EBMM classic stingray5 2012 PDN GILDED WHITE

EBMM 2011 PDN “GILDED WHITE” (Ernie Ball Music Man Premier Dealer Network Limited Edition)

Overview and Production Background

Announced in August 2011 and shipped from late 2011 through 2012, this premium instrument represents a milestone in Ernie Ball Music Man history. It was produced in extremely limited quantities as the inaugural, full-scale global release for the Premier Dealer Network (PDN)—an exclusive program available only through select authorized flagship dealers.

Built upon the highly sought-after StingRay 5 Classic platform, this specific 5-string version is limited to just 100 units worldwide, making it an exceptionally rare and investment-grade collector piece.

Distinctive Specifications

1. Cosmetics: Gilded White Finish and Gold Hardware

The defining characteristic of this instrument is its exclusive Gilded White finish. While appearing as an elegant white pearl at first glance, it features a shimmering metallic formulation that beautifully shifts between gold and subtle violet under changing light.

・Matching Finish: The striking Gilded White gloss finish seamlessly extends from the body across the entire back of the neck and covers both the front and back of the headstock.

・Gold Hardware: Radiant gold plating is applied to the control plate, the String-through body Classic bridge assembly (complete with authentic mute pads), Schaller tuning keys, and even extends to the pickup pole pieces (Alnico magnets).

・Pickguard: Outfitted with a premium, multi-ply White Pearloid guard that perfectly complements the overall aesthetic.

2. Electronics: The First-Ever Active/Passive Switching in StingRay History

In the long history of the traditionally active-only StingRay, this specific PDN run marks a historic milestone as the first official StingRay equipped from the factory with a switchable active/passive circuit.

While preserving the classic 1-Volume and 2-Band EQ (Treble/Bass) layout, the control plate elegantly hosts four knobs to accommodate this advanced routing.

・The 4th Knob (Positioned closest to the bridge):

This control acts as a master passive tone pot equipped with a Push/Pull switch. Pulling the knob upward completely bypasses the 2-band active EQ circuit, instantly converting the bass into passive mode with the knob functioning as a traditional Passive Master Tone. Pushing the knob down returns the instrument to its legendary, high-output 2-band active voicing.

3. Core Classic Specifications

This bass faithfully retains the premium, vintage-reissue appointments inherent to the StingRay 5 Classic Series.

・Body: Premium Ash utilizing the traditional slab body design (no body contours).

・Neck and Fingerboard: Hand-selected Maple or Rosewood featuring true 5-string specs with an 11-inch radius, a comfortable 1-3/4 inch (approx. 44.5mm) nut width, and 21 high-profile frets.

・Neck Joint: Time-tested, ultra-stable 6-bolt mitered neck joint ensuring maximum sustain.

◾️ Notes from the Owner

Perfectly capturing the classic pre-Ernie Ball aesthetic and re-engineering it into a modern 5-string layout, this instrument beautifully bridges vintage heritage with the opulent ornamentation of premium EBMM production. Within this limited production run, it remains an incredibly scarce find, with a global footprint of only 100 units.

What makes this bass truly exceptional is not just its striking presence, but its unique active/passive switching architecture. While the four-knob layout might initially suggest a standard 3-band EQ setup, the knob located where the original pre-Ernie Ball output jack used to reside actually functions as the push/pull mode selector. Engaging the passive mode provides a highly musical master tone roll-off—a feature that working bassists have long desired in a StingRay, delivered here as a factory-original specification.

The original gold plating on the control plate and neck plate exhibits some honest fading and tarnish from careful use. I am currently in communication with EBMM to verify the availability of factory-genuine replacement parts. Should I be successful in procuring them, I will gladly either install them prior to shipment or include them safely in the case for the next owner.

Thank you for your time and consideration.