Roadstar Corner Q&A (Part 3)

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Author Message   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 12:23 am:    Hey Ya'll, This will be the first post in the 3rd installment of "Roadstar Corner Q&A". Lemme start with a reminder that the Roadstar spec sheet is available to anyone. Just e-mail me for a copy. It's in MSExcel format. Also, I'm still looking for 1987/88 Roadstar & Roadstar Pro literature. Thanx in advance for any leads. Carry on! Cheers Steve   Jimmys (Jimmys) Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 1:07 am:    Steve, Thanks for posting the photo of the blue Roadstar II. I wouldn't mind one of those to complement the pink one. Do you own these two guitars yourself? If they fetch $100-200US then I paid the right price for it. No real surprises there. Could you please e-mail the Roadstar spec sheet to me. Thanks, James   Munch (Munch) Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 6:41 am:    Steve, I think its high time John did you the honour of a "Mr Roadstar T&A" message topic (oops - I mean Q&A ;-)). It would make it a lot easier to find specific info on Roadstars. How 'bout it John?? Cheers, Mark   Johns (Johns) Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 7:30 am:    Mark: I was thinking the same thing. But I hesistate to commit "Mr. Roadstar" to a permanent gig. If we make the title more generic, like: "Roadstar Corner" it would give others the chance to assist in the chores. Something else, what kind of description should we give the new section? Should there be no Roadster or early RG questions allowed?   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 10:23 am:    Hmm... "Roadstar T&A"? That'd make for some interesting discussion! Seriously, if a new Topic were to be initiated, I'd suggest something like: "Roadstar Corner" (or "The Roadhouse") - Roadster, Blazer, Roadstar II, Roadstar Pro, and related models from 1980 to 1990. Of course, if you're gonna go that route, you might wanna think about renaming/organizing the other topics by series too. Just food for thought. Cheers Steve   Mrmahar77 (Mrmahar77) Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 1:53 pm:    Steve, anybody, Take a look at this auction. I thought I saw this axe once before on ebay with the holes below the bridge. Did the RS 505 have a Maple board or is it another model? But it Now is reasonable, I think if it's not been messed with. RS505   Mrmahar77 (Mrmahar77) Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2003 - 1:55 pm:    P.S. I'm thinking about buying this one.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 2:22 am:    Looks to me like an RS505 with a neck change. The photo isn't real good, but it looks like a Blazer or maybe Roadster neck. Could also be a different model Roadstar neck. The orignal RS505 neck had a rosewood fretboard. I dunno if I'd go $200, but the opening bid is fair. Just my $.02 Cheers Steve   Mrmahar77 (Mrmahar77) Posted on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 9:27 pm:    Yeah, I was thinking about that neck change also. I e-mailed the seller for more info like serial #, etc. but have not gotten any response yet. I really like the sunburst and I have heard that those single coils sound great. Now that I think about it, there was a 505 body on eBay a while back with those holes, (ah yes, the memory slowly returns)so it makes sense that someone added a neck. Wonder if the guy would fess up if he's the one who replaced the neck?   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 11:05 pm:    Hi all! I have just bought a red RS 530 and a snburst RS1000. Just wanted to know where they stand in the ibanez RS range? are they actually good RS's or just average ones? Rob   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 12:16 pm:    Rob, You got a couple of nice ones. As with the rest of the Ibanez line, the higher the model number, the nicer (more expensive) the guitar. The RS1000 is one of 5 models in the 4 digit range (RS1010SL, RS1300, RS1400, & RS1500). The RS530 shares it's series number with 5 others (RS505, RS520, RS525, RG525, and RG530). There was only one model between the 500 and 1000 series (RG600). Cheers Steve   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 7:37 pm:    Thanks Steve, Obviously they arent new, once i get em set up and put new strings on they will be fine! Am i right in saying the bridge on the 530 is a hard rocker, and the 1000 is a pro rocker? Rob   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 10:31 pm:    HardRocker Pro on the RS1000, ProRock'R on the RS530. Post some photos, love to see 'em! Cheers Steve   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 6:12 am:    As soon as i can get a camera i'll post some photos! Rob   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 7:32 am:    how do i put a photo in this message?   