Need help ID'ing a Musicman bass

[GuitarMark]

Hi, I bought an Ernieball Musicman bass, and I've been trying to figure out exactly what model it is, and thought that maybe someone here could help me.

When I bought it, it was missing the pickguard and volume knob. I went down to the local music store, who is an EB dealer, and the guy there called EB to see if we could find out what p/g it had on it originally, and to order the parts. They said it had a diamond plate p/g, and they thought it was a SUB bass because of the "X" in the serial number. The serial number is X04249, and it's located on the back of the headstock.

I've been searching the net, and it seems that all the SUB basses had a textured finish?? I'm not sure, but mine has a smooth black finish, and the headstock is like no other that I've found. It has a white reflector tape background, and only "MUSICMAN" with the circle R on it. I got the parts (I forgot to order the p/g screws! lol) and took a few pics to post.

I'd like to figure out what model, and year this is, and any other info would be greatly appreciated also! Atleast I can add a new one to the serial number list!

Thanks,
Mark

 

[bovinehost]

That looks like a SUB to me, but someone's done some mods along the way. If the paint on the headstock will come off easily, my bet is you'll find SUB markings under there.

 

[CFA]

I'm pretty sure that's a SUB. I could be mistaken, but o my understanding the neck being painted black is the giveaway. One of the more knowledgeable members may correct me... but I think it's a sub with a sticker covering the headstock.

 

[GuitarMark]

Thanks for the reply Bovinehost,

It's not paint on the headstock, it's like a tape with an adheisive backing. I don't know how much luck I'd have trying to take it off, I'd be scared I'd screw it up.

Mark

 

[GuitarMark]

Thanks CFA,

I also read somewhere on the net that an "X" in the ser.# was a prototype or something? or is that mis-information? probably so..

Mark

 

[Grand Wazoo]

You'll find that all subs had the X in the serial number so your bass IS a 2003 sub

as you can see here in Rod Trussbroken Music Man website SERIALS BONGO & SUB - Musicmanbass.org, Music Man, Musicman, Music Man Bass, Musicman Bass, Music Man Guitar

 

[Duarte]

Who on earth would put a big ugly and obviously fake 'music man' sticker on the headstock?

 

[five7]

That sticker on the peghead has got to go! It hurts to look at it.

 

[GuitarMark]

Are the original logos stickers? if so, are they usually cleared over, so it won't pull off when i try to remove the reflector tape?

Mark

 

[bovinehost]

They're actually silk-screened on, not stickers at all.

 

[gafman]

If you are going to try and remove the 'sticker' may I recommend this.
Whenever I remove any type of sticker from something (like a guitar, cd jewel case etc) I use a little heat from the wife's hairdryer. I use the lowest heat setting and gently heat the sticker and very slowly pull it from one edge, following with the hair dryer as I pull.
The heat from the hairdryer softens the glue of the sticker and allows it come away fairly freely with minimal residue.
Having said this, I take responsibility if you melt something or singe the hairs on your knuckles cause you went at it with a heatgun.. SLow and steady, etc, etc.