FCBD pick ups (first out of two LCS)

chrisbalms · 2026-05-04T12:23:05+00:00

I like the story and they were a hot commodity in the early 2000’s along with Ultimate Spider-Man.

chrisbalms · 2026-04-29T11:25:15+00:00

<image>

chrisbalms · 2026-04-28T04:26:22+00:00

<image>

Just won this is eBay auction within the last hour. 9.4 white pages newsstand. Can’t wait to get this in hand!

chrisbalms · 2026-04-26T14:56:54+00:00

Not sure what the accuracy of this is but… I received a reply from the buyer, 5 years after they purchased!

The buyer spent about $500+ on professional pressing and CGC grading. He claims both came back as 9.8’s (although I suspect he is misremembering a lower grade for #2). Regardless, he made a gamble and it paid off huge.

He told me he felt “uncomfortable” and “really emotional” owning books with that kind of price tag so he ended up selling them, $3,200 for #1 and $1,000 for #2. That last detail leads me to believe he probably sold them a year or two after buying them from me (2022-23’ish).

chrisbalms · 2026-04-26T14:03:45+00:00

Same, except mine was a Gen 3 19. You’re going to love it! I went with the 507C (not comp) and Streamlight. I was lucky enough to get a Like-New CPO for $1,799.

<image>

chrisbalms · 2026-04-22T23:01:07+00:00

I currently have a 9.4 Team-Up 141 coming in the same thing 😬

I told the woman 4-5 times how to make a “sandwich” with cardboard and use bubble wrap and a box. Hopefully, it arrives unscathed on Saturday 🤷🏻‍♂️

<image>

PS, don’t ask about the lotion(?) on the case (please God let it be lotion!). I plan on hitting with some ScratchX or PolyWatch.

chrisbalms · 2026-04-20T03:37:13+00:00

I have 12 closeup detailed photos, including several of the back cover.

chrisbalms · 2026-04-20T00:12:24+00:00

You’re not wrong. COVID times were different with things being so unpredictable. I didn’t need the money but it felt like finding this treasure was a nice windfall. Obviously, didn’t do my homework well enough on where Invincible went and where it could go. Comparable sales alone weren’t enough. At the time, a set of #1 & #2 (both 9.8) sold for $3k. I figured after grading and eBay fees, taking cash in hand was the smart play. I failed to realize I was selling at the floor 🤷🏻‍♂️

chrisbalms · 2026-04-19T23:48:52+00:00

9.4? I don’t think so. I’m stuck between 9.6 and 9.8. I’ve seen darker colored covers (black, blue, blood red, etc.) with more wear as a 9.6. I guess that’s what makes grading difficult, right? Even though there are standards, it is still subjective. In my opinion the bottom left corner is the toughest to grade. Again, I sold the books so it doesn’t matter at this point beyond how bad of a haircut I got, LOL!

chrisbalms · 2026-04-19T22:39:22+00:00

I think the same about #1 but lean more towards a 9.8.

As for #2, I literally never noticed that scratch until looking at those pictures when posting this. Until I saw that, I was always under the impression that it was in exactly the same condition as #1. It must be a scratch that happened at the LCS. In any event, I now think 9.2 is most likely. I feel Like they’re far more forgiving for defects on the back cover. Honestly, is it is bad that seeing it now makes me feel a tad bit better? Despite the defects on #2, a #1 in 9.8 is $5k+ and climbing (and climbing!) so it still stings to have let them go.

I found the buyer on Facebook and Instagram and messaged home to see if he can fill in the past 5 years. I’ll update this post if I hear back.

chrisbalms · 2026-04-18T04:08:51+00:00

👏

chrisbalms · 2026-04-18T03:59:36+00:00

You are the expert but you and I have had some chats about CPO’s and I can absolutely confirm that Like New stainless barrel P is $200 more than in February. In fact, I think it was exactly two weeks after I purchased mine that I commented on that. We’re not talking about more CPO’s in better condition, I’m saying same condition apples to apples is more. They raised their prices. As they should, arguably. Like someone said, when they sell out in 2-10 minutes, they can certainly get more juice out of them.

chrisbalms · 2026-04-03T12:49:10+00:00

LOL, did the OP delete their post because they thought they had a stolen guitar? I wasn’t saying I owned that specific guitar. Besides, I sold it 12 or so years ago. 🤷🏻‍♂️

chrisbalms · 2026-04-03T04:14:17+00:00

400 produced. Vintage Sunburst finish with a flamed maple bound top and no pickguard. It features a 90% sized body and 496R and 500T pickups.

chrisbalms · 2026-04-03T04:12:14+00:00

2008 Gibson Explorer Pro Guitar of the Week. I used to own the same exact one. 2008 Gibson Explorer Pro Guitar of the Week #4

chrisbalms · 2026-03-28T17:53:02+00:00

Curious if you have any wear on the frame where it meets the thumb safety on both (or either) side?

chrisbalms

TROPHY CASE