Stingray prototype

[Graham]

This just popped up on the G&L Facebook page, one of Leo's prototype Stingrays that shows his transition from the Precision to the 'Ray.

[Img]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/Ghost_Upon_The_Stage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_198741072842146_zpsehz2to9t.jpeg" class="ipsImage" />

[LukeFRC]

nice!

it's interesting to see how he came to it- essentially starting with moving the pup back - is that the sweetspot it ended up at?

[discreet]

Like it!

[Graham]

The pickup is apparently in the sweet-spot, from the Facebook post:

Inside Leo's Lab: 1976 prototype Leo Fender Music Man Stingray bass from the CLF Research days. This prototype shows the Stingray concept nearing completion. Note the split coil pickup with large Alnico pole pieces, located about where the final Stingray humbucker pickup would be. This is a fascinating prototype, the missing link between where Leo left the P-bass and where he started the Stingray.

[stingrayPete1977]

Accidently invented the Lakland bridge while he was at it too

[discreet]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1405545383' post='2502984']
Accidently invented the Lakland bridge while he was at it too
[/quote]

Are those circular mutes I'm seeing under the strings?

[stingrayPete1977]

Yes I think they are threaded rather than sprung, so the pads are like being on top of what we now know as the thumb screws.

[stingrayPete1977]

He actually made the first few stingrays wrong with the bridge too far away not allowing enough saddle length to intonate them!

[stingrayPete1977]

[quote name='Meddle' timestamp='1405545561' post='2502990']
Leo Fender made up this testbed during the G&L phase (if the headstock is anything to go by). I think he must have had a few of these 'sweetspot finders'.


[/quote]
Even with that test bed body Leo has spent more time making the sharp edges more rounded than a Rickenbacker!

[miles'tone]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1405545383' post='2502984']
Accidently invented the Lakland bridge while he was at it too
[/quote]

And Delano pickups

[ahpook]

[quote name='Meddle' timestamp='1405546024' post='2503002']
errr... do I get a free pass to the Rickenbacker forums yet?
[/quote]

No, but R**********r may sue you for using the R**********r name whilst describing a non-R**********r bass !

[theyellowcar]

Interesting that he reversed the P pickup here but then went back to the 'standard' orientation on G&L basses like the SB. Clearly didn't think there was much benefit!