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The Pino Palladino Icon Series StingRay Bass is a meticulously crafted, exact replica of Pino’s legendary 1979 fretless StingRay, limited to just 15 pieces worldwide.

Built using many period-correct parts and materials, this bass features a full nitrocellulose gloss finish and a broken-in feel, with every dent, ding, and scrape painstakingly replicated to capture the true character of this road-worn icon.

The poplar body and slab rosewood fretboard capture the tone and character of Pino’s original, while the dark-tinted maple neck has the same unique asymmetrical carve that transitions from a V on the bass side to a C on the treble side, just like the bass he purchased in 1981.

This model includes genuine New Old Stock bridge plates from the late 70s, complete with serial numbers close to Pino’s original bass. It also features brass saddles, a GraphTech NuBone nut with meticulously sanded and softened shoulders, and a perfectly placed water decal on the headstock, matching the irregular position of Pino’s original. The string tree is precisely located between the D and G strings, as it was on his bass.

The pickup and preamp have been faithfully recreated to match the tone of Pino’s original electronics, using period-correct components and designs to capture the same warmth, clarity, and dynamic response that defined his early recordings. StingRay enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail, including the use of a 500k treble pot in place of the original 1 Meg, matching Pino’s bass. 

To further capture the spirit of his instrument, each bass comes with a large replica Wales Rugby Bobblehead sticker on the back, a nod to Pino’s personal touch. The back of each headstock is hand-signed by Pino Palladino himself, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. The bass comes in a premium G&G case with a black shell and gold fur lining, along with vintage-inspired case candy including a Certificate of Authenticity, Allen wrenches, and a yellow polish cloth.

This is more than a bass—it’s a piece of history, capturing the unmistakable tone and feel of a true icon

Only 15 available worldwide. This one is #4 out of 15 made. When it's gone, it's gone.

Highlights:

ROSEWOOD FRETLESS NECK
Dark-tinted hard rock maple neck with a slap rosewood fretless fingerboard



CUSTOM HAND SHAPED NUT
1.686” wide, the meticulously hand-shaped Graphtec nub one nut duplicates Pino’s modification to enhance tone, volume and harmonics


ACTIVE MICROPOWERED PREAMP
The 9- Volt 2-EQ preamp is a hand soldered circuit board with period correct components and CTS pots (500K treble pot rather than 1 Meg, just like Pino’s) voiced to replicate the tone of Pino’s aged preamp


VINTAGE STYLE ALNICO PICKUP
Custom humbucking pickup with 5/8" tall alnico 5 magnets wound with original 42 gauge wire along with the custom 2EQ preamp, provides the same warmth, clarity, and dynamic response of the original bass.

STRING-THROUGH BODY BRIDGE
The Pino Palladino icon series basses utilize new old stock pre-Ernie Ball Music Man® chrome bridge plates, equipped with brass saddles and stainless steel spring mutes. These NOS original late 70s bridge plates have serial numbers within the range of Pino's original bass.

3-BOLT NECKPLATE WITH MICRO-TILT ADJUSTMENT.
The 3-bolt chrome-plated neck plate uses the original Music Man logo stamp that was used on the original neck plates. These 3-bolt plates include a micro-tilt adjustment that allows for adjustments to the neck angle without needing shims. Firm neck and neck pocket tolerances ensure a tight fit with no shifting.

BULLET TRUSS ROD
The original pre-EB StingRay bullet truss rod adjustment ensures proper neck action.

CLASSIC ORIGINAL MUSIC MAN LOGO
Period-appropriate antique gold Music Man waterslide decal is precisely positioned on the headstock, aligning with the unconventional placement of Pino’s original bass

ASYMMETRIC NECK
The back profile toward the bass side of the neck has a strong “V” shape. It softens to a rounder “C” profile near the treble side of the neck for a more accurate custom playing experience under the fingertips.

A FAITHFUL RECREATION
Hand-selected one-piece poplar body blanks were chosen for their specific weight and appearance characteristics to match Pino's original bass. The “79 Burst” Sunburst bodies and fretless rosewood necks were then sprayed with nitrocellulose lacquer to replicate the period-correct finishing techniques.

THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS
At Music Man, the arduous task at hand was capturing the entire essence of this instrument one hundred percent. Staying true to the original, every nick, paint chip, and blemish was painstakingly examined and recreated by our skilled team of artisans and master craftsmen.

Only 15 pieces of this collectable iconic bass have been made and this is the only one we got. Once sold, it’s gone for good so place you order now.