Brand: MusicMan
Instrument Categories: Bass, Electric, Guitars, SOLD, Solidbody
Introduced in 1976, the Music Man Stingray bass quickly established itself as an alternative to the dominant Fender basses – partly due to one of its key designers being Leo Fender himself!
Music Man was formed in 1974, having first been named Tri-Sonix in 1971 and then MusiTek. It was a partnership between electronics designer Tom Walker and former Fender executive Forrest White with Leo Fender as a silent partner – until 1975, Leo was still bound to a non-compete clause in his sale of Fender to CBS. Production was in Fullerton, California. In 1979, Music Man and Leo Fender cut ties, and in 1984 Music Man was sold to Ernie Ball and production began in San Luis Opisbo, where they are produced to this day.
The Music Man Stingray bass was designed by Leo Fender, Tom Walker and bassist Sterling Ball – son of Ernie Ball – and appeared in 1976. The Stingray 5 appeared in 1987 and became very popular with bassists seeking the extended range of the fifth string. The Stingray was the first production bass to use active electronics, allowing boost of specific frequency ranges as opposed to passive circuits which can only cut. The bass construction followed Leo Fender’s original concepts, using a Maple neck bolted to an Ash body.
This Music Man Stingray dates to 1979 and is in good overall original condition with expected play wear. The finish is perhaps accidentally Canadian – Maple and Walnut. Having been used for 44 years, the poly finish has a few dents and dings. Fret wear is light to moderate.
The original hard shell case is included.
- Model: StingRay Bass
- Year: 1979
- Finish Maple Walnut
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: B014334, built during 1979 in Fullerton, California
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 29/08/2023
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Including original Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 9.46lbs 4.3kg
- Scale Length: 34in 863.6mm
- Nut Width: 1.681in 42.69mm
