eBay - Ernie Ball Bass - Legit??

[EBMM7181]

The headstock only says Ernie Ball Musicman - It doesn't say StingRay or Sterling?
I've never seen a headstock like this before.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Ernie-Ball-Musi...gs_W0QQitemZ320100775968QQihZ011QQcategoryZ47

 

[Eggman]

Looks like a Sterling that has had a facelift. Maybe a headstock refinish and a aftermarket decal put on. Tuners appear to have the MM logo from pre-EB.

Who knows - I would pass.

 

[eddybomb]

It's got a pretty neck...but looks suspect doesn't it.

No picguard screw holes...kinda' evasive with his answers too.

 

[Beth]

Yeah, I mean, what would be the damage exactly in providing the whole serial number? It could be stolen goods or a pieced-together frankenbass. Apparently others are weary about it too, as the highest bid isn't that high...

 

[RitchieDarling]

The neck plate does not appear to be SLO approved. No logo, no serial, no nothing...

And if you look closely at the pics of the head, that logo looks like it was added with a photo editor.

It appears to be more in focus than the head itself..

R

 

[seandorian]

Sterling body, StingRay Neck. No holes drilled for pickguard. Early Sterling Prototype?

 

[EBMM7181]

Hmm, maybe someone from EB can help us.

 

[bovinehost]

Parts bass, at the very best.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Sterling body, StingRay Neck. No holes drilled for pickguard. Early Sterling Prototype?

Parts bass with a refinished body more likely.

 

[jongitarz]

The horns don't look right to me

 

[Colin]

decals aren't right and it's a respray. as for the body and neck....

 

[bovinehost]

I think the angle of those photos were deliberate because the horns don't look right to me, either - but a head-on shot would have cleared it up.

"Run away! Run away!"

 

[tkarter]

I would almost swear I have seen that bass on this forum at least once.

tk

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

I understand there were a few intruments built as pre-series models (to the "Sterling") for the European market. They had the old "Flea" bridge, a similar headstock logo and no pg.

My guess is that it's most likely legit.

Not many of those around!!!

P.S. The serial number would place it in the 1993 (or there abouts) time period also.

 

[Sonnyonbass]

I understand there were a few intruments built as pre-series models (to the "Sterling") for the European market. They had the old "Flea" bridge, a similar headstock logo and no pg.

My guess is that it's most likely legit.

Not many of those around!!!

P.S. The serial number would place it in the 1993 (or there abouts) time period also.

Maybe that makes it more interesting again

 

[barkatozz]

Sterling body, StingRay Neck. No holes drilled for pickguard. Early Sterling Prototype?

Stingray necks have 21 frets....this one has 22 which a Sterling does.

 

[seandorian]

I'm still going with prototype. That headstock is way too big to be a Sterling, but it does have 22 frets. I'd say it's legit.

"decals aren't right and it's a respray. as for the body and neck...."

How do you know it's a respray? Looks like pearl blue to me. Also, the horns look fine to me also. I think the shadows in some of the pictures are what might be throwing some of you off.

I'm interested to see what this bass really is.

Hey Jon, how's it going? Tell the other dudes I said hi too!

 

[jongitarz]

Will do! I have a DVD from your brother, that your Dad loaned me(confused yet?) that I will be checking out this weekend. Kings X Live in Toronto.

 

[seandorian]

Yeah, that's actually something I got off ebay a couple years ago. Great show. It's bootleg quality, but it's from their Dogman tour, so the setlist is amazing. Enjoy!

 

[Road Pop]

Looks like a Sterling body. Anyone figure out what it is? Stings and Lings look the best with the the pg's.