Music Man StingRay 3EQ Fretless

One Owner Since New | Factory Fretless | Unlined Pau Ferro Fingerboard | Original Purchase Receipt

For sale is my 1997 Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 3EQ Fretless, finished in beautiful Translucent Teal, featuring an unlined Pau Ferro fingerboard and a figured maple neck.

I purchased this bass new from Manny's Music in New York City in 1997, and I have been its sole owner ever since.

The bass has been carefully maintained throughout its life and has exclusively been played with flatwound strings, helping preserve the original fretless fingerboard.

With almost 30 years of history, this is a wonderful example of a classic American-made StingRay, combining the unmistakable Music Man sound with the warmth and expressiveness of a fretless bass.

Specifications

• Brand: Ernie Ball Music Man
• Model: StingRay 3EQ Fretless
• Year: 1997
• Serial Number: D06822
• Factory Completion Date: July 11, 1997
• Finish: Translucent Teal
• Fingerboard: Unlined Pau Ferro
• Neck: Figured maple
• Configuration: Four-string, factory fretless
• Pickup: Music Man humbucker
• Electronics: Active 3-band EQ
• Made in: San Luis Obispo, California, USA

The instrument's production date, finish, and fretless fingerboard specifications have been confirmed directly by Ernie Ball Music Man.

CONDITION

The bass is in Very Good condition, showing normal signs of careful use and age.

The Translucent Teal finish retains its attractive appearance and gloss, with some minor surface marks consistent with a vintage instrument.

The maple neck features beautiful natural figuring and age-related patina. The unlined Pau Ferro fingerboard has been used exclusively with flatwound strings throughout the instrument's life.

The original-style Music Man bridge, tuning machines, pickup, and control hardware show the expected cosmetic wear and patina for an instrument of this age.

Known modification: The original battery compartment has been replaced with a different battery box that fits the existing cavity.

The bass comes with a non-original case.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

HISTORY & PROVENANCE

What makes this bass particularly interesting is its documented history.

I am the original and only owner, having purchased it new from the legendary Manny's Music store in New York City in 1997.

The original purchase receipt is still available and will be included with the instrument.

Its factory specifications and completion date have also been independently confirmed by Ernie Ball Music Man.

This provides a documented ownership history from its original purchase to the present day.

WHY THIS STINGRAY?

Factory fretless StingRays with unlined Pau Ferro fingerboards have a distinctive character, and the Translucent Teal finish makes this particular instrument especially attractive.

The combination of its 1997 production date, original factory configuration, figured maple neck, single-owner history, and original purchase documentation makes it an appealing instrument for both dedicated players and Music Man enthusiasts.

This bass has been part of my musical life since 1997, and I hope it finds a new home where it will continue to be appreciated and played.

This instrument is sold As-Described, in accordance with Reverb's policies.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests for additional photographs.