MUSIC MAN History
MUSIC MAN History
The History of Music Man
The evolution of the Stingray and the trajectory of Leo Fender
table of contents
Introduction
1. The Great Creator – Leo Fender
2. Founding of Fender
3. A turning point for Fender
4. Leo's New Challenge: The Birth of MUSIC MAN
5. MUSIC MAN: A model that Leo was involved in developing.
6. StingRayBassTracking the changes
7. Current Music Man
8. What happened to Leo Fender after he left Music Man?
Afterword
Introduction
Electric guitar / electricBassFender is a name known to anyone who plays the guitar.
That electric guitar/electricBassLeo Fender is the founder of the Fender brand, which laid the foundation for many things.
His groundbreaking inventions led to the creation of numerous guitars.BassAmplifiers, even today, have remained largely unchanged in form and continue to be loved by people. Telecaster, Stratocaster, PrecisionBass,jazzBass...These instruments were not merely "new instruments," but rather, it's no exaggeration to say, they shaped the very history of music.
This time, we'll cover the founding of Fender by Leo Fender and the birth of Music Man, and in the second half, we'll discuss Music Man's flagship model, the StingRay.BassWe will introduce you to this.
1. The Great Creator – Leo Fender
Born in Fullerton, California in 1909, Leo was interested in electrical engineering from a young age.
After graduating from high school, I went on to attend Fullerton Junior College, a local institution. Surprisingly, I majored in accounting, and after graduation, I began working as an accountant for the California Highway Department.
After working for several years, Leo founded "Fender's Radio Service," a radio repair shop, in 1938. His passion for electrical engineering and sound, which he had cultivated since childhood, drove him to become an engineer.
Fender Radio Service not only repaired radios, but also undertook repairs on amplifiers and modifications on electric guitars, and it was during this time that Leo became thoroughly familiar with the problems of electric instruments.
On September 26, 1944, Leo Fender and his business partner, Clayton Dr. Coffman, filed a patent application for an electric guitar pickup modeled after a phonograph pickup. Attaching this to a simple, solid-wood guitar produced as part of Fender Radio Service marked a significant step in the history of electric musical instruments.
2. Founding of Fender
Leo Fender, having dissolved his partnership with Kofman, renamed the company "Fender Electric Instruments" in 1947. The company was renamed "Company". In 1948, they developed the world's first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, which they released as the Esquire in 1949.
As you all know, after that came the Telecaster and Precision.BassStratocaster, Jazzmaster, JazzBassThis is where instruments like the Jaguar, which are still used today, were created.
3. A Turning Point for Fender: Leo Fender's Struggles and Decisions
A major turning point for Fender came in 1965. Leo Fender, who had been a pioneer in the electric guitar industry, agreed to sell Fender to CBS, the American commercial television and radio network.
Leo remained with Fender for several years as a technical advisor after serving as a manager, but left the company in 1970, mainly for health reasons. One theory suggests that the new Fender company actively incorporated Leo's newly developed technologies.RecruitIt's also said that this is because they didn't do it.
4. Leo's New Challenge: The Birth of MUSIC MAN
After leaving Fender in 1972, Leo co-founded Music Man with Tom Walker (who had previously worked in sales and amplifier design at Fender) and Forrest White (former vice president of Fender).
Leo, who had once retired from the front lines, founded MUSIC MAN because he wanted to "develop new products as an engineer."
Leo on guitar/BassWhile development was underway, an amplifier spearheaded by Tom Walker was released first in 1974.
MUSIC MAN/212HD
Approximately a year and a bit after the release of the amplifier, the StingRay I and StingRay Bass were unveiled at the 1976 NAMM Show.
At the time, many musicians, including Eric Clapton, sought the aged sound of old Fender guitars, and vintage guitars were all the rage.
Amidst all this, Leo, who remained committed to his philosophy of "developing new products," did not create retro guitars, but rather entirely new guitars/BassWe will develop the StingRay.
