Mid 80s soloist student model

[Stephenamundson83]

Hey guys, I'm new to this side of the forum, as I spend most of my time in the charvel area. I've always wanted a Jackson soloist, it's actually what turned me onto charvels. Though I really don't know much about the soloist and its progression through the years. Anyways, I missed out on the 1990-91 AT pro that was on eBay a couple weeks back cuz I was broke. Now, I've come across an 80s soloist student model, not sure which year exactly, but it looks to be in pretty great condition for its age from what I can tell from the pics. It has a kahler, sweet purple color, and 3 mini toggles, so I'm assuming early 80s. I'm wondering what's the overall perception of the student models? Where do they rank in the soloist hierarchy? I'm somewhat aware of the differences, I thought I read somewhere they're made of alder while most are made of basswood after that? Could be wrong. Also the obvious difference being the rosewood fretboard and dot inlays. Should I jump on this deal, or wait it out for a nicer one? It's going for $1000 and it's missing back cavity cover and one screw from the locking nut, so maybe I could talk him down $50.

[shreddermon]

The differences are mostly cosmetic - dots, no binding, rosewood board instead of ebony. Specs are otherwise identical.

Great guitars.

[Mudlark]

The serial should give you a date of manufacture, but mid-80's would be the oldest possible, not early 80's
...unless I'm corrected.

[Stephenamundson83]

The serial should give you a date of manufacture, but mid-80's would be the oldest possible, not early 80's
...unless I'm corrected.

Do you know which years the student model was produced? I honestly searched the web and couldn't find tons of info on them specifically. Or maybe my searching capabilities are less than attequate.

[Mudlark]

Others here know much more about that era of Jacksons than I.
I was just thinking '84 would be the earliest year for a Soloist body, but '83 may be possible...not sure.

Just looking at the catalogues, the '83 catalogue (the first catalogue) doesn't show a Soloist shape only Strat shapes, but it does offer a Student and Custom Rhoads model.
The '84 catalogue has a picture of a Soloist.

Edit: Have you checked the serial#? Here's the serial list if you haven't seen it.

http://www.jacksonguitars.com/support/serial-numbers/

[neilli]

You're talking about the one from JC guitars right?

[msaint65]

Just thinkin'....I love Students for sure (own Student Rhoads RR0373) but for 1100 + / - if you are patient you could get a nice Soloist Custom with sharks / binding / ebony. I'm no wheeler dealer by any means but I have 3 San Dimas era Soloists (J0345 / J1072 / J2375) that I paid an average of 1025. But if you love Students - let your wallet be your guide.....

[Stephenamundson83]

Others here know much more about that era of Jacksons than I.
I was just thinking '84 would be the earliest year for a Soloist body, but '83 may be possible...not sure.

Just looking at the catalogues, the '83 catalogue (the first catalogue) doesn't show a Soloist shape only Strat shapes, but it does offer a Student and Custom Rhoads model.
The '84 catalogue has a picture of a Soloist.

Edit: Have you checked the serial#? Here's the serial list if you haven't seen it.
http://www.jacksonguitars.com/support/serial-numbers/

I can't quite tell the serial number from the pics.

[Stephenamundson83]

Yup, that's the one that's on jc

[Stephenamundson83]

Yeah I'd probably more prefer the ebony, binding, and sharkies. I was just in love with the color, plus I'm a sucker for the 80s and 90s era.