Help! Might buy a MM Stingray, but I'm not sure

[Jelle528]

First of all, I read through the stickies. None of the questions helped me out, so I made an account as soon as I could.

I found a Musicman Stingray online, for only €300 or $402. This price seems too good to be true, as they sell for way more than that (at least +1000). Therefore, I think I'm missing something important. It seems to be an original Stingray, it's not a remake of some kind. Here's a description of the bass itself:

For sale: Beautiful and good bass guitar.
- Strings through body (?)
- Low Action
- Nice dark ash body
- Neck has no lacquer/polish
- Bass is as good as new
- Bass is from the OLP factory, it's the first and best series as the OLP
- New strings
- Selling it because of a downgrade in my collection

The pictures show that it's a Pre-Ernie Ball bass guitar. This is also my question - are there many differences in a Pre EB and EB Musicman Stingray?

Or should I get this bass as soon as possible, due to it's incredibly low price?

 

[bdgotoh]

OLP basses are NOT MM basses, they are made overseas. $400 is about right, maybe a little high.

 

[Jelle528]

OLP basses are NOT MM basses, they are made overseas. $400 is about right, maybe a little high.

Alright... here's a photo that might clarify it:

So I can assume that, even though it says 'MusicMan Stingray Bass', it is an OLP bass?
I can provide more images of the bass if needed.

 

[jlepre]

That doesn't look like an OLP headstock.

 

[funkymofo]

more pics will definitely help.

 

[Jelle528]

4 more images:

In the meantime, I sent an email asking for more info on the bass (serial number etc)

 

[pete1000]

That one is not the real deal. I've spotted about half a dozen things that are not quite right, but I shall let the experts jump in with specific inconsistancies from the genuine item.

 

[Jelle528]

Just got a reply from the seller:

''It's an OLP Stingray (first version). A real Stingray goes for 900 euros''

So sadly it's not the real deal indeed...
What makes this bass different from 'the real deal' ? Is it because of cheaper parts perhaps, or is it a totally different bass?

 

[Jelle528]

Nevermind my reply above, this thread answered my questions:

OLP Vs. Music Man - John Petrucci Forums

Thanks anyway for the fast replies, it's appreciated.

 

[jlepre]

This does not look at all like an OLP...

Notice the OLP logo on the headstock.

 

[Jelle528]

Thats the thing that bothers me, he says it's an OLP Stingray but it doesnt look like one.

I'll just see how you guys think about it. Keep the replies coming!

 

[bovinehost]

That's not a real logo. I mean, there are a number of other things to point out, but that right there tells you it isn't the real thing.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

The string ferrules on the rear of the body are unevenly spaced

 

[Manfloozy]

It appears to be a knock off (not even an OLP). Personally I would steer clear of this one, and look into a "Sterling by MusicMan Ray34"

 

[TheAntMan]

It appears to be a knock off (not even an OLP). Personally I would steer clear of this one, and look into a "Sterling by MusicMan Ray34"

+1 Absolutely! SBMM Ray34 are fantastic instruments at a great price.

--Ant

 

[five7]

wrong strings

 

[Duarte]

yeah ...it's a piece o' crap!

 

[4play]

Tons of things wrong with that. Definitely a forged headstock decal. The bridge is totally wrong (and I don't see anything stamped on the heel). I can't remember if my old OLP had string-thu tho. My guess is probably not. There is no battery box or cover so its passive. I would say OLP with a hacked decal. You can get these all day long for under $200 on various classified sites.

 

[Musicman Nut]

4 more images:

In the meantime, I sent an email asking for more info on the bass (serial number etc)

Dead give away, Batter Box IS TOO BIG.

 

[nashman]

The bridge looks like an old door hinge. Skip on this one and get a Ray34 - or a used Sub.