HELP ID this Musician MC... 300? 400? 500?

[Operator552]

I just snagged his one online... even though I have questions about it. Look closely at the picture.

http://www.vintageguitars.net/images/pr ... 968_el.jpg

active electronics, pearloid tuners, tri-sound switches, eq toggle, brass hardware,
Since it has a dark top and maple core I figure that makes it a 500...
but wait... 5 piece neck like a 300. And what is that 3rd gold speed knob? And it looks like the mini toggles are positioned differently than catalog pictures show...

WTF?

Waiting for shipment... haven't even laid eyes on it in person yet.

[Operator552]

Oops wait a minute... now I am thinking that the pic is too low rez to show the very skinny dark neck lams... so it would be a 9-piece after all. And even though it was sold as a 1978 (oh yeah, the year I saw my very first show, walls of the Swing Auditorium melting from two little purple barrels and the breath of a thousand Hell's Angels), it may be be a 79, if indeed that year saw the addition of the 6th knob.

[Tennessee Jedi]

Its very nice !
Welcome aboard
There are a lot of us Ibanez guys here

[jeffm725]

If I remember my Ibanez differences correctly........that is a mid 79 to mid 80 MC500.

[Dwarf Rat]

I had one of those back in 1980. Gigantic frets made it painful to play. I could never bond with it and traded it off. I still love the look and wish I'd kept it. I could figure it out now.

Congratulations.

[Grateful Dad]

Here is the link for the vintage Ibanez guitars, you should be able to browse these catalogs and find your guitar:

http://s93105080.onlinehome.us/Ibanez-Catalogs/

[raisingfreen]

It is either a 1979 or 1981 MC-550. Nice purchase.
The 550 had the three knobs (third being the master Volume/preamp volume). The 500 had two (no master volume).

Could be wrong of course as there were a few strange ones. The year should be stamped on the backside of the headstock though within the serial number.

[alcorelectric]

Thats a MC500 Between 79 and 80

These are my 500s w/a MC400 in the mix

T

[raisingfreen]

Thats a MC500 Between 79 and 80

I stand corrected. I spose the MC550 was a different kind of wood possibly for the body maybe? I did not know the MC500 had the same electronics. In any case its good to see these still around. I am still hunting for the 1982 version of the MC550 as that one is my favorite of all.

[Operator552]

Great information, thank you one and all. I've been looking at these for a long time and yesterday a friend called me in a rush, having spotted this one pop up out of nowhere. $750 including original (but shitty) case. A STEAL! Never mind that I have no idea how to pay for it (anyone want to buy any speakers? I have a lot... who needs a Tone Tubby?) I could see that it was a great deal so asked him to swoop. Done deal.

It'll ship to him first since there is a return policy and he's in a better position to do so if something is really wrong. He should have it by Saturday or Monday latest. After he's had his way with it he'll ship it along to me...

I am so pleased. I used to own an Artist 335 style from 78 or 79 (I forget which model; ebony board, super 80 pups, block inlays, spruce or birch top) that regrettably got away from me, the way guitars get away from you when you're too young. I always had an eye on these Musicians, even in the late 70s. Listening to Garcia made me crazy. Who the hell can afford an Alembic or other "tribute" style guitar? This is ideal, because I have not much interest in the super-premium figured maple tops and such. Besides, I don't need to masquerade as Jerry for Halloween... don't need a replica of any of his guitars... it's the basic concept that works for me.

I can't wait to get my hands on this sucker.

Here's what waits for it:
Vintage original 65 Deluxe Reverb (Red Tone Tubby)
Vibrolux Reverb
1958 Standel Custom (w/1948 Jensen, reconed in Hemp by John at Tone Tubby)
Supro Trojan
mystery custom 1-off 2x6L6 (1960s) with Black Tone Tubby

[mkaufman]

I have owned at least 50 vintage Ibanez guitars - still have a few but not nearly that many. I too owned a 2630 that I 'let get away'.

Great guitars- incredible back for the buck. Problem is: the collection can grow quickly and deciding which guitars to sell is difficult at best.

Good luck on your MC. Did you get the 'Jerrified' one that just sold on eBay? I spoke with the seller and almost purchased it, however, what would I do with a Jerry guitar?



mk

[Operator552]

No... I saw the one on eBay, which sold for $2500. Ridiculous. Nope, we swooped on this one for $750. Mwaaa-ha-ha-ha-ha! Jerrified? I'm terrified. I'll let ya know when it's verified. Or when I'm very fried, listening to the wind, Mary Cried.
Far as I could tell, it's all original. Still don't have it in hand. Jerrified meaning what exactly... DiMarzio pups, unity gain buffer, Alembic preamps and all of that? I think I'll just listen to it, see if it sounds good.

[mkaufman]

It had some Jerry mods, but no effects loop.

mk