Stingray I don't recognise.

[Jack]

Hey guys,

I found a Stingray for sale that the guy reckons is a new Stingray Classic but the logo on the headstock isn't right. The bridge appears to have mutes (or at least places to put them) and it's a 2 eq model, is it just an older standard Stingray? From what period? I've sent a message asking for a serial number.




Cheers,
Jack

[arsie]

It is not a Classic. The Classic has a slab body. If I was to guess, I would say early to mid 90s SR4 with the 2 band EQ option instead of 3 band. That bridge configuration is the "Flea" bridge. Straight string angle with no mutes but old bridge size. Battery cover may be a mod from the plastic flip out to the old school screw on chrome plate. Serial number would be on the bridge.

[lowphatbass]

Judging from the bird's eye on the neck I'd say 1987-91, but I've never "officially" owned one so that's just a guess. Someone will know for sure very briefly I'm certain.

[Apothem]

I'd say mid '90s, based on the old style bridge but without mutes (transition bridge), 6-bolt neck but still chrome battery cover, trussrod wheel instead of bullet.

[A-Step-Towards]

1990-1994

[HalfManHalfBass]

I agree, early to mid 90s. I have a 1995 which is almost exactly the same (but a 3 band eq) which had the same screws to fill the holes for the thumb screw mute holes and with a metal battery cover on the reverse. It also had a matt black scratch plate with matching black finish scratchplate screws.

[Jack]

Serial number is apparently 45651. Mid 1995 then you reckon?

[basswave]

Originally Posted by Jack

Serial number is apparently 45651. Mid 1995 then you reckon?

Thats easy to find out Jack.

On the Ernie Ball forum there is serial # DB thread.

Music Man Serial Number Database

Join the forum -> post the serial on that thread -> customer service will get back to You.

[Jack]

Thanks basswave, I did think of that option, and I might just if I decide to buy. Musicman bass lists:

45557...Purchased 1995. Natural. (Italy).
45639...DOB 2 Aug 1995. Neck 31 July 1995 and initials "DB" (all hand written) and "451" stamped into wood. Natural with birds eye Maple. Black pg. 2 Band EQ. Trans bridge.

so it's around 1995. Aficionados I ask you: is that a good period for EBMM?

[Webtroll]

was there a bad period for EBMM? as far as i know pre EB are sought after more for features and collectability rather than quality.

[Darkstrike]

Originally Posted by Webtroll

was there a bad period for EBMM? as far as i know pre EB are sought after more for features and collectability rather than quality.

That IIRC is the main thing, but it's also partially to people preferring the 2-band without realizing that it's always an option, even without having to get a classic series model.

[arsie]

Originally Posted by Jack

so it's around 1995. Aficionados I ask you: is that a good period for EBMM?

Of course it was great. You get the nicer looking old style bridge without the annoying mutes, and you get belly and forearm contours to go with 2 band EQ. My 1996 has the plastic battery compartment and 3 band EQ, otherwise, its almost the same (Honeyburst with White Pearl guard).

[Rano Bass]

Nice looking bass, not a StingRay Classic but nice.
1995 was a good year, i like Rays from the 90´s.

[parsons]

That's a great bass. Many people prefer 90s stingrays over newer models

[Caca de Kick]

That bridge with off-set saddles and the buttons in place of the mute pads, and dull pickguard: '94-'95 timeframe.
That style bridge was known as the "Flea bridge".