MUSIC MAN History
MUSIC MAN History
The History of Music Man
The Evolution of the Stingray and the Legacy of Leo Fender
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The Great Creator: The Man Known as Leo Fender
2. The Founding of Fender
3. A Turning Point for Fender
4. Leo’s New Challenge: The Birth of MUSIC MAN
5. MUSIC MAN: Models Leo Helped Develop
6. Tracing the Evolution of the StingRayBass
7. MUSIC MAN Today
8. What Happened to Leo Fender After He Left MUSIC MAN
Afterword
Introduction
Fender is a name familiar to anyone who plays an electric guitar.
Leo Fender is the founder of the Fender brand, which laid the foundation for the electric guitar.
The guitars, Bass, and amplifiers that emerged one after another thanks to his groundbreaking inventions continue to be loved by people today, largely unchanged in form. Telecaster, Stratocaster, Precision Bass, Jazz Bass… It is no exaggeration to say that these instruments are not merely “new instruments,” but have shaped the very history of music itself.
In this article, we’ll cover Leo Fender’s founding of Fender and the birth of MUSIC MAN, and in the second half, we’ll introduce MUSIC MAN’s flagship model, the StingRayBass.
1. The Great Creator — The Man Known as Leo Fender
Born in Fullerton, California, in 1909, Leo had been interested in electrical engineering since childhood.
After graduating from high school, he attended the local Fullerton Junior College. Surprisingly, he majored in accounting and, after graduation, went on to work as an accountant for the California Department of Highways.
After working there for several years, Leo launched “Fender’s Radio Service,” a radio repair shop, in 1938. His childhood passion for electrical engineering and sound drove him to become an engineer.
Fender’s Radio Service didn’t stop at just repairing radios; it also took on amplifier repairs and electric guitar modifications, allowing Leo to gain a thorough understanding of the “problems with electric instruments” during this time.
On September 26, 1944, Leo Fender and his business partner, Clayton “Doc” Koffman, filed a patent for an electric guitar pickup modeled after a phonograph pickup. Mounting this on the simple, single-ply guitars they were producing as part of Fender’s Radio Service marked a major step forward in the history of electric instruments.
2. The Founding of Fender
After dissolving his partnership with Koffman, Leo Fender renamed the company “Fender Electric Instrument Company ” in 1947. In 1948, he developed the world’s first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, which he unveiled as the Esquire in 1949.
As you all know, this was followed by the creation of instruments that are still in use today, such as the Telecaster, Precision, Stratocaster, Jazzmaster, Jazz, and Jaguar.
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 long been a pioneer in the electric guitar industry, agreed to sell Fender to CBS, the American commercial television and radio network.
Leo remained with the company for several years as a technical advisor after stepping down as CEO, but left Fender in 1970, primarily for health reasons. Some speculate that the new management at Fender did not actively adopt the new technologies Leo had developed.
4. Leo’s New Challenge: The Birth of MUSIC MAN
In 1972, after leaving Fender, Leo founded MUSIC MAN together with Tom Walker (formerly in charge of sales and amplifier design at Fender) and Forrest White (a former vice president of Fender).
Leo, who had once stepped back from the front lines, reportedly launched MUSIC MAN out of a desire to "develop new products as an engineer."
While Leo was developing the Bass guitar, the amplifier—led by Tom Walker—was released first in 1974.
MUSIC MAN/212HD
A little over a year after the release of the amplifiers, the StingRay I and StingRay Bass were unveiled at the 1976 NAMM Show.
At the time, vintage guitars were taking the world by storm, as many musicians—including Eric Clapton—sought the aged sound of old Fender guitars.
Amidst this trend, Leo, staying true to his philosophy of “developing new products,” chose not to produce nostalgic guitars but instead developed the StingRay—a completely new guitar.
5. MUSIC MAN Early Models: The Legendary Guitars Leo Helped Develop
MUSIC MAN/StingRay I 1977
MUSIC MAN/StingRay II 1977
The StingRay I featured humbuckers and an active tone circuit that was revolutionary for its time. While its body shape and control panel were influenced by the Stratocaster and Jaguar, its powerful, high-fidelity tone evoked Fender’s DNA while exuding a distinct new presence. The only difference between the StingRay I and StingRay II is the fingerboard radius; all other specifications are identical.(I has a 12” radius, II has a 7.25” radius)
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1979
Although the body shape is similar to the Precision Bass, like the guitar, it has no contouring.
Equipped with a single humbucker-style pickup—its most distinctive feature—this style has become one of the classic electric bass standards alongside the Precision Bass and Jazz Bass, now commonly referred to as the “Music Man type” or “StingRay type.”
The StingRayBass, which became MUSIC MAN’s biggest hit, had a sound character completely different from FenderBass, yet it matched the era when the sound of electric guitars was undergoing significant changes due to the popularity of slap technique and the rise of synthesizers, and was widely accepted in the market.
Equipped with active circuits and capable of quickly adapting to playing styles such as fingerstyle, pick-style, and slap, it expanded the range of expression possible with the electric guitar within songs. As this ultimately contributed to the evolution of music, Leo’s achievements—following his work during the Fender era—are immeasurable.
