Questions

[JTG81]

I have an opportunity to get a 1980s Stingray bass off of a classified listing in my local area. I don't know much about Ernie Ball Basses and want to verse myself to be able to distinguish if it is a fake and also to see if it has any issues with it. What should I be looking for to protect myself in this purchase. Thank you in advance for your replies

 

[Bert]

http://www.musicmanbass.org
Do you know the exact year?
80s could be everything from MusicMan, Charvel/Jackson to Ernie Ball.
From 3, 4 or 6 bolt necks. Any pictures?

 

[JTG81]

Here are some pictures from the ad. It is a 1989 Stingray4 classic.

 

[Edmang]

If you can get the serial number, might be good to contact EBMM customer service for info about the bass. Should be able to tell you if the make and color of the bass match at least.

 

[Bert]

No fake. 4Bolt, 3EQ, rosewood, ash, old trussrod.
Ernie Ball from 1989 is okay.

 

[liverbird]

Yes, looks legit. Still a good idea though to run the serial number past EBMM Customer Service to check what they have on file for it. I'd specifically enquire about the finish, just to make sure it did start life as a Natural rather than being stripped from a different original finish later.

You can do it here:

http://forums.ernieball.com/ernie-ball-music-man-basses/1254-music-serial-database-781.html

 

[JTG81]

Thanks for all the help. I pulled the trigger and got the bass. The only thing missing were the sponges from the string dampeners. I am very pleased with my new instrument.

 

[Edmang]

Thanks for all the help. I pulled the trigger and got the bass. The only thing missing were the sponges from the string dampeners. I am very pleased with my new instrument.

Enjoy your new bass!

 

[djaxup]

One of the best eras of Stingrays, congratulations!

 

[Golem]

The mute pads are always either missing or fossilized.
Good source of approximately correct material is to cut
up a mouse pads Beautiful bass, especially that NECK !

Enjoy

 

[4play]

I bought a mute kit through EBMM customer service. Fairly inexpensive too.