rodney72a

The lighter hardware makes a (big) difference but there will still be variations in the weight of the wood. I think it's safe to say that - on average - the new StingRay Specials are lighter than their predecessors. (The guide weight on the EBMM website for the SR4S is now 8 lbs 8 oz, it was 9 lbs 5 oz for the old ones.) It's always been possible to find light(-ish) StingRays, although you had to search a bit. My 'regular' (agricultural) SR4s go from 8.2 lbs to well over 10 lbs, several are under 9 lbs. No SRSs in the stable so far.

Try tautology.

Agreed. Strings & Things are good. It wasn't that though.

I despair.

Try this: https://www.reddit.com/r/MusicalTheatreScores/search?q=little+shop+of+horrors&restrict_sr=on

I wouldn't worry about it. It happens. Here's a pic from my '63 Jazz, it must have been played some during its life. Just put on the strings you like and enjoy it.

Great version of a great song.

If it's the SLO Special (1.5" nut width) it will say so on the decal.

Tort looks good on pretty much everything apart from blues and greens.

An investor would want a return. A collector - not necessarily.

Why unplayable?

If there is a better bass shop in the country, I'd sure like to know. Have been a customer since 2001. Sold instruments on commission, bought amps, strings, bits and pieces, had lots of setups and repairs done. Always top-notch service from Martin, John, and now Charlie. The best.

Nice! Was yours a new order? Just wondering whether they actually still make the Chocolate Burst ones... Great basses.

Oliver Poschmann is the bassist on Motown The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre. He also did Rock Of Ages in the West End and the German production of We Will Rock You for many years. Brilliant player!

Yes, terrible.

A B027XXX serial number usually means the instrument is from 1988. Those B027XXX serials generally aren't in the EBMM database, however, you could try submitting the number without the 'B' prefix - that might produce a match. Other than that, you can take the neck off to check; there will be date stamps in the neck pocket and on the neck heel. Pots are also stamped with a date code although that's less accurate as they would sometimes use up stock from previous years. Often there is also a sticker on the back of the volume pot with a handwritten date on it. I agree with drTStingray about values. Condition and originality are key. OHSC is definitely a plus, if it is indeed the original one. You don't see many StingRays from those years with the original case, at least if they were originally purchased this country. Someone from Strings & Things who already worked for the company back then once told me that in those days the instruments were usually imported in a fortified shipping box/container and held in place by some sort of neck brace. Other importers/distributors may have handled that differently - for instance, my 1992 Sunburst SR4 bought from new at a shop in Germany did come with the original case.

That brings back some memories - my first StingRay was a 1992 Sunburst, 2-band, rosewood. Quite weighty, but what a bass! Great sound, very comfortable neck, quite slim back to front. Lacquered, which I prefer. Lots of wear, marks, dents etc. Still have it, I don't think I could ever part with it. The 3-band on the SR4 started in 1987, by the way. As for neck profiles... I have measured the depth of some of my necks and there are definitely some differences. I can't really comment on the very recent SR4s though - my youngest 'standard' SR4 is from 2007, all the newer ones are Classics or Old Smoothies and they have a different profile anyway. The new line looks fantastic - I have spent a lot of time over the years trying to find light(-ish) SR4s and SR5s, so this weight reduction programme is most welcome! Will be interesting to see how the new preamp, magnets, bridge etc will affect things. Can't wait!

A.J. from EBMM Customer Service going through the new colours: Early favourites for me are Aqua Sparkle, Envy Green, Chopper Blue but hey - they all look great! There will be orders.

Pick-up cover ties in with the binding. Works great.