Difference between old and new StingRay

[Jornan]

Hi.
I found a quite cheap StingRay for sale, but it's an old bass (1981). What's the difference between this bass and a new one? I know that it has a 2 band EQ, but how is it to play, how does it sound and so on, compared to a new bass (2008, 2009 etc).

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

The present Rays have evolved into a far better quality instrument than the Pre-EB Basses. Existing features have been improved while others have been added. Most have a 3 Band EQ pre-amp but the 2 band EQ option is still available if that's preferred.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

And to name a few of these improvement that Rod Trussbroken mentioned they are:

• the trussroad adjustment wheel, now placed at the end of the neck with a very easy to use system
• 5 or 6 neck screws depending on the model, Standard Rays have 6 where Limited and BFR model have the scooped neck access with 5 screws. (someone correct me as I am not entirely sure which model has what)
• Unpainted neck on the standard models with a much silkier smooth surface that can be rewaxed at intervals depending on how much you play
• 3 different pickup configarations are now available on all model, i.e. single H, HH (double Humbucker) and HS (1 humbucker & 1 Single Coil)
• Available in 4 and 5 strings
• Choice of 2 or 3 band eq
• Matching Heastock is also an option
• Piezo option also available and....finally
• The superb BFR (Ball Family Reserve) is also available in all the above configurations

If you like Rays you are spoiled for choice

 

[oli@bass]

As important (non cosmetical) differences, the newer ones have:

• rounded pickup pole pieces (vs. sharp edged old ones)
• a compensated nut (which improves intonation quite nicely)
• the smaller bridge without the mutes and straight string pull over the saddles
• fast access battery compartment (vs. screwed on chrome cover)
• easy access truss rod wheel (vs. bullet truss rod)
• oil & wax finished neck (vs. laquered)

 

[five7]

Look out.

 

[barginkov]

the late 80s early 90s to me have the best allround, lacquered neck, mutes, they used gorgeous figured , birdseye, or flamed woods on the neck, and they have that mojo from years of being played in smoky clubs , thats my own 2 cents worth, but the new ones have more different sounds available because of the different pickups configuration

 

[Jornan]

Thanks for all the answers. I have looked at a picture of the bass, and it looks like it got the regular truss rod wheel:
http://cache.finn.no/mmo/6/165/491/26_-1950033333.jpg

I have asked for the serial number, in case it's not a -81 model, because this one should have the old truss rod, right?

 

[Grand Wazoo]

amongst Italian afficionados, that particular bass is considered as the "Stradivarius" of MusicMan

 

[the unrepentant]

Thanks for all the answers. I have looked at a picture of the bass, and it looks like it got the regular truss rod wheel:
http://cache.finn.no/mmo/6/165/491/26_-1950033333.jpg

I have asked for the serial number, in case it's not a -81 model, because this one should have the old truss rod, right?

I can't see a truss rod wheel
Ask for a photo of the headstock.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Thanks for all the answers. I have looked at a picture of the bass, and it looks like it got the regular truss rod wheel:
http://cache.finn.no/mmo/6/165/491/26_-1950033333.jpg

I have asked for the serial number, in case it's not a -81 model, because this one should have the old truss rod, right?

That's a Pre-EB and probably earlier than 1981. It will have a bullet truss nut for adjustment at the headstock.

 

[Caca de Kick]

I concour with Rod Trussbroken... That it's probably a little older than 81, because I can see it has a string-thru bridge. And no it does not have a truss wheel. I always thought walnut stain was a fabulous color, and that bass appears to have an alder body, which means the weight is probably on the lighter side! I've always wanted one in that color. If you can get it for "cheap" like you say, then I think you should pick it up.

 

[Jornan]

amongst Italian afficionados, that particular bass is considered as the "Stradivarius" of MusicMan

What's so special about this particular model? Now I really want it

The serial number is B008395. Does that make it a 78-model?

I can get it for around 1100 USD (7000 NOK). It may not sounds like a huge bargin, but a new SR costs close to 3000 USD in Norway ...

 

[Grand Wazoo]

The fact that a combination of elements made that bass special including the ash body and the tru-body strings that gave a very distinct sound that was loved by all and also the colour was a highly sought after one. If you can afford it get it.

 

[fidooda]

The fact that a combination of elements made that bass special including the ash body and the tru-body strings that gave a very distinct sound that was loved by all and also the colour was a highly sought after one. If you can afford it get it.

i tought BP debunked that element when the SR 30th came out. i remember him telling us that it doesn't make a difference in the sound.

anyway, it's a fine looking bass.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

you forgot to highlight the bit about the ASH BODY which is what I was referring to in terms of distinct sound.

 

[mynan]

you forgot to highlight the bit about the ASH BODY which is what I was referring to in terms of distinct sound.

I thought most of them had ash bodies. I know all of the new ones do.

 

[Caca de Kick]

i tought BP debunked that element when the SR 30th came out. i remember him telling us that it doesn't make a difference in the sound.

Well of course it's all matter of personal opinion...I've had three with string-thru, plus a 30th anniv, and to me there's a touch of difference, but not enough for me to go ga-ga over it.

The serial number is B008395. Does that make it a 78-model?

Yes that seems to put it about early to mid 78. My early 78 has B007xxx.
1100 dollars is a great price for an unusual color, snag it. I think you will love the neck...those were pretty thin front-to-back with a very rounded fretboard edge and feel so comfortable.
Even if you end up not liking it, the collector world seeks out B00 serial Rays, so you can't go wrong there.

The fact that a combination of elements made that bass special including the ash body...

Except this one has an alder body. Two colors back then typically used alder bodies: sunburst and trans walnut stain.

 

[Jornan]

Thanks for all the answers. I really REALLY want it now, and I promissed myself that I wouldn't buy a new instrument in '09, but I've allready bought one bass, so I guess I can buy another one

Btw, the finish doesn't look too good. Looks much better on the front. Is this normal, or is this one extra worn? Btw, it's been bought in 1981 and used untill 1988. After that it's only been used once in 2008 to record in a studio (according to the seller ), så it shouldn't have been that much used either ...

 

[MrMusashi]

you buy it, or else i will

MrM

ps: i kid you not

 

[Caca de Kick]

People didn't care about the effects of big belt buckles on instruments back then. I've got some oldies that have that rash too.

I want that bass too! A brown Ray is one of my first memories of a StingRay when I was a kid watching the 'Jesse's Girl' video way back when it came out, and always wanted one since. Same with Ben Orr's silver Ray.