF YOU KNOW HOW TO USE YOUR POTS/TREBLE/BASS AND PICK UP SELECTOR ON A MUSICMAN STERLING WITH DUAL HH'S,WHY IS YOUR SOUND BETTER? I AM IN THE MARKET FOR AN OLD PRE EB MM SABRE MYSELF BUT LETS NOT GET CARRIED AWAY.I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A GUY LIKE YOU GET BLIND FOLDED,SAT IN A CHAIR AND HAVE 4 BASSES PLAY. I BET YOU WOULDNT BE ABLE TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE.GIVIN THE SAME AMP, A EB MM STERLING WILL SMOKE A STOCK SABRE FROM 30 YEARS AGO.I TOO AM IN THE MARKET FOR A SABRE,FOR ITS MISTIQUE AND MUSICAL HERITAGE. AS FAR AS BEING A STAGE READY BASS AT 30 PLUS YEARS OLD IS TOO MUCH TO ASK.
Because that's his opinion and we respect his right to say so.
If your Sterling is so wonderful, then why are you so desperate for a Sabre!?!? That seems like a very hypocritical position.
