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1979 - 1981 PRE ERNIE BALL MUSIC MAN STINGRAY BASS – ONE OWNER

Estimated price for orientation: 2 299 $

Category: Music Man StingRay Electric Bass
Class:











Description
Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: Ernie Ball
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States Dexterity: Right-Handed


1979 / 1981 PRE ERNIE BALL MUSIC MAN STINGRAY BASS – ONE OWNERFor your consideration is an extremely clean 1979 / 1981 pre Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay electric bass guitar complete with the original hang tag manual and original hardshell case. I am the original owner having bought it brand new in 1981 for home studio use only.  This bass weighs a very comfortable 9lbs, 7oz.  The neck date is January 13, 1981. The neck pocket of the body is dated [month] 23, 1979 (though the date is partially covered by factory original paint and the month is not clear, the day date of 23 is, as is most of the year date of 1979 - see additional images below). The 1979 body date is further evidenced by the fact this bass is the very desirable string-thru-the-body version; research suggests 1980 was the final production year of this particular feature. In addition, the serial number found on the bridge, B013791 also dates to 1979. The pots date to 1977 and 1979. Therefore as was common with Fender and Gibson in the 1960’s, it was evidently also common at Music Man (at least in the Leo Fender/pre Ernie Ball era) to use up existing parts and components that were already produced and still in inventory.  So while it was obviously assembled in 1981, the body and electronics date to 1979 (and one pot 1977) hence me calling it a 1979 / 1981.  This one-owner bass is in near mint condition and 100% original; EXACTLY as it came from the factory. There are no modifications, changes, breaks, cracks or repairs. The solid maple neck has some nice figuring especially at the headstock. The frets are in very good shape and the original white finish has no checking at all. There is some very minor “yellowing” under the pickgard and is only noticeable only with the pickguard removed. There are a few very small dings and scuffs around the edge of the body (see images). There is also a tiny ding neck at the side of the neck at the first fret just below the G string.  However it is not a chip and DOES NOT affect the playability in the least (see image below).  This bass has been safely stored with the strings loosened in its original hard shell case in my non-smoking, temperature controlled home for the past 30+ years only taken out of the case on occasion. The 9-volt battery for the pre-amp was removed many years ago to prevent leakage hence the battery compartment is very clean and free of defect and corrosion. I did put new GHS strings on and installed a fresh 9-volt battery and the electronics work exactly as they should. As mentioned, this particular model is the string-thru-the-body with a 3-bolt neck. As is common with vintage StingRay bass guitars the original string mute sponges have dried out but are easily replaced. The Alnico humbucking pickup is warm and punchy with wide tonal range and sound versatility.Scroll down for more images. Please note due to lighting and camera angles there are obvious glares and the color may vary from image to image. But the finish like every thing else is absolutely 100% original. Please look at all of the images closely and ask any questions prior to bidding as I do not offer refunds. As stated I am the original and only owner of this extraordinary bass. The original hardshell case is in excellent condition and the latches work exactly as they should.  You will be hard pressed to find a cleaner example of this vintage. It will be well packed, shipped and fully insured using either FedEx or UPS. Shipping is $105. PayPal and lower 48 only please.