That 1976 Catalogue Picture...

**jaylegroove** · 07-26-2007, 12:21 PM

Hi folks,

Each time I go to Home - Musicmanbass.org, Musicman Bass.org, Musicman Bass, I have a thrill when I see that very early StingRay (first pic on the homepage) :

Due to what is probably some effect of exposure on this pic, I have a hard time finding out whether this finish is vintage sunburst or tobacco sunburst.

What's your opinion ?

Thanks in advance.

Jay

PS. did a search here before but found nothing accurate, sorry

**bovinehost** · 07-26-2007, 12:52 PM

If my memory serves, during the early period there was only one sunburst finish, and it was called "sunburst".

And you're looking at a photo of it.

Jack

**jaylegroove** · 07-26-2007, 01:03 PM

Thanks Jack. I was almost sure about that, but I'm glad you could confirm what I was thinking.

This sunburst seems to look halfway between vintage and tobacco, uh ? And with what looks like a bigger mass of dark paint, compared to these two (unless it is the photo that gives this effect).

Which one, among the current finishes, do you think looks the closest ?

Thanks again.

**Psycho Ward** · 07-26-2007, 01:36 PM

This is my VSB, don't know if this helps, but I like showing it off.... again.

**bovinehost** · 07-26-2007, 02:00 PM

That's BP's proto in sunburst.

That's a primo example of a production 79 SR4.

**Moondog** · 07-26-2007, 02:00 PM

I have a VSB and a TB and it's kinda in the middle - looks more like TB tho.

I've seen some nice 76-79's with dark 2-tone-ish finishes. Like TB but with
a dark black edge and brownish in the middle. VSB clearly has red in it &
is more yellowish in the middle.

I love that bass, one of my favs, wish I could find one @ a reasonable price.

**jaylegroove** · 07-26-2007, 02:08 PM

Thanks everyone,

Psycho's VSB is really close to Jack's '79 example. But at the same time, as Moondog stated, the pic from Rod's website feels a bit closer to tobacco. Is it possible there was some kind of evolution/variations on Pre-EB sunburst finishes through the years ?

Thanks again
Jean

**Moondog** · 07-26-2007, 02:15 PM

TB's

VSB

1980
Flash photography makes the bass look more VSB.
My TB SR5 looked like a VSB when I used a flash!
I th

**jaylegroove** · 07-26-2007, 02:21 PM

Thanks Moondog,

Yeah the way one takes a shoot makes colors look different (and I still did not talk about monitor calibration etc.).

Looks like there is no "perfect copy" of that good ol' pre-EB sunburst, but from what I could see and understand, I definitely prefer tobacco for my personal tastes. Same as your TB SR4 with a white pickguard and a maple board = big GAS for me

Thanks a lot.
Jean

**Moondog** · 07-26-2007, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by Moondog

TB's

VSB

1980
Flash photography makes the bass look more VSB.
My TB SR5 looked like a VSB when I used a flash!
1980 SR4

There was a '77 or '78 on ebay not too long ago that was a very dark burst.
Great pics, no red or yellow at all . . dark black edge that was sprayed well
towards the center of the body and a little brown around the pickguard.
Loved it but it had an aftermarket pre.

**jaylegroove** · 07-26-2007, 02:23 PM

Being painted by humans (at least I guess) and due to the nature of burst finishes (vs. solid ones), I think it's reasonably understandable that some color results may vary from one instrument to another.

Thanks again,
Jean