Good deal on an RR5

[marnold]

I went to a local shop and saw a good deal on an early 2000s RR5: ivory with black pinstriping, gold hardware, and (I assume) two SD TB4s. I didn't play it but I want to to see how it sits on the lap and whether or not the painted neck is sticky. I'd probably have to sell my similarly-aged MiJ DK2M. Just wanted to get some thoughts from people who may own one of these.

And yes, I'm a big Randy Rhoads fan. I was in late grade school and early high school when those classic Ozzy albums came out.

[Razor]

If you play sitting down a lot they're a gigantic pain in the ass. Gotta be careful moving around in confined spaces or the fins get messed up quick. I'm a huge Rhoads fan too, and when I first started playing it took me two of them to finally convince myself I'm superstrat kinda guy. Love the look of them, but I play sitting down so much they're not feasible.

How good of a deal is a good deal? Myself if I had a guitar I really liked I'd be wanting to add to my collection not get rid of one for something I may or may not like. If you can't afford it right now then save up a guitar nest egg and then make it easier on yourself.

[marnold]

If you play sitting down a lot they're a gigantic pain in the ass. Gotta be careful moving around in confined spaces or the fins get messed up quick. I'm a huge Rhoads fan too, and when I first started playing it took me two of them to finally convince myself I'm superstrat kinda guy. Love the look of them, but I play sitting down so much they're not feasible.

How good of a deal is a good deal? Myself if I had a guitar I really liked I'd be wanting to add to my collection not get rid of one for something I may or may not like. If you can't afford it right now then save up a guitar nest egg and then make it easier on yourself.

You speak wisely. It's $900 including a case. The only signs that it is used is that the tuners have fingerprints on them and some of the gold is worn off the saddles. All the pointy bits are immaculate. I would call it excellent condition. I think playing sitting down wouldn't be a huge thing for me. The bigger issue will be the painted neck. It seemed rather sticky, but it was super humid today too.

The biggest issue with me right now is parting with my DK2M. I don't want to do it.

[toejam]

I had two early 2000s RR1T models, never had a problem sitting with them, but I play in the classical position so the small wing sits over my left knee and the long wing goes between my legs. If you feel a little uncomfortable with it, you can always prop your left leg up a little on a stool or something. Painted neck wasn't a problem at all, but I usually kept it wiped down and clean, didn't seem to really get sticky at all. The RR5s look cool, and I think that's a good deal for one, but not sure I'd get rid of your DK2M if you like that a lot.

[marnold]

Yeah, I really want it, but I came to the conclusion that it will not be at the expense of my DK2M. Now I need to talk to my Chief Financial Officer....

[marnold]

I had two early 2000s RR1T models, never had a problem sitting with them, but I play in the classical position so the small wing sits over my left knee and the long wing goes between my legs. If you feel a little uncomfortable with it, you can always prop your left leg up a little on a stool or something. Painted neck wasn't a problem at all, but I usually kept it wiped down and clean, didn't seem to really get sticky at all. The RR5s look cool, and I think that's a good deal for one, but not sure I'd get rid of your DK2M if you like that a lot.

Any idea what these might have cost new back in the day?

Update: I can answer my own question. I found a price list from 2008. With that finish the MSRP was $1869. No idea what they actually were for sale for.