Is this SR5 HH a fake?

[Rano Bass]

This doesn't seem like an original SR5 HH, it looks like somebody modded a regular SR5 into a two pup SR.
What do you guys think?
eBay: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Honey Burst HH Pickups (item 250069146064 end time Jan-09-07 03:52:09 PST)

 

[Dr Stankface]

You're right. The pickups aren't like those on the Bongos and the neck pup looks a little off. Is it a real HH SR5, yes. Did it come that way from the factory, no.

 

[Rano Bass]

He's asking way too much money for a modded bass IMO.
The pickup switch and the battery cover are also in the wrong place

 

[Caca de Kick]

It's a fake. The battery box is in the original location for a single H SR5. The battery box on the HH is located closer to the lower horn cutaway.
Many home-made HH were done before the factory ones came out.

Heck the guy posted the ser # E50680. Maybe one of the reps could tell us how old it really is.

 

[robobass13]

and no compensated nut, all the HH SR5's have the comensated nut.

 

[Aziah]

That serial number comes up as a SR5 HH in Honeyburst, Rosewood fretboard, non-matching headstock, shell pickguard.
DOB: 3/13/06

 

[Dr Stankface]

Although, it's obvious that it's not an authentic HH SR5. Hmmmmm... a mystery.

 

[Rano Bass]

I doubt that's the real serial number, it's a clear attempt to get more money with the reserve set at $1199.00.

 

[Caca de Kick]

Neck plates can be swapped, but someone went through alot of trouble there.
That bass is clearly wearing two single H pickups, and the pickguard is also made for said pickups.

 

[bovinehost]

Does anyone remember if those battery boxes were ALWAYS located towards the horn on the dual pickup SR5s?

I don't remember and can't find the photos of the backs of the original protos...just thinking that it might be the easy answer.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

I don't know about the prototypes or the NAMM display Basses but here's one of Steve's pics depicting the rear of a SR5 HH Buttercream. I think the Buttercreams were some of the very first to be dispatched...???

 

[Caca de Kick]

Right, I have an '05 buttercream SR5 HH and it has the battery box foward like Gav's picture, and a compensated nut, yes one the of first HH's ever.

The serial says the ebay bass is dated 3-'06, but that wouldn't be a prototype...far from it in fact.

-Mike