1981 Musician

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Author Message   Goldentone (Goldentone) Posted on Sunday, August 12, 2001 - 8:52 pm:    I tried posting a message before about my 1981 musician but put it in the wrong discussion group and called it a 1982 (DOH). So I'll give it another try in the right place this time.I have noticed it is slightly different to all the Musicians shown on these pages. It has no cloud type plate below the bridge and the threeway switch is near the volume controls. It also has no active electronics, probably a good thing as there's less to go wrong with it. Any information about this guitar and its differences would be greatly appreciated.   JohnS Posted on Monday, August 13, 2001 - 12:45 pm:    Goldentone: I don't have any catalogs from '81, but I do from '78, '79 (printed in Nov. so, it was probably for the '80 model year) and '82 (printed in 1981). There are no pictures of Musicians that do NOT have a cloud tailpiece. If there are 3 holes, in a triangular shape behind the tailpiece, then I'd suspect it was removed. Of the pictures that show the pickup selector near the control knobs, the MC100 ('78 catalog) has it behind the knobs, near the input jack. This was a boltneck model. The MC150 (from the '82 catalog) has the selector switch in front of the knobs, near the bridge pickup. The input jack is on the side of the guitar. This guitar features the thru-body neck construction. So more questions: what kind of neck construction? where's the input jack? does your guitar have the black plastic covered Super 77/88 pickups or the metal covered Super 58s? Gold or chrome hardware? What color? You wouldn't happened to have a picture of it that you could upload?   Goldentone (Goldentone) Posted on Monday, August 13, 2001 - 9:00 pm:    JohnS: Thank you for your prompt answer, by the sounds of your decsriptions the guitar I have is a MC150DS. It has never had a cloud tailpiece as there is no holes that have been filled. Everything else you have described fits in with the "150". I will try posting some pic's so you can have a look, I hope it works.   Richard (Goldentone) Posted on Monday, August 13, 2001 - 9:16 pm:      JohnS Posted on Monday, August 13, 2001 - 9:38 pm:    Richard: I don't know what happened to the other pix, but from this one, I'd agree that this was an MC150. It's neck-thru and I see the jack on the side. But I can't figure out why it didn't have a cloud piece.??? Although this was the bottom of the line in '81-82, it's certainly better than the earlier MC100, which was a bolt-neck.   Richard (Goldentone) Posted on Monday, August 13, 2001 - 10:21 pm:    Well I am blond , thats my excuse anyway. I will try yet again to post the other pics, they were too large the first time & I double clicked on the wrong thing the second time. If it works this time you'll be able to see for yourself it has never had a "cloud" piece fitted. I like the fact that it's turning out to be a little bit unique.   JohnS Posted on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 12:06 pm:    Richard: Your tailpiece setup is the same used on the Studio series. The cloud tailpiece assembly is bolted down to the guitar not pulled tight against mounting studs. Strange, but very deliberate. I'm not so sure if this would be an MC150, because it has the Super 77 (maybe 88) pickups and has chrome hardware. I'm guessing that the model number change (ending in "50") was because of the Super 58s, which you don't have. What's the serial number? Maybe it's so early in '81 that it shares some '80 features/transitions. Anybody out there have '80 or '81 catalog for the Musician series?   Richard (Goldentone) Posted on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 10:00 pm:    JohnS I'd never noticed the difference with the bridge before but have just looked through all the pic's of other studios & musicians I can find (must have been looking with my eyes closed before).It also seems to be missing a plate under the bridge?? The serial # is H815749 which would make it May 81 so its not too early in the year. What is the difference between the Super 77's & 88's? The ones fitted are two wire not four, mbee that will help identify them. I have found a site that has the 1981 Musician, but the pictures and information do not download for me. I'm not sure whether it's a problem with the site or my browser:- http://www.geocities.com/xcvxcv65/ibanez/blueibanez-mc.htm# As you said all the hardware is chrome, but the individual saddles on the bridge seem to be gold plated. I'm not sure if thats normal either. Thanks Richard   Joerg (Jht) Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 8:27 pm:    Richard: JohnS: Again, midnight in central europe - but maybe I can shed some light into your discussion with a scan and the original text files from my archive ...and, yes the wonderful Ibanez section on the Blue Horizon Site (http://www.geocities.com/xcvxcv65/blueibanez.htm) seems to have problems on changing the picture host (Zing.com) - but as far as I can remember there've been very impressing scans from a 81 catalog (distributed in Singapore) showing the Super58 versions of the MC550 WN (beautiful beast!), MC350 NT and MC150 DS/PW/FR introduced