Help! Can I get some info on my Pre-Ernie Ball 1983 Music Man Cutlass 1? This is my first post here, thanks!

[NZ9]

Hey!

Years ago I worked at a pawn shop (best job ever) where I came across a Music Man bass, I bought it. Anyways, I’d like to get some info and verification on it so I can potentially sell it. I’m assuming you folks here are the ones to come to! Mainly interested in what this would be worth.

It’s a 1983 Music Man Cutlass 1 with a sunburst finish.

I can’t find a matching serial number on any online forums but there is a gap on the one list I did find where mine would fit. I also can’t find any previous listings anywhere with this finish. I’ve seen black, natural, and red. There are listings for the Cutlass 2 in this same finish. Black that fades to a sunburst. Anyways, here’s all the info I have and some pics!

Serial #: B025592

To my understanding the pots are dated to the 8th month of 1981.

Underside of the neck joint has a big 203 written on it.

Any or all info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Are you sure about the serial number? The "B025" part of the serial seems a tad too high.

The Cutlass Bass actually started out as a Sting Ray Bass with the option of having a graphite neck (October 1982 Music Man Catalogue). The name "Cutlass" first appeared on the headstock at the end of 1982/ beginning of 1983 (very rare). It was subsequently updated to "Cutlass 1" to distinguish it from the "Cutlass 11" (Sabre Bass with a graphite neck) before the latter's introduction around April/May 1983.

Sunburst does seem to be more common on the Cutlass 11 but I've seen a few Cutlass 1 Basses with it. The Cutlass 1 came with either 3 or 4 bolt necks and either top load or strings-through body bridges

I have seen one Cutlass Bass dated very early 1984 but I'm not too sure what was happening there as Music Man (I believe) closed its doors Christmas Eve 1983 before being acquired by Ernie Bass in March 1984.

Dating the Cutlass Basses (as well as other Pre-EB Basses) involves removing the neck as you have done. Neck heels are usually dated as well but not always. It's not uncommon for pots to be dated earlier than the neck and/or body as they were purchased in quantity.

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