Vader MPP lightsabers details and specifications

[IronDestinyProps]

I think there is still some debate on bar shape- some see straight ends. Regarding grips, I think the consensus is seven with angled cuts on ends. However, I don't recall the angle- experts: is it 30 or 45 degrees?

If we use the ANH V1 pics for reference, I would say anywhere between 22 and 30 degrees but no further. However, I have cut grips where they feature a gradually rounded angle as is seen on the V1 prop along side the sharp, chiseled angles.

 

[belloq]

Is the angle 22 to 30 degrees up from the surface of the tube, or from the perpendicular/straight end of a grip? Also- is the angle cut made across just the vertical part of the grip, or does the angle cut also include the horizontal/flat part of the grip?

 

[IronDestinyProps]

Is the angle 22 to 30 degrees up from the surface of the tube, or from the perpendicular/straight end of a grip? Also- is the angle cut made across just the vertical part of the grip, or does the angle cut also include the horizontal/flat part of the grip?

belloq, I like to make the angled cut with a mini table saw using the miter gauge and then round the chiseled angle with hand files. If you have any other questions, please feel free to PM me. Cheers.

 

[roygilsing]

Remember that the T-tracks on the ANH sabers were cut roughly by hand and not very consistent from one track to another. The Graflex saber has very irregular angles and sometimes even rounded ends. I guess they were probably done with a file or disc sander or something. Why not? As if somebody was ever going to pay attention to that! I like to replicate these irregularities; makes it look much more authentic.

 

[IronDestinyProps]

Hey guys! I have a theory on the V2 ANH MPP: I believe these photos from 4K77 prove the V2 in the Leia interrogation scene may also be the same hilt in the following scenes. Check them out, and see what you think!

Photo courtesy of The Complete Lightsaber Prop Guide by Seth:

Imperial board meeting:

Leia interrogation:

"She may yet be of some use to us."

Stopping to reflect in the hallway:

"Escape is not his plan. I must face him alone."

 

[belloq]

Yes, the black bars saber was used in Tantive rebel commander, conference room, Leia's cell, hangar, and possibly the control room scenes. The silver bars saber was used in the Tantive entry, Tantive Leia and various Death Star corridor scenes.

 

[thd9791]

Gosh they had such a problem that this saber probably lost its card, and got the other bubble strip from the silver one and they lost the silver one?!

 

[belloq]

I don’t think that any parts were exchanged; the unique features of each ANH Vader saber remained consistent during the production. On the black bars saber, the red LED’s had no bubble strip in any of the shots in which it appeared. In addition, the two sabers were used intermittently throughout the production timeline; that is- it does NOT appear that, for example, the crew used one version during scenes filmed earlier, then broke or altered some features, and then used the other version for the remaining scenes. Also- it is my belief that overall the black bars saber was used in more of the important scenes and spent more time in those scenes than the other version. At least that is what my humble analysis yielded.

 

[thd9791]

I should have clarified, for Empire and beyond. Unless they got another flash unit after ANH, the Hero has traits from each ANH model

 

[IronDestinyProps]

I don’t think any parts were exchanged and the unique features of each ANH Vader saber remained consistent during the production. On the black bars saber, the red LED’s had no bubble strip in any of the shots in which it appeared. In addition, the two sabers were used intermittently throughout the production timeline; that is- it does NOT appear that, for example, the crew used one version, then broke or altered some features, and then used the other version for any remaining scenes. Also- it is my belief that overall the black bars saber was used in more of the important scenes and spent more time in those scenes than the other version. At least that is what my humble analysis yielded.

I am in complete agreement with your observations, belloq. I have come to the same conclusions.

 

[vader45]

Has it every been confirmed the ANH V2 became the ESB/ROTJ hero?

 

[IronDestinyProps]

Hard to say for certain, vader45, but I doubt it. I believe the prop department purchased several flashguns to make multiple versions of each particular hilt.

 

[parfaitelumiere]

This is the V2

My opinion is there were 2 props in ANH, silver and V2, probably for filming location reason , and none has been used in ESB.

 

[Panaflex]

Fantastic.

 

[mugatu]

Patrice, your always professional presentation with everything you do... I find it awesome. And I love your saber there, man.

 

[IronDestinyProps]

Here is a recent V2 build I finished for a client. I'm really digging the red LEDs. Such a great lesser-known OT hilt!

- MPP vintage flashgun
- WannaWanga V1 black emitter shroud with screen-accurate weathering
- Roman Props replica large D-ring
- Straight knurled vintage thumb screw
- Naturally weathered vintage clamp & trapezoidal black bars
- Vintage Exactra 20 blue PCB & red LEDs
- Todd’s Costumes weathered T-track grips
- Vintage end cap

 

[Bradberry00]

V2 looks great! I've been looking for one of those large LED boards for months, hopefully one surfaces so I can get my V2 finished up.

 

[BudaFett]

I need a MPP...damn so pretty.

 

[Mouse Vader]

That's nice. I'm going to get confused now with the other V2.

 

[cdyoung]

Fantastic research on this V2 and great build!