For Sale: 1979 Music Man Stingray Bass – Black w/ OHSC

Up for sale is a 1979 Music Man Stingray Bass in Black, complete with its original hard-shell case.

This is a very cool and increasingly hard-to-find pre-Ernie Ball Stingray from the early years of Music Man production. These late-’70s examples are especially desirable for their vintage humbucker, 3-bolt neck plate, slab body, and 2-band active EQ with black epoxy-covered preamp. The pots date to 1978 and the neck is stamped 1979, confirming this as a 1979 Music Man Stingray. If you are looking for an early Stingray with the classic look, feel, and tone that made these basses famous, this is a great one.

Condition

This bass is in very good condition and I would rate it a solid 7.5/10. It shows scratches, dings, some areas faded from stickers that were previously on the bass, and finish checking throughout, all consistent with age and normal use. Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

Everything on the bass appears to be original. The foam mutes at the bridge are missing, which is very common on these. There are no cracks, breaks, or structural issues. The neck is straight, the frets are in excellent condition with no wear, and the bass plays smoothly and cleanly up and down the board with no issues. It has also been recently professionally set up and is ready to go.

The original hard-shell case is included and is in very good condition for its age, with the usual wear and some writing on it.

Specifications

Serial Number: B011017
Weight: 10 lbs 8 oz
Nut Width: 1.68"
Neck Depth: .80" at the 1st fret, .99" at the 12th fret
Neck Profile: D Shape
Finish: Black
Fingerboard: Maple
Electronics: Original 2-Band Active EQ with Black Epoxy Preamp
Pickup: Original Music Man Humbucker
Bridge: Original Stingray Bridge, Foam Mutes Missing
Case: Original Hard-Shell Case

Electronics & Features

One of the biggest draws of this bass is that it has all the right early Stingray features players and collectors look for. The original humbucker and 2-band active EQ deliver the sound that defined the model, and the black epoxy-covered preamp, 3-bolt neck plate, and slab body all help place it firmly in that desirable early production era.

These pre-Ernie Ball Stingrays have a feel and voice all their own, and original examples like this continue to be highly sought after. Even with the honest wear, this one has all the character you would want from a real vintage Stingray.

Tone & Feel

These early Stingrays have a sound and feel all their own. The combination of the original humbucker and 2-band active EQ gives you the punch, clarity, and unmistakable Stingray attack that made these basses so influential.

This one has the strong, solid feel you would expect from an early example, with plenty of vintage character. At 10 lbs 8 oz, it has a substantial feel in the hands, just like many of the best old Stingrays do.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the actual instrument. At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to highlight any wear. We don’t just describe the condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises. Many customers tell us our guitars often arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments. Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation, so there is no risk to you as the buyer. We know how to pack and ship guitars so it arrives safely.

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This 1979 Music Man Stingray Bass in Black is a very nice original pre-Ernie Ball example with the right features, the original case, and all the vintage appeal that makes these early Stingrays so desirable.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006