5. Music Man Early Models: Legendary Machines That Leo Helped Develop
MUSIC MAN/StingRay I 1977
MUSIC MAN/StingRay II 1977
The StingRay I featured humbucker pickups and a groundbreaking active tone circuit for its time. While its body shape and control panel were influenced by the Stratocaster and Jaguar, its powerful, high-fidelity tone exuded a new presence while still retaining Fender's DNA. The only difference between the StingRay I and the StingRay II is the fingerboard radius; all other specifications are identical (12"R for the I, 7.25"R for the II).
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1979
PrecisionBassThe body shape is similar, but like the guitar, it lacks contours.
The most distinctive feature of this style is the single humbucker-type pickup, which is now known as the "Music Man type/Stingray type" and is similar to the Precision Bass.Bass,jazzBassElectric guitars lined upBassIt has become one of the most classic items.
StingRay became Music Man's biggest hit.BassFenderBassAlthough it has a completely different sound character, the rise of slap bass and synthesizers has led to...BassIt was a perfect fit for an era of significant changes in sound and was widely accepted in the market.
Equipped with an active circuit, it can quickly respond to playing techniques such as fingerstyle, pick playing, and slap bass, making it suitable for use in songs.BassLeo's contributions, following his time at Fender, are immeasurable, as he has broadened the range of instrumental performance and, consequently, contributed to the development of music.
MUSIC MAN/Sabre II
The Sabre II, released in 1977, has a more Stratocaster-like shape than the StingRay I/II, with a contoured body.RecruitIt was positioned as a higher-end model compared to the StingRay.
MUSIC MAN/Sabre Bass
The Sabre Bass, released in 1979.Bass). It appeared as a two-pickup version of the StingRay, and was the last guitar designed by Leo Fender at Music Man.BassIt is also known as [another name].
~Leo Fender's departure~
Music Man, founded by Leo Fender, remains a major brand to this day, but in fact, around 1980, Leo left Music Man and founded G&L.
Meanwhile, it was Ernie Ball, a world-renowned string manufacturer, that rescued the struggling Music Man. Acquired by Ernie Ball in 1984, Music Man continued to improve the StingRay and produced various variations. Building on the foundation that Leo had laid, they continued to develop electric guitars.BassIt has become a universally recognized standard.
6. StingRayBassThe changes and history
The StingRay remains a cornerstone model that continues to support the MUSIC MAN brand.
While the StingRay has undergone few major visual changes since its initial release, it has undergone minor modifications over time to meet the evolving needs of bassists.
Pre-Arnie period
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1977
After the acquisition of Ernie Ball, StingRay underwent a complete redesign of various specifications, so models from before the acquisition in 1984 are referred to as the Pre-Ernie era.
Even though the appearance may not be significantly different from the current model at first glance, there are many differences when you look closely.
peg
The 3:1 tuner arrangement embodies Forest White's idea.
The purpose was not only to make the 1st string knob easier to reach, but also to improve the string tension and the weight balance of the headstock.
Truss rod nut
Like Fender guitars from the 1970s, it features a mechanism that allows adjustments to be made from the headstock side.
String retainer
It is set between the 1st and 2nd strings. After 1985, as will be explained later, it was changed to be between the 2nd and 3rd strings.
Position Marks
During the pre-Ernie Bear era, the guitar did not have a position marker at the 21st fret.
Except for the rosewood fingerboard version that appeared later, this position marker specification continued until 1985.
2EQ
One of the reasons for the popularity of vintage StingRays is their 2-band EQ. Volume/Treble Boost/BassThis is a control called "boost."
Incidentally, the control knobs in the very first 1976 models were made of plastic and were called "radio knobs," but they were soon changed to metal knobs.
bridge
This particular bridge, although removed from the instrument, features an independent muting mechanism for each string. It's made of thick steel and is securely fastened with large screws on both sides.
This model features a through-the-back construction, a major characteristic of models up until 1980.
Joint plate
Another major feature of the 1970s StingRay is its three-bolt neck joint. It also incorporates a micro-tilt mechanism for adjusting the angle between the body and neck, which is another notable feature.
