{"product_id":"leo-ernie-ball-music-man-stingray-5-2004-lava-pearl","title":"Leo! - Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5, 2004, Lava Pearl","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eMeet Leo\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eReady for rehoming, this incredible USA-made Music Man StingRay 5 is finished in the rare and long-discontinued Lava Pearl.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eUnder normal light, Leo wears a deep burnt-copper finish. Move him beneath the lights and that three-stage pearl paint erupts into fiery reds, warm bronze and glowing orange flares. It is one of those finishes photographs simply cannot capture properly. He changes every time you look at him.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eLeo has also been one of the most intensive and rewarding restorations to come through our workshop so far.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eAfter spending almost two decades cased inside a damp storage locker, he arrived with a whole host of problems. His neck had developed a severe bow and twist, the electrics were partially seized and full of crackles, his clarity had disappeared, the G string suffered from persistent fret buzz, and areas of exposed timber had developed mould.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eCosmetically, though, he had somehow survived remarkably well. Beneath the effects of storage sat an exceptional 2004 StingRay 5, built at the Music Man factory in San Luis Obispo, California, with one of the most recognisable bass designs and sounds ever created.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eLeo Fender’s bones were still there.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eHe just needed saving.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eJordan began with a full sanitisation and decontamination of the instrument. Every affected surface, cavity and exposed section of timber was carefully cleaned and treated, removing the contamination caused by years of damp storage before any mechanical work began.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eSarah then took charge of the finish. Leo’s individually selected solid ash body had survived with only one notable chip, measuring approximately 2mm by 3mm. This was carefully stabilised with clear CA to prevent any further damage while retaining the honest history of the instrument. The body was then painstakingly hand-buffed to remove years of haze and restore the depth of that incredible Lava Pearl finish.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eFinally, it received a protective carnauba wax polish, helping to guard the lacquer against moisture and salts while giving Leo a deep, mirror-like shine.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe back of the neck was carefully cleaned and restored without burying its natural feel beneath heavy lacquer or polish. That familiar Music Man gunstock oil and wax character has been preserved, leaving the neck smooth, fast and wonderfully natural beneath the hand.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThen came the difficult part.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe one-piece maple neck had developed both a pronounced bow and a twist during its years in storage. Jordan began with a carefully controlled decompression and heat realignment process, gradually bringing the neck back into shape without forcing or shocking the timber.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eOnce stable, the neck pocket and six-bolt joint were precisely reset and squared, restoring the correct relationship between the neck and solid ash body. This brought the neck back into alignment, improved the playing geometry and secured the strong transfer of resonance and sustain that these instruments are known for.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe fretwork had also suffered from the changing moisture levels. Several frets had lifted or sprouted as the timber moved, so Jordan reseated and stabilised them before carrying out a complete fret level, crown and polish.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eEvery fret was brought back into line, carefully reshaped and polished to a smooth mirror finish. The fret ends were dressed, the playing surface was checked across the full neck, and that persistent G-string buzz was finally eliminated.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is the level of attention an American StingRay deserves. They are iconic for a reason.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe rosewood fingerboard then underwent a multistage clean and conditioning process. After years of neglect, damp storage and the intensive neck treatment required to save it, the board needed far more than a quick wipe with oil. It has been carefully restored to bring back its dark colour, smooth playing feel and natural lustre.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eUnder the hood, the restoration continued.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe electrical cavity was thoroughly cleaned, and the controls and switches were carefully flushed and treated to remove the contamination left by years in damp storage. The seized movement, crackles and loss of clarity have gone. The controls now move freely, operate cleanly and allow the bass to deliver the powerful, articulate response it was built for.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eAt some point during his life, Leo’s original owner upgraded him with a boutique Nordstrand pickup. With its oversized exposed pole pieces and muscular Alnico character, it gives this StingRay an enormous voice.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003ePlayed clean, it can be crisp, articulate and beautifully controlled for jazz, funk and studio work. Add some drive and it delivers a huge midrange bark with the punch, attack and authority that make a StingRay so instantly recognisable.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe three-way selector unlocks three distinct voices:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eSeries mode delivers the highest output, with a thick, aggressive bark that is ideal for heavy rock and driven tones.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eSingle-coil mode gives a cleaner, more open response with scooped, articulate character.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eParallel mode delivers that classic 1970s StingRay sound, with the snap, punch and percussive attack that made these basses legendary.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe active 9-volt preamp gives complete control through master volume, bass, middle and treble boost and cut. Combined with the instrument’s factory shielding and hum-cancelling design, Leo remains impressively quiet while offering a genuinely enormous tonal range.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eTo complete the restoration, Jordan carried out a full professional setup and fitted Leo with a fresh set of Ernie Ball Regular Slinky strings.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe result is a bass that feels alive again.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eFast beneath the hand. Powerful through an amplifier. Clear, responsive and capable of moving from warm, controlled studio tones to huge, aggressive rock sounds without ever losing definition.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eLeo has not been disguised as an untouched collector’s piece. His restoration and Nordstrand pickup upgrade form part of his history and will be fully disclosed. What he offers is something far more interesting: a genuine American-made StingRay 5 that was brought back from the edge through careful, extensive workshop restoration.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eHe still carries the class and retro character of an early-2000s Music Man, but now has the reliability, playability and dynamic range needed for modern studio, stage and touring use.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhether he is heading into a professional recording session, climbing aboard a tour bus, holding down a heavy rhythm section or simply becoming the finest sofa bass you have ever owned, Leo is ready for his next chapter.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eUSA made.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eRare Lava Pearl finish.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eBoutique Nordstrand pickup.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eProfessionally restored.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eFive strings and one enormous voice.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eLeo was built to be played.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eWe made sure he could be again.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"The Stray Chord","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58469245354248,"sku":null,"price":1400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1059\/2829\/4664\/files\/image0_4fbfa0d8-a111-46a3-9f23-3eb9380d5e15.jpg?v=1787086102","url":"https:\/\/thestraychord.com\/products\/leo-ernie-ball-music-man-stingray-5-2004-lava-pearl","provider":"The Stray Chord","version":"1.0","type":"link"}