Transformers Soundwave question

Hey guys, I would love to get my hands on a new release 80's accurate Soundwave preferably with tapes. Here's my question: What accurate new releases are there? What's my options?

Originally Posted by turner

Hey guys, I would love to get my hands on a new release 80's accurate Soundwave preferably with tapes. Here's my question: What accurate new releases are there? What's my options?

The most accurate one is the Encore version. I think it comes with Ravage and Lazerbeak. The SDCC version comes with 4 cassettes. Special 4 packs are available in the Encore line too.

This ^
Also a TRU exclusive came out in '07

Yup. Encore's the way to go and Takara/Tomy have now released the majority of the tapes.

Originally Posted by TTT

This ^
Also a TRU exclusive came out in '07

^^^^ ... AND the Takara TF Collection one a little before that. Was meant for Japanese release, but it was widely available on Ebay, BBTS, other such stores...

As far as I know, all these reissues are the same - i.e. accuracy is not much of a factor here.

I can't speak for the TFC release as I no longer have it but none of the recent reissues are technically accurate. The 2007 TRU release uses Soundblasters double tape door and the Encore and SDCC releases both have single doors but with control buttons that protrude from Soundwave's waist. They are not flush like the original. I believe these are also adapted from Soundblaster due to the original mold being lost or damaged.

If you want a accurate Soundwave DO NOT GET THE TRU 07 Universe release,, that one has the extended chest to hold 2 tapes ala Soundblaster...

I'd say they're all pretty darned accurate, besides the aforementioned doors, and they all use original molds, or something close to it.

The large door is still cool since it is accurate to a rare version of G1 Soundwave, so at least they didnt just invent the feature. Plus, it's cool tonhave if the version you get somes with 2 or more tapes!

I got mine in the Japanese white boxed series. It's got a single door, and comes with Lazerbeak, since that series had a few nods to the cartoon. Its a nice presentation and its cool to have Lazerbeak if you only want one tape. I have been a bit frustrated about encore sets, since I don't want to pay to buy the same tap again.

One last thing to consider is that U.S. releases, particularly the TRU version may not have springs in the launchers. I'm not sure if the Japanese version or G1 did at the moment. I also never realized as a kid that the launchers were supposed to be batteries for the Walkman!

Sorry to rant, I just love Soundwave.

Forgot to mention- in Japan, the red trapezoid shaped stickers that frame the cassette door in the cartoon are supposed to go on the batteries, maybe to look like some japanese brand of AAs?

Also, while the Soundwave itself I have is as accurate as possible to the '84 toy(only the larger button pad is different), I'm not sure if Buzzsaw is available outside of buying a different Soundwave.

Thanks, guys!