Additionally, from 1976 to 1978, the serial number was engraved on the joint plate.
Battery cover
The screwed-in metal plate serves as the battery cover. This is the sliding battery box.RecruitThis continued until 1996.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1979
logo
The two figures depicted are said to be modeled after Leo Fender and Tom Walker.
Bridge plate
A bridge with an independent muting mechanism for each string.
The difference from the aforementioned 1977 model is that it has a serial number engraved on it. From 1978 to 1984, the serial number is engraved on the bridge plate.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1981
bridge
From 1980 onwards, the bridge was changed to a top-loaded design. The muting mechanism and the screws on the left and right sides remained unchanged.
Joint plate
In 1980, the bridge was changed, and at the same time, it was changed to a four-bolt joint. The micro-tilt mechanism was discontinued, and the serial number continued to be engraved on the bridge.
The four-bolt mounting system continued until the early 1990s, when it was changed to a six-bolt system.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1981
Rosewood fretboard
Rosewood fingerboards were introduced after the Sabre Bass was launched in 1979. Although it has a rosewood fingerboard, the presence of the skunk stripe suggests that it was manufactured using the same process as the previous 1P maple necks.
As before, the maple fretboard version does not have a 21-fret position marker, but this rosewood fretboard version does have a 21-fret position marker.
Ernie Ball era
This shows the changes in specifications since 1985, after the company was acquired by Ernie Ball.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1988
logo
Following the acquisition of Ernie Ball, the headstock logo was changed to include "ERNIE BALL." Also, the "StingRay Bass" designation was changed to simply "StingRay."
String retainer
During the pre-Ernie Ball era, the bridge was located between the 1st and 2nd strings, but after 1985, it was changed to between the 2nd and 3rd strings.
Position Marks
Since 1985, 21-fret position markers have also been added to models with maple fretboards.
Contour/Elbow Cut
Since 1985, the bass has featured contouring on both the top and back, similar to the Sabre Bass.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1992
Truss rod nut
From 1989 onwards, the system was changed to the "Superior Truss Rod System," which uses a wheel nut that allows the truss rod to be adjusted from the bottom of the neck.
3EQ
Around this timeRecruitWhat was added was a 3-band EQ. Volume/Treble/Middle/BassThe control has been changed to a side jack.
The current model will continue to offer 2EQ as an option.
Joint plate
Along with changing the truss rod nut, the 6-point joint was also changed.RecruitThe 6-bolt joint, which enhances playability in the higher positions with its elongated shape while providing a strong joint, is still used today, with the exception of some models.RecruitIt is being done.
Battery cover
The original metal plates continued to be used until 1995.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 20th Anniversary 1996
This model is an anniversary edition commemorating the 20th anniversary of the StingRay.
This is a special edition with a flame maple top and mahogany back body.
Battery box
This model features a sliding quick-change battery box.RecruitIt was done.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1998
bridge
The mute mechanism was discontinued in 1996, and as a result, the plate itself became thinner.
Serial number
Starting in 1998, the serial number was changed from being engraved on the bridge plate to being engraved on the joint plate.
From around this time period, the specifications became almost identical to those of current products.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 2008
nut
Since 2005, compensated nuts have beenRecruitIt will be done.
This system eliminates the issue where the pitch tends to become sharp when pressing down on the first fret with conventional nuts. It calculates the amount of sharpness for each string and shifts the nut position by a few cents towards the first fret accordingly.
StingRay Variations and Derivative Models
From the 1990s onward, various variations of the "StingRay" model were released.
past,TCGAKKIHere's a roundup of the main variation models that have arrived!
MUSIC MAN/StingRay EX 1998
The 'EX' series uses the same parts as the USA models and is assembled domestically.
It was produced from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay TB 2002
The "TB" in the model name stands for Through Body, indicating a string-through-body construction.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 2EQ 2001
There's also a 2EQ version. This one comes in a rare translucent red color.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay HH 2009
This model features two humbucker pickups. It was released in 2005, simultaneously with the HS version. This particular model features a stealth black finish, with the neck, headstock, and hardware parts all in black.
