EBMM Stingray - Good Buy?

[Plain Old Barry]

The wife problem isn't about money, it's a philosophical difference. She hates rock and electrified instruments. Thinks pianos, classical music and playing off sheet music defines musicianship. Also thinks one guitar and one amp is all anyone should ever need. I've taken to playing through headphones to avoid hearing about it. I used to have all day every workday home alone to blast, now she rarely leaves the house. Thanks Covid.

Sorry dude... ;^(

 

[Rip Van Dan]

Easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Just buy it.

I met my wife a bit over 48-years ago while I was in a nightclub touring ban. She booked our band into the club where she was assistant mgr and we only played there for 1 week instead of our normal 2-week stint. Asked her to come on the road with me at the end of the week and she did. After I stopped touring, still played weekend gigs and used gig money to buy gear as needed although that was really all incidentals as my touring gear was more than enough to play anywhere.

After all my gear was stolen, I started looking for another MIA Jazz Bass. Could not find one I liked. They all had thick or deep necks and I just couldn't be happy with that. I kept looking for a Jazz with the same neck profile, shape and radius that my '65 had (60's slim-C with 7.25" radius). finally found it in 1985 and we had a "discussion" about purchasing it because I hadn't gigged in years and we had 3 young kids. I think my statement that I'd always been able to" make money making music was the phrase that pushed it over the top and I bought my current Jazz.

From there I again only used gig money to buy gear. Had "just barely giggable gear in 2006 but by 2008 had upgraded both amp and cabs to have a reliable set-up. Then in 2010 got a better amp that improved my sound. All with gig money. Sold an old combo in 2015 and that put me over the top to by my "last" cab, a DNS-410 by DNA.

Then moved to Washington state and sure enough bought 3 more cabs (two Eden EX-112's and a DNS-210), one more amp (Eden TN226), and was on the verge of getting another amp (DNA-800) when Covid-19 shut down all my gigs. Still have partial $$ put aside for that "last" amp and once gigs start going again, I'll get it. Not a complaint about buying gear ever from her although I did get "the look" in 1985 when I bought my '82 Jazz.

So, if you can pay for it , or promise to pay for it, from gig money, you can probably save yourself a world of hurt. If you promise to pay for it with gig money, then you are going to have to deliver and that might be tough right now. Personally, if I don't have the $$ from gigs, I don't buy it, and that's fine with me.

 

[johnbee]

A few thoughts on both themes in this thread...

1. That bass is beautiful, unique, and totally worth the $$$.
2. But if you don't like the color, you should hold out for another one. A good repaint will cost several hundred dollars, and make it no longer a good deal.
3. No bass is worth getting in the dog house with your wife. My wife and I have a "don't ask / don't tell" policy. I assured her I won't spend enough to put us in any financial trouble, gave her a dollar amount of what I spend on average each year flipping used basses (love trying different things!). And after that I told her I do not want to talk to her about what I buy, that it is my business. And she does the same with the stuff she likes. (Also, we do this thing where we both put most of our paycheck into a joint account, and keep a smaller amount for ourselves so we can have some autonomy.)

 

[MMiller28]

I'd be shocked if it's actually mint, but anything close to it and $1000 is a really good deal IMO.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Buy It Now

 

[dusterdan70]

I will play devil's advocate here....

I'm seeing more & more ray's, bongo's, sterlings etc in the $1K range.
I don't think these are $1,250+ used basses unless they have a special finish, special woods etc.
Likely a sign of the times & the time of the year.

I don't think $1K, or even $950 is a no brainer steal; just seems like a solid price.
$800-$900 now that would be a steal. Just look on the verb', the bay, and tb classified to see what i'm saying.

 

[redlizard]

And the verdict is in - I'm gonna pass. His mint condition equates to my very good condition and it's not a bargain price.

It played nice enough and cosmetics were ok, but not great. However, the pots were crackly and literally every metal surface was visibly oxidized, even the pole pieces.

Looking around his garage it was clear that this and other gear were stored there when not in use. Austin summers are hot and steamy and I have no doubt his garage is a steam bath for a few months a year. Maybe the oxidation can be brought out at minimal cost, maybe not.

It was at least fun to dream on it for a couple days.

 

[Spectre Gunner]

I always wonder if the Wives are asking these same questions on other forums about multi thousand $ bags and shoes.

Sure they are and they're also sharing ideas about how to hide their purchases from their husband.

 

[BassNugget]

In my earlier reply, I stated to check the jack and pots... Because these were issues around then. FWIW my Trans Stingray is perfectly mint in terms of the wood and finish, but....the tuners have tarnished...and the pots crackle... But only when turned. Once in-place, they are good. Not sure if EBMM is using a different pot now or not, but every 90's/2k Stingray I played was similar. Not sure of the reason for this. Anyone else have this issue for this time period? Also not sure why my tuner keys tarnished. Never did anything other than tune em...and I wiped down the bass after every gig.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I'm irrationally drawn to EBMM Stingrays. Local guy is offering up his early 2000's mint condition 3 EQ H for $1000, OHSC included. Rosewood board, translucent finish with matching headstock. Original owner.

Not in love with the finish, but could learn to love it, especially at something closer to $950.

My wife would kill me twice over and I would have to sell off at least an amp and my current bass (likely more) to have a chance at pacifying her.

Plan to see it on Thursday.

Is this a good enough price/value proposition to make it worth dying for?

Dear Abby I'm not, but if your are "dead", I assure you, your wife will be selling your gear not you. LOL.

If the deal works out to a revenue neutral deal, and (ahem) your are "downsizing", might save you a few nights sleeping in your car.

 

[asparaguspee]

Update - taking a look at it late afternoon.

The wife problem isn't about money, it's a philosophical difference. She hates rock and electrified instruments. Thinks pianos, classical music and playing off sheet music defines musicianship. Also thinks one guitar and one amp is all anyone should ever need. I've taken to playing through headphones to avoid hearing about it. I used to have all day every workday home alone to blast, now she rarely leaves the house. Thanks Covid.

not to pry, but its your passion and she should be supportive.

if it was about money I could understand.