You know, these are questions you really should be asking the store where you tried the guitars out. I wouldn't make any assumptions about the age of the instruments, or other reasons for the difference in price. If the SSS is "old stock", it may be discounted as they are trying to move it out.
And, as others have said, different colors and specific packages cost more.
2007 Stingray 5 HS Cherry Burst / Maple FB / Ceramic Pickups
2012 Stingray 5 H Pearl Blue / Rosewood FB / AlNiCo Pickup
2012 Steve Morse Morse Blueburst / Rosewood FB
2012 Luke III SSH Vintage Sunburst / Rosewood Neck
2021 Stingray RS Pacific Blue Sparkle / Maple FB
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