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 11:57 am:    In the left hand menu under Documentation, Formatting, there are instructions for posting photos and other cool stuff. The code is; \ image{name} Leave out the space between \ and image, and use any name in the brackets. When you preview, you'll get a space holder. After you hit post, you'll get a prompt for the location of the file(s). Feel free to practice in the Account Holders thread under Miscellaneous. Cheers Steve   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 8:17 pm:    Steve, How much would you expect to pay for a RS 1000 in good condition?   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 11:26 am:    I'd go $300-400. However, I've seen 'em sell for less on eBay. Cheers Steve   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 8:59 pm:    Hi there i have 3 RS 530's, 2 of them has the serial number starting with a J, the other one starts with L. The L one has more of a strat shaped headstock, the other two have bigger headstocks. Anyone know why, and what the J and L means? Rob   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 12:01 am:    Rob, The first character (letter) in the serial number indicates the month of manufacture (1986 and earlier). The first 2 digits indicate the year. Example: L84**** would be December 1984 All Roadstars through 1986 shared a common headstock shape. However, most of the 1984 models had a slightly larger version like that used on the earlier Roadsters. Cheers Steve   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 9:08 am:    Thanks steve, how does L indicate december? Rob   Johns (Johns) Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 4:46 pm:    Rob: L is the 12th letter of the alphabet. Dec is the 12 month. JohnS   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 6:00 pm:    Ahhh! Thanks! Rob   Kkrans (Kkrans) Posted on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 8:33 pm:    Hi all RS fans, as a newbie here i posted my RS-1500 post in wrong place. Its here http://www.ibanezcollectors.com/discus/messages/14/5215.html?1063583251   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Monday, September 15, 2003 - 12:36 pm:    50 lashes with a patch cord! Cheers Steve   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 6:29 pm:    Ok people, i now have 4 excellent RS 530's, but none of them camw with whammy bar, i'm going to have to get one made aren't I? I'm assuming there is little hope in buying one somewhere.   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 7:41 pm:    Anyone know what the color MS stands for? I saw it on the Blue Horizon website for a RS1300, just want to know as i'm trying to identify a Roadstar that might be that color. Rob   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 2:14 am:    Rob, Your RS530's have ProRock'R tremolos. Do they need a screw-in or snap-in bar? If it's the screw-in type, you're probably in for a long search. If it's the snap-in type, it's the same as all the other snap-ins. You can get new ones at guitar center or almost any other Ibanez dealer. "MS" = Marine Sunburst. Transparent blue fading to black edges. Very cool finish. You'll find that finish on RS315's, RS1010SL's, and AR350's. If the info I have is correct, there were only 6 RS1300's with the MS finish. Cheers Steve   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 9:10 am:    Awesome, thanks Steve for the MS info. I dont know about whether its a screw in or snap in type bar that i need, the hole in the bridge where it goes doesnt seem to have a thread for a whammy bar so i guess it must require a snap in type bar, i'll ask some shops again but they werent very helpful last time i asked! Rob   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 12:11 pm:    Rob, Pull the spring cover off the back and take a look at the bottom of the bar mount. If it's a snap-in, there's a small screw that retains a wire clip. Cheers Steve   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2003 - 3:46 am:    Yes, the rs530 has to have a snap in trelemo arm. I can get hold of a rs1300 with a tremelo arm, will that one fit my rs530? I know its a different bridge but it might be the same arm. Rob   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2003 - 5:00 pm:    The RS530 and RS1300 both came with ProRock'R's from the factory. Other than the color (gold vs black), it's the same bridge. Now that doesn't necesarily mean the bar is the same. It's possible that the earlier ProRock'R used a screw-in bar like the Hard Rocker and Hard Rocker Pro. Cheers Steve   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2003 - 7:07 pm:    Thanks again, i'll just get the rs1300 and see when it gets here! Rob   Rob57 (Rob57) Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2003 - 7:09 pm:    I must add too that i really cant believe how good my rs guitars are. I have a few strats, a le spaul, an RG ibanez, a George lynch ESP. My rs 530's kill all of those guitars easily, its neck is so smooth and is very easy to play. It feels like a deluxe guitar compared to my 57 reissue strat, which cost me $2500 US new! Rob   Cfreire (Cfreire) Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2003 - 3:30 pm:    Does anybody have a copy of the wiring schematic for the RS100? I'm having the pickups replaced and the guitar tech thought the original wiring was a little strange. To compound matters, I had to describe to him what the original wiring was like because I botched my first attempt to do the job myself. I did have the sense to take photos of the original setup so he can work from that, but a schematic would probably help a lot, especially when it comes to wiring the out-of-phase selector properly. Thanks!   