Just bought a Robin Raider I

[Greg Hutmacher]

Hi. I'm new here. I just bought this Robin Raider I off of ebay. I haven't received it yet but am looking forward to it. I've been searching for this specific color/model for a long time.

Back in 1987-88, I played in a regional band in Texas. A local music store that more or less sponsored me (translation: they loaned me gear because I knew the owner) loaned me a pink single pickup Raider to use in a music video we filmed. We wanted to use that color/model in the video because it fit the feel of the video theme. I also played it on stage at a few shows and loved it because the reverse offset body reminded me of a Mosrite and the guitar had a raw bare-bones attitude about with its single pickup and nonlocking tremolo. That guitar had nothing it didn't need. Anyway, I had planned to buy that guitar from the music store because I really fell in love with it (color was kinda funky which I grew to like). But before I could get back there to get it, the store was broken into one night and that guitar along with several others was stolen. It never resurfaced. I was really disappointed.

So when I saw this one on ebay, I knew I needed to buy it. I have no idea how rare this color/model is, so I figured I may never see it come up for sale again. Who knows, maybe its even the same guitar.

I'd be curious to hear from the folks that know a lot more about these guitars than I do. How common is this specific model in this color? The serial number is 10501. What does this number tell me about the year and origin? What are these actually worth (if I paid too much, please be gentle with me: I paid $377)? Did the original case have the Robin logo on it? Where can I find an original case for it (this is coming with a generic soft case)?

Thanks for being patient with a newcomer. I'm excited to get this guitar "back".http://robinlovers.com/discus/messages/6/2178.jpghttp://robinlovers.com/discus/messages/6/2179.jpghttp://robinlovers.com/discus/messages/6/2180.jpghttp://robinlovers.com/discus/messages/6/2181.jpghttp://robinlovers.com/discus/messages/6/2182.jpg

[metalaxe]

when that is THE guitar you were looking for for years, i think the price you paid wasn't too much, no matter what it's actually worth.
and i'm sure, when you're as happy as u seem to be, it's definitely worth 377 http://robinlovers.com/discus/clipart/happy.gif

don't u think?

[Greg Hutmacher]

Yes, I do. :-)

By the way, I'm guessing this is a Tokai built Robin? I read somewhere on this forum that the mid 80's Robins with this logo were Tokai (Japan). Let me know if this is wrong.

[Ken Jones]

Howdy - I was the guy who had the second highest bid for this guitar on eBay. I REALLY wanted this guitar too (just ask Kizanski). I can answer some of your questions.


>How common is this specific model in this color?

I collect MIJ Robins. I own a Raider II and III from this same "gold logo" era. I've been looking for a "gold logo" Raider I for years and this is the very first one I have ever seen - of ANY color. My bid on eBay was about as high as I thought I was gonna ever have to go because I really didn't think a pink guitar would sell for all that much money. I'm glad it went to someone who really wanted one in that color.


>The serial number is 10501. What does this number tell me about the year and origin?

Serial numbers on MIJ Robins (like early Fenders) are arbitrary. Gold logo Raiders were made during the years of 1984-1985. All of the MIJ Raiders were made by ESP. Tokai only made the 21 fret gold logo Robins (RH, RG, RV, 2-pickup Ranger).


>What are these actually worth (if I paid too much, please be gentle with me: I paid $377)?

Unfortunately even though it is very rare, it's not worth a ton of money. I would say market value on a Raider is anywhere from $350-$550 (maybe a little bit more if it is mint and has the OHSC).


>Did the original case have the Robin logo on it? Where can I find an original case for it (this is coming with a generic soft case)?

Robin has used the same case manufacturer since the beginning (G&G in California). The MIJ guitars did not have logos on the case. They didn't start stenciling logos until after they started making guitars in Houston. The case is a generic G&G black case with white piping. It looks like a non-logo'd strat case - except the accessory box is rectangular instead of trapezoidal. The reverse headstock will not fit in a strat case with the trapezoidal accessory box. Plus, the Raider case is larger than a strat case. A strat interior is approx. 39.5" X 12.75" with a headstock width of 8.25". A Raider case interior is 41" X 13.75" with a headstock width of 8.75". Keep looking on eBay and ask for the measurements - you might get lucky and find one.


Again - this is the first gold logo Raider I I've ever seen. I have seen a LOT of "white logo", pointier headstock Raider I guitars. These were also made by ESP. Congrats on a rare bird (pun intended).

[Greg H]

Ken, Thanks for the useful information. I appreciate it. I guess it was a case of two of us really wanting the same guitar at the same time. I've been running an automated ebay search for Raider I's for quite some time just waiting for the right one to surface. Raiders would pop up periodically, but never the model that I was after. When the search turned this one up, I stopped breathing for a moment when I saw that it was exactly like the one I once played. Not only was it the right model, but it was even the right color! I would love to find out how many were built in that color. I wonder if Robin has records on it.

Anyway, it is good to know that there is such a strong enthusiast community out there for these guitars.

[Greg H]

Received my new Raider I today. Awesome condition. Almost perfect finish. Barely a mark visible on it (one tiny scuff). Sounds incredible. Feels great. Its such a basic raw rock and roll guitar. No frills. Exactly as I remember it. Now I need to find a hard case for it.

[Ken Jones]

Well, you know where it can find a home if you ever decide to part with it!