Hi Guys,

I was thinking about buying a Sting Ray to add to my collection; it can be a useful tone, and I had one years ago that I regret selling.

Any users on here with lots of experience with the latest of those basses?

Firstly, should I consider the new models with extra pickups, or just the single humbucker? I want the old school tone, but not too bright' in other words, I want to make sure I get plenty of booty out of it.

Does the maple board add too much brightness?

I'll probably order from Bass Central, just wanted to get some tips and advice, and any other things I should look for...I'd like something classic looking, like white/black guard, or brown/white guard, or something cool like that.

Best,
JMJ

Looks like there's a Musicman thread on another forum here...I'll go post this over there too.

Thanks,
JMJ

I think you'll get a lot of good advice if you post this in the basses sub-forum (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8).

Cheers!

I honestly can't tell a difference sonically between a maple board and a rosewood board. I think a lot of nuances like that get eaten up by other things and are only noticeable to the player, if at all.

I've played a lot of single pickup MM's and dug them. I played an HH Stingray a couple weeks ago and thought it was a very dark sounding bass. A little too dark for me. Muddy would be the word best used, I think. I like mud sometimes, but I like to be able to control the amount of mud.

I'd like something classic looking, like white/black guard, or brown/white guard, or something cool like that.


Y'know what looks hot IMHO (though it's a fiver) is that Anniv Ray V with NO pickguard. I wonder how a 4 string Ray would look like that--or maybe a clear guard? Could be kinda kinky in a good way . . .

I own a vintage sunburst with a black guard, on rosewood. It's pretty classic looking imho. The other more classic looking color of their's is their natural color with the tortoise shell. I don't have a lot of playing experience with the multi pickup ones, but i picked up an HH with a maple fretboard, and was FLOORED by the tone. I only had a few minutes with it so i didn't get to fully evaluate it, but the tone on the maple didn't come off as too bright to me.

This is really interesting!

I'm looking for a darker 'ray tone, so it sounds like the HH might give that to me? My concern is that I'd lose the original Stingray tone...not the case?

Definitely not the case. It's like having the original stingray tone + a bunch of other fun new tones. I read a review somewhere that put it this way: the original stingray is legendary but the HH is epic

Hi JMJ!
First of all, I've been lurking since the thread in the effects-forum; your presence here is great! Very informative, and entertaining. And it made me buy Midnite Vultures and Sea change - very nice albums, especially the latter.

On topic: in my search for a Stingray I found that I really preferred the 2-band preamp over the newer 3-band. It sounded less harsh and fuller - maybe more old-school? I guess the boosted frequencies are different or something; not just the addition of a mid-boost. Unfortunately the new 2-pickup Rays are only available with 3 band preamps. Anyway, I think you should take that into consideration. The difference is bigger than between maple or rosewood fingerboards, IMO of course. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

BTW - if you're in Holland any time soon: mine's for sale. :hiding:

,I was thinking about buying a Sting Ray to add to my collection; it can be a useful tone, and I had one years ago that I regret selling.

...

Firstly, should I consider the new models with extra pickups, or just the single humbucker? I want the old school tone, but not too bright' in other words, I want to make sure I get plenty of booty out of it.

Does the maple board add too much brightness?

A friend of mine recently bought an '89 five string 'Ray, all-maple, and it's definitely got that sound. Looks pretty cool too. I don't like it, personally, but he practically sleeps with it, and he does know his onions.

I had an sr5 HH bass for a good while and loved the tones. You do infact get that classic ray tone when the coil selector is in the middle (all coils on) or both bridge pickup coils on. My favorite coil selection was the inside coils (bottom neck pickup coil and top bridge pickup coil) they really projected a nice dark fatty tone great for slap and finger style, sounded almost naturally compressed.

The neck pickup alone is great for pick playing in my opinion.

I had a rosewood fingerboard but I played some maple board ones before purchasing the rosewood. I really couldn't hear a difference but I could feel a difference in my hands. The rosewood just felt..I don't know how to describe it...warmer?

Hope this helps.

i don't think you can go wrong with an HH stingray. it's the original sound plus a whole slew of others, like Doughd54 said. (you may also want to consider the HS version... less tonal options, but more room under the strings, y'know?)

maple board vs. rosewood... hmm. i can kinda hear a difference, but i can definitely feel a difference.

in any case, feel free to stop by the store and try some out. ;):D

Now you guys are making me think I didn't give the HH Ray enough of a chance. Like maybe I was so used to the bright Ray sound that it might have thrown me for a loop to suddenly have a neck pickup. But all I could think of when I was playing it was how they successfully merged a Stingray and an EB-0...which means it's probably right up your alley, Justin ;)

Good luck with the purchase. Not to steal any of your thunder, but I made a new bass purchase of my own last night...got a B-stock (pickguard scratches and an upper bout ding) SX PJ copy in vintage white/black PG, rosewood fretboard. $90 + shipping. Don't get a Stingray, get 12 of these instead! ;)

I had a 3 EQ maple fingerboard Stingray as my main bass for 8 years but having more recently tried a 2 band EQ with rosewood, I think the latter is the classic Stingray sound. Dark, warm, punchy and growly... That would be my choice if I were to buy a Stingray again.

You guys are awesome and I deeply appreciate the perspective. I'm going to go play some, but I think I'm going to probably end up with a Maple/Maple 2 band. OR, if I get really stoked on an HH, I go that way. But I like the simplicity idea.

I guess this means my collection of active basses will be growing - what a hypocrite I am! Now it's up to: Fender Am Deluxe Jazz 5 string, Gibson RD Artist (x2), Wal (x2), Gibson 20/20, and Steinberger. But I'm still hardcore: the other 35 or so that I have are passive.

Time to sell some pieces. I think my next ones to sell will be a my metallic blue custom T-Bird, a Yamaha BB3000, and one of my RD Artists. Maybe a Ripper too, dunno. It's just getting too silly.

Hope you all have a great weekend. Taking my 3 year old to see that Dr. Seuss movie today!

JMJ

My 2eq Musicmans played through my B-15R are just pure sex!

Hope you all have a great weekend. Taking my 3 year old to see that Dr. Seuss movie today!

Took my 4-year old daughter to see Horton yesterday...she loved it and I laughed out loud a few times, too! :D

late 70's Stingray's are the best one's I've played. the way those pickups are voiced (darker) and the 2-band EQ really gives those basses a great tone and vibe.

hey hey jmj. i thought this was ask a pro forums... not the other way around =p

anyway, i think your cool!

if ur going for the maple fret board and good versatility, try the G&L stuff, feels and sounds awesome, then you take into account the one piece neck. and its flipping awesome

late 70's Stingray's are the best one's I've played. the way those pickups are voiced (darker) and the 2-band EQ really gives those basses a great tone and vibe.
i should have a '78 in my hands this week... :ninja:

Took my 4-year old daughter to see Horton yesterday...she loved it and I laughed out loud a few times, too! :D

Took my sixteen year old friend to see it yesterday, and I think she liked it more than me!

As for a 'ray, I think I would go for the maple board over anything. At least with the ones I have played the maple board sounded a little brighter, but with much more mids. Seemed warmer and less hifi than the rosewood ones. Less scooped if you will.

Hey justin, so you tell us of a 35+ passive bass collection. So what kind of basses do you have in there?

Hey justin, so you tell us of a 35+ passive bass collection. So what kind of basses do you have in there?

pics or they don't exist

Hi Justin, I am a big fan of yours and the artist you work with.

I happened to have owned and played a good majority of the available options of Stingrays. I would reccomend either the Classica 3 band Single H or the HS. I find the single coil in the neck position to give a more interesting/useful variety of tones than the H in the neck position.

And don't worry about the extra pickup effecting the true Stingray tone. The bridge pickup only setting sounds exactly like a regular Stingray because it is the exact same pickup in the same location.

Also, you might want to give Ernie Ball a call and speak with Derek in artist relations. He should be able to give you some good insight on what would be the best fit for you. He is a really good guy.

pics or they don't exist

+1 :D

And don't worry about the extra pickup effecting the true Stingray tone. The bridge pickup only setting sounds exactly like a regular Stingray because it is the exact same pickup in the same location.

Sorry about the hijack, but I had heard that on the Bongo at least, bridge the pickup is in a different place on the HH and the H?

pics or they don't exist

Yep Justin, 35 pics plus your comments on each bass :hyper::bassist::D

Sorry about the hijack, but I had heard that on the Bongo at least, bridge the pickup is in a different place on the HH and the H?

Right, on the two pickup Bongos, the bridge pickup was closer to the bridge, but on the two pickup Stingray/Sterling/SR5 the bridge pickup is in the original/classic location.

Damn!

OK, gonna have to work on pics...you guys are relentless! I have pics somewhere...will look around. I've been seeing that mantra many times on these boards to the effect of "pics or they don't exist". I shouldn't have opened my big mouth!!

Thanks for all the tips, y'all. This is a deeply helpful thread to me.

JMJ

please post here if you actually end up selling that thing. i have had my eyes on those for a while.... i already have a nice ripper (and my studio partner has one, too) , the RD is a cool, weird bass i would love to check out.

john

Damn!

OK, gonna have to work on pics...you guys are relentless! I have pics somewhere...will look around. I've been seeing that mantra many times on these boards to the effect of "pics or they don't exist". I shouldn't have opened my big mouth!!


Let me help you out a bit. I'll start a new thread.

Yep, pics or it dosen't exist, sound clips or it dosen't make sound, and vid's or it didn't ever happen. Just depends on the situation.

JMJ,

From one collector to another (and from what I have read and seen in the pics up here, we have quite a few pieces in common), here are my thoughts on Stingrays. Remember, free advice is what you