It features a pickup selector switch.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay HS 2006
Released simultaneously with the HH, this model features a humbucker-style single-coil pickup in the front position.
A phantom coil is installed under the pickguard to produce a humbucking effect, making it highly resistant to noise even when using single-coil pickups.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 5 1989
The StingRay 5, introduced in 1987, features a three-dimensional cut and a sharper style compared to a 4-string guitar.
The 3-way switch allows you to switch between series, single-coil, and parallel pickup configurations.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 5 FL 2001
A 5-string type with a fretless design.
StingRay fretless basses themselves have been around since the late 1970s.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 5 HH 2005
A StingRay 5 with two humbuckers.
The selector is a 5-way switch, allowing you to select each coil individually.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay Special 2018
The StingRay Special can be described as a modern evolution.
The entire body has a rounded cut, and the five-bolt joint further enhances playability.
It features a newly designed neodymium pickup and operates on 18V.
Roasted maple neckRecruitFurthermore, it has undergone significant evolution while maintaining the StingRay's style, including features such as lighter pegs.
MUSIC MAN/Short Scale StingRay 2020
The short-scale (30-inch) StingRay first appeared in 2020. (This particular one has been refinished.)
Its design is like a miniature version of a long-scale guitar, and its passive circuitry is also a distinctive feature.
7. The Current Music Man: Inheriting Tradition and Evolving
StingRay has been developed in several variations, and stillBassMUSIC MAN is at the forefront of the brand.
In 2008, the Sterling by MUSIC MAN brand was established under Ernie Ball, offering a lineup of more affordable models. This made the StingRay accessible to younger generations who previously couldn't afford it, and the guitar became more popular with a wider range of ages.BassThis is what happened.
Sterling by MUSIC MAN/Ray 34
Sterling by MUSIC MAN/Ray 35
Sterling by MUSIC MAN/AX40
8. Leo Fender's journey after leaving Music Man: The founding of G&L
In 1980, Leo Fender, having left Music Man, co-founded the brand "G&L" with his longtime friend George Fullerton, whom he had worked with since the 1940s, using their initials.
G&L, based in Fullerton, California, USA, is the manufacturer where Leo Fender carried out his final creative work.
He maintained his engineering spirit even at G&L, and it is said that he continued his research in a dedicated laboratory located in a corner of the G&L factory until the day before his death.
Leo was involved with MUSIC MAN for about 8 years, and he was involved with electric guitars equipped with active circuits/BassIts origins lie in the models developed by Leo at MUSIC MAN, and that legacy has certainly been passed down to G&L.
I'll talk about G&L another time.
Afterword
Leo Fender is undoubtedly an electric guitar/electric guitarBassHe is one of the most important figures in the history of Fender, and it is nothing short of amazing that the numerous models he created for Fender continue to be performed on stage today without significant changes.
Music Man and G&L also make guitars/BassWe produce both, but the one that's attracting more attention isBassThe StingRay, in particular, is a classic alongside the Precision Bass and Jazz Bass.BassAnd if Leo wasn't there, ElekiBassI can't even imagine what that instrument was like.
"Until now, I vaguely thought, 'The StingRay has a sound that only a StingRay can produce,' but as I researched the changes in specifications over the years, my understanding deepened, and my admiration for the StingRay grew. It's a classic that followed the Jazz Bass and Precision Bass, born from Leo Fender's unwavering commitment to nostalgia despite his immense success."Bass"He's truly an incredible person."
Author of this article:Oda (TCGAKKI Bassin charge)
TCGAKKIElectricBassShe is in charge of the corner segment. Having previously been active in a major band, she leverages her extensive experience to offer insights and promotions specifically from a musician's perspective. MainBassThis is a Fender Custom Shop Jazz Bass.
Qualifications and experience: Three years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser, numerous video appearances.
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