The Vintage 1970s Stingray Bass by Music Man

The Pre-Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Bass refers to the very early production run of the iconic Music Man StingRay bass guitars made before Ernie Ball acquired the Music Man brand in the early 1980s.
These original StingRays were designed under Leo Fender’s direction and first introduced around 1976, quickly becoming a classic thanks to their powerful tone, innovative active electronics, and bold sound that stood apart from other basses of the era.
Unlike later Ernie Ball Music Man versions, these pre-EB basses retain all-original vintage hardware and circuitry prized by collectors and players alike and often feature the characteristic humbucking pickup with active 2-band EQ, giving them a distinctive punchy, deep groove-ready voice.
Because of their age and collectible status, surviving examples can vary greatly in condition but are often sought after for both their historical significance and classic rock, funk, and studio tones.

Specs:

• Era: Pre-Ernie Ball Music Man (late 1970s; around 1976–early 1980s)
• Manufacturer: Music Man (pre-EB acquisition)
• Body Wood: Ash (common on 1970s examples)
• Neck: Maple with maple fingerboard
• Scale Length: 34″ standard bass scale
• Frets: 21 frets
• Pickups: Original Music Man humbucking pickup (active)
• Electronics: Active 2-band EQ preamp (vintage spec)
• Bridge: Vintage Music Man bridge with adjustable mute pads (period hardware)
• Tuners: Open-gear tuning machines
• Finish: Often natural or sunburst (varies on individual instrument)
• Vintage Status: Highly collectible original instrument (value influenced by condition and originality)