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What in the Wide Wide World of Sports?

I'm not the expert, but I think that's the transition logo and the serial number is about right for an 89. Four bolt neck, bullet truss....looks like an 89 to me, but I'll reserve judgment until Gavin weighs in.
 
bovinehost said:
I'm not the expert, but I think that's the transition logo and the serial number is about right for an 89. Four bolt neck, bullet truss....looks like an 89 to me, but I'll reserve judgment until Gavin weighs in.
Click to expand...

I think you're correct on this one, Jack.

I checked Gav's site, and the listed serial number (#29335) would put it around summer/early fall '89; transition logo around that time, as well.

29109...Sept 1989. White with Rosewood. White pg. New EB headstock logo. 3 Band EQ. SOLID string saddles with hex adjustable screws.
29158...08/89. White with Maple. White pg. 2 Band EQ.
29189...04/90. Black with Rosewood. Black pg. Fretless. 3 Band EQ. Decal on rear of headstock.
29260...Purchased circa 1989. Cherryburst (EB version of Sunburst?) with figured Maple. 4 bolt neck. Pre-Flea bridge. Solid saddles.
29371...10/89. White with Rosewood. White pg. 3 Band EQ. Top-load Bridge with small diameter thumb screws. 4 Bolt neck with skunk stripe. New headstock logo (as opposed to the Trans logo).
 
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Here's my toss.

Putting the neck aside, everything appears to be ok with the body...it's contoured, has a top load bridge (even though seller says string-through), 3 band EQ (introduced circa 1987), correct serial for 1989 and no "Made In USA" on the neck plate ("Made In USA" are Pre-EB plates).

The headstock logo isn't right. By 1989, it was solid black. Even if an earlier logo had crept through to 1989, there still would be some mention of Ernie Ball. EB has always appeared on the logos except for a very early period in 1985. The words "Music Man" on the earlier logos were also clear and not gold (except for very early 1985). But, I don't think it's an early 1985 neck because the string retainer is on the D and G strings. EB put their retainers on the A and D strings, even from very early 1985. I don't think the retainer has been moved, otherwise there'd be a screw hole between the A and D. I can't see one.

Looks more like a Pre-EB 4 bolt neck to me. I'm suspicious about the sharp angle positioning of the headstock logo. It's probably one of those replica after-market thingies you see on Ebay. If that's the case, the neck (or atleast the headstock) has probably been refinished. There appears to be sanding marks near and around the truss nut but I could be wrong though.
 
I wouldn't call that gash in the back (which appears to almost go down to the wood) "minor playing wear" either, but that's just me.
 
Yeah, I completely agree with Gav. That decal on the headstock has to be a replacement, the placement is way off. The only 'replacement' decals I've seen are pre-EB, so that probably explains why there isn't the expected 'Ernie Ball' on there (headstock must have been refinished at some point).

I have a black '89 with 3-band preamp. All the features match up with this one, except mine has the correct decal on the headstock.
 
Here's the early period order of logos when EB took over:

1985%5FRare%5FHeadstock%5FLogo%2Ejpg

Very early 1985. Same as the Pre-EB with gold MM lettering. No mention of "Ernie Ball".
But note the placement of the string retainer on A and D (rather than Pre-EB D and G).

1987%5F26511%5Fheadstock%5Ffront%2Ejpg

1985 to 1988. "Ernie Ball" added to the logo and MM lettering is clear rather than gold.

L22%2Ejpg

1988. Solid black. Word "Bass" is deleted from the previous "Sting Ray Bass".

After 1988 there's other changes. But, IMO, this is the logo which should appear on the Bass subject to discussion.
 
Gav always seems to top himself. Amazed on the detailed knowledge. Definite signs of a demented mind.
 
BTW, Jon

My black '89 is heading to the shop for a look into the preamp. It should arrive on Monday, please take a look if you can.

Thanks!
 
...please take a look if you can.
Click to expand...

Todd, I can almost guarantee that if your bass hits the repair department, Jon will have a look at it. His hundreds of minions have standing orders about Forumites' basses, you know?

By the way, I think you made an appearance on the Forum Calendar.

Jack
 
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