These basses couldn't be any more different. The '83 was "rode hard and put away wet" by the previous owner. Actually, the most disrespected Alembic I've ever come in contact with. More about that in the Troubleshooting forum. I just purchased the '87 Birdseye and it is absolutely amazing! It definitely feels like there may have been custom touches added. Hopefully, you can let me know if that's the case.