MUSIC MAN/Sabre II
The Sabre II was released in 1977. It featured a shape with a stronger Strat-like character than the StingRay I/II, and its contours were Recruit. It was positioned as a higher-end model compared to the StingRay.
MUSIC MAN/Sabre Bass
The Sabre Bass, released in 1979. It debuted as a two-pickup version of the StingRay and is also known as the last instrument designed by Leo Fender at MUSIC MAN.
~Leo Fender's Departure~
Although MUSIC MAN is a major brand founded by Leo Fender that continues to this day, Leo actually stepped away from MUSIC MAN around 1980 to establish G&L.
Meanwhile, it was Ernie Ball—a company world-renowned as a string manufacturer—that saved the struggling MUSIC MAN. Acquired by Ernie Ball in 1984, MUSIC MAN not only continued to refine the StingRay but also produced various model variations. Building upon the foundation Leo had laid, it became a universally recognized standard in electric guitars.
6. The Evolution and History of the StingRayBass
The StingRay is the model that remains the backbone of the MUSIC MAN brand to this day.
Although the StingRay has undergone few major visual changes since its initial release, it has evolved through minor updates over the years to meet the changing needs of bassists.
The Player Era
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1977
Following the acquisition by Ernie Ball, the StingRay underwent a complete overhaul of its specifications; as a result, models produced before the acquisition—specifically those from 1984 and earlier—are referred to as the Pre-Ernie era.
Even though the appearance may seem similar to current models at first glance, a closer look reveals many differences.
Pegs
The 3:1 tuner layout embodies Forrest White’s vision.
This was intended not only to make the first-string knob easier to reach but also to improve string tension and the weight balance of the headstock.
Truss Rod Nut
Like the Fender models of the 1970s, the truss rod is adjusted from the headstock side.
String Retainer
It is positioned between the 1st and 2nd strings. As described later, starting in 1985, this was moved to between the 2nd and 3rd strings.
Fret Markers
During the Pre-Neo era, there were no position marks on the 21st fret.
With the exception of the rosewood fingerboard models introduced later, this position mark specification continued until 1985.
2-Band EQ
The 2-band EQ is one of the reasons for the Vintage StingRay’s popularity. The controls are Volume, Treble Boost, and Bass Boost.
Incidentally, the control knobs on the very first 1976 models were made of plastic and were called "radio knobs," but they were soon changed to metal knobs.
Bridge
Although removed from this unit, the bridge features an independent mute mechanism for each string. It is made of thick steel and is securely fastened with large screws on both sides.
This is the through-body design, a major feature until 1980.
Joint Plate
This is also a three-point neck joint, a major feature of 1970s StingRay models. Another key feature is the built-in micro-tilt mechanism for adjusting the angle between the body and the neck.
Additionally, from 1976 to 1978, the serial number was engraved on the joint plate.
Battery Cover
A screw-mounted metal plate serves as the battery cover. This design continued until 1996, when the slide-type battery box was introduced.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1979
Logo
It is said that the two figures depicted are modeled after Leo Fender and Tom Walker.
Bridge Plate
Bridge with independent string muting mechanism.
The difference from the aforementioned 1977 model is that the serial number is engraved. From 1978 to 1984, the serial number was engraved on the bridge plate.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1981
Bridge
Starting in 1980, the bridge was changed to a top-loaded design. The mute mechanism and the screws on the left and right sides remain unchanged.
Joint Plate
In 1980, concurrent with the bridge change, the design was updated to a 4-point joint. The micro-tilt mechanism was discontinued, and the serial number continued to be engraved on the bridge.
The four-point mounting system remained in use until the early 1990s, when it was replaced by a six-point mounting system.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1981
Rosewood Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboards appeared following the introduction of the Sabre Bass in 1979. Although this is a rosewood fingerboard, the presence of skunk stripes suggests it was manufactured using the same process as the previous one-piece maple necks.
As with previous models, the maple fingerboard versions did not feature a 21st-fret position mark, but this rosewood fingerboard model included one.
Ernie Ball Era
These are the specification changes following the company’s acquisition by Ernie Ball in 1985.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1988
Logo
After the Ernie Ball acquisition, "ERNIE BALL" was added to the headstock logo. Additionally, the name "StingRay Bass" was changed to simply "StingRay."
String Retainer
In the pre-Ernie Ball era, it was located between the 1st and 2nd strings, but after 1985, it was moved to between the 2nd and 3rd strings.
Fret Markers
Starting in 1985, a 21st-fret position mark was added to models with maple fingerboards.
Contour/Elbow Cut
Starting in 1985, contouring was applied to both the top and back, similar to the Sabre Bass.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1992
Truss Rod Nut
Starting in 1989, the design was changed to the "Superior Truss Rod System," a wheel nut that allows the truss rod to be adjusted from the bottom of the neck.
3-Band EQ
Around this time, a 3-band EQ was introduced. It featured Volume, Treble, Mid, and Bass controls and was moved to a side jack.
The 2-band EQ remains available as an option on current models.
Joint Plate
Along with the change to the truss rod nut, the 6-point joint was introduced. Featuring a slender shape that enhances playability in the high positions while providing a sturdy joint, the 6-point joint is still used today, with the exception of certain models.
