I *think* this is a Bobcat?

[Raketemensch]

I picked this up locally earlier this week, and love it to death already.

It's a 1985, and I believe it's a Bobcat, but I can't seem to find another one like it. It's got 3 single coils, 1 volume and 1 tone knob and a 5-position switch.

It also has an ACT-PLS tremolo on it, which from what I've read started to hit models in the end of 85, before being officially announced in 86?

I'm not a collector, just a player, and this is just beautiful. My only other guitar is a 1978 Ibanez PF-100, which I've owned for 36 years now.

Am I right about the model?



https://imgur.com/a/8UjHrkT

[Crusty]

I have seen literally hundreds of RS Bobcats over the years. No kidding. There were a number of flavors and specs changed often even for a single model from year to year. If yours is SSS with a two point fulcrum trem, 5-way, 1V 1T and front output jack in the scratch plate it is most likely a Bobcat IV.

ACT tremolos were specific to Matsumoku. If it's an ACT trem it is stock. Matsumoku along with many other manufacturers did not waste resources. If they ran out of an older trem and had newer trems in stock, guess what, the newer trem was used.

One other thing to consider is if you were willing to wait you could order a stock model with optional changes/upgrades such as DiMarzrio pickups or in this case likely the locking trem.

What is the serial number on the neck plate? Also does it say Make In Japan or Product of Matsumoku or does it simply say Original Smooth Joint?

The RS Bobcat will put just about any Strat or SuperStrat to shame.

[Raketemensch]

Thanks! If only they'd put "Bobcat" on the headstocks...

[Crusty]

The HS on mine simply says RS Series as well.

Please, What is the serial number on the neck plate? Also does it say Made In Japan or Product of Matsumoku or does it simply say Original Smooth Joint?

[Crusty]

Please, What is the serial number on the neck plate? Also does it say Made In Japan or Product of Matsumoku or does it simply say Original Smooth Joint?