The two "true" Stingrays I had were chalk and cheese. The '96 played like a dream, perfect balance, great tones. The '06 was one of the most indifferent instruments I've ever owned.
Regretted selling the first - non plussed about the second..
Only partially true...After MyHermes failed to collect my recently acquired bass, Interparcel allocated the collection to Tuffnells who I knew nothing about (even though they have a depot about 1 mile from where I live). Apparently they're no/ not much better than MyHermes.
Can't remember who I sold mine to...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Bass-Brewery-Made-in-England-Pewter-Beer-Tankard/114637402127?hash=item1ab0ebf00f:g:RAUAAOSwHxNgBbKn
I agree - I have Indo made Laklands, G&Ls amongst others.
The point I was making is that it doesn't really matter where basses are made anymore - hence not being able to understand the premium we pay for US built instruments - anybody can nail them together.
The builders in Korea/ Indonesia/ China can all do it to a satisfactory level once trained.
Guitars ceased to be "hand-made" a long time ago so it nolonger requires a craftsman to make one, merely a machine operator.
If you want a hand crafted instrument for a reasonable price go to one of the luthiers on this forum.