Battery Cover
The original metal plate from the early models 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.
It features a special configuration with a flamed maple top and mahogany back and sides.
Battery Box
Starting with this model, a slide-type quick-change battery box was introduced.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 1998
Bridge
In 1996, the mute mechanism was discontinued, and as a result, the plate itself became thinner.
Serial Number
Starting in 1998, the serial number was moved from the bridge plate to the joint plate.
Around this time, the specifications began to closely resemble those of current models.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 2008
Nut
Starting in 2005, a compensated nut was introduced.
This addresses the issue where, with conventional nuts, the pitch tends to be sharp when playing the first fret. It’s a system that calculates the amount of sharpness for each string and shifts the nut position a few cents toward the first fret accordingly.
StingRay Variations and Derivative Models
Since the 1990s, various variation models bearing the "StingRay" name have been released.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the main variation models that have arrived at TCGAKKI in the past!
MUSIC MAN/StingRay EX 1998
The "EX" series, which uses the same parts as the U.S.A. models but is assembled domestically
Produced from the late 1990s through the early 2000s.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay TB 2002
The "TB" in the model name stands for "Through Body." It features a through-body design.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 2EQ 2001
There is also a 2EQ version. This one features a rare translucent red finish.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay HH 2009
Dual humbucker configuration. Released in 2005 alongside the HS model. This version features a "Stealth Black" finish, with everything from the neck and headstock to the hardware finished in black.
It is equipped with a pickup selector switch.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay HS 2006
Released simultaneously with the HH model, this is a humbucker-single configuration featuring a single-coil pickup on the front.
A phantom coil is built into the pickguard to create a humbucking effect, making it resistant to noise even when using the single-coil pickup.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 5 1989
The StingRay 5 debuted in 1987. It features a contoured body, giving it a sharper profile compared to the 4-string model.
The 3-way switch allows for series, single, and parallel pickup configurations.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 5 FL 2001
A 5-string model with a fretless design.
The StingRay itself has been available in a fretless version since the late 1970s.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay 5 HH 2005
A 5-string StingRay model with two humbuckers.
It features a 5-way selector switch, allowing you to choose between the individual coils.
MUSIC MAN/StingRay Special 2018
The StingRay Special can be described as a modern evolution of the original.
The entire body features a rounded cutaway, and the 5-point truss rod improves playability.
It features newly designed neodymium pickups and is powered by 18V.
With features such as the roasted maple neck Recruit and lighter tuners, it has undergone significant evolution while maintaining the classic StingRay style.
MUSIC MAN/Short Scale StingRay 2020
The short-scale (30-inch) StingRay, which debuted in 2020. (This is a refinished model.)
Its design resembles a scaled-down version of the long-scale model, and it features a passive circuit.
7. Music Man Today: Carrying On Tradition and Evolving
Music Man continues to lead the industry, offering several variations centered around the StingRay.
In 2008, the brand "Sterling by MUSIC MAN" was established under Ernie Ball, introducing a lineup of more affordable models. This allowed the brand to reach younger audiences who previously couldn’t afford a StingRay, making it a guitar beloved by a wider range of generations.
Sterling by MUSIC MAN/Ray 34
Sterling by MUSIC MAN/Ray 35
Sterling by MUSIC MAN/AX40
8. Leo Fender’s Path After Leaving Music Man: The Founding of G&L
In 1980, after leaving MUSIC MAN, Leo Fender teamed up with George Fullerton, his ally since the 1940s, to establish the brand “G&L,” named after their initials.
Based in Fullerton, California, G&L became 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 in a corner of the G&L factory until the day before his death.
Although Leo was involved with MUSIC MAN for only about eight years, the origins of electric guitars equipped with active circuits—such as the Bass—lie in the models he developed at MUSIC MAN, and that legacy has undoubtedly been passed down to G&L.
I will save my thoughts on G&L for another time.
Afterword
Leo Fender is undoubtedly the most important figure in the history of the electric guitar, and the fact that the numerous models he created at Fender continue to grace the stage today, largely unchanged, is nothing short of remarkable.
Both MUSIC MAN and G&L produce guitars and basses, but it is the basses that attract the most attention.The StingRay, in particular, has become a classic on par with the Precision Bass and Jazz Bass, and it’s hard to even imagine what the electric bass would have become without Leo.
Author: Oda (in charge of TCGAKKI and Bass)
In charge of the electric Bass section at TCGAKKI. Having played in major-label bands, he leverages his extensive experience to offer insights and promotions specifically tailored from a musician’s perspective. His main Bass is a Fender CS Jazz Bass.
A Few Words: “ I used to vaguely think, ‘The StingRay has a sound that only the StingRay can produce,’ but as I researched the specification changes over the years, my understanding deepened and my admiration for the StingRay grew.
It’s a classic model—right up there with the Jazz Bass and Precision Bass—that could only have been created by Leo Fender, a man who never succumbed to nostalgia no matter how successful he became. He really was an extraordinary person.”
Qualifications & Experience: 3 years as a musical instrument appraiser; numerous video appearances
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