I have the opportunity to buy what appears to be a 1991 or 92 Ibanez 540SFMTB locally. This is basically a flamed maple blue burst, lo-pro edge, 1 piece maple wizzard, rodewood, cosmo, HSS (C2,C2,F2) Saber. It looks pretty good from the pics I have seen and the guy says it is in really good shape for a 20+ year old guitar. It does have on fairly significant "small crack" on the lower side. It includes a non-original HSC. He is asking $400.

I love Sabers, I have a great playing Indo. I know this era of prestige Sabers are highly regarded. I will check it out thoroughly tonight. Should I hit it? Should I offer $350. I see them selling for as low as $325 to $425 near mint with original case. I would say this is going to be In good shape (maybe a 6/7, possibly but with a dime size or a little smaller hard it on the bottom.

That's an average price. I'd try to get it lower, but if it's in great shape--go for it.

Thanks A-bat. That is what I figured. I would love to pay under $350. I hate to under cut the guy, but given the fact that you can get them pretty easly in the $350 range, possibly in better condition, I really think it should be closer to $300. Original case with no finish or fret problems, easy $400.

I am going to need to exercise control, which isn't my strong point.

Well, her she is. I paid $340. I think it was a good deal. Not OHSC, but other than the hard hit damage in the last pic it is in very good shape. Barely any pitting, a bit of color loss on the pickup ring and bridge, the top and back are almost mint, knife edge appear to be perfect, a few ding on the back of the neck (which I never really understand how/why people do this). Need some adjustments, but I will be tearing it down and rebuilding. It is a very high quality instrument, you can feel it. It is a 1992 540SFM and either TB (blue) or TT (turquoise). The pics look TB but I am thinking TT.

Loooks pretty awesome. Get it

It's an Earlier 90s S540.

The answer is yes. Always yes.

Nice find. I'm glad you got a good price, but it's sad to see that these aren't holding more value.

Good year too. My early '90s sabers consistently play better than even my j-customs of the late 90's. It was a good time for Ibanez.

And it is TB for sure. Ibanez thinks "turquoise" means green.