Question Some questions about the first Stingrays

[Bart B]

Hi,

I have always wondered:

The first stingrays were designed with a slab body, through body-stringing.

I see the analogy with the first fender P's, having the same features.

But it was 1975 by the time of the first SR, so why start with the 'old' slab and string thru, since Leo Fender discontinued those two features with fender already in the late 50's?

And why the 3 bolt neck plate (like Fenders), was it 'instrument fashion' at that time or were there other reasons? (again, with Fender, Leo ended up using 4 bolts)

Any storytelling about this subject would be appreciated!

PS: I know there's a lot of 'Fender' in here so I hope nobody takes offence!

 

[strummer]

And why the 3 bolt neck plate (like Fenders), was it 'instrument fashion' at that time or were there other reasons? (again, with Fender, Leo ended up using 4 bolts)

The 3-bolt neck was, I believe, an invention Leo was very proud of, so I guess that was the reason for it on the early Stingrays.

 

[Chuck B]

It's not the three bolt neck plate, it is the micro tilt neck adjustment...
The slab body is smaller than the 1st Fender bass body and the body edges are rounded. I personally never missed the body shaping. I don't know if Mr. Fender discontinued the string-thru-body feature or if it had been the folks working with him. My opinion is that Mr. Fender based the Ray on his 1st bass to make it better.

 

[keko]

I'm afraid that only BP knows the answers!

 

[Big Poppa]

I just think that Leo was way into the micro tilt as it eliminated the need for shims. as for the slab body...remember Leo wasnt a player so I dont thing contours were important to him

 

[Bart B]

I just think that Leo was way into the micro tilt as it eliminated the need for shims. as for the slab body...remember Leo wasnt a player so I dont thing contours were important to him

But the micro tilt probably wasn't that good, since Ernie Ball discontinued it ?

In any case, I never adjusted it on my 78, I wonder if Chuck ever did?

As for the contours, I thought the stingray was partially designed for a slap player, and that's a lot easier with contours imo, so, weird!

 

[bovinehost]

But the micro tilt probably wasn't that good, since Ernie Ball discontinued it ?

Can't speak for the company but I can tell you that I never had much luck with the things. I mean, it SEEMED to be a good idea.....so many things do.

As for the contours, I thought the stingray was partially designed for a slap player, and that's a lot easier with contours imo, so, weird!

In 1975-76, no one was using the term "slap player". Some people did it, surely, but I doubt any design cues were being taken from those guys.

 

[drTStingray]

In 1975-76, no one was using the term "slap player". Some people did it, surely, but I doubt any design cues were being taken from those guys.

I think/read Louis Johnson was quite heavily involved (possibly a little later though) - he's some slap player it's mentioned on the back of the Light Up the Night album.

 

[Caca de Kick]

But the micro tilt probably wasn't that good, since Ernie Ball discontinued it ?

Incorrect. The micro tilt was discontinued in the middle of the preEB years, well before EB came in.

Leo did design the micro tilt while he was still a consultant for CBS/Fender and did it correctly on the Musicman instruments. The CBS company however did not do it correctly and that's why it gets a bad rep. I have not had to touch my old Ray or Sabre necks after their setup when I got them years ago.