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1986 EBMM Stingray with horrible paint job.

Should I paint it the original color?

  • YES!

    Votes: 21 20.8%

  • NO! Get WEIRD with it!

    Votes: 68 67.3%

  • Listen to Adele in the tub and cry.

    Votes: 12 11.9%
  • Total voters
    101
RTL

RTL

Jul 20, 2008
1,180
453
Leander, TX
#1
This is a long one, because arming you all with the correct information is VITAL!

So, a few months back I traded an Elrick Expat NJS5 for a ‘76 Precision and an ‘86 Stingray. Yeah, I know!!! The P had its own issues which have been dealt with, but I have a bit of a dilemma when it comes to the ‘ray.

Before I had a chance to see the bass in person, the owner told me up front that it had been refinished, and the paint was “An 8 out of 10”. It wasn’t. It looked like a toddler went at it with one of those Wagner power painters. It’s hazy, there are drips, trash everywhere, and it looks like the body was laid down on a workbench before the paint dried. This didn’t phase me, because I was getting two VERY cool basses for one that I didn’t play anymore.

Now, other than the tragic refin and missing string mutes, this bass is all original and is without question the BEST sounding Stingray I have ever played. I’ve probably played a couple hundred of them, owned a few, but have figured out I’m generally not a fan. This one is different. I originally did the trade because I wanted that P, but this Stingray is making a case for itself.

Ready for the dilemma????

1) Do I have it painted the original color (cream white) for the sake of originality/value? Or would that make any difference, since some hack already repainted it?

2) I run a collision shop, which means I have access to a killer paint booth, and can mix pretty much any finish I could ever possibly want. Should I just paint it the color I want it to be?

To add fuel to the confusion fire, I might just sell it once it’s back together. I VASTLY prefer fives. Before this trade, I don’t think I’d had a four in about 2 years. So, even if I keep it, I might never play it.

Thoughts? Advice? Carrots?
 
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#3
I only took one picture of the pair the day I got them home. They’re both with my miracle worker
E55B2547-74B3-4A56-85C5-9B228404FF0A.jpeg


Leonid Nidis said:
Photos otherwise the bass doesnt exist :)
Since its not the original finish it doesnt matter what color you are gonna paint it same value.
Paint it if you can,sounds like you got nothing to loose finish wise.
Sell it you want there is no question here.
Click to expand...
 
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#6
RTL said:
This is a long one, because arming you all with the correct information is VITAL!

So, a few months back I traded an Elrick Expat NJS5 for a ‘76 Precision and an ‘86 Stingray. Yeah, I know!!! The P had its own issues which have been dealt with, but I have a bit of a dilemma when it comes to the ‘ray.

Before I had a chance to see the bass in person, the owner told me up front that it had been refinished, and the paint was “An 8 out of 10”. It wasn’t. It looked like a toddler went at it with one of those Wagner power painters. It’s hazy, there are drips, trash everywhere, and it looks like the body was laid down on a workbench before the paint dried. This didn’t phase me, because I was getting two VERY cool basses for one that I didn’t play anymore.

Now, other than the tragic refin and missing string mutes, this bass is all original and is without question the BEST sounding Stingray I have ever played. I’ve probably played a couple hundred of them, owned a few, but have figured out I’m generally not a fan. This one is different. I originally did the trade because I wanted that P, but this Stingray is making a case for itself.

Ready for the dilemma????

1) Do I have it painted the original color (cream white) for the sake of originality/value? Or would that make any difference, since some hack already repainted it?

2) I run a collision shop, which means I have access to a killer paint booth, and can mix pretty much any finish I could ever possibly want. Should I just paint it the color I want it to be?

To add fuel to the confusion fire, I might just sell it once it’s back together. I VASTLY prefer fives. Before this trade, I don’t think I’d had a four in about 2 years. So, even if I keep it, I might never play it.

Thoughts? Advice? Carrots?
Click to expand...
Make a Stingkitty!
bass HK stingkitty.jpg

bass NuKitty 1.jpg

bass HK bongo 1.jpg
 
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#10
Well, if it were me, I’d get weird. That would be so cool to be able to pick the exact color that you want.

BUT

I have to ask, why did you trade for two (very cool) basses that you likely won’t play? If the intention really was just to move one bass that’s harder to trade for two easier to trade basses, then you might be better off going with a traditional color that will have more trade appeal. Maybe even sell/trade it as a “pick your color” deal.
 
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#12
If you're not gonna play the RAY why bother stripping and re-painting it? Just sell it. If its the best sounding and playing Stingray you've ever heard or played I'd keep it and play the heck out it and maybe do my own thing paint job to really make it yours.
 
#14
I traded mainly because I REALLY wanted that Precision, and would still come out way ahead if I didn’t want to keep them. It was essentially win/win.

I thought about doing the “pick your color” thing, but that can complicate things.

If I do keep it, I’m really leaning toward Ford White Platinum Tricoat. Kind of paying homage to the original color, but fancying it up a bit!

PotsdamBass8 said:
Well, if it were me, I’d get weird. That would be so cool to be able to pick the exact color that you want.

BUT

I have to ask, why did you trade for two (very cool) basses that you likely won’t play? If the intention really was just to move one bass that’s harder to trade for two easier to trade basses, then you might be better off going with a traditional color that will have more trade appeal. Maybe even sell/trade it as a “pick your color” deal.
Click to expand...
 
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#18
If you're going to sell it, I'd recommend a refin that will have broad appeal (buttercream buttercream buttercream) and speed a sale.

If you're going to keep it, doowutchalike.

(Back in '80 a kid I knew got his hands on a blue Mosrite Ventures geetar. Friend of his worked in a body shop and refinished it Camaro orange. That guitar was the nads.)
 
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#20
I'd carefully remove all the hardware, check with EBMM if you can still replace the mute hardware if that appeals to you, and then since you're in the business, I'd paint it in a heartbeat.

The only risk is as always, a perfect refin may make the hardware look its age, but then in your line of work I'm sure re-polishing bright work is on the menu so you should be good.

I'd MOST definitely vote to refinish.
 
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