Limited Edition basses

[Kamakiriad]

Hi all! First off, let me start by introducing myself. I'm a long-time lurker but finally decided to join today. (Couldn't wait any longer to join in with this wonderful community.) I've owned many basses over the past 12 years, but only now have I stopped my search for tone. Music Man is it. I currently have a Trans Red Sterling 5H on layaway at the local Long and McQuade, and am planning on picking it up in a couple of weeks once exams are finished (I can't wait!). Pictures are forthcoming once that happens!

Back to my topic: I'm aware of a few series of Limited Edition runs over the years, but can't seem to find any concrete information on them or when/how they started. It intrigues me, as IMO the LEs are some of the best finishes around. I know this for sure:

2005: Buttercream
2006: Black with gold hardware
2007: Blue Dawn
2008: Sequoia Gold with gold hardware

then there are the 2 runs of Dargie Delights too. What's up for this year? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[mynan]

AFAIK, they started in 2004. There were two colors...Radiance Red and Envy Green. Most of which had black headstocks.

http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/EBMMColour/Limted Run Finishes/Envy Green/
http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/EBMMColour/Solids/Radiance Red/

There was a Black Onyx Sterling and Fritz The Cat Bongo at some point.

Sherwood Green was another LE color, but I don't have the story on that one.

Lately, there have been a few special colors made exclusively for Guitar Center.

The first run of Dargies was in 2007. The second in 2009.

 

[strummer]

The Lime green fritz was, if i remember correctly, a one-off done for a car paint company (I think) and then auctioned off. Owned by forum member oddjob.

 

[shakinbacon]

Hi all! First off, let me start by introducing myself. I'm a long-time lurker but finally decided to join today. (Couldn't wait any longer to join in with this wonderful community.) I've owned many basses over the past 12 years, but only now have I stopped my search for tone. Music Man is it. I currently have a Trans Red Sterling 5H on layaway at the local Long and McQuade, and am planning on picking it up in a couple of weeks once exams are finished (I can't wait!). Pictures are forthcoming once that happens!

Back to my topic: I'm aware of a few series of Limited Edition runs over the years, but can't seem to find any concrete information on them or when/how they started. It intrigues me, as IMO the LEs are some of the best finishes around. I know this for sure:

2005: Buttercream
2006: Black with gold hardware
2007: Blue Dawn
2008: Sequoia Gold with gold hardware

then there are the 2 runs of Dargie Delights too. What's up for this year? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Chris

Welcome aboard Chris. Hope you feel at home posting here in the future

 

[oli@bass]

Well, that's a fun topic, let's see whether we can get the full list together. I know if the following:

- 199?: Darth Vader StingRay
- 199?: Onyx Sterling
- 1996 20th Anniversary StingRay
- 2001 100th NAMM Anniversary StingRay
- 2003 (?) LE: Sherwood Green
- 2004 (?) LE: Radiance Red
- 2005 LE: Buttercream
- 2006 30th Anniversary StingRay
- 2006 Dargie Delight Edition
- 2006 LE: Black & Gold
- 2007 20th Anniversary StingRay 5
- 2007 LE: Blue Dawn
- 2008 LE: Sequoia Gold
- 2008 Ebony Edition StingRay & Silhouette (Germany)
- 2009 25th Anniversary MusicMan (Reflex)
- 2009 Dargie Delight II Edition

 

[metalarch]

last year was the LE of rosewood necks on Bongo, Sting ray and Sterling...I guess that was last year, and there is a LE BFR 25 Anniversary, also all rosewood neck...[/I]

 

[strummer]

- 199?: Darth Vader StingRay
- 199?: Onyx Sterling
- 1996 20th Anniversary StingRay
- 2001 100th NAMM Anniversary StingRay
- 2003 (?) LE: Sherwood Green
- 2004 LE 1: Radiance Red
- 2004 LE 2: Envy Green
- 2005 LE: Buttercream
- 2006 30th Anniversary StingRay
- 2006 Dargie Delight Edition
- 2006 LE: Black & Gold
- 2007 20th Anniversary StingRay 5
- 2007 LE: Blue Dawn
- 2008 LE: Sequoia Gold
- 2008 Ebony Edition StingRay & Silhouette (Germany)
- 2008 Rosewood necks
- 2009 25th Anniversary MusicMan (Reflex)
- 2009 Dargie Delight II Edition

 

[MrMusashi]

dont forget the first bfr made. sr5 20th's made with ebony fretboard, blue quilt top and the 10 first sr5 bridges made (serial on bridge). a total of 10 basses made

also there was the bfr redwood. 100 (or was it 110) made of that buggar.

dunno if those counts or if it should be put in the bfr category?

MrM

MrM

 

[Scraggy]

The link for Radiance Red is my SR5

AFAIK, they started in 2004. There were two colors...Radiance Red and Envy Green. Most of which had black headstocks.

Envy Green pictures by EBMMColour - Photobucket
Radiance Red pictures by EBMMColour - Photobucket

There was a Black Onyx Sterling and Fritz The Cat Bongo at some point.

Sherwood Green was another LE color, but I don't have the story on that one.

Lately, there have been a few special colors made exclusively for Guitar Center.

The first run of Dargies was in 2007. The second in 2009.

 

[Bassmedic14]

Welcome!

 

[pawema]

Hi everyone!

I have a question. What is the difference between Limited Edition basess and "regular" models. For example in LE from 2006 it is just golden hardware, black finish and nothing else (like better quality (custom) made or something)? Can someone tell something more about origin of LE? Thanks!!

 

[Chuck B]

Welcome aboard, Chris!

 

[strummer]

Hi everyone!

I have a question. What is the difference between Limited Edition basess and "regular" models. For example in LE from 2006 it is just golden hardware, black finish and nothing else (like better quality (custom) made or something)? Can someone tell something more about origin of LE? Thanks!!

It is the same awesome quality as all EBMM gear. Or asSterling Ball more or less put it: "A custom shop is for when the normal production sucks."

 

[oli@bass]

For example in LE from 2006 it is just golden hardware, black finish and nothing else

That's it exactly. It's the regular models made in a special finish, somtimes new, sometimes discontinued colours or special hardware. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[pawema]

Thanks everybody! I just recive my StingRay5 Limited Edition 2006, It is a beautiful bass, sounds great, looks great and feels great, simply stunning!!

 

[danny-79]

Welcome.
I picked my 05LE up new in Jan,07, right place right time right price etc an its a keeper for sure! couldn't be happier with it.

 

[projectapollo]

Too many basses, not enought pics

We need some pics of the limited editions. Here is the 30th Stingray I just nabbed.

 

[danny-79]

Its beautiful finish on the 30th's, Congrats again!

 

[Aussie Mark]

We need some pics of the limited editions.

 

[Kamakiriad]

Yay, pictures! Mark, what preamp is on your Stingray? I just happened to notice that concentric knob. I'm wondering if it's the mystical "funk" knob I've been searching for... if so, I need me one of those.

Does anyone know how many basses there were in each run? There's a Bongo 6HH LTD 2008 in a music shop nearby... ON SALE. I'm seriously considering it.