like this: "The new generation of Musicians features the acclaimed Ibanez Super 58 pickup, a sweet and warm sounding pickup that brings a bit of tradition to this modern instrument. The comfortable and graceful carved top and light weight of the Musician make it a blessing when the fourth set rolls around." - Oops, a MC and the words light weight? I must have missed something. Further on, the text says "The Musician MC150 features a new Ibanez innovation - Push-Pots. The tone controls on the MC150 incorporate push-on/push-off switches letting you change the pickup configuration from humbucking to single coil at a touch of the pot." ...it seems - back then in 81 - Ibanez tried to upgrade/evolute the Musician Series (MC x00 > x50) without a clear idea of the product line, torn between consequence and tradition, and at least dropped the whole MC series just one year later... ...hmm, but enough said, here's the info on the European(?) product line: ©1981 JAN-81150-50.000 Printed in Japan (as distributed in Germany): \image {81 cat MUSICIAN Series} MUSICIAN SERIES The first distinguishing feature of the Ibanez Musician Series is the striking laminated construction. This is but one of the many state-of-the-art advancements incorporated into these fine guitars. This radical body construction dictated a rethinking of many of the components that go into modern electric guitars, from the pickups to the machine heads. Super 88 pickup is a marvel of power and fidelity, and the new pickup packaging eliminates sloppy mounts and misalignment. These new and unique instruments epitomize the Ibanez philosophy of bringing you the highest quality at a moderate cost. When you compare - feature for feature and dollar for dollar - there isn't a guitar on the market that comes close to the Ibanez Musician Series. STRAIGHT THRU NECK Laminated from maple and walnut, it runs the entire length of the instrument from the endpin to the top of the headstock. The neck is reinforced with an adjustable steel truss rod encapsulated in vinyl tubing to prevent rattles. MC550 Body: Maple (Core) & Ash (Top/Bottom) - Carved Top Neck: Maple & Walnut - 7ply Thru Body Machine Heads: Velve Tune Scale: 24¾" - 24 frets Pickups: Super 88 Controls: 3 Way Toggle, 1 Master Volume, 1 Master Tone, 1 Boost&Cut, 3 Band Bass/Mid/Treble EQ System, 2 Tri Sound, Preamp/EQ in/out switch Bridge: Gibraltar Tailpiece: Gibraltar Control Knobs: Sure Grip Truss Rod Cover: Brass Hardware: Gold Finishes: WN (Walnut) MC350 / MC350L (Lefthand) Body: Mahogany (Core) & Ash (Top/Bottom) - Plain Top Neck: Maple & Walnut - 5ply Thru Body Machine Heads: Smooth Tuner Scale: 24¾" - 24 frets Pickups: Super 88 Controls: 3 Way Toggle, 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 1 Tri Sound Bridge: Gibraltar Tailpiece: Gibraltar Control Knobs: Sure Grip Truss Rod Cover: Brass Hardware: Gold Finishes: DS (Dark Stained), FR (Fire Red) MC150 Body: Mahogany - Plain Top Neck: Maple & Walnut - 5ply Thru Body Machine Heads: Smooth Tuner Scale: 24¾" - 24 frets Pickups: Super 88 Controls: 3 Way Toggle, 2 Volume, 2 Tone Bridge: Gibraltar Tailpiece: Quick Change Control Knobs: Sure Grip Truss Rod Cover: Brass Hardware: Nichrome Finishes: DS (Dark Stain), BK (Black) ------ EOF ------   Joerg (Jht) Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 8:31 pm:    Hoppla, where's the scan? one more time...   JohnS Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 9:27 pm:    Joerg: You hit the nail on the head. The MC150DS with NO cloud on the tailpiece is it! And it has Super 88s, not 77s. Congratulations. There's your answer, Richard.   Richard (Goldentone) Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 10:25 pm:    Fantastic .... this is what I was looking for. All the details match up with the guitar I have except there are no push pull pots. The Musician has the sweetest sound of all my guitars and I dont think it really needs this feature. I was going to buy new pickups for my Samick LP copy but this guitar cost me $450AU, only $50 more than the Seymor Duncans would have cost me. I'm glad I didn't buy the pickups or I wouldnt have ended up with such a great guitar. I will now keep my eye open for more Ibanez, such fantastic quality at a reasonable price. (Geez I might have caught the "bug" too). Many thanks Joerg(Jht) & JohnS for all you help in locating all this info Richard   Steve (Gitfiddle1) Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2001 - 11:45 am:    Richard, Fair warning; Once you get the "bug" it's impossible to shake! ;-) The push/push knob set up (Duo-Sound) wasn't available until about 1983. Interesting bit of trivia, they became push/pull in 1987. Go figure!? Nice guitars those Musicians... Kinda dig that Fire Red deal... Hmmm... Oh oh, here comes my wife! LOL Steve   Richard (Goldentone) Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2001 - 9:45 pm:    Steve No wife here to keep me under control :P , just a lack of money LOL. Wouldn't mind one of those LP Copies though they look better than the real deal. Hmmmm I wonder if there is a cure..... Richard   Steve (Gitfiddle1) Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2001 - 10:44 pm:    Ask 'Maniac' Mike. I think it's terminal! ;-) Steve   Joerg (Jht) Posted on Saturday, August 18, 2001 - 4:38 pm:    Richard: JohnS: It's a pleasure to help out if information is available :-) ... to add a little confusion, here are the reprocessed pictures from the (now unavailable) Blue Horizon Site - the model specs are unreachable, but the pictures and the original text excerpts should be self explaining. They are credited "Special Thanks to Mr. Louis See (Singapore) For His 1981 Catalog". So, these are dated to the same year as the ones above, BUT different continents (european vs. asian edition ?) Strange indeed. Is this an adaption to the global market? Maybe there are also US and/or australian variants? Steve: According to the original text excerpts from below, there must have been DuoSound knobs for the '81 MC150 Super58 beast. I think I should have an eye on these Super58 Musicians 8-) What will be the difference between the Super88 and Super58 in an musician body, Jekyll&Hide? Yes, seems as if the '79-'82 (Artist, Musician) period is my preferred focus :-) ... or maybe '88 (Artfield, Maxxas) ;-) and despite the fact that my favourite instrument is a beautiful sensible '99 AM200 (Artstar) :-o Aaargh, the "bug" is here again, and it moves towards my wife. He, he,... ©1981 (as distributed in Singapore): MUSICIAN SERIES "The new generation of Musicians features the acclaimed Ibanez Super 58 pickup, a sweet and warm sounding pickup that brings a bit of tradition to this modern instrument. The comfortable and graceful carved top and light weight of the Musician make it a blessing when the fourth set rolls around." - STRAIGHT-THRU NECK "Musician guitars have no body joint. The neck runs the entire length of the instrument, from headstock to end pin, for the best in sustain and structural rigidty." MC550 - EQ TONE SYSTEM "The Ibanez EQ Tone System is one of the most useful and versatile onboard tone circuits ever designed for guitar. Up to 21dB of control is available in the bass, mid or treble frequencies, giving you virtual total tonal freedom. With the EQ system bypassed, the master volume and tone controls function exactly like any other standard guitar, offering you the option of using the EQ Tone System as a preset lead circuit." - CONTROLS 3 Way Toggle, 1 Master Volume, 1 Master Tone, 1 Gain, 3 Band Bass/Mid/Treble EQ System, EQ on/off switch, 2 Tri Sound MC550/MC350 - SANDWICH BODY CONSTRUCTION "The graceful bodies of the MC350 and MC550 are made up of a mahogany core and ash top and back plates. This combination provides both brilliance and warmth in an instrument that is light and manageable. The carved ash top not only looks good, but serves to place additional mass under the bridge, tailpiece and pickups without adding unnecessary weight." - TRI-SOUND SWITCH "This exclusive Ibanez concept gives you three distinct sounds from each pickup. You can select either humbucking, single coil or parallel coil operation at the flip of the switch. With the 3-position pickup selector, you've got 15 distinct sounds at your fingertips." MC150 - DUO SOUND SYSTEM "The Musician MC150 features a new Ibanez innovation - Push-Pots. The tone controls on the MC150 incorporate push-on/push-off switches letting you change the pickup configuration from humbucking to single coil at a touch of the pot." ------ EOF ------   Richard (Goldentone) Posted on Saturday, August 18, 2001 - 9:11 pm:    Joerg Hmmmmm.... I'm in LUST me thinks I want one of them carved tops Lmao. Well you don't get much choice in Cash Converters do ya L. Yes I do agree there does seem to be differences in the models depending on where they are released as your two scans show (any chance of you emailing them to me at Goldentone@westnet.com.au , cant seem to copy them with the pictures). It seems that they tailored each product line to the local market. Both catalogues describe the MC150 as having push pots and mine doesn't, it seems like that feature didn't make it Down Under. I wonder if there was an Australian catalogue?? Damn shame Ibanez didnt keep records of all this stuff. There goes that lightweight comment again..... mbee there talkin about the musician playing the guitar?? LOL Richard   Joerg (Jht) Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2001 - 10:09 am:    Richard: Just a small hint: as written in the original specs for the german/european Super88 edition, there's no DuoSound feature for the MC150 :-( As you might have recognized, there's no intonation set for the bridge on the MC150, seems Ibanez had been in a hurry to provide this model for taking the catalog pics, or they've been simply unsure which model line (Super88 or Super58) to present - I would've preferred the Super58 ;-) Btw - if you can see the pics, they are already on your PC. With Netscape you just have to right click on the image, select "Save graphics under", and here you are... anyway mailing should be no problem too - just let me know whether you've been successful :-) Jörg   Steve (Gitfiddle1) Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2001 - 3:53 pm:    Typical Ibanez! Consistancy was/is not their forte'. I guess I should've said, "Duo-sound wasn't available in the Artist series 'til about '83." Kinda cool that they try out new ideas on a limited basis before including