78 MM Sabre

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by geddy402, Jul 17, 2013.

  1. geddy402

    geddy402

    Jul 20, 2012
    Found this on craigslist. Looks pretty cool with the checking.

    $1400 a descent price? Wasn't sure since its a rarer color.

    Never played one, anyone have experience with these? I assume you can get a Stingray sound if you solo the bridge pick up. Is the preamp the same?
     

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  2. smcd

    smcd

    Jun 28, 2009
    Boston, MA
    $1,400 for a pre-EB Sabre in Inca Silver? That's a great deal. The pickguard isn't orginal, but that doesn't really matter.
     
  3. Lo-E

    Lo-E

    Dec 19, 2009
    Brooklyn, NY
    Yeah, very good deal.

    They're cool basses. The switching is a little bizarre, and a couple of the switch positions are kinda useless, but there are bunch of great sounds to make up for that - and they're just cool as heck!
     
  4. GM60466

    GM60466

    May 20, 2006
    Chi-Town
    $1400 is an exceptional price. I never understood all the switches.
     
  5. geddy402

    geddy402

    Jul 20, 2012
    Cool. Thanks for the info!

    Here's a couple more pics.

    Do you know if it has the same preamp as a Stingray of this year?
     

    Attached Files:

  6. geddy402

    geddy402

    Jul 20, 2012
    Couple more pics...

    Does it look legit to you guys?
     

    Attached Files:

  7. IPA

    IPA Supporting Member

    May 5, 2010
    wicked finish checking
     
  8. malthumb

    malthumb

    Mar 25, 2001
    The Motor City
  9. Marial

    Marial weapons-grade plum

    Apr 8, 2011
    BUY IT!

    If you decide not to send me the CList link. :)
     
  10. bassistjoe93

    bassistjoe93 Supporting Member

    Sep 14, 2011
    Do it, that thing is wicked cool!
     
  11. smcd

    smcd

    Jun 28, 2009
    Boston, MA
    That won't last long on CL at that price
     
  12. mikeswals

    mikeswals Supporting Member

    Nov 18, 2002
    Seattle / Tacoma
    Inca silver for the win! Rare color that usually commands a premium. Yes its legit other than the pickguard as smcd mentioned, stop kicking tires and just go buy it.

    The preamp is very similar to the StingRay 2eq, yes you can get a Ray sound by soloing the rear pickup. The switches are:
    1st switch is pickup selector -front/both/rear-.
    2nd switch is pickup phase reversal, which is useless.
    3rd switch is a bright boost.
     
  13. geddy402

    geddy402

    Jul 20, 2012
    It is really tempting. I was looking for a vintage Stingray, but I guess I could settle for this! Seems like it is basically a stingray with some extra options...some of which seem useless. Guessing the Sabre preamp is the same as the Stingray.
     
  14. geddy402

    geddy402

    Jul 20, 2012
    Oops...didn't see caca's reply before I posted mine.

    Emailed seller so we'll see if it's still available.
     
  15. mikeswals

    mikeswals Supporting Member

    Nov 18, 2002
    Seattle / Tacoma
    Yeah, Ray-ish sound with solo rear. Then it can get really fat and deep with both pickups on.
     
  16. geddy402

    geddy402

    Jul 20, 2012
    Thanks for the info everybody!
     
  17. taurus1

    taurus1

    Sep 13, 2006
    Vancouver B.C.
    I've never seen or heard of an Inca silver MM Sabre, I have my doubts that it's original finish, especially since the pickguard isn't stock.
    the "checking" looks fake, more like intentional scratches.
    I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole, at that price.
    maybe if it was $700.00.
     
  18. smcd

    smcd

    Jun 28, 2009
    Boston, MA
    Inca Silver was a factory MM color. I've seen Inca Silver Pre-EB StingRays, and if they made Inca Silver StingRays, they made Inca Silver Sabres. I very much doubt that MM delegated Inca Silver "a color for StingRays only". In fact, the very idea is absurd.

    Those aren't scratches, that's surface checking. I've owned G&L's from that era that had checking just like that.
     
  19. mikeswals

    mikeswals Supporting Member

    Nov 18, 2002
    Seattle / Tacoma
    Correct. There's at least a few Inca Sabres listed in what serials were contributed to the registry. So you can see how rare a finish it is to begin with.
    The finish checks were taken with a camera flash, that's what it does when you do that.

    http://www.musicmanbass.org/mycustompage0011.htm
     
  20. winterburn69

    winterburn69

    Jan 27, 2008
    Saskatchewan
    What a rad looking bass! I hope you get it, especially for that price. I usually don't like Inca Silver, but the way it's aged looks quite awesome.