The Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino Fretless - 79 Burst is a stunning and meticulously crafted tribute to one of the most revered bassists in modern music. Designed in close collaboration with Pino Palladino himself, this fretless bass represents the culmination of decades of tone, technique, and evolution—delivering vintage soul with modern playability. The result is an instrument that not only captures the tone and feel of Pino’s legendary late '70s StingRay but also elevates it through precision craftsmanship and refined electronics.

At the core of this bass is a solid poplar body, finished in a beautifully aged '79 Burst polyester gloss, which perfectly replicates the subtle elegance of Pino’s original instrument. The finish, slightly muted and rich in vintage character, pairs seamlessly with a 3-ply black/white/black pickguard, evoking the classic aesthetic of the late '70s StingRay era. This is not just a visual homage—it’s a tactile one. The polyester finish enhances the tone and sustain, while giving the bass a robust feel built to withstand the demands of professional performance.

The neck is one of the defining features of this model, both visually and ergonomically. Crafted from maple with a dark orange tint, the neck sports a unique asymmetrical carve that transitions from a V shape on the bass side to a C shape on the treble side. This innovative design mirrors Pino’s own preferences, providing enhanced comfort and grip, especially during expressive fretless playing. The neck joint is secured via a classic 3-bolt design and a custom Pino Palladino Signature neck plate, grounding the instrument in its signature lineage. A bullet truss rod nut, walnut skunk stripe, and darkly tinted headstock finish add to the vintage-correct detailing. Measuring 0.820” at the 1st fret and 0.970” at the 12th, the neck provides a substantial yet playable profile that suits both fingerstyle and expressive glissandi.

The rosewood fretboard features a 7.5" radius, adorned with 5/16” white dot inlays and black side dots placed where frets would normally be—a subtle but vital reference point for fretless players. With a 34" scale length, this bass delivers classic StingRay feel and tension, and the hand-shaped Graphtec NuBone nut (1.686” width) ensures optimal string spacing and tuning stability.

Under the hood, the electronics are where this bass truly shines. It features a passive late '70s-style StingRay bridge pickup, built to the exacting specifications of Pino's original: shorter pole pieces, flush with the cover. This pickup feeds into a specially voiced 9-volt, 2-band active preamp using CTS pots, including a 500k treble pot (as opposed to the standard 1 meg), tuned to emulate the nuanced tonality of Pino’s aged onboard preamp. The controls—volume, treble, and bass knobs—are chrome-plated, knurled brass, and their set screw orientation reflects Pino’s personal configuration: Volume at full (100%), treble at 50%, and bass at 50%, giving players a ready-to-go tonal sweet spot right out of the case.

The bridge is another standout detail, using a Pre-Ernie Ball StingRay-style steel bridge plate, fitted with brass saddles and stainless-steel spring mutes, offering an authentic old-school feel and percussive muting options. Schaller bass tuning machines, chrome hardware throughout, and a robust Mono soft case complete the premium package. The factory setup includes Ernie Ball Slinky Nickel Wound custom gauge strings (36w-55w-65w-90w) in standard E-A-D-G tuning, tailored to suit the fretless voice of the instrument.

The Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino Fretless - 79 Burst is far more than a signature model—it’s a fully realized expression of one of the greatest voices in bass guitar history. Whether you're chasing Pino's legendary tones or seeking a fretless with unmatched depth and character, this instrument offers an exceptional platform for expressive, dynamic playing.