Incoming, new to me pre-EB Ray

[Aussie Mark]

This one has done a few miles, but after some Wonderwipes attention, a pickguard and some new mute pads fashioned from an old mouse pad she'll be ready to rock.

I'm not sure about the claimed "celebrity" ownership (Google draws a blank on that guy), but the price was very right for an '83, even in this condition.

1983 Music Man Stingray Bass.Owned by former MC5 member - eBay Right-Handed, Bass, Guitar, Musical Instruments. (end time 21-Sep-08 09:49:56 AEST)

 

[ronnyG]

I love that bass just as is. It definately has a mojo factor. I would just install a pick guard...(well after running it a few hours in a dryer full of nails and keys so it matches the condition of the rest of the bass)

I'll keep my eyes open for any info or pics of "Stephen Gary Karl" of "MC5"..never heard of em but they may have been from LA..got to be something on them. Well no, I just googled they were from detroit..but I will still do some research.

However the bass was located in LA. I am from there..I could have saved shipping if I bought it...missed out, darn. Never thought I would see one is worse asthetic condition then mine...lol

Enjoy it!

 

[Aussie Mark]

Oh, I know who MC5 is, and have a couple of their albums, but the guy named doesn't rank a mention anywhere I can find via Google as having done a stint with the band. Like I said, that wasn't a factor in my purchase, as I dig the vibe of the bass without any "celebrity" history.

 

[Caca de Kick]

Yeah, nice Score Mark. I saw that bass, looks cool that it stayed very white instead of yellowing. Looks like a refret is due soon though, they look like they were ground down very flat. Great warhorse tho.

 

[silverburst]

Nice bass for a good price. Want me to pick it up for you? : - )

 

[ronnyG]

Oh, I know who MC5 is, and have a couple of their albums, but the guy named doesn't rank a mention anywhere I can find via Google as having done a stint with the band. Like I said, that wasn't a factor in my purchase, as I dig the vibe of the bass without any "celebrity" history.

I understand, I too would have not cared about it's history either in my decision to purchase it, I just think it's sweet.

But just out of curiosity I would want to authenticate any claim that it was "celebrity" owned...especially when the "celebrity" seems to be unknown.
Perhaps in a simlilar fashion with Spinal Tap drummers he "spontaniously combusted" , could happen to a bass player as well I guess. lol

Anyhow the letter from his wife seems genuine, keep us posted if you find anymore info regarding the MC5 member.

 

[bovinehost]

I would want to authenticate any claim that it was "celebrity" owned...especially when the "celebrity" seems to be unknown.

Isn't "celebrity" about being famous? What an odd concept, this 'unknown celebrity'.

Anyway - nice bass, Mark. Get a termite check on it, though!

Jack

 

[ronnyG]

Well since I myself am also an unknown celebrity...I might as well change my name to "Oxy Moron"

 

[INMT]

I steer clear of "celebrity" anything. To me it means it's either crap and the person didn't want it anymore or it's been used to death and there's little to no use left in it.

 

[Aussie Mark]

it's been used to death and there's little to no use left in it.

In my experience, a bass that has been "used to death" is more often than not a great instrument, because it means it's been a nice enough bass that people play it constantly. If a bass plays or sounds like barf, a gigging musician is not going to keep it, let alone play it every night at gigs. When buying a used bass sight unseen, I think playing wear is a great indicator of whether the bass plays nicely or not.

Now, I might be wrong, and this bass could turn out to be a stinking turd, but having looked into the business that the seller is associated with, I don't think he's going to sell a piece of crap on eBay, as the risk to his business reputation in doing that is rather large.

I'll report back once the bass arrives and it's been disinfected.

 

[oli@bass]

but not my thing. For that price I'd rather have gotten a newer less beat up SR. Heck, I even got my SR4HS for less!

But to each their own, and there's something Mark's theory about the beat up one's to be great players. I hope it's what you wished for!!!

 

[ronnyG]

I have to agree that for the most part the old beaters seem to play very well. This is not to say you won't find a dud now and again but simply because an instrument is well worn and old does not mean it's bad.

My old Stingray beater plays better then anything new I could pull off the wall at Guitar Center at any price. I know this because we frequent there to try out stuff and so far mine just "feels" better.

And for example SRV played some pretty beat up old worn out axes..and they seemed to play and sound very well. And there is good reason an old Fender in any worn condition can still bring the big bucks..well play a working one and you will understand.

