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stub

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Apr 9, 2010
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21
Hi,
Got some great advice from you guys the other day regarding new and old MM, but I’m still unsure what to buy, I live in the UK.

In a shop: 77 natural stingray $2700, On EBay: 2005 butterscotch HH $2300 both in the USA, which means I can’t play them first and I have all the taxes etc to pay on top, although at the mo not sure what the extra cost would be.

76 natural fretless in UK $2700 wasn’t really looking for a fretless, although I would love to own it..
What do you guys think, are they good players and prices, I know there not bargains.
Any advice welcome, would love to buy them all. Unsure and head done in (although I am happy to be in this predicament :D)
 

Bart B

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Apr 28, 2008
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Hi,

If I were you, I'd buy the 2005 HH, it gives you 2 humbuckers, 3 band EQ, perfect to find your sound, if you only play the bridge PU, you can still sell it and buy a H, and if you only like the neck PU, you can....buy sth else :) (and you can keep the 2005 HH if you like it :D)

For the fretless, try buying a cheap fretless to see if it's for you, because selling a fretless stingray if you don't like it...is more dfficult I think.

The '77 Pre Eb, I think you'd be better of buying a classic. It's risky to buy A pre-Eb and not test it first.

but , ofcourse, that's just me ;)
 
Last edited:

stub

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Hi, thanks, buying without playing is a major problem for me, but that 2005 HH is gonna play and sound the dogs ...... and looks fantastic.
On the other hand, I have never played an old MM and have wanted one for years, like loads of other basses. :D

Looks like i will have to buy without playing:cool:
 

Bart B

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MadMatt

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You should be careful with that :) If it gets damaged, only the amount on the bill will be refunded?

Correct me if I'm wrong

If a basic amount of trust can be established between both parties even that can be dealt with. I'm not a mod but I would suggest the rest be handled by email. A lot of eyes are reading this mabe even the IRS. :eek:
 

stub

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Apr 9, 2010
Messages
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Butterscotch? or Buttercream? The price for that sure seems high. Here is a link for a Black 4HH it is mine....it will be about 1/2 the price delivered to you and btw I can work with you to reduce your VAT.

Black Music Man Stingray 4HH Rosewood Musicman - eBay (item 140398699568 end time Apr-18-10 13:04:38 PDT)

yeah its a Buttercream, like the idea of buying a LTD, vintage etc. Notice you have a Buttercream HH LTD - so you know what its worth to you if you were selling. :)
 

strummer

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yeah its a Buttercream, like the idea of buying a LTD, vintage etc. Notice you have a Buttercream HH LTD - so you know what its worth to you if you were selling. :)

While ltd editions are nice enough, they are generally not worth that much more than the normal versions (with some exceptions, but then it's mostly that the buyer has some serious gas for something very hard to find), so the 2005 bass in your original post is priced way above what might be considered normal for that particular bass.
 

bassmonkeee

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kevins

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Feb 13, 2005
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if i had 2300$ and the 77 was that much more, id buy the **** out of it. having a 77 is amazing. aged wood and having a piece of history makes it seem pretty awesome to me. the new stuff is great though, if someone tells you that the new stuff is any less quality than the stuff made in the late 70s they are lying. my reasoning though for buying a 77 would be purely for the sake of owning a piece of history and having the awesome sound aged wood provides, but then again buying something that old over the internet is ridiculously risky, ive heard of people getting vintage instruments that smell like ass.
 

liverbird

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Nov 4, 2006
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349
Have you considered an early EB Stingray? Late 80s, early 90s - you can find them for a lot less than a pre-EB (or a new one).

A bit aged, yet with the EB build quality. I have a couple with the four-bolt neck and also an early six-bolt. They're all lovely basses. The two four-bolts I bought without trying them first.
 

stub

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Apr 9, 2010
Messages
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Friends own an 85 & 90's and they're really nice. I’ve never played a 70’s or modern MM and it’s about time I did. :D

Found some really nice all rosewood – love playing all rosewood necks - Olive gold babies out there, which has thrown another spanner in the works.
 

Bart B

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I'd start with buying a 'regular' Stingray, with, if possible a HH or HS config.
Or maybe a classic, if you like the classic styling so much, but it will give you a starting point, if youl like rosewood more, sell your bass and buy the rosewood, and for a Pre-Eb, wait until one shows up locally and go and check it out.
 

kevins

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Feb 13, 2005
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559
I'd never invest in a Pre-EB without physically inspecting it.

Not necessary with Ernie Ball Rays.

The early EB's are spectacular!

Check out the new Classic Rays.

+1! thats a risky endevour without seeing it in person.

and quality control and customer service are ludicrously good at EB, enough to not see the instrument and to expect it to feel sound and play good and if somethings wrong you can expect them to not only give you a new one, but also possibly cure any illnessess you have
 

stub

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Apr 9, 2010
Messages
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Yep totally agree, just in the back of my head I know I’m gonna do something silly like buy one of ebay!!! :eek:
 
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