Stingray question (what to look for in a used one?)

[MikeWfromNJ]

Been playing a Fender '75 Jazz bass re-issue and since taking an R&B class @ Berklee, I've had it strung w/flatwounds and will keep it that way.

But I am after an active roundwound bass and my local Guitar center has a single H Musicman Stingray for $849. I'm not going to ask "is it worth it", but rather, what should I look for in terms of wear and tear, do these things generally hold up well? The four screws around the pickup seem a bit loose (not sure if stripped or that's how they normally are; neck seems straight, sound is incredible.

This one has the 3 band eq and the serial # which is: E30878 suggests it's around Sept. 03 if that matters.

Questions: what should I look for/at: it's a bit scratched up with two bang marks (it's Sunburst, the blems don't bother me); also, would this vintage be better made than a brand new model if I bought it today (for likely $300 more).

Thanks.

[big evil robot]

They generally hold up really well, I'd see if you can talk them down a bit based on the blemishes and loose screws. Never hurts to try.

[Jim C]

Don't know of any inherent problems with anything built in 03' other than the weight of these basses are inconsistent and most are on the heavy side (like 10lbs and up).
I would concentrate mostly on the neck looking for worn frets, uneven fretboard, and just general straightness (and working truss rod).
Check that the tone controls have a tremendous amount of treble and bass boost which should be easy to check against a new SR.
If it checks out, the price seems fair.

[bobalu]

Stingrays are noted for their "built like a tank" construction. I would look closely at the frets to evaluate the amount of wear (as with any used bass, not just a Stingray). If the electronics work fine and the neck is sound and adjusts without any problems than you should be o.k. EBMM's have had very consistent build quality so I wouldn't be concerned about the year (IMO).