Used 2004 Stingray - Deal or No Deal?

There are no known "issues" with Stingrays from that time frame so if it looks good, it probably is good. I assume you'll ask the usual questions and do the basic inspection because, well, HUMANS.

 

As long as it’s not been abused you should be good. Can’t go wrong with stingray of that vintage.

 

I’ve owned 4 Stingray SR5s, 1998, 1999, 2004, and my current SR5, a 2011.

I paid between $800 and $1100 for each of them. All bought through Guitar Center’s website site unseen. All came with the usual return policy. All were great and had no issues, except the 1998, which arrived with pretty chewed-up frets (the ad copy did say it was “well-used”, to their credit, I guess). A fret job later, and it was a smokin’ bass.

I don’t think $1100 is way out of line, all the better if you can get it for $1000.

Good luck!

 

I can only speak for myself and my bass, BUT in 1987 I purchased an Ernie Ball Stringray bass new at a music store in West Virginia. In the 32 years I've had the instrument (20 years as my main instrument), nothing has broken, wore out or not worked as it should. I've only had the neck adjusted once, and tuned the bridge a few times. Other than batteries and strings, its needed nothing. Its been an amazingly stable, dependable bass. If there is a return policy you can live with, I'd be comfortable buying the instrument online.

 

Congrats - hope you're happy with the bass...hey, no need to sell the Sterling, keep both. lol!

 

1100 is probably about right. I paid 1k for a used 95 4 years back, and it was about average price wise (I specifically wanted a two band). There were a few cheaper, although at least one of those was from a seller who was a little shady. The ones that were more expensive were a little fancier looking than mine.

 

Do batteries leak inside of active basses?

 

If You try it out and have a good impression....go for it, also if you like the design.

 

9V batteries usually dont leak

 

The only issue I have seen has been the stupid positive-switching output jack they used. I have converted several over to negative switching (for customers and on my own property)

 

$985 is a good deal, and the Ernie Ball basses are really great. There's a certain intangible "something" about playing the real deal.

 

I read this and smiled... I vicariously felt the rush of getting a new bass through your post!... Thanks brother!

 

Ya buddy!

 

Picked-up a 2004 Sr 4H via Guitar Center on-line for $900 (USD)…
After clean-up, some contact cleaner here/there, new strings and battery, proper set-up, and a Hipshot drop...
Score!
The original case was a little worn, but the bass was without buckle rash, scratches, or any other "defects."
Plays like butter, at least as well or better than my 2014 and Special.
I'd ask for pics around the pick-up, bridge, knobs and back of headstock/tuning machines.
Anyway, good luck!

 

TL;DR no deal!

 

I love Stingrays! Bought my 2002 last year for $750 Canadian.