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 1:56 pm:    I have one question: "WHY?!" http://www.bumblefoot.com/acloserlook/equipment/guitar04.htm   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 7:24 pm:    "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder" Cheers Steve   Laaz (Laaz) Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - 6:44 pm:    Yeah I agree, heres some photos of guy in Japan I bought my DT-450WH from.   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - 8:17 pm:    I suppose it is. As they say - strange but true.   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 8:13 am:    Any opinions about this roadstar? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2574037005&indexURL=3&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting   Craigjc (Craigjc) Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 11:22 am:    Sure. Great guitar. Looks original and in nice shape (better / more photos would help). If I had the cash, I'd buy it for myself for Christmas.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 12:12 pm:    Damn! Asleep at the wheel I was. $400 for what appears to be a very nice RS1000CS. I think somebody will be happy... Cheers Steve   Johns (Johns) Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 1:08 pm:    I've met the seller a couple of times at the Philly show. I'm sure it was a great guitar. If I remember correctly, he's also into the Heartfield Elans and the Fender Robben Fords.   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 2:22 pm:    Well, I guess I was just lucky enough to grab it. There were two bids on it before I used the buy now, so two people at the minimum saw it before I did.... I've been in contact with the seller and he sounds like a nice repuatble guy. Even better he lives close to me so it seems we will avoid the hassle of shipping it. I'll get more pics of it here when I take possession. And speaking of putting pics up, what's the secret to doing it Steve? I've tired a few times in the test area, to no avail. I'm not doing something right. Anyway thanks for the feedback Craig and Steve. -Dennis   Craigjc (Craigjc) Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 3:38 pm:    Congrats, Dennis. I've got an RS505 - essentially the same guitar with 3 single coil pickups and chrome parts, and I love it. Great tone, great neck...makes me smile when I pick up most Fender Strats (mine's better). I know you'll be very happy with the guitar, unless you plan on this being your workhorse and you're into Steve Vai whammy bar acrobatics. You'll need a Floyd Rose to stay in tune for that kind of abuse.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 4:28 pm:    Craig, Have you done a side-by-side comparison of your RS505 and an RS1000? Two difference you may not be aware of: RS505 - Flat top, Hardrocker bridge RS1000 - Arched top, Hardrocker Pro bridge Dennis, You dawg! If you decide you don't like it, gimme a holler ;) Cheers Steve   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 5:17 pm:    John, sorry I missed your reply there before. Yes, there seems to be some good access to shows and such here in the Tri-state area. Admittedly, I don't get to as many of them as I would like. Craig, Thanks Yes the 505 is nice too. I remember looking at all of these guitars 20 years ago. It's great that they have had staying power. Steve, I certainly will, but I have to tell you this one has been a long time coming. But there's always the next one too... Well, guys as you know Christmas is coming and my wife has already told me about a half dozen times this year so far "That's your Christmas Present". At this rate the kids and I will need separate trees to fit everything under. It's good to be on Santa's good side! :-)   Craigjc (Craigjc) Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 7:56 am:    Steve, I haven't had the chance to do a side-by-side of the RS505 and the RS1000, but I'd love to. My tastes beem to be taking a turn back to their origins: in my early years I was a humbucker junkie and more recently I've been a single-coil purist. Only just recently, my interest in humbucker tones and guitars like the RS1000 has been rekindled. Good thing I don't have any guitars with P-90s, that'd really mess me up. Steve, have you (or anyone out there) had the chance to compare an RS1000 with a Steve Lukather? When I decide to commit to another Roadstar purchase, I'm thinking of looking for an SL. They're prabably more expensive...are they worth the money?   