Question Do I have a Sterling or not?

[Ron Curry]

Hi all,
New member here.
I’m trying to figure out what I just bought. Headstock says Ernie Ball Musicman stingray 5, only on the front. Back of headstock has no decal. Neck plate says Sterling. One of the neck screws was partially removed, I had to wonder if it’s the original neck plate.
Does anyone have insight into this?
Thanks
Ron

 

[mynan]

No compensated nut, so I think that means the neck would have to be pre-2005 if it was a real EBMM, in which case it should say made in San Luis Obispo on the back of the headstock. If not, it's probably a Sterling by Music Man with a fake headstock logo. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Ron Curry]

I wish I knew more about this stuff. I guess just like with Fender products there’s a market for fake decals. Would there be anything in the neck pocket to help identify what it is?
Thanks

 

[DrKev]

The lack of a compensated nut, the wood grain isn't right (it's a cheaper variety of maple). The printing on the logo is poor quality, the fonts aren't quite right, the 3 ® marks are missing. (By the way, Music Man silkscreen print the headstock logos and don't use decals).

But when you see the Sterling neck plate the answer is it's Sterling by Music Man. Nobody would ever put that on a US-made StingRay. I'm not even sure it's the same dimensions.

 

[Ron Curry]

Got it, thanks so much. I love learning about these things,
Best regards
Ron