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Average Price: $1,400

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step back in time with the 1977 Music Man Stingray I, a landmark in electric guitar craftsmanship that bridges the gap between vintage allure and modern innovation. Emerging from the creative genius of Leo Fender, this guitar is a testament to the era's pioneering spirit, combining active electronics with a design that has captivated musicians for decades. Its solid body construction offers durability, while the hard maple fingerboard ensures smooth playability and a crisp, resonant tone. The Stingray I is not just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history that continues to inspire and ignite creativity.

Designed for the discerning guitarist, the Stingray I features a single humbucker paired with an early onboard battery-powered active preamp, delivering a powerful sound that's both versatile and dynamic. The bolt-on neck and string-thru body design enhance sustain and provide a comfortable playing experience, making it a favorite among guitarists who crave authenticity and sonic depth. Whether you're a collector or an active musician, the 1977 Music Man Stingray I offers a unique blend of vintage charm and cutting-edge functionality that stands the test of time.

Key Features:

  • Offset solid body design
  • Select hardwood body with a maple neck and hard maple fingerboard
  • Single humbucker with early onboard battery-powered active preamp
  • Bolt-on neck with dot inlays
  • 34-inch scale length with string-thru body construction

Product specs

Brand Music Man
Model StingRay I Guitar
Finish Black, Natural Gloss, Natural Satin, Red, Silver, Sunburst, Walnut, White
Year 1976 - 1980
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash, Poplar
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar, String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural, Red, Silver, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1977 Music Man Stingray I?

The 1977 Music Man Stingray I features a comfortable bolt-on maple neck with a 12" fretboard radius, providing a smooth playing experience ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the 1977 Music Man Stingray I?

The Stingray I is equipped with dual humbuckers (HH configuration), offering a versatile range of tones from warm, full-bodied sounds to bright, cutting leads, suitable for various music genres.

Is the 1977 Music Man Stingray I guitar suitable for beginners?

While the Stingray I offers professional-grade features and quality, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners who are serious about improving their skills.

What materials are used in the body construction of the 1977 Music Man Stingray I?

The body of the Stingray I is crafted from alder, ash, or poplar, contributing to its resonant tone and durable construction.

Does the 1977 Music Man Stingray I have a string-through body design?

Yes, the Stingray I features a string-through body design, enhancing sustain and resonance for a richer sound.

Tamás Pógyor

Tamás Pógyor

Music Man Stingray 1 1977 USA Fullerton by Leo Fender Soundcheck

Video thumbnail for Music Man Stingray 1 1977 USA Fullerton by Leo Fender Soundcheck by Tamás Pógyor

Music Man Stingray 1 1977 USA Fullerton by Leo Fender Soundcheck

Tamás Pógyor

Tamás Pógyor

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1977 Music Man Stingray I.

Features and functionality

  • The original Music Man Stingray I features a unique bridge with felt mutes that can be dialed up or down using thumb screws for adjustable muting.

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  • The Walnut finish on this 1977 model is highly praised, with several owners appreciating its distinctive 70s aesthetic and durability.

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  • The Stingray I has a unique 4-way rotary switch for pickup selection, including an out-of-phase setting for distinct tonal variations.

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  • Its bright switch functions as a boost, enhancing output with added treble for sharper sounds.

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Build quality

  • The Stingray I includes a maple board with a three-bolt tilt neck design, offering stability and ease of adjustment.

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Use cases and applications

  • Originally came with flatwound strings, which some owners prefer for a classic sound.

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  • Owners find the guitar ideal for post-rock music, especially when used with effects to create ambient soundscapes.

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  • The Stingray I's bright tone is particularly suited for surf and psychedelic music, offering a unique sound profile for these genres.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the historical aspect, noting that Leo Fender himself was involved in the design of these pre-Ernie Ball models.

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  • One owner expressed satisfaction with the guitar's ability to sustain notes for extended periods, enhancing its appeal for specific genres.

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Comparisons

  • The Stingray I is noted as a precursor to the Musicman Sabre and the F-100, informing its design lineage and evolution.

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  • A player compared the 1977 Stingray I favorably to an early '80s American Jazz Bass, noting similar or superior playability.

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Mods and upgrades

  • One owner installed a Jazzmaster-style tremolo and Mastery bridge, along with P90 pickups, enhancing its versatility for jazz, funk, surf, and psychedelic genres.

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Artist usage

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See how Angus Young uses 1977 Music Man Stingray I

Angus Young

Guitarist

AC/DC

...
Verified via Collectors

In 1977 Angus Young appeared holding a 1977 Music Man Stingray I on a poster in a Swedish magazine. https://d1w8cc2yygc27j.cloudfront.net/5960585680420880019/7993131781795576692.jpg here's another picture of the whole band with musicman gear

See how Chris Fifield uses 1977 Music Man Stingray I

Chris Fifield

Guitarist

LSD and the Search for God

...
Verified via Photo

Clearly says Music Man Stingray I on the headstock, this can be confirmed in any other live video or photo of him

See how David Sikes uses 1977 Music Man Stingray I

David Sikes

Singer, Bassist

Boston

...
Verified via Photo

A photo from a Medlock Krieger concert in Los Angeles shows David Sikes playing a 1977 Music Man Stingray I.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1977 Music Man Stingray I, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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