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 12:34 pm:    There was a pretty long, in-depth discussion about the Lukather models on another thread. Try a search for Lukather, or RS1010SL. If you don't find what you need, we'll sort it out here. Cheers Steve   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 10:33 pm:    Hi everyone, Well, I picked up the RS1000CS today and it is just beautiful. It is as close to new as I could imagine. This guitar was simply not played - amazing. I'll get some pics up soon. Al is a real great guy. I think John mentioned he had met Al at the Philly show. It's always nice to put a face to a name. They say good things come in 3's, but today it came in 2's. After picking up the RS1000CS from Al, I hit a few local guitar stores to see if there were any changes in the used inventories. Well, to my suprise at the second stop I found a used RS140BK. The store had just taken it in and didn't even have a chance to clean it up. I saved them the hassle and made them an offer. $50 + the tax and I was out the door. When I got home with it I found it needed more cleaning than I first thought. So after a little elbow grease to remove a sticker on the front of the guitar, some waxing and polishing the guitar looks much better. The set-up was already very good. After replacing the strings it looks and plays great. So the Roadstar collection continues to grow. Here are some pics of the RS140BK:   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 4:25 pm:    Dennis, You Double-Dawg! Glad to hear the RS1000 is in such great shape. Great score on the RS140 also. Cheers Steve   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 7:08 pm:    Steve, What insight do you have from literature or other sources of data about the RS140, if any? I just sent my info to Jerry at the Ibanez register where it is now listed. It was the first RS140 listed in the register and Jerry brought up a point that it appears the RS140 was a rare transistion guitar between the RS135 and the RG140. After a closer look, I find that indeed the RS140 has the RS135 body and neck w/ maple fretboard, but has the electrics of the subsequently released RG140. Both the RS135 do share some common hardware such as the tuners and bridge, for example. As noted, the RS140 I have is from Aug. 1985. A search of the internet via google reveals NOT one single RS140. Same goes for Harmony central (I did add a review today there) as well as current and past eBay auctions, to no avail. The new listing that Jerry added for me today on the Register can be seen in the gallery: http://www.ibanezregister.com/ I'm interested to hear if you have the skinny on this or if it is as it appears - a short run transition model. Best, Dennis   Guitaki (Guitaki) Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 8:33 am:    I got a great condition RG140BK '86 in a case a few years back, that seems to be the RS140BK with a rosewood fretboard. A marvellous guitar also, the single coils give me a really nice extra-twangy sound, more presence than I could ever want. Combined with the Super 70 on the bridge, I find it quite Lukaterish. I think it was the Valley Arts that had s-s-h combination of pickups. Congrats on the RS1000! I have used my RS1010SL 2nd Edition as my main guitar for several months, but I kind of miss a solid bridge. ST-100 is on the way from Germany, so that should be a real bullseye for my current needs! -Aki.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 12:44 pm:    Dennis, This is gonna require a more in-depth answer than I have time for right now. I'll try to get back here this evening, literature in-hand, and give you the skinny. Did you receive the Roadstar Data Sheet? Cheers Steve   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 3:03 pm:    Aki, Yes, the RG140 seems to be from the RS140. From what I can tell from the ibanezregister, the body shape is different as is the fretboard. The RS140, like the RG 140 has the coil taping via the push-sown action of the volume knob. Not sure if this was a feature on the RS135 or not. Yes, the RS1000 is very, very nice. I am hoping to next add the Lukather model RS1010SL that you mentioned. Just out of curiousity, what are the first three diggits of your RG140's serial number?? I have found the earliest RG140 with a Nov. 1985 (K85) serial number, and as late as Aug. 1986 (H86) number. On the RS135 side I just starting to gather that info and so far found one that mentiones it is an Oct. 85 production, which would make it seem the RS140 was made concurrently with the RS135 for a period. --- Steve, Thanks - I'm sure you'll probably find something I'm missing. I am trying to find a serial number parameter (the hard way) to get an idea of how long the RS140 may have been around. Yes, I did receive your e-mail with the attachement. I saved it off into my excel files folder. Lottsa work you did there - it looks great and is a nice refernce. The RS 140 was abesnt though... My curiousity continues... Thanks guys! -Dennis   Guitaki (Guitaki) Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 5:49 pm:    Dennis My RG140 serial begins with E86**, May 1986, which seems to prove Your point! By the way, in my RG140 the push-push pot is the tone pot. -Aki.   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 6:17 pm:    Aki, All good info that helps - and I have noted your push pot on your RG140 is controlled on your tone as opposed to the volume on my RS140. I just know that Steve is going to come in here with the info and make my efforts look pre-historic... Fun stuff though. Let me just add that without sites like this one and ibanezregister.com life would be much more difficult trying to do any of this! And much less fun to boot! :>) -Dennis   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2003 - 12:45 pm:    Aki, after looking again, the control on the volume knob may in fact be a hi pass filter control for roll back volume and keeping certain frequency present, and not coil taping as first thought. I have to look into this further when I have time. Time for Turkey now here... -Dennis   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 12:38 am:    Dennis, The RS140 is listed between the RS135 and RS230 in the 1985 section of the data sheet. Look again! A brief synopsis of the 100 series Roadstars is found in the chart below: Model 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 RS100 XX RS110 XX RG110 XX RG120 XX XX RS125 XX RS130 XX RS135 XX XX RG135 XX XX RS140 XX RG140 XX XX XX Neither the RS110 nor RS140 are found in any literature I've seen. I do have photographic evidence of their existence. RS135’s are very common in both the standard Black or White finishes, and the “Comet Series” of custom colors. Searching the web by model number typically won't return much as most folks don't know the correct model number. There were 46 different Roadstar models produced from '83-88. Sometimes the difference between models is very minor. For example, the RS110, RS120, RS135, and RS140, are identical except for the pickup/control arrangement. Cheers Steve   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 7:57 am:    Steve, Thanks for the info, as usual you have put the discussion is some sort of assemblence regarding the data. Yes, I now see the the listing in the data sheet which I overlooked at the bottom of the page. In my haste, I didn't notice you had the rows arranged by year. I suppose in hindsight my comparison to the RS135 was more for the body style and less for the pickup arrangement which unlike the RG140 the followed that immedeiately followed the RS140 used the edge countour body style. Shall we assume at this juncture those models not making it into any literature were late issue productions for the year in which they were made for? I agree with you completely on the lack of success I have had searching by model #. I am sure the Roadstar series is only fractionally represented on the net also. Other than the discussions that have come up here, and the models listed in Jerry's ibanezregistry.com website, the info seems far and few between. Even resellers taking these in as new for resale don't seem to get them right, or like you mention don't know the correct model number to list. Your data sheet does help lower the odds of determining the model based of the data alone. The info that would sew up the Rodstar line is the serial number range for each model, as it seems that not every model received a typical calendar run production. In an effort to potentially attract some Roadstar owners out there to both this and the registry site, I created a group on Yahoo that may help put some more Roadstars on the radar... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IbanezRoadstar/ Thanks again for the clarification! Regards, Dennis   Craigjc (Craigjc) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 2:41 pm:    Steve, did you see this one? An '84 birdseye top in red. Would this be an RS1000? Sweet guitar! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2575973904&category=33043 No Reserve! Somebody jump on this one, please.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 3:27 pm:    Craig, That's an RS1300TR. Notice the color matched neck and headstock, double locking ProRock'R trem, gold plated pickup rings, side mounted jack, and 3 control knobs. None of these feature are on an RS1000. Note also this one has the larger headstock typical of 1984 models. Cheers Steve   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 4:22 pm:    Craig & Steve, That RS1300 is really nice. It will be interesting to see where the bidding ends up. Bidding went up again today... Anyhow, I thought I post the latest edition to my Roadstar collection. Here in this photo below alongside the RS1000CS is the new arrival; an '83 RS1010SL. It came with the original unused waraanty card and sales brochure.   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 4:25 pm:    lets try that again...   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 4:28 pm:    last try...   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 4:51 pm:    Dennis, E-mail me the photo. I'll put it up. Cheers Steve   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 5:32 pm:    Thanks Steve! I sent the over to you. Were they too big to post, or something else? Best, Dennis   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 5:34 pm:      Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 5:45 pm:    Note the subtle difference in the placement of the volume and tone controls. Cheers Steve   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 6:02 pm:    Thanks Steve for putting them up for me. After looking at and playing each of these among the other RS models, I have to wonder why Ibanez ever made anything other line :>) The Marine Sunburst can be hypnotic to look at...   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 7:36 pm:    LMAO !!! You tryin' to rile up the troops around here? I happen to be a fan of several other series too... Stop it! I'm getting jealous... Cheers Steve   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 8:52 pm:    LOL!!! Oops, sorry Steve! I know I need to do a better job of curbing my enthusiasm! I'll do my best! :>)   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 2:00 pm:    Hey guys, I decided to put the RS1000CS up for sale. It is pictured above next to my RS1000SL. It's here on eBay for the moment and is up grabs: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2367870974 -Dennis   Tonyboy (Tonyboy) Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 1:00 pm:    Hello Friends, I'm new to this site. I just want to tell you folks that it's a pleasure to read all the posts. You cats are so well informed about Roadstars, it is truly amazing. I love this site. Thanks for all the info. Take Care. "Proud Owner of Twin RS530TRs"   Tonyboy (Tonyboy) Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 11:18 am:    Mr. RoadStar, I noticed a few post earlier you pegged a member's guitar as an 1985 RS530TR by just the pic. I also learned from one of your posts that the 530 was also available in 84 but not included in the catalog. So my question is this...Is there a difference in the 84 and 85 model besides the serial number? Or were you just ballparkin' it. I have definately got the Ibanez guitar fever again! I want more! My lovely wife is none too happy.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 5:12 pm:    Tony, Not sure which post you were referring to. The RS530 is found in both the 1984 Roadstar II Deluxe Series catalog, and the 1985 Ibanez String Instruments catalog. Specifications for the two years appear to be identical, except for the finishes available; '84 - BK, MS, TR '85 - BK, MS, TR, PW Cheers Steve   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 5:17 pm:    UPDATE !!! Additions and correction have been made to the Roadstar Data sheet. E-mail me for a copy: shanikomail@yahoo.com Cheers Steve   Tonyboy (Tonyboy) Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 6:14 pm:    Sorry Steve, The post I'm reffering to was in Roadstar Q&A II. It is the 2nd or 3rd post from the top. You wrote..."Most of the '84 models are the same as 1985 (for which I have the full line catalog). However, there were several models introduced for '84 that don't show in the '83-'84 book. RS430, RS440, RS525(or RS520?), RS530, and RS1300." The one where you identified the rs530 was further down a little further. You were responding to a member named Ccs about his latest guitar. Probably I'm misunderstanding the above paragraph. I thought you meant that the rs530 was available in 84 but not featured in the catalog until 85. So, I was curious to know how you knew it was an 85 model. No Biggie Man, just wanting to learn more about how you identify these babies. Sorry If I've bothered you.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 1:27 am:    No need to apologize, and no bother at all! I understand the confusion now. I posted that before I had a copies of the '84 Roadstar catalogs. The RS530 (among others) does not appear in the '83-'84 book, but is in the '84 Deluxe book. The catalogs are fragmented for some years. For '83 and '84, the catalogs are broken down by series. The '83-'84 Roadstar & Artist catalog really only covers '83 models. The '84 catalogs are divided into Roadstar Standard, and Roadstar Deluxe. Then in '85, the catalogs become full line until '87. '87 is a mess of fold-outs and single page info sheets by series or even individual models! Then '88 is back to a full line catalog. It's taken a few years to piece this together. Unless there was a serial number posted, I was prolly going with a "best guess" for the info I had at the time. I am human and therefore prone to screwing up And I'm still learning new things too! Cheers Steve   Craigjc (Craigjc) Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 7:28 am:    Steve, 1984 is one of the years I hope to post catalog scans for on my site, but I only own the Roadstar Standard catalog for that year. Do you have a copy of the Deluxe catalog that you'd be willing to part with? Would be nice to be as complete as possible. I don't see anyone else making '80s catalog scans available to the public (although Harry and Hasy may be in the process...) Craig   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 3:43 pm:    Craig, I have ONE hard-earned copy of the '84 Roadstar Deluxe book. Tell me what resolution and file format you want, and I may be able to get it scanned at work. Cheers Steve   Craigjc (Craigjc) Posted on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 5:02 am:    Steve, I've been scanning at 300 dpi and resizing to 96 dpi approx. 