Ibanez Saber Value?

[Mr Graphic]

Was just offered a metallic green Ibanez {540S Saber?}. Thin body, HSS w/three mini toggles, recessed Lo-Pro? tremelo, rosewood fretboard. Serial # on the plate is A700035, maybe first year production? It's kinda' worn out, frets have MAJOR string grooves, barely discernable crack below the Floyd nut bolts on the backside of the neck. but it feels/plays KILLER! I haven't got this good a vibe in the first minute of checking out a guitar in a while. Price is $225.00 w/case. It seems like a great home guitar, but I'm wondering if a cleaner example can be had for the same money. Opinions appreciated...

[markD]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

i think that's a good price. i have one in desert sun yellow, and i'd never part with it. it's japanese made and should have an original edge bridge, along with a backstop (tremsetter thing) system. the pickups are made by dimarzio. it's a killer Ibanez from the time when they were the shit!!

[L]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

i have a yellow one as well. My first guitar I have had for 15 years now. I think 225 is a fiar price considering the condition. Maybe even a bit of a bargain. The ones with Bensalem, PA on the neckplate go for a bit more than the ones that say made in japan.

[Mikernaut]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

I agree the early Sabers are quality. I used to own a 540S ltd. nice axe. very versatile. great neck. unfortunatley sold it for $200 towards my SL1. I miss it now. I doubt the Sabers these days have the same level of quality as the older ones.

Sounds like a good deal if there are no major issues.

[Mr Graphic]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

Thanks guys, looks like I'll be picking this one up.

[jgcable]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

I am the Saber king. Its a great deal for a really good player.

[dinkyjacksonman]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

$225 w/ case is a great deal.
These usually go around $300-400 for SSH configured ones.

[Mr Graphic]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

Well, neck pocket ink stamped "Ibanez Super Body", there's no "Made in Japan" on the neck plate, just says "Ibanez" and the serial number. The neck heel says "Pro 540P". Could this be a domestic Japan version, not a Japan export? Here's some pics Pic 1 Pic 2 Pic 3 Pic 4 Pic 5 Pic 6

[jgcable]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

Its either:
Domestic Japan
OR MORE LIKELY:
Parts made in Japan and imported to the USA where they were hand assembled in Bensalem PA by H&S guitars. The Bensalem, PA custom shop officially opened in 1988 but the first guitars they built were all from parts that came from Japan. Yours is a 1987 which makes perfect sense. They didn't start stamping Bensalem neck plates until late 1988.
I have a transitional 540pro made in Bensalem that has a 5 pos slide switch , and a fully bound neck with shark fins. It is a first year model and was assembled in Bensalem using all Japanese parts from the Fujigen-Gakki factory and it has the Bensalem PA neckplate.

[markD]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

here's some pics of mine. it has the Japan neckplate with the SN on the back of the head: F730421

does yours have a coil tap on the volume knob (push/pull)?

[Mr Graphic]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

MD, nice looking yellow! Is that the original case? The coil tap on mine is on the lead pos. 3-way mini toggle which is a 3-way {split/off/full}. The other two mini toggles are on/off for the singles. Mine cleaned up real nice, frets weren't as bad as I first thought. Major fading in the clearcoat turned mine from blue to a sea foam green.

[ApeDosMil]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

Those are sweet guitars!

[jgcable]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

You gotta love that backstop. Sabers rule.

[L]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

Mine is exactly like yours MD< except I have the Bensalem, PA neck plate.

[markD]

Re: Ibanez Saber Value?

mr graphic, yes that's the original case...luckily it has held up for the 17 years i've had the guitar!!