i declare the new "ebay bang for the buck" guitar is...

[Sanctuary]

dunno if i'm behind the curve, considering i had my first one in 1985...
but i'm glad that i found the ones that i've scored recently. and yes, they were made in nagoya, japan (hence the nj term). my whole point was that imo, these things are great to get while you can still get them for under 250. kinda like how the model series charvels used to be screamin' deals (before models 1s were in the 300s)

Most people tend to go after the neck-through NJs (maple/mahogany) from that period and the prices are going up. Yes, that means the bolt-ons are neglected. How long for, I can't really say...

[zeegler]

My first "real" guitar was my first NJ Bich. It was that Fuscia colour (kinda pinkish red) with a v-trem, and the 6 in line headstock. My 2nd Bich was the same colour, with Kahler, and 3 a side headstock. My 3rd was black with the Quad bridge and 3 a side headstock. They were all bolt on and all made in 83. My Stealth was ketchup red, v-trem, and 6 inline head. The Stealth did not balance well at all, and had a serious nose dive issue.

I eventually stripped down the first Bich to paint it. I'm not sure what the body wood was. It certainly wasn't maple. It seemed like alder or poplar, and had a thin veneer on the front and back that could have been maple.

[Accept2]

For the Japanesse NJ ones, two companies made them, Iida and Terada. Some of them do suck, but I forget which of the two are responsible for that. Supposedly the best Japanese BC Riches are the ones that were made by Kasuga, but they are very rare, and werent marked as being part of the NJ Series.................

[VulfgangPfuck]

Supposedly the best Japanese BC Riches are the ones that were made by Kasuga, but they are very rare, and werent marked as being part of the NJ Series.................

Those were the ones that were part of the U-series (and called the USA series for whatever reason) I failed to ask Neal Moser why Bernie did this.
Maybe Sanctuary (our resident BC Rich historian) can shed some light.

[Sanctuary]

Those were the ones that were part of the U-series (and called the USA series for whatever reason) I failed to ask Neal Moser why Bernie did this.
Maybe Sanctuary (our resident BC Rich historian) can shed some light.

Actually, in the catalogue they are known as the "U.S. Production Series". This is why: The bodies (wood) was supplied by Japan (apart from the Kahler!). The guitars were then assembled & painted in America. They were also known as the "Tremelo" guitars. Typically they had a single humbucker, Kahler 2300, Grover minis, volume knob and dot inlays. Reverse headstocks on some models (i.e. Stealth). 83-84 is the time-line for these puppies. Serial numbers start with U0XXX. If I get a chance, I'll post the catalogue that features 'em.

The shapes are very good (compared to the NJ guitars). You can still tell they are different if you have a good eye. I'd say these are the closest BCR has come to producing imports that almost match the hand-mades. Here's a Stealth from the series...



Unfortunately they do get pricey as a lot of people confuse them with the real hand-crafted stuff. Obviously, it's also quite easy to modify these things and fool people by adding the extra electronics etc. Always check the serial number!

Here's a lovely Mock that was on the bay a while back. Went for $645:

[RacerX]

So, no neck through Stealths in this series?

I want a Stealth eventually, as a tribute to Chuck....I'll definitely need to bend your ear, there, Sanc!

[Sanctuary]

So, no neck through Stealths in this series?

I want a Stealth eventually, as a tribute to Chuck....I'll definitely need to bend your ear, there, Sanc!

Not in the NJ series that I know of. Maybe I forgot to say it, but ALL U.S. Production Series guitars were in fact neck-through.

Unfortunately due to the "Chuck" association, most the of the U.S. Production Stealths I have seen on the bay have gone for OVER $900. It seems everyone wants a single-hum neck-through Stealth as well. The cool thing is, I picked up one of my hand-made Stealths for just over that. Timing, I guess...

Also, you may get lucky and find a Stealth that was produced by the Japanese Customshop for the Japanese market only. I've rarely seen those on ebay and word from BCR is that most were/are set-neck with a neck-through type heal. They're also different (again) in shape.

[RacerX]

Unfortunately due to the "Chuck" association, most the of the U.S. Production Stealths I have seen on the bay have gone for OVER $900. It seems everyone wants a single-hum neck-through Stealth as well.

Yes, I've noticed that. Since I've heard so many reports on possible spotty BCR quality (imports mostly) over the last 20 years, I'm also considering having a custom Stealth done by a Non BCR maker, like Ran.

I'm not in any hurry though!

[Sanctuary]

When you get it done, be sure to post pics.

[zeegler]

When you get it done, be sure to post pics.

It's the law!!!

[VulfgangPfuck]

I had both, one of those US Series Mocks and a Stealth (that had a second humbucker added)
I knew they weren't Amercian made...bloody hell!...US Custom shop BC wasn't 100% American made either!!
The Stealth was clunky (it was the only Stealth I ever had a chance to play) I ditched it back onto ebay. The killer was, it was factory black!!

[Sanctuary]

The Stealth was clunky

Sorry man, but that's the last thing I'd say about my Stealths...you're not very clear with your statement. Did you in fact have a real one? And can we have pics?

The (hand-made) Stealths I have played have been the most comfortable guitars ever. And yes, that includes a Warrior! The '04 balances better than anything I've touched...

[Sanctuary]

Back to the original topic. Here's a U.S. Production Series Ironbird on the bay: http://cgi.ebay.com/BC-RICH-80s-NECK...temZ7418496219

[charvelguy]

FirebirdZ used to be a BCRich employee if I recall correctly. Clunky is subjective.. could mean alot of things in different ways. Someone who doesn't like a thicker bodied guitar could call a 750Xl clunky...but I'll step aside and let him defend himself.

[Sanctuary]

As promised...