NBD: Vintage ('88) StingRay

[4SG]

I've been a Fender guy all my playing days. Thought an active bass with a meaty humbucker might be an interesting change of pace. A lot of my bass heroes--Levin, Dorsey, Pino--played StingRays so I went in that direction. Bought this one off eBay, which I almost never do (and probably shouldn't recommend). Came in with new rounds but totally filthy. Weighs 9.2 lbs. Body has plenty of dings and buckle rash, which I don't mind as it seems honest. Had the neck off to clean and try to date it: SEP 7 1988. Everything appears to be original.

Still getting used to this new animal but it feels like a keeper. Very friendly neck.

As seen in the last pic, the neck has a 'B' stamped in, 'JNR' written in marker, and '9.29.88' RM on the heel. I expect 9.29.88 is a build or completion date but I don't know what the other letters mean, if anyone's got some smart ideas.

 

[mikeswals]

Nice! those necks are great.
The RM, is I believe his name is Randy Meeks, who was last person to inspect and did any final assembly. So that date should be the born on date.

 

[Thorsoundcore]

Never thought I'd get into the road worn thing (either legit or intentional), but my mind sure has changed over the past year. So I've gotta say this looks like one comfy example of some good (legit) wear!

 

[liverbird]

Lovely! My favourite era for EBMM instruments. Great necks, finishes, appointments. Good weight, too.

Didn't know the RM initials stand for Randy Meeks but, as mikeswals says, that's likely to be the guy who signed off on the neck. (Usually there is also a stamped date on the heel which precedes the handwritten one.)

Not sure about the punched letter, could be an inspection mark, again very common.

If you want the official completion date of the instrument, just email EBMM Customer Service with the serial number.

Nice score!

 

[Mark76]

So Randy Meeks is this bass's midwife?

How much did it weigh after you cleaned it?

 

[Shawn Luckman]

Looks at home with the Ampeg stack .

 

[UNICORN BASS]

B stock?

 

[liverbird]

B stock?

No. They used a variety of letters on the neck heels.