I just know once it hits retail, I'll be camping out at the stores.

 

While this release does use the cassette door that is modified to be flat like the original G1, there are still other differences due to the use of the Soundblaster version of the mold. You can see if you look at the G1 figure and the Universe 2008 release (which also had the modified, flat door, but otherwise used the Soundblaster tooling) side-by-side:



On the tooling used for the '08 release (and, it appears, this new re-issue) the hinges on the door are mounted externally, and the buttons are molded as one large piece.

 

Wow, good eye. I've always thought the buttons were a bit different with the re-issues, but never noticed the door hinge change. I lost my original G1 Soundwave 20+ years ago, so my only reference point has been the double-tape capacity reissue from 2008 (though I thought it was from earlier than that).

Still, it's close enough for me and will have to do. I've been wanting an original 'flat chested' G1 SW for years, so I'm all over this... especially in that packaging.

 

...ye gads, that new door/hinge tooling looks tawdry...

 

Okay gotcha, I see it now not anything that would stop me from buying this but I can see what everyone is talking about now.

 

Regardless, for people who don't own G1 Soundwave, this figure will be a really good opportunity. According to a friend who's been into collecting for a long time, a G1 Soundwave in decent shape can cost upwards of $80. Just on his own.
If we're getting Buzzsaw with Soundwave we're likely getting two figures for the price of one.

 

It just better be the same price as starscream and no higher...

 

Source: G1 SoundBlaster Review

 

I do not remember original G1 retail cost, but Soundwave, Megatron, and OP were the three which costs the most, jets were next, then the full sized cars, followed by cassettes and last mini-cars. I think this soundwave will cost more the starscream, would guess his price will be around the new reissue prime

 

I wonder if the 1985 retooling was in anticipation of SoundBlaster, then.

 

I'm all in for this Soundwave reissue, but I wish Hasbro or Takara would get more creative with their Soundwave pack-ins.

Each G1 Soundwave reissue since the 2003 TFC has only ever come with one or more cassettes; no new accessories have been created for him. For example, the TFC Optimus and Megatron got their Energon weapons. Starscream got the mini-Megatron and a remolded hand to hold it.

Even the latest Starscream and Optimus reissues came with some extras.

Someday I'd love to see a Soundwave reissue with a remolded hand so that he could hold the mini-Megatron.

 

Below are some pictures of the three external-hinge, single-cassette Soundwave variants (excluding the Linkin Park gold reissue).

From Left-to-Right:

1. Vintage Japanese
2. 2003 Encore
3. 2009 SDCC Exclusive

One difference to note is that the Vintage hinges are black plastic, whereas both reissues have clear plastic hinges.

IMO, the Encore blue plastic looks the nicest of the two reissues, however the SDCC is probably the closest in terms of actually matching the vintage color. The blue of the Encore is slightly lighter, but has a nice sheen, almost a sparkle to it. The plastic of the SDCC cassette door has a softer feel to it and appears almost cloudy from some angles. It's hard to tell from the front, but it's evident from the side pictures. The plastic of the Encore cassette door seems to match that of the Vintage figure.

I suspect the upcoming reissue will be almost identical to the SDCC version. I'm hoping they at least use a different plastic for the door.

Next week, I can post some comparison shots of all the double-deck Soundwave/Soundblaster figures (with external hinges). I also have the recent KO which I can compare to a Vintage.

 

...well i had no idea that my concealed-hinge vintage soundwaves were a precious commodity prior to reading this thread; thank you for the well-articulated education...

 

I'm not sure if I'll get this reissue. Back in 2009, I got the SDCC exclusive Soundwave that came with Laserbeak, Ravage, Ratbat and Buzzsaw.



I haven't scoured this thread to see what the accessories will be, but the only way I'll get this one is if it comes with Rumble and Frenzy.

 

Just Buzzsaw, like the original. It'll be the first reissue to come with just him like the original.

Maybe. But I'm thinking it'll be closer to the Encore release. Either one is still a path with least resistance.

 

If I'm not mistaken, this is going to very likely be the first somewhat affordable G1 Soundwave reissue to the general public. Most others (I think) have been exclusives.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Man, I forgot how gorgeous that packaging was.

I bought multiples of the TRU Commemorative Edition reissue and still have a couple MISB - I might have to see if I can trade one of them for that SDCC version. I didn't pay attention back then and never realized it was the flat single-cassette chest.

 

Well, TRU wasn't exactly a secret underground base where only those with VIP Hasbro fan ID cards are able to enter. And he was $50 with Laserbeak there.

If Optimus is $50 without his trailer, I'm kind of dreading how much Soundwave will be for this release.

 

Ah. I forgot about the TRU release.