them across the board. Cheers Steve   Richard (Goldentone) Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2001 - 9:13 pm:    Joerg Yes I have the pic's but wanted to incorporate them in the one file with the text, but cant seem to manage that(not really important though). Are the Super58's that much better than the 88's??? Or is it just a looks thing? I'm wrapped in the sound from the 88's, especially in the centre position. I will be keeping an eye on all the pawnbroker shops in the area for more Ibanez guitars, need to buy a bass next. J Richard   Steve (Gitfiddle1) Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2001 - 10:14 pm:    Richard, It's not a better/worse, good/bad thing with the pickups. Just a personal preference deal. The Super58's have a classic PAF tone to them that a lot of players really like. If you like the Super88's, cool! My personal favorites are the V2's. Especially a hum/single/hum V1/S1/V2 arrangement. 'Course, I play mostly rock & roll so that does influence my likes & dislikes. Cheers Steve   Joerg (Jht) Posted on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 3:31 am:    Richard, just a matter of taste and amp: Super88's are Ibanez' first(?) generation of high output types, to me they are sounding a little bit too saturated and sterile... especially the Super58's on my AM200 are more versatile and expressive, they can whisper and scream just as I want them - me thinks there's more feeling inside... just my opinion :-) Steve, sure, "consistancy was/is not their forte'" but this kept them away from being as conservative as F***** or G*****. This seems to be Ibanez' source of innovation and the reason for their wide range of unique designs - let's hope for the future, and maybe another "Golden age" as the period from '79 to '82. ;-) Let's stay tuned, Jörg   Richard (Goldentone) Posted on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 6:01 am:    Steve & Joerg I use a couple of other electric guitars as well, A Les Paul copy with PAF style pickups and a Telecaster copy, also with PAF pickups which I have rewired with split and out of phase switching. So I have a variety of sounds to choose from. The tele has a locking bridge arrangement as well. I do think variety is the way to go as you cannot play all styles of music using just one. The Musician has added a clean sound that I was missing before. I use two valve amps (twin 12" 40W Combo's 1 bass 1 guitar) plugged through a stereo effects pedal. I have bought my guitars according to the sound I wanted at the time, not by the name on the headstock. If I had gone by brand names I'd still be saving up for my first guitar. Only been playing for four years so its all new to me but having a great time learning J. Richard   Steve (Gitfiddle1) Posted on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 6:22 pm:    Joerg, I didn't mean to imply that the inconsistancies were a bad thing. It's just a pain in the ass sometimes! ;-) As for a "Golden Age" in the future, it ain't gonna happen unless guitar heros become popular again. Innovation is fine, but they still have to sell guitars to pay the bills. Maybe the Korn influence will give us a reissue, 7-string Musician?!? I doubt it... Is there anything in the current Ibanez catalog that's neck-through? How many solid body models offer block inlays and binding? At least F***** & G***** still offer their classic stuff. Seems like most of the cool solid body Ibanez stuff has dried up. The new Artist is just barely hanging on. There's a really neat new S520, but has anybody seen one? I guess what bugs me is that Ibanez doesn't promote the really neat stuff. If they'd get 'em into the stores and market 'em better, maybe players would see the light! Jeezuz, I need to get off the soapbox, sorry. Okay, I'm done ranting. Cheers Steve   Joerg (Jht) Posted on Monday, August 27, 2001 - 6:29 am:    Steve, ...sorry for the late response, but there's been plenty of work waiting for me :-O so far, fully agreed. One minor difference: I think a "Golden Age" is just a matter of taste and skills within a specific period of time - and times are changing. Seems, most guitarists - at the moment - are only using their instruments instead of playing (and loving) them. The result: poorly designed axes in boring colors - who cares? Ibanez must have recognized this state of stagnation, but maybe another age is (still) lurking around the corner: How's about a multi purpose stringed interface called 'electronic guitar': Take a look at the actual GK2 equipped models just as a preface of things to come. Combine them with a neural net pitch-to-midi converter (AXON AX100) and/or a hexaphonic octaver (BOSS OC-20G) and play it as far as your fingers can, and once you've tried it, you're into it :-) : pondering silence - no more need for 7strings, baritones, military axes - are you experienced?... So, if an instrument can be admired for what can be done with it, design will be admirable too. Sadly, I must admit that times are changing so fast, that upcoming hereos haven't got the time to develop those artistic skills needed for a new "Golden Age" of stringed electronic instruments :-( . just a thought... Jörg

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