1977 Stingray

[StevieDee]

Pic of my 77 Stingray, I bought it a couple of years ago and meant to post a pic. Still love my 87 Ray and 91 fretless Ray. But nice to have a wee piece of history.

 

[pete bass]

Good grief....what a beauty !! I would sell my lead guitarists kidney for that one....How does she play and sound ?....

 

[StevieDee]

Hi Pete, it's a great looking bass and by far the best sounding and most comfortable bass I've ever played. Just prior to buying it I purchased a Wal Mk1, not everyone's cup of tea but an amazing sounding bass. Since getting this Ray I've hardly played the Wal. It's perfect for me.

 

[Davecg2]

Beautiful little piece of history. Awesome that it still sounds great too!

 

[pete bass]

This is getting better !! You have a Mk 1 WAL as well ? I used to live in London and then moved to the Costa del Sol like many other ex pats but i do remember playing a WAL in "Andys Guitar shop" in the West End and was overwhelmed by the sound and underwhelmed by the price tag...A lot lot of dosh ! you can have both his Kidneys for that one....

 

[StevieDee]

The Wal is a great bass cruelly underused at the minute. It's got a really unique tone but the looks can be a bit marmite for people. I've l've always liked them but not classic styling like the Stingrays. I first bought an EBMM in 87 and still have it, they are just so versatile and easy to play. Unfortunately my 87 Ray comes from a time when I didn't look after my basses and looks a wee bit tatty. I'm going to spend some time and cash getting it cleaned up. I even thought about a refin it is a really great bass. So I will be looking for some tips on the board.

Here is a pic of my Wal it's Wenge.

 

[Golem]

`

OK, refin tip:

Clean it, spray some lube into the truss rod adjuster and
all the bridge adjusters. Make sure battery terminals are
clean, spray clean the pots ...and then STOP ! Thaz enuf.

 

[StevieDee]

Yeah I remember one of the other guys telling me not to bother with a refin. I can live with all the buckle rash and dings but what about the chrome and even on the pickup the metal has really dulled. Any products you could recommend for bringing the bass back to life?

 

[liverbird]

What colour is the 87? (Whatever it is, don't refinish!)

 

[StevieDee]

It's black.

 

[StevieDee]

I reckon I could use some vinegar on the chrome parts and get some guitar polish. I see Ernie Ball do some I might buy that. I've mailed Ernie Ball about potentially replacements screws for the pick-guard as they seem to be in a bad way. Also I need a replacement screw for the battery box.

I remember ages ago one of the knowledgeable guys on the forum Gav/Rod saying the bass was a bit unusual as there is no decal on the headstock. I'll post some pics once I've got everything going.