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Stingray Classic Returns

I assume that it means it was hand soldered (point to point) instead of PCB.
I think it’s more to be period correct and probably doesn’t affect the sound but I could be wrong.

The early StingRays did use a small PCB potted in black epoxy but other components (eg. output jack, Volume and Tone control etc) were not included om the PCB (outboard components). Today a lot of these components are included on the PCB. The wiring on the Retro Basses is how the wiring was back then
 
I'm not criticizing and I definitely want to play a Retro. I'm only questioning Ernie Ball using the adjective "hand soldered." It's like when a restaurant advertises serving "fresh cracked" eggs. What does that even mean?


The pre-EB pickups were hand wound, and consequently no two were identical.

Ernie Ball standardised manufature, by having them machine wound.

For a long time (I'm not sure when it changed - some time in the 90's I'd guess) the pre-amps were hand soldered, whereas now everything seems to be on a pcb.

I'd expect some variance between individual Retro examples (outside of wood being wood) due to the pickup, but the pre-amps ought to be effectively identical.
 
The Retro 70s for sale in the Ernie Ball Vault have multiple serial numbers with differing weights to choose from. Three are 9.x pounds at the moment Ernie Ball Music Man Retro ‘70s StingRay Bass - Heritage Natural

I've never noticed that serial number thing when I've ordered from there before. Something new? I just ordered mine taking a chance and ended up with a sort of middle weight at around 9.8 pounds. No complaints though, the thing sounds great and makes up for it being a bit heavy.
 
Got my bass on Thursday. Sooooo good. Best feeling Stingray I’ve ever laid my hands on. The microtilt works so well to achieve a great setup. The build and feel is 11/10 and so is the sound, aesthetics and mojo. It feels pretty different than a classic IMO… better. Classics are amazing too, but this feels more old school.

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The only thing bizarre is that the little hole in the neck plate is not big enough to accept the proper hex wrench needed to adjust the microtilt. I had to remove the plate to adjust it. No big deal but strange.
 
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Got my bass on Thursday. Sooooo good. Best feeling Stingray I’ve ever laid my hands on. The microtilt works so well to achieve a great setup. The build and feel is 11/10 and so is the sound, aesthetics and mojo. It feels pretty different than a classic IMO… better. Classics are amazing too, but this feels more old school.

View attachment 5294657

View attachment 5294658

The only thing bizarre is that the little hole in the neck plate is not big enough to accept the proper hex wrench needed to adjust the microtilt. I had to remove the plate to adjust it. No big deal but strange.
Oh wow, that’s something right there. Beauty.
 
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Got my bass on Thursday. Sooooo good. Best feeling Stingray I’ve ever laid my hands on. The microtilt works so well to achieve a great setup. The build and feel is 11/10 and so is the sound, aesthetics and mojo. It feels pretty different than a classic IMO… better. Classics are amazing too, but this feels more old school.

View attachment 5294657

View attachment 5294658

The only thing bizarre is that the little hole in the neck plate is not big enough to accept the proper hex wrench needed to adjust the microtilt. I had to remove the plate to adjust it. No big deal but strange.
Congratulations! That’s a beautiful bass.
I know these are pricey but you get what you pay for.
 
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I just got myself a 70s in Sunburst, 9.25 lbs, hard case. I was FLOORED at the deal I got just by calling the shop, PLUS 36 month interest free financing (I'll pay it sooner) so I pulled the trigger. Let's just say I paid significantly under 3K and no tax. I was planning to buy on in the new year, but damn, full retail with tax is pretty insane. I paid less than a Stingray Special costs today :) MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Here's the exact one:

View attachment 5288030

View attachment 5288031

Where did you buy from?