How much for an '81 Baby Z?

Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 5

I met a guy selling a bunch of stuff but I only liked his 81 Baby Z with a single DiMarzio zebra pick-up. How much do these go for? It was his brother's, he doesn't know. It's not very clean, kind of tarnished metal, dull red paint, but it felt great. I'd appreciate any help, I'm new to Dean guitars but this one has got my attention. Thanks!

Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:24 pm

Without seeing it, I would say between $2-400

Joined: 31 Dec 2003 Posts: 693 Location: Back to life !

what "Jayba" said is right ,

If it used I would have to say $200. Cool

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 393 Location: Lake Mary, Florida

Never thought Dean made a Baby before 82. Do you have a serial number?

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 5324

yeah, $200.00 if it's beat to sh*t..

some of the BB japanese (deluxe baby) imports have sold for over $600.00..

if it's an 81, it's a very early Baby.. it should have a matching color headstock.. which should be a SeriesIII headstock too.. no shrimpforks at that time..

if it's not too beat, it wouldn't be out of line to pay $300-400.00 for it..

of course, if you can get it much cheaper, get it.. Wink

Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 5

Thanks for the replies, that gives me a good idea of what to ask for.

I don't have the serial number in front of me but it started with 81 and had five digits.

I'll let you know what happens.

Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2004 2:00 am

As Dean Z himself keeps saying, if it don't say made in the USA - it ain't! If the serial number is 81xxx without any spaces, then it's an import and the first 2 digits do not necessarily correspond to the year - some do, some don't - the baby serial number debate is a long and complicated one.

It also depends on whether its a Deluxe Baby (binding. block inlays, gold hardware) or a plain old regular baby. If it's a regular baby - then I wouldn't pay much more than about $250 based on what your describing.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 4797 Location: BEERMUDA

Those deluxe Baby models are cool some sold over $ 500!

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:05 am

you guys are becoming quite the Baby experts!

This was had last month for $450 and it is premo with no rash:

1984 Baby ML deluxe:

Here is the stablemate that I have owned since new and is virtually mint with little play:

1984 Baby Z Deluxe:

Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 5

It is 81 041xx

there is a space after the 81. It has the Z shape and the big headstock with the big wings. What is it?

Thanks

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 4381 Location: Vaasa, Finland

Well, some1 ask Dean If he made them Babys in '81, if he didnt, you've got your eye on a prototype... Smile

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 393 Location: Lake Mary, Florida

I saw a used 82 baby in a guitar center in orlando a few months back that had an 82-41xx serial number, so if it's an 81, it must have been one of the last guitars made in 81.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14465

Of all the info we lost with the board crash, the Serial Number thread might have been the biggest loss.

Greg, have you still got your yearly range list?

Jim

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2004 2:39 pm

Yeah, Jim. We need to get that list back even if it means we start over with who has what.

I have never seen an '81 baby, but don't doubt that a late 1981 serial number Baby may exist. Not sure if it was a prototype that it would have made it into the serial number stream.