Ibanez Musician, anyone tried it?

[ShootTheGlass]

Theres a guitar for sale not far from me - its a '79 Ibanez Musician, HH layout with neck-through. Ive never seen one before, just wondered if anyone had tried one of these; is it worth getting or are they crusty relics that arent much good?

Im dying to buy another guitar, but dont want to rush into buying one on a whim.

Looks like this btw, which i think is pretty sweet

 

[oldguy]

Those were (are) a high quality guitar all the way. Back in the day, a friend of mine had one, I had an Artist. Both very high quality. The Musician he had sported a built-in preamp/EQ circuit, I believe, I remember it being quite versatile.
Spudman can probably give you an accurate idea of it's dollar value, but it may be "worth" more than that.
Unless the asking price is outlandish, I'd jump on it.
EDIT:
I got to nosing around and found this (just in case you're a comparative shopper).......... a '78 natural finish..... 6 offers but no takers at the BIN price of $3399+$71 S&H..........(thus my "outlandish" price comment).

Under "competed listings" they seem to go for around $600-1400, depending on condition and how bad someone wants one.....(the model you posted the pic of go for over a grand routinely, if in VG cond.)... they are quality instruments, very well made (at least all I've seen were).

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ibanez-Musician...ryZ33043QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Spudman]

I've had 2 of those over the years. The first one I had on the road with me for years. The second is like the one in the picture but mine was an ebony finish. I eventually sold it in a fit of stupidity.:thwap: They are a great playing versatile guitar but I found all of them to be neck heavy as they drooped a bit, just enough to annoy me.

If you can get it for less than $600 then you'll have an investment that will continue to increase in value providing it is in and kept in good shape.

 

[ShootTheGlass]

Sounds much better than I expected! Im going to see it on Monday, so here's hoping its all good nick and he doesnt up his price - as it stands he wants £250 (about $500).

 

[Algonquin]

Good luck ShootTheGlass. Ibanez guitars form this era were generally very high quality... a lot of bang for the buck, so to speak. I think it looks awesome :bravo: Happy hunting!

 

[markb]

£250 sounds good. These guitars are very nicely built.

 

[ShootTheGlass]

Phoned the guy back to go and look/buy on Monday, and it had sold already. Despite the seller saying he wouldnt be around till about the time I phoned him.

Gutted.

 

[Katastrophe]

That sucks.:reallymad:

I've gotta tell ya, I've played a number of Ibanezes of different years, and with the exception of the GAX series, I've liked 'em all.

Of course, the GAX that I played on was a pawn shop special, and I think the setup was performed by Captain Caveman. It was pretty beat up.

Keep looking, I'm sure another good deal will come along soon!