Question about weight and knobs of stingray

**birdsg** · 07-21-2004, 06:56 PM

Hi Guys,

I have just bought a 2nd hand stingray off ebay and I am curious to check whether all the parts are original and wonder if anyone can help?

I was alarmed that the serial number wasnt on the neck plate until I saw the great serial number website which confirmed that the number stamped on the bridge was in fact the serial number.

The serial number on the bridge starts with a 'D' so I reckon its a 97/98 model and its 2 band eq. The things that are a little odd are the tone knobs have no center detante (i.e they dont 'stick' in the middle) as my new stingray (2004 3 band eq model) does.

I have done a few searches and a couple of people reckon they have seen stingrays with these knobs - is this normal??

Lastly, I could be imagining it but this guitar seems lighter than my 2004 stingray?? If the 2004 model is 9.5 lbs then I guess that the 97 model is 8.5 - 9 lbs? Anyone know if this seems weird?

Thanks for any help - I am just a little paraniod now after shelling out a load of money!

steve

**Rod Trussbroken** · 07-21-2004, 07:58 PM

Hi Steve...welcome to the Forum.

The "D" serials were 1997-1998.

It was around 1998 that the serials appeared on the neck plate with a new logo design. Your Bass appears to be one that was made just prior to the serial relocation.

As I understand it, the 2 band EQ pots have no centre position...only the 3 Band EQ.

Body weight does vary even though made from Ash. My Pre-EB 79 'Ray weighs 15lbs. The EB 'Ray weight is an average 9.5lbs but I'm sure my 94'Ray is a lot less (although I haven't put it on the scales).

IMO, your new purchase seems quite in order

.

**birdsg** · 07-22-2004, 12:07 AM

Thanks for the reassurance. I actually undid the screws where the pots are housed and 19 Apr 97 is written on top of the volume pot so thats further reassureance.

It plays really well by the way but what else would I expect. I have only just discovered stingrays and am bowled over by them. I played for 15 years then stopped for 10 and started last year again. Since I started back I have been searching for the bass for me and have owned Warwick Fortress, 2 Fender Jazzes, MM Sterling and now 2 Stingrays which are the 2 guitars I will keep. I mistakenly thought that I couldnt play stingrays cause my hands are relatively small and so was going for jazz type necks, after playing a ray for about 10 minutes in a store I realised it was just what I was used to and the ray sounded better and in some ways was EASIER to play because of the wider spacing.
Anyway thanks for the help

Steve

**Rod Trussbroken** · 07-22-2004, 12:16 AM

What's the serial number Steve?

(email if you like)

.

**birdsg** · 07-22-2004, 10:48 AM

Serial number is D 08338 and the finish is either tobacco or honey burst I am not too sure. The guy i bought it off thought it was tobacco burst. Its got a rosewood fretboard is 2 eq 4 string. I guess its a 97?

My other 'new' stingray is serial number E28105 and its colour is translucent orange with a rosewood fretboard. its a 3 eq model with 4 strings as well. This should be a 2003/4 I hope!

Feel free to add me to your database. The guitars are currently in Birmingham, England.

Steve