Oh no – I scratched it (NBD)

[OldManMusic]

My new (to me) 1988 Stingray 5H finally made it home today from Guitar Center. After a quick bath, a fret condition, a new battery and some new Slinkys, it’s now mine. It sounds amazing, feels smooth and just knocked pictures off the wall with the low B through my Markbass rig. It’s a 10 pounder according to my crappy scale. I think it was closer to 11 pounds when I got it home because it had about a pound of grime on it. Some of the pictures show the original color under the PG. All original parts under the hood too.

She’s a beauty, doncha think? It won’t see a gig for a couple of weeks but that should give me time to figure out what that 5th string is for.

 

[Randracula]

I dig it.....congrats. If that was another brand of bass, you would have to pay thousands to get one that looked like that.

 

[drTStingray]

Fantastic. What a lovely bass and I bet it sounds great. I've started gigging with my SR5 again - they are killer basses.

Your pic showing the original colour under the pickguard puts paid to that daft thread on Talkbass which said nitro finish white ages and poly finish white doesn't - we already knew that from pre EB white basses though! It's the pigment which changes I'm guessing - as a result of UV exposure.

Whatever, that bass looks great and if you ever want to re-home it, I'll be at the front of the queue!

 

[Holdsg]

I think mojo just got a new definition. The stories that bass would tell if it could talk.

 

[Golem]

`

Thaz not just "vintage" ... izz way mucho "veteran" !

Plus, IIRC, that would be a 1st generation SR5 with
alnico magnets. You'll get sooper rich tones in the
1st and 3rd positions on the blade switch and "extra
vintage" effect at the center [SC] position, in certain
venues, cuz there's no dummy coil.

 

[OldManMusic]

This bass is SN 50262. Looking at Gav’s website database (databass?), the first SR5 SN to ship from the factory was 50183 on June 2nd, 1988. Looks like my bass DOB was October 24th, 1988. Just a mere 79 digits from the first to ship.

I couldn’t put this bass down last night. This is the 3rd 5er I’ve owned (sold the other SR5 HH and Bongo 5HS) but the first 5er that just felt right in my hands. It’s hard to explain but I think some of you know what I mean.

I tried to get some background on the bass from the guys at the GC store, but there wasn’t much there. The case had some stuff from a previous owner, but not much that tells the whole story. Whatever the story was, I’ll write the next chapter. I’ll post some more pics later today. The case alone is worthy of a couple of pictures…

 

[nurnay]

Glad you decided against refinishing it. That's a real beauty.

 

[OldManMusic]

You guys helped me come to my senses about refinishing it. Very grateful...

 

[jlepre]

Rode hard and put away wet. If you decide to sell please let me know. What's the weight?

 

[oddjob]

You know, I normally don't dig basses like that but that just screams MOJO at the top of its lungs and I can't keep from smiling at the picts. Enjoy it!!!!!

 

[koogie2k]

That bass has many stories to tell. My bongo is that way. Very cool find.

 

[tbonesullivan]

I would definitely get some good guitar polish and/or cleaner like preservation polish from Stew Mac, and go to town. Mojo is one thing, but having all that grease and grime? that's not something I'd want. It'll still have plenty of mojo without all the crud on it.

 

[supadave]

Want!!!!
And that 5th string? Thats what you use to hang the bass up. Just slacken it right off and sling it over a wall hook. I can't see any use for it otherwise.

 

[jlepre]

Oh I could sure see many uses for that low B, and a hanger is NOT one of them.

 

[Golem]

I think mojo just got a new definition.
The stories that bass would tell if it
could talk.

Well, I'm sure it CAN talk. Just gotta
know how to ask it and how to listen
to it answer. I mean, it won't discuss
politics or religion ... but it can talk !

 

[Tollywood]

Nice score - I love an instrument with honest play wear!

 

[Soulkeeper]

That is one beautiful bass. And I know what you mean about feeling right in your hands. I got my SR5 H two days ago, and put out my HH for sale even before that. I don't know if it's the space under the strings, or the fret board material, or the age difference, or mojo, or placebo, but my two SR5s feel like completely different beasts. And only one of them feels right for me. Anyway, congrats, and hope you'll enjoy yours for many years to come.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Ooooooooo....A bass doesn't look like that from natural wear unless it's a player.

It's beautiful.

 

[liverbird]

Nice score - I love an instrument with honest play wear!

I agree, great bass. What would be dishonest play wear though?

 

[OldManMusic]

What would be dishonest play wear though?

Maybe some other brand's "relic" lines?

This bass has been downright fun. The darn 5th string is making me think a lot, which I'm not used to anymore as a 4 banger guy. But that's a good thing. I've been A/B testing with my Bongos in the man-cave to get a live tone that's suited to the band. Man, that is one powerful B string. Thunderous... and I love it.