(SOLD) Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 4H Aztec Gold 1998
Music Man Stingray 4H, aztec gold, made in USA 1998. Ever seen a gold Stingray? Neither had I til this glorious creature darkened my door. The gold is gorgeous, it's got a sweet depth and shimmer to it and has faded and worn mildly over a couple of decades to a perfect balance of gaudy bling and vintage chíc. The neck is made from a superb piece of very dark rosewood and arrow-straight quartersawn maple, it exudes class in the hands and has that certain integrity that you can always feel with a USA Musicman. The rosewood board adds a little extra plumpness to the low end of the tone, this has a very satisfying rounded, tight bass response that's superbly punchy. It's got that classic Stingray growl and grind through the mids too, so it's never going to get lost in the mix. The 3-band EQ is very powerful too, it's simple to dial in the exact tone you're looking for. There's room in just about any bass player's quiver for a tasty Ray, and this is certainly delicious.
Model: Ernie Ball Musicman StingRay 4H
Made: USA, neck date 28 Sep 1998 (serial D09324)
Finish: aztec gold
Body: ash
Neck quartersawn maple, rosewood board, oil and wax finish, 43mm nut, C-shape
Weight: 4.370kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Musicman humbucker, alnico, 3-band EQ
Case: new Crossfire branded hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks, just some minor dimples and rub wear on the back as well as a curious pair of dots near the nut end from what appears to be permanent marker. The back has widespread but very light dimples and scuffs, it appears almost perfect unless you catch it in the right light and then you can see a number of scuffs. The sides have a few dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front is nice and tidy, just some dimples on the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets are in good shape, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 45/105 strings.