For Sale: 1977 Music Man StingRay Bass – Natural | Pre-Ernie Ball | Vintage Original w/ Hard-Shell Case

Up for sale is a 1977 Music Man StingRay Bass in Natural, complete with a non-original Fender 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 original large humbucker with long Alnico pole pieces, slab body construction, 3-bolt neck plate, and classic 2-band active EQ with black epoxy preamp.

If you are looking for an early StingRay with the unmistakable look, feel, and tone that made these basses legendary, this is an excellent example.

Condition

This bass is in very good condition and I would rate it a solid 8/10 overall.

It shows scratches, dings, wear on the back, finish checking throughout, and a small crack in the plastic pickguard, all consistent with age and normal use. The original bridge foam mutes are missing, which is extremely common on vintage StingRays.

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

Everything on the bass is original. There are no cracks, breaks, or structural issues. The neck is straight, the frets are in excellent condition with no meaningful wear, and the bass plays smoothly up and down the neck with no issues. It has also been recently professionally set up and is ready to go.

The non-original Fender hard-shell case is included and is in very good condition.

Specifications

• Year: 1977
• Serial Number: B002371
• Weight: 10 lbs 12 oz
• Nut Width: 1.70"
• Neck Depth: .79" at the 1st fret, .96" at the 12th fret
• Neck Profile: D Shape
• Body: Ash
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Scale Length: 34"
• Pickup: Original Music Man Large Humbucker with Long Alnico Pole Pieces
• Electronics: Original 2-Band Active EQ with Black Epoxy Preamp
• Bridge: Original Music Man Bridge
• Case: Non-Original Fender Hard-Shell Case

Electronics & Features

One of the standout features of this bass is the highly desirable original large Music Man humbucker with long Alnico pole pieces. Combined with the original 2-band active EQ and black epoxy preamp, it delivers the punch, clarity, growl, and unmistakable attack that made early StingRays so influential.

These early pre-Ernie Ball examples are becoming increasingly collectible because they represent the original Leo Fender-era StingRay design before later production changes.

The slab ash body and maple neck combination also give the bass the classic late-’70s StingRay feel and response players look for.

Tone & Feel

This bass has the kind of aggressive punch, tight low end, and articulate attack that defines a great vintage StingRay. It delivers strong lows, cutting mids, and excellent clarity while still retaining warmth and musicality.

The original pickup and preamp combination give it the unmistakable StingRay snap and authority that works beautifully for funk, rock, pop, fusion, and slap playing.

The D-shaped neck feels comfortable and substantial without being overly bulky, and at 10 lbs 12 oz, it has the solid feel many players associate with the best vintage StingRays.

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 instruments 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 and bass is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of instruments 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.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013
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This 1977 Music Man StingRay Bass in Natural is a very cool original pre-Ernie Ball example with all the right vintage features, classic StingRay tone, and tons of old-school character.

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