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

http://www.geocities.com/xcvxcv65/ibanez/81mc550-big.jpg

[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-MC500-NT-1978-Stunning-and-RARE-Beauty_W0QQitemZ110269999377QQihZ001QQcategoryZ330 43QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[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!