How rare is a model 5a?

[Jaska]

Somebody told me that only 1000 Model 5a were produced ever (in 1988 or 1989). Fact or fiction?

[pianoguyy]

Well, hell, if you believe the sales tactics people use...
https://reverb.com/item/1311489-char...8-black-cherry
there were only 300 made (600, minus the 300 that were changed to the 5fx).

Yes, they were 'rare', but that is because they were the H version of a HH guitar, and they were soon switched to a HS.
Rare = yes.
Special = no.

[DonP]

I want a white one.

[EntrailsOfU]

Low production numbers are definitely the truth. I've heard the 600-700 5a's being made and half being retooled later (due to poor sales) at the factory to become the 5fx thrown around quite a few times so I would presume those estimates fairly accurate. I own one of each myself and both of them are incredible guitars.

I LOVE single humbucker guitars so the 5a is special to me. But that is just opinion at the end of the day.