I just bought my first MM (old?)

[1954bassman]

I just bought my first Sting Ray ever, and I was wondering what I have. It has a thre bolt neck. The lady I bought it from said she bought it new in the late 70s. The Peavey TNT 100 that was included in the deal seems to be a 1984. Here are some photos. I am new here, so any help would be thankful!

 

[bovinehost]

I think you might have a very nice score there, my friend.

Can I see the back of that body?

 

[five7]

Wow! Very nice indeed.

 

[Powman]

The grain on that fretboard looks different, but very nice. Why does that fretboard look so different? Just a lucky tree that was used?

 

[Caca de Kick]

Well from here it looks like a non-script bridge, so the serial number is on the neck plate. This was done between 1976 to early 1978. You could unbolt the neck and see the dates. Looks like a 77 or 78 to me, would like to know the first few serial digits though...
Nice score man!

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Killer neck!

My guesstimation is 1977-1978.

 

[cellkirk74]

This is one of the prettiest old Stingrays I have ever seen! Congrats!

(If you ever want to sell it, pm me)

 

[DTG]

right place right time dude,congrats

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Welcome to the forum, great intro and WOW what a great bass, a true classic in very good conditions, I can't get over that neck!! Absolutely gorgeous. Congrats.

 

[Duarte]

Yeah that's a keeper, nice one!

 

[ldmm]

That is a nice one... it seems to be in good condition also.
I played a 77 and a 78 in Chicago about two weeks ago, and their condition was not as good as the one shown in the pictures.

 

[fidooda]

wow good catch congrats!

 

[1954bassman]

more photos

I thought I would post a few more photos. I have three G&Ls (L2500 / L2500 fretless, and a L5500) all five strings. I must say this MM plays great and what a sound. It is in somewhat rough shape, but it oozes with mojo. I have not owed a four string in over 10 years probably. I bought it just thinking I would resale it (that was before I saw it, and before I played it in my small studio).

What's neat here to me is I bought a G&L L2000e new in '81, sold it in 1988, bought a 1978 P bass, sould it in 1990, and now - here in 09, I have a 78(?) MM. So I have managed to own a Fender, a Music Man, and a G&L all made about the same time. I wish I still owned them all!

I am certain I will be selling this bass, but I do not know the forum rules, so I hope it is ok to just tell you so here. If PMs are ok, then go for it.

I do not see a serial number on it anywhere. I have not removed the neck.

A few more photos:

 

[five7]

Now you finally own a decent bass and your going to sell it? I'll give you a $100 more than you paid for it.

 

[Caca de Kick]

Ahhh okay, so it's still a non-script bridge, but the serial number is stamped on the bridge underneath the saddles. You can kind of see the 'patent' stamping in this pic, the serial is right above it.

So my date estimation is a mid-78, but you should still unbolt the neck for certain.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

...i do not see a serial number on it anywhere. I have not removed the neck...

ahhh okay, so it's still a non-script bridge, but the serial number is stamped on the bridge underneath the saddles. You can kind of see the 'patent' stamping in this pic, the serial is right above it.

Unfortunately we're not going to know the serial number!

From 1976 to circa late 1978 the serials were located on the neck plate. Their respective bridges only had "Music Man" and "Patent Pend." stamped just above the saddles (no serial number).

From 1979 (late 1978) the serial moved from the neck plate to the bridge. This type of bridge is easy to spot as "Music Man" is stamped on the riser at the tail of the bridge.

The present Bass is either a 1977 or 1978 instrument. It can't be 1976 as the headstock logo has an encircled "R" which was introduced in 1977. It can't be 1979 (or more recent) as the bridge doesn't have Music Man stamped on it's tail.

The reason for no serial number is because the neck plate is not the original for this Bass. It's been replaced with a more recent one ie 1979 (or late 1978) onwards. However, it still has it's original bridge fitted. The newer bridges ie 1979 (or late 1978) onwards wont fit these earlier Basses whereas the newer neck plates will.

 

[1954bassman]

Now you finally own a decent bass and your going to sell it? I'll give you a $100 more than you paid for it.

Good one!