For Sale: 1978 Music Man Stingray Bass – Natural Pre-Ernie Ball w/ OHSC

Up for sale is a 1978 Music Man Stingray Bass in Natural, complete with its original 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. If you are looking for an early Stingray with the classic look, feel, and tone that made these basses famous, this is a good one.

Condition

This bass is in very good condition and has clearly been well cared for over the years. It shows some light scratches, dings, 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 is 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, and it plays smoothly up and down the board with no issues. The frets are in excellent condition with no wear and the bass has been professionally set up and is ready to go.

The original case is included and is in very good condition with the usual wear expected for its age.

Specifications

Serial Number: B010301
Weight: 10 lbs 6 oz
Nut Width: 1.65"
Neck Depth: .79" at the 1st fret, .98" at the 12th fret
Neck Profile: D Shape
Fingerboard: Maple

Tone & Feel

These early Stingrays have a sound and feel all their own. The combination of the original humbucker and the 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 6 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 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 guitars and basses 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 instruments so they arrive safely.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013
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This 1978 Music Man Stingray Bass in Natural 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