Off Topic Cliff Williams' Stingray

[Thunder139]

Hi all,

Hoping someone could maybe shed some light on this one...

I am aware that Cliff plays pre-EB Stingrays, in fact, a couple in his arsenal have been with him since he joined AC/DC in the late 70's. I noticed that the one he uses live most often has been without a pickguard since at least 1979 (that's the earliest I have video footage of him using it). Does anyone know the reasoning for this, besides maybe for aesthetic purposes?

Thanks and kudos if anyone actually knows the answer behind this. It's just a tidbit I'm searching for to add to my mental compendium of AC/DC lore....

 

[Caca de Kick]

The interview I have in a BP magazine, he says he bought his first one while doing some recording sessions in LA. So that would have been after he joined AC/DC. It said he has two matching sunburst basses (a 77 and a 78), and a natural one also, maybe two. I also know he at one time owned a Cutlass, but sold it off.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

He also plays an EB Sting Ray (minus the pg).

The Cutlass is (or was) owned by one of our Forum members.

 

[Thunder139]

He also plays an EB Sting Ray (minus the pg).

The Cutlass is (or was) owned by one of our Forum members.

Interesting, perhaps it is just personal preference then!

 

[Jules]

My guess is aesthetics. In Bass PLayer Magazine in the '90s he said he currently owned over 40 basses. I know for a while he got away from Stingray's and played a Steinberger, Fender and maybe some other stuff. Then, in '96 the band dug out old gear, their old drummer and went back to their roots. I think that a Stingray with no pickguard is beautiful. Why cover up so much gorgeous wood?

 

[nurnay]

My guess is aesthetics. In Bass PLayer Magazine in the '90s he said he currently owned over 40 basses. I know for a while he got away from Stingray's and played a Steinberger, Fender and maybe some other stuff. Then, in '96 the band dug out old gear, their old drummer and went back to their roots. I think that a Stingray with no pickguard is beautiful. Why cover up so much gorgeous wood?

Agreed, but there's something special about the Stingray PG look.

 

[keko]

Agreed, but there's something special about the Stingray PG look.

+1

It's a must have for me on a Stingray 4!