👕 Get New Ernie Ball Merch Now!
  • Ernie Ball
  • Music Man
  • Sterling by Music Man
Bongo 2026 Collection

Is this an authentic Stingray?

M

Markbbb

Member
Joined
May 13, 2022
Messages
5
Location
Neca Valley, Pennsyltucky
I'm selling an amp on Craigslist for $1100 USD and someone offered me this at a 1 to 1 trade. I'm a bit skeptical as I'm thinking a Stingray is worth a bit more than that. Am I wrong about that?

I shrunk the pics down so that I can upload them. What do you think of it?

My concerns are the 4-bolt neck and the painted neck. Are those valid concerns?

PXL_20220421_084509817.jpg

PXL_20220421_084514031.jpg

PXL_20220421_084522099.jpg

PXL_20220421_084545613.jpg
 
Last edited:
Whether its fake or a customized real MM I would pass. Even if theres a real MM underneath, I dont think highly of the luthier who customized it. Where is the truss rod access ? On my 4-bolt 89 its on the face of the headstock cuz its a skunk stripe neck.

You cant see the neck beneath the black paint. If its a 6-bolt neck on a 4-bolt body then a responsible luthier would have modded the PG to access the truss rod wheel. Would you trust that luther to properly dowel the six holes before drilling the four new holes ? I wouldnt touch it either way :-(
 
Golem said:
Whether its fake or a customized real MM I would pass. Even if theres a real MM underneath, I dont think highly of the luthier who customized it. Where is the truss rod access ? On my 4-bolt 89 its on the face of the headstock cuz its a skunk stripe neck.

You cant see the neck beneath the black paint. If its a 6-bolt neck on a 4-bolt body then a responsible luthier would have modded the PG to access the truss rod wheel. Would you trust that luther to properly dowel the six holes before drilling the four new holes ? I wouldnt touch it either way :-(
Click to expand...
Thank you, my friend. I really appreciate the information. I’m going to take your advice and pass on the deal.
 
I think the truss rod access is covered by that open string mute device. I can just see the beginning of the cavity.

Did you get the serial number of the bass? Depending on when it was made, that would be the easiest way to figure out what it is, and if it is original.
 
Looks legit to me, although it’s possible the neck could be a refinish, I’ve seen a few instances of coloured necks, 3eqs tend to have lower and much more stable prices than 2eqs, they’re less sought after, usually they go for anywhere between 1100 and 1400. For someone who likes 3eqs though having the mutes on there is pretty priceless
 
That looks like a legit 1985-1987 transition era Stingray to me. The logo is right for that period, as is the 4-bolt neck. Heel plate looks spot on for the period. The truss rod nut looks like it's hidden underneath the scrunchy at the nut, but the headstock nut would be correct for the period. The tuners look right (short key). The bridge looks right. Finish on the neck/headstock is unusual though, as is the flame top, but it's possible it's a one-off or something. The pickguard looks wonky. Otherwise it looks pretty legit to me.
 
Last edited:
BASS67 said:
To me, headstock logo it's fake.

-Letters and typography too thick, poorly defined logo in general.
-No "R" trade mark a at the end of "Ernieball" word.
-Little gap between the words "Musicman"-"Sting"-"Ray".
Click to expand...
Wow, good eye. Looking closely at the two guys in the logo, it also looks like the guy on the left is holding his guitar at the wrong angle and not leaning back like he does in the genuine logo. I think I'm revising my opinion on this one to “stay away”.
 
oh wow yeah logos off! I mean that bass has a lot of Marks of customization, you can see someone’s painted half the hardware gold lol, I’d steer clear of it because it’s impossible to see how good of a job theyve painted it etc online, but i think it’s a refinished 87ish bass. The pickups look that old and the covers of them look like the same high close material that scuffs and dulls with age and use, and the bridge is correct. Who knows if the preamp is original without pictures though
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Baritone Ukulele Strings
Back
Top