800x1050 (32%). I use 2 different sharpen filters to get things fairly crisp. My final Jpg is saved at 25% compression to decrease the file size. If you can come up with scans in the 800 x 1050 range (give or take) that would be great. Let me know (here or by email). Thanks.   Tonyboy (Tonyboy) Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 12:12 am:    What size is the allen wrench that fits the locking nut screws on my 1985 Pro Rock'R Trem? I need a replacement. Thanks in advance for your help.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 2:09 pm:    Heads up ya'll, If you're looking to add a Roadstar to your collection, or just thinking about it, this one is a peach: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3712077945&category=33048 I used to own it! Sold it last year when I was thinning the herd. There's nothing wrong with it, I just had to make some sacrifices. The photo in the ad was taken in my basement studio. It was 100% original when it left my house. Hardtail = no floating trem hassles. I know that is an issue for some of you. The model number is RG200. 1986 only and very scarce. I've only seen 2, EVER !! I have nothing to gain by promoting this guitar. I just thought perhaps someone might benefit from this info. $169 with the original case is a deal in my book. Cheers Steve   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 3:35 pm:    PS. I dunno why he describes the neck as a "V" shape. It's the same profile as my other '86 R'stars. A tad meatier than an Artist, but not anywhere near "baseball bat" size. I call it a "C" shape, but what do I know... Cheers Steve   Jeffsailor (Jeffsailor) Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 9:40 pm:    Steve, That owner lists the serial number as K85. Should that be K86? I have an 83 RS1500 and an 85 RS240 and I consider the necks on both to be somewhat thin. Thats one of the reasons why I really like these two guitars. Did the necks change on RGs? I agree with some of your previous posts. Now that I own a couple of these, I'm beginning to think they're Ibanez's best kept secret, at least for how relatively little you have to spend to get one. My 1500 has become my favorite player. js   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 5:12 am:    K85 = November 1985. Model year production usually started before the caledar year. Just like automobiles. The '86 bodies are slightly smaller than the earlier R'stars. It's an '86 model, trust me If anything, I'd say the neck on my RS1400 is slightly thinner that the the ones on my '86 400 series guitars. So, no there's no significant difference. The RG200 felt just like my 400's. Shhh......... Dammit, don't go broadcasting that across the whole durned interknot   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 9:19 pm:    Just for clarification, I don't use "thin" to describe a R'star neck because compared to a Wizard neck, they're huge! I would classify them as medium or average. Cheers Steve   Snissors (Snissors) Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 4:55 pm:    Hi all. I'm new to the board. Glad to be here. I'm trying to restore my Roadstar II. I bought it in 1986, played it heavily for 10 years, then set it aside until now. First off, to identify my guitar, I'll attempt to include pictures in this post. Serial number F701420. 5-way toggle selector switch. Bridge is Floyd Rose Licensed - tremolo bar is not pictured as it long ago broke off. Anyway, two of the screws (one on the middle single coil, and one on the humbucker) that raise and/or lower the pickups are not catching well enough to raise their side of the pickup, and consequently the pickups are not near level. I've tried to capture this in the attached pictures. I was about to fill the screw holes with toothpicks with a dab of wood glue, but then noticed, upon removing a couple of the screws, that the far end of the screws seem to have a "slot". That leads me to believe that perhaps it is not a stripped wood issue that a wood-fill would not fix. Does anybody know how I should go about fixing this? Also, when I play the high E-string on the 12th and above frets, the note "warbles" for lack of a better word. It's almost like a fluttering. Is this pickup related? I am hoping that when I get the pickups level, this "warbling" will cease. Thanks all for any advice! I love this guitar and would like to get it back in shape. Hmm... I'm previewing my message and I'm not sure how to post the pics. I'll try again. Steve   Snissors (Snissors) Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 5:23 pm:    Trying the pics again: Thanks.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 3:01 am:    Snis, First off, it's an RG440DW (Dark Wine). Second, the serial number indicates a 1987 build. Does it have a rounded or pointy headstock? The '86 model had the rounded one. '87 the pointy one. Yours has the '86 style pickguard assembly, but I've seen 'em with the old pickguard and the pointy headstock before. '86 model year production ran into the '87 calendar year. The Super7F and IBZ pickups had plastic housings. The adjusment screws are the self tapping type and actually cut threads into the pickups holes the first time they are installed. What typically happenes is the plastic threads get stripped out. I have fixed 'em two ways. Quick and Dirty: use a hot soldering iron and mash some of the surronding plastic into the hole. Then reinstall the screw. Slower But Less Risky: use some epoxy (JB Weld works great) to fill the hole. Then redrill it slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw. Reinstall the screw and yer good to go. The warbling sound could be caused by several things. The pickups may be too close to the strings. Lower the pickups and listen for a change. The bridge saddle is in a bad position. Try turning the fine tuner for that string in about 2 full turns. Listen for a change. It might be the tremolo springs vibrating at a sympathetic frequency. I always place a small piece of felt under the rear cover to dampen the springs and keep them from ringing. Cheers Steve   Snissors (Snissors) Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 9:31 am:    Thanks Steve for the ID and repair instructions! The headstock is rounded, so I guess that makes it an '86 model. I think I'll try the epoxy fill. Is the JB Weld epoxy a two-part epoxy? Just want to make sure I use the right epoxy. This is fun (restoring)!   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 12:18 pm:    That's why they pay me the big bucks... Yup, although some might say it's a "transition model". It has all the features of an '86. JB Weld is a brand name for a 2-part epoxy. It has a metallic filler in it that makes it really tough. I've used the stuff for all kinds of repairs. Any 2-part epoxy should get the job done. Good luck with it! Cheers Steve   Johns (Johns) Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 1:28 pm:    Steve: Remind me to give you a raise. JohnS ICW   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 5:24 pm:    Yeah, what's up wid dat? This here thread is up to 95 posts now. Gonna hafta start Part 4 purty soon. An' I still ain't makin' no money... Cheers Steve   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 8:19 pm:    Just when I thought I was getting a handle on the Roadstar Series, I found another model! Although it does not appear in any literature I have, in 1987 there was an RG100. It appears to be an RG120 sans pickguard. I can now verify 47 different R'star models. That doesn't include left-handed versions, non-USA models, Roadstar Pro's, or those still undiscovered... Another recent discovery that may be of interest: Super6, SuperPower6, and SuperTap6 pickups are 3 different pickups. This question came up quite a while ago. At the time, I thought perhaps the Super6 and SuperPower6 were just different names for the same pickup. Nope! The SuperTap6 is obviously different as it has an extra lead for tapping the coil. And, the coil is HUGE (well over 10k ohms DC resistance). I have a Super6 and a SuperPower6 on my workbench. They have different magnets as well as different windings (as measured with DC resistance). All 3 share the big, 1/4" diameter pole pieces. I'll have to do some more research on these now. Super6 family pickups were available in Roadsters, Blazers, and early Roadstars. Does anybody know of any other applications? Cheers Steve   Snissors (Snissors) Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:19 pm:    Epoxy repair to my pickup screw-holes went well. Thanks! The plastic housings were actually broken where the screws went in... Also bought a new tremolo arm and installed it (after having to pry out the end of the original that snapped off years ago), as well as a new spring cover on the back. Cleaned it up a bit, put new strings on, and it's about as good as it is going to get! Still has a very compromised finish, but I'm not going to get that ambitious... but ahhh, my baby is back after years on the sidelines.   Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar) Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 6:28 pm:    Okay, only 98 posts instead of the usual 100, but it's time to wrap up part 3 and move on. The opener for "Roadstar Corner Q&A (Part 4)" deserves to be a first post. See ya there! Cheers Steve

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