But as well it is also about personal taste ..not everyone appreciates a reliced up ax. For myself I like my basses to be played , and played they get. And with that comes the risk of wear..and dings, and oxidation etc. But for some reason they seem to get better with age..I don't know why.

 

[INMT]

In my experience, a bass that has been "used to death" is more often than not a great instrument, because it means it's been a nice enough bass that people play it constantly. If a bass plays or sounds like barf, a gigging musician is not going to keep it, let alone play it every night at gigs. When buying a used bass sight unseen, I think playing wear is a great indicator of whether the bass plays nicely or not.

Now, I might be wrong, and this bass could turn out to be a stinking turd, but having looked into the business that the seller is associated with, I don't think he's going to sell a piece of crap on eBay, as the risk to his business reputation in doing that is rather large.

I'll report back once the bass arrives and it's been disinfected.

Reread my entire post again. To be clear, I'm saying "great playing" instruments are sold after years of being cherished is they are "now" used to death and no longer have life for the loving owner anymore. So that owner moves on unless the sentimental value is to great, then at that point no one sees them on evilbay.

Here's a another look at the typical "celebrity" or maybe even a used on some particular tour instrument.
What ever it is it's been used a lot over a short period of time...and hard.
Here's a comparison, is it wise to buy a car from a rental company? Yes you can get a good deal , just be ready for more than "normal" wear for the age and mileage for it.

I'm not trying to down anyone or say all used stuff is bad to buy. I just personally steer clear from it and when I do get I expect it to need repair/TLC to get it up to par more so than a new or very recent product.

This all comes to mind because of a very recent customer of mine that bought a bass (used) he's wanted for a long time. He talked about how it was owned and played by a well known bass player for over a decade. He was bummed out that it's action was so high and sounded dull. It was obviously well taken care of and looked great but the fret wear was serious and the electronics were replaced. I think more than once actually.
I just don't like to see or hear about that kind of stuff happening to my fellow musicians and don't want it to happen this time around.

In the end "great wear" can include worn frets which sucks no matter what your playing. Let's all hope it's not the case with this one

 

[Duarte]

I love that look. Nice score on that bass, although I have heard that EB basses are better quality. I don't know as I've never tried a pre-EB, and you can't argue with the sound that those oldies make!

 

[mathewsanchez]

What a beauty, i'd leave it PG-less. Loving the mojo look...

...although i've never heard of the Sting Ro model.

 

[the unrepentant]

Nice, looks well used, none of this relicing ****e that fender seem to be having a bash (and failing) at!

 

[Aussie Mark]

I have heard that EB basses are better quality.

There's no question about that at all, the QA on EB instruments is second to none.

I was looking for a workhorse Stingray, and would have picked up an EB if possible, but after posting in the wanted thread here and on other forums nobody put their hand up to sell me anything, so eBay was where I ended up.

 

[ronnyG]

Unfortunatly I do not yet have any experience with any MM's older then mine (which turns out it is a 1990 model).

But my bass instructor back when I was a wee lad used a beat up, spray painted purple, neck shaved so many times you could begin to see trussrod through the fretboard, 1964 Fender Jazz. Let me tell you this bass played easier then any new bass..action was so low you could barely see light between the fret and string..and it sounded wonderful. It was used on recordings with Steve Vai and a few other hot shots at the time and had a very unique throaty tone that you just can't "buy" off the shelf anymore.

Well a recording is worth a thousand words so if you want to hear that old beat up 64, click the link. The first track and last track ("funk me tender" and "tree") were recorded with it. The second solo on "funk me tender" was done by Vai if anyone cares, I am not really into this kind of music but appreciate the talent involved.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=89653770

I agree fret wear and neck problems can happen (with any bass for that matter) but it is repairable and you are left with an amazing ax that has personality and history (or mojo if you will).

As I previously stated it still comes down to personal taste..and I guess I have one for the vintages. But don't get me wrong..I would not turn down a new MM anytime. I just prefer the beaters.

 

[phatduckk]

thats pretty sweet! i love the mojo.

great buy Mark!

 

[roburado]

I'll keep my eyes open for any info or pics of "Stephen Gary Karl" of "MC5"..never heard of em but they may have been from LA..got to be something on them. Well no, I just googled they were from detroit..but I will still do some research.

L.A.? Well, maybe if L.A. were The Motor City. MC5 = Motor City 5.

MC5 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia