calling aussie mark--pre-ernie ball help

[kdsi44]

hey, check out this pre-ernie on ebay....you might want to add it to your database...stingray bass b002037 ...also, i am interested in bidding on this onestingray bass 2 ...can you tell me if it is a 1977 by the photos....also, does it appear all original....any and all inout would be greatly appreciated...also, what do you think a fair price for it might be? thanks again, patrick

[bovinehost]

That first one, the sunburst b002037 bass, might well be a 1976.

It certainly looks like one from here, although with a bass like that, the guy should have taken bigger and better photos.

[kdsi44]

definately...but the seller on the first one is a guitar center..so go figure...hey bovine...what can you tell me about the second one....you seem to know quite a bit about pre-ernie's too....

[jongitarz]

You might want to direct your questions to Gav (Rod Trussbroken) He is the one with the data base, but Bovine is a right smart feller (not fart smeller) about these things, and can help out as well

[bovinehost]

Well, the 2nd one COULD be a 1977 or a 1978 or a 1979. I'd ask for a serial number. Again, from what I can see on the rather lousy photos, it looks to be what he says it is, but I'd want a serial number and better photos before even considering a bid on it.

Jack

[kdsi44]

thanks for the correction jon

[bovinehost]

And I don't own a heroin-addicted chihuahua.

[Aussie Mark]

Jon is correct. While I merely own a pre-EB, Gav is da man when it comes to all the ins and outs etc.

[Rod Trussbroken]

Thought I heard my name

I've been looking at the first one for a while now. The serial number and Radio knobs are consistent with it being a 1976 Bass.

I was surprised to see it described as a 1978.

However, the headstock "appears" to have an encircled "R" on the logo. The only "R" I've seen on a 1976 neck is Mark's...but that's a fretless. I've never seen a fretted 76 neck with the "R". This Bass may be an exception (which wouldn't surprise me) or maybe I've got it all wrong...which is a possibility.

My guess is that perhaps the neck had to be replaced by MM in 1978 and the owner is going by the dating of the new neck. If the body is dated with pencil, the 1976 dating could have easily been overlooked.

The second one has "TM" on the logo which appears to have been a feature up to mid 1978. I'd probably rule out 1976 (no Radio knobs).

Jack has good advice. Ask for nice big clear pics. I would want them of the neck heel and body pocket (for dates and to see if it's a refin), the neck plate and bridge (to verify the serial number and its location) and the pre-amp with its wiring (to check its vintage and originality).

Also ask about the neck. Any truss rod probs? Refretted? Neck bow?

Finally, ask the seller if he has any information that may influence your decission...so you have something to fall back on should it be not what it appears.

.