Pre EB Stingray neck question

[PrimitiveMan]

I had the opportunity to play a 1981 Stingray today. It sounded amazing and was in great shape overall. It truly played like butter (looked like it was refretted but whoever did it did an excellent job). I truly love the Stingray Specials but couldn't deny the mojo of the vintage pre EB Stingray, and am feel very tempted to buy a vintage one.

I was surprised by how different the neck profile was on the 1981 Stingray compared to all the other Stingrays I have played. It was pretty flat back to front. I prefer a little more meat on my neck (love modern Stingray and Bongo necks).

On to my question- are all the pre EB necks flatter or do they vary?

 

[mikeswals]

I think you mean, thinner front to back, aka slim.
Pre EB necks have a rounder fingeraboard radius, and EB necks have a flatter fingerboard radius.

Yes preEB necks are thinner front to back, and also with very rounded fimgerboard edge, much like preCBS Fenders.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

I think you mean, thinner front to back, aka slim.
Pre EB necks have a rounder fingeraboard radius, and EB necks have a flatter fingerboard radius.

Yes preEB necks are thinner front to back, and also with very rounded fimgerboard edge, much like preCBS Fenders.

Yes exactly.

I wasn't sure if there was variation in the neck shape in the pre EB era or not. I'm tempted to buy the one I played, but would prefer something with more thickness back to front.

Difference in fingerboard radius on a bass never bothered me for whatever reason.

 

[mikeswals]

I'd say the earlier ones before '80 would be a hair thicker, but I mean a hair... hard to tell unless you have two side by side

 

[nivagues]

I'd say the earlier ones before '80 would be a hair thicker, but I mean a hair... hard to tell unless you have two side by side

.
The necks originally had a rounder 7.5 inch radius. They subsequently went to a flatter 9.5 inch/ 10 inch radius from c. 1981 to 1982 onwards. a rar better neck IMO.