1997 vs 1998 PT

[JakeK]

Is there any difference between the two aside from the extra pickup (making no difference between the PT and the 1997SPC aside from the) and the "R" tailpiece? Is the neck profile better? Is the exact specs of Pete's first 1998 (aside from the Gibson zigzag tailpiece)?

[sloop_john_b]

Is there any difference between the two aside from the extra pickup (making no difference between the PT and the 1997SPC aside from the) and the "R" tailpiece? Is the neck profile better? Is the exact specs of Pete's first 1998 (aside from the Gibson zigzag tailpiece)?

IIRC, there was a subtle difference in knob placement. This came up because there were some 1998PT forgeries floating around.

[jsm610]

Is there any difference between the two aside from the extra pickup (making no difference between the PT and the 1997SPC aside from the) and the "R" tailpiece? Is the neck profile better? Is the exact specs of Pete's first 1998 (aside from the Gibson zigzag tailpiece)?

Where's bobkat? He'll know.

JakeK: do you have any good pictures of that gibson zigzag 1998?

[JakeK]

For you, Mr. Minutalgio:





Now that you mention, I haven't seen Mr. Belloff anywhere!

[jwilli]

Is there any difference between the two aside from the extra pickup (making no difference between the PT and the 1997SPC aside from the) and the "R" tailpiece? Is the neck profile better? Is the exact specs of Pete's first 1998 (aside from the Gibson zigzag tailpiece)?

I wouldn't say that the reissue was an exact clone /replica of a real RM. It was close though. The reissues seemed to have a thicker neck to me, but not too thick.

[jsm610]

cool photos - thanks. I have a 340 with that tailpiece and always wondered why someone would put it on there.... A PT fan I guesss!

[longhouse]

I LOVE my 1997 (SPC/VB) and I will keep it forever.
The biggest difference, Jake, is the price! Both are crazy expensive, but you'll save a fair bit of coin if you go for a 1997.

[deaconblues]

Both are crazy expensive, but you'll save a fair bit of coin if you go for a 1997.

In a nutshell...+1

[whojamfan]

Depends on whether you're a collector or player really. Get the Rose Morris(if you can afford it)and tuck it away or stick it in a display case, as you don't want to ding it or risk breaking anything on it. Get the Townshend signature if you actually plan on playing it live, or even at home, as it is much newer and correct replacement parts are available, and have a certificate of authenticity to hang on your wall, as you obviously are a Who fan. Lastly, I would consider the reissue models RIC made recently, as the appointments are more accurate for the period, but not to Townshends liking. He preferred the R tailpiece, and that's why it's on his Signature model. Happy hunting.

[JakeK]

Get the Townshend signature if you actually plan on playing it live, or even at home, as it is much newer and correct replacement parts are available, and have a certificate of authenticity to hang on your wall, as you obviously are a Who fan. Lastly, I would consider the reissue models RIC made recently, as the appointments are more accurate for the period, but not to Townshends liking. He preferred the R tailpiece, and that's why it's on his Signature model. Happy hunting.

I do plan on playing it live and at home. Townshend is one of my heroes and idols, and people I admire the most (aside from the guitar-smashing, but he had to put on the show), and having his signature Ric would be a dream come true.

The 1997 I'm referring to is the reissue. I would play that all of the time, too, but I think that Pete's signature Ric looks cooler, and I would have "Pete Power" in my hands.

[sloop_john_b]

The 1997 I'm referring to is the reissue. I would play that all of the time, too, but I think that Pete's signature Ric looks cooler, and I would have "Pete Power" in my hands.

Jake, seriously, I know you're young, but be sensible. $4000 (at least) is a LOT of money for something as utterly intangible as "Pete Power".

You have many, many years to get your dream guitar. Why blow it at age 17? The "plain jane" 1997's are awesome guitars, and you could always - easily - have a 3rd pickup installed if you must.

[JakeK]

The 1997 I'm referring to is the reissue. I would play that all of the time, too, but I think that Pete's signature Ric looks cooler, and I would have "Pete Power" in my hands.

Jake, seriously, I know you're young, but be sensible. $4000 (at least) is a LOT of money for something as utterly intangible as "Pete Power".

You have many, many years to get your dream guitar. Why blow it at age 17? The "plain jane" 1997's are awesome guitars, and you could always - easily - have a 3rd pickup installed if you must.

You're right John. I'll give this some thought. I should never doubt your wise words.

[collin]

Well...after months of wondering the same thing,at SoCalCon I recently had a chance to directly compare both a '87 1997SPC and a 1998PT, made only months apart (Feb. for the 1997SPC, Oct. for the 1998PT).

My 1997SPC is likely one of the first three pickup reissue models made, and in the first run of 1997 reissues, and from what I hear they are closer in feel to a vintage RM (which I also had a chance to compare).

The earlier reissues, such as mine, were absolutely identical to the 1998PT. I did look at the knob placement, and noticed no difference (though I had no measuring tape). The neck had the exact same profile all the way down, and the fireglo was the same, though mine is faded and worn a bit more.
The only difference was the "R" tailpiece and the sig pickguard. Worth an extra $2500 for these two items? I think not....and I'm as big a Who fan as it gets.

Now I think as the 1997 reissues progressed they changed a bit. Most noticeably the necks got a fatter. I strummed a few of Jerry Juden's 1997's and noticed that the necks got slightly beefier as they got "newer", and the thickest of all was his MG 1997 made in like 1999 (Chime in here Jerry!).

Jerry also owns a very early 1997 reissue two serial digits off from my 1997SPC, and the neck is similar, really thin and consistent with the proper 60's shape.

I have played two original RM1997's and in terms of exact specifications, both the 1997 reissue and the 1998PT fell way short of accurate. The rounded neck heel is the most obvious difference, and then the spacing of the bridge pickup, Accent Tailpiece, F-hole shape, Fireglo spray pattern (more red in most RM's), Pickup windings etc etc. Neither are exact replicas of the original as close as.... say the 360c63 is to it's original.

Overall, Jake- if you can swing $4K and think it's a wise purchase at 17, go for it!

I for one, think that's a lot of coin, especially when there are identical options out there for almost half the money. I'd also be willing to bet that PT himself would laugh at paying $2K for a screenprinted picture of him on a pickguard.

Plus, weren't you working on a regular 1997 not but a month or two back? Baby steps my friend.

Just my $.02...

Cheers,
-Collin

[JakeK]

Collin -- thanks for your advice and input. You know, I really should attend some confluences. That way, I'd be able to try out guitars the artist limited edition guitars I have my eye on, and be able to compare them with a standard version of it, to see if they're really all that worth it.

I know some sig models ARE worth the extra dough, such as the McGuinn and C. Wilson models.

[whojamfan]

Attending some confluences and checking out the instruments should answer all of your questions in a hands on, real time manner. Then, you can really make an educated choice when you and your folks go to drop a big wad on an instrument.