1981 Ibanez BL550, Blazer Series Royal Blue
Oftentimes, when we list a guitar from the '80s, I'll get a message that says something like, "Dude, I had a guitar just like that when I started playing," or "Hey! That was my first guitar." I can totally identify and whenever I see a 1972 sunburst Fender Jazz for sale, I just might think the same thing because a '72 Jazz was my first bass (and I still have it). Now we are getting to why people sometimes buy guitars because they remind them of their first- it's almost as if we were talking about girlfriends, but that's another trip down another rabbit hole.
Such may be the case with this BL550- it's a beautiful reminder of the quality guitars Ibanez was producing right before the mid-'80s shred craze emerged and guitar necks got reeeeeal skinny. It still retains the classic, old-style tremolo and 21 frets that are still in fine shape. The neck is a nice and substantial medium "C" shape and the three Super Tap 6 single coils are surprisingly crisp and articulate. You also will notice the coil tap and phase mini toggle switches that add even more tonal capabilities. This guitar was a lot of machine for the money back in the early '80s, no doubt about it.
Everything on the guitar looks to be original with the exception of the pickguard screws. They are actually chrome flatheads, but they fit so well, we decided to leave them as they are. There are some dings and surface scratches on the body and pickguard, but these can be forgiven seeing as how the guitar is 41 years old. I looked a lot worse at 41 than this guitar does, probably because I jumped off of more than my share of P.A. systems, bass in hand. Fortunately, this Ibanez has been spared that exercise in youthfulness.
Take a look at the pictures and let us know if you have any questions. We don't mind at all getting into that "way back" machine when it comes to these types of guitars and if you were a child of those times, we feel you won't either. Somebody somewhere wrote a song called "Those were the best days of my life" and when I find out who it was, they'll get a proper nod for telling the truth about that era. Original hardshell case, case key and warranty card are all included- thanks for your consideration!
We accept, Paypal payments, credit cards, bank wire transfers, personal checks, cashier checks, and of course, cash in a local pickup situation.
We ship via UPS Ground unless other arrangements are made. "General" costs are: Guitars and basses East of the Mississippi river- $55.00-$65.00 Guitars and basses West of the Mississippi river- $65.00-$75.00 Amps- to be determined. All shipping costs can be determined before shipment with a simple inquiry. Items must be returned within 24 hours (of notification of intent to return) in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all return shipping costs unless the item was not received as described.
All customers get a 48-hour, no-hassle return period. Our singular purpose is for you, the buying client to be more than satisfied with your purchase. If there is ever a problem with one of our items after receiving it, please email us at southernelk2112@gmail.com or call Ray Mauldin at 404-895-3459.