For Sale: 1978 Music Man StingRay Bass – Vintage Sunburst | Pre-Ernie Ball | Fender HSC

Up for sale is a 1978 Music Man StingRay Bass in Vintage Sunburst, complete with a non-original Fender hard-shell case.

This is a genuine pre-Ernie Ball StingRay from the original 1970s Music Man era, featuring many of the specifications that make these early basses so desirable: the classic Music Man humbucker, original 2-band active EQ with black epoxy-covered preamp, 3-bolt neck plate, non-contoured slab-style body, and maple fingerboard.

The StingRay was one of the defining bass designs of the 1970s, combining a powerful active electronics package with a huge humbucking pickup and unmistakable styling. These early pre-Ernie Ball examples have developed a serious following among players and collectors looking for the sound and feel of the original StingRay design.

This particular bass is 100% original, professionally set up, and ready to play.

Condition

Very Good

This bass shows honest cosmetic wear consistent with a vintage instrument from 1978, including:

• Light surface scratches
• Dings throughout
• Finish checking in various areas
• Normal signs of age and use

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

The bass is 100% original, with no modifications.

There are no cracks, breaks, repairs, or structural issues.

The neck is straight and stable, and the original frets remain in excellent condition with virtually no wear.

The bass has been professionally inspected and set up by our in-house luthier and plays cleanly across the fingerboard with comfortable action and no buzzing or dead spots.

A non-original Fender hard-shell case is included and is in excellent condition.

Specifications

• Model: Music Man StingRay Bass
• Year: 1978
• Era: Pre-Ernie Ball
• Serial Number: B007545
• Finish: Vintage Sunburst
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Neck Profile: D Shape
• Nut Width: 1.66"
• Neck Depth: .81" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .97" at the 12th Fret
• Pickup: Original Music Man Humbucker
• Electronics: Original 2-Band Active EQ
• Preamp: Original Black Epoxy-Covered Preamp
• Neck Joint: 3-Bolt
• Body Style: Non-Contoured / Slab Style
• Weight: 9 lbs 8 oz
• Case: Non-Original Fender Hard-Shell Case

Pre-Ernie Ball StingRay

The early Music Man StingRay occupies an important place in electric bass history.

Introduced during the 1970s, the StingRay paired a large humbucking pickup with active electronics, producing a powerful and immediately recognizable voice that was very different from the passive bass designs that dominated the preceding decades.

This 1978 example predates Ernie Ball's acquisition of Music Man, placing it firmly within the original pre-Ernie Ball production era.

These early StingRays have their own distinctive specifications and character, making clean and original examples increasingly appealing to vintage bass enthusiasts.

Original 2-Band Active Electronics

One of the defining features of a vintage StingRay is its original 2-band active electronics.

The combination of the large Music Man humbucker and active bass and treble controls gives the instrument tremendous output and tonal authority while maintaining excellent clarity and attack.

This bass retains its desirable original black epoxy-covered preamp, an important feature of these early instruments.

The electronics allow the natural character of the pickup to be shaped from deep and powerful to bright, aggressive, and cutting without losing the unmistakable StingRay identity.

Classic StingRay Tone

There is very little mistaking a great StingRay in a mix.

The original Music Man humbucker produces a muscular low end, aggressive midrange, and crisp attack with excellent note definition.

Dig in harder and the bass responds with the punchy, percussive character that helped make the StingRay famous. Back off and it can deliver warmer, rounder tones while retaining excellent articulation.

The active 2-band EQ further expands that range, making the bass equally effective for fingerstyle, pick playing, and slap.

It's a sound that has remained relevant across funk, rock, pop, R&B, punk, fusion, and countless other styles.

Vintage Neck & Feel

The maple fingerboard and D-shaped neck profile give this StingRay a substantial but comfortable vintage feel.

Our measurements are:

• Nut Width: 1.66"
• 1st Fret Depth: .81"
• 12th Fret Depth: .97"

The neck begins relatively streamlined at the lower frets and gradually fills out as you move toward the upper register.

The original frets remain in excellent condition, and the bass has been professionally set up for smooth, clean playability.

At 9 lbs 8 oz, it has the solid feel expected from an original ’70s StingRay while remaining comfortable and nicely balanced.

Originality

One of the most important aspects of this particular bass is its originality.

The bass is 100% original, retaining the components that define an authentic late-1970s StingRay, including its original pickup and active electronics.

For a vintage instrument approaching five decades old, finding an example that has avoided major modifications, repairs, and replacement electronics is especially desirable.

The cosmetic scratches, dings, and finish checking remain part of the bass's natural history rather than being artificially recreated.

Non-Original Fender Hard-Shell Case

The bass includes a non-original Fender hard-shell case in excellent condition.

While not original to the instrument, the case provides significantly better protection for storage, travel, and shipping than a gig bag.

The bass will be professionally packed inside the hard-shell case for safe transport to its next owner.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the exact instrument—no stock photos.

At the end of the photo set, you'll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to clearly show the scratches, dings, finish checking, and other cosmetic wear.

We don't just describe the condition—we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many of our customers tell us their instruments 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 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.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime—we’re always happy to help!

This 1978 Music Man StingRay in Vintage Sunburst is a fantastic example of an original pre-Ernie Ball StingRay, retaining its original humbucker, sought-after 2-band active electronics with black epoxy-covered preamp, 3-bolt neck construction, and classic ’70s StingRay character.

With its honest vintage wear, 100% original configuration, excellent original frets, and professionally set-up playability, this is equally appealing as a serious player's bass or an addition to a vintage Music Man collection.

Complete with a non-original Fender hard-shell case and ready for its next owner.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006