1986 EBMM Stingray with horrible paint job.

[/\/\3phist0]

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?

I think it would look killer in Chrysler plum crazy metallic.
Even better bass boat flake!

 

[steveksux]

Do a great paint job in a unique color, bingo, it's a custom! can't be worth less than it is with a crappy paint job.

Randy

 

[selowitch]

Per this thread, I am facing a similar situation with a 1998 EBMM StingRay 5H that I bought with the original black finish removed and a poorly done clear finish applied in its place. I definitely plan to sell it because I already own a 2001 EBMM StingRay 5H in Honeyburst that I really like. I have since sanded the 1998 to remove the current finish and am getting ready to do the sand-and-sealer step.

I may have an auto-body shop do a straight black gloss finish so it looks pretty much like it did new, then offer if for sale once re-assembled.

 

[mouthmw]

If you're not gonna keep it, either paint it a color that will make it sell easier or don't paint at all.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I've always wanted a really nice candy apple red bass. Since you have a spray booty, you could do a really popping metallic CAR.

 

[singlemalt]

Turn your body shop guys loose on it, color shift with flake, ghost flames, lowrider pin stripes...I dream of one day having a airbrush and flakebuster.

Check out some of the airbrush guys on YouTube. There's a new chrome paint that's awesome.

 

[wraub]

I just saw a car that was painted in an iridescent pearl color shift paint... remarkable and unique.
If I were to keep it, I might look at that.
If I were to sell it- buttercream, black, or natural.

 

[monkeyfinger]

You could go for an Olympic white or other trad color and then get a really unique looking pickguard. That will get you the 'this is mine' vibe and still be more easily moved on the market should you decide to sell it.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

If it bothers you that much, than just paint the thing. It's not like it's a super-rare mid 70s pre-Ernie Ball StingRay. If you're adept at taking the whole entire thing apart, prepping the wood, painting it and then putting the correct finish on top of the paint, have at it. If it were me, I'd have a professional bass and guitar finisher do it (https://www.wilkinsguitars.com/ and MJT Aged Finishes come to mind).

 

[Planespotter]

Since you own a collision shop, it wouldn't take much effort to paint it the stock color when/if you decide to sell it. Go crazy!!

 

[Jim C]

You are one of the very few that I would advise to paint it only because you really have access to pro resources.
Everyone thinks a pro refinish is easy but most I've seen look like trash.
I'm assuming you're going to go with 2-part urethane HVLP at least for the top coat?
I've got to think your painters waste that much clear coat on every repair job just cleaning the gun!

 

[maxschrek]

I voted for original color but only because I love white Rays. That being said, I'd go burgundy mist with a mint guard.

 

[QweziRider]

Should I just paint it the color I want it to be?

That. Enjoy it the way you want it.

 

[Paul New]

I would want to strip and seal it natural, if that's feasible. I think resale is probably better for "stripped" than refinished, if you needed to sell. Maybe that's just me.

 

[sawzalot]

I'd refinish it properly. I'm partial to stock colors, but if it's already been refinished once you can do whatever you want with it. I think refinishing doesn't hurt the value of a stingray the same way it would a vintage fender, btw. It sounds like a special instrument so give this thing a finish that it deserves. I wouldn't go natural unless it's good wood—they used Poplar a lot in those days, which sounds good but usually doesn't look good with a natural finish.

IIRC Ernie Ball will sell you a new set of mutes, also.

 

[wyleeboxer]

I always start with just stripping the finish and just seeing what the wood grain is all about? Usually I'll go with a dye color and tung oil if the grain is worthy!

 

[ToneMonkey]

If you decide to keep it, refin to taste.

If you intend to sell, refin for max value.

If the original color was white, maybe do white pearl. Personally, I dig flake finishes. You are in a unique position to do it right and potentially add value to a resale.

 

[wraub]

This was another of my suggestions but I like this color "lesser known". That way when I get it done to my P someday it won't be everywhere.
...and, of course, it looks good on a 'ray, too,

I voted for original color but only because I love white Rays. That being said, I'd go burgundy mist with a mint guard.
View attachment 3973673

 

[KevinDBassist]

Plum Crazy with the black guard would be wicked .

 

[RTL]

I used to have a Plum Crazy '71 'cuda, and have ABSOLUTELY thought about this.

I think it would look killer in Chrysler plum crazy metallic.
Even better bass boat flake!