One of the First Ones, I think

[danmixer]

I own Stingray Bass # B 004041.I'm pretty sure that this must be from the first production run of Stingrays. Am I right?

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Hi,

B001000 was the first production model serial#..."Fender The Inside Story" by Forrest White.

Production commenced in 1976.

I have records showing that B002913 is a Feb 1977 Bass and B004137 to be an Aug 1977 Bass.

Although pre EB MM serials don't run in chronological order, there does seem to be a general pattern to the numbers. It's highly likely you have a 1977 Bass, which, in itself, is a very desirable Bass to have. Some of the very early Basses had plastic control knobs...known as "Radio Knobs". Perhaps if you described your Bass in more detail, the date could possibly be narrowed down a bit further.

The only way to be sure of the manufacture date is to remove the neck which will be dated at the heel. There will also be a date in the body pocket (recess where neck fits to the body) indicating when the body was made.

Cheers.

 

[danmixer]

my 1977

Thanks for your help. The bass has textured chrome knobs. I don't really want to take the neck off right now to look for those manufacture dates, but I'm sure that I was playing this instrument in August of 1977, so it must have been made before that..I think I took delivery on it in July of that year...yes, I am the original owner. Regards, Danmixer

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Yep.....it has to be an early 1977 Bass....especially if you purchased it new around mid 1977.

If you ever pop the neck, let us know. Any Bass that wants to stay at my place has to take it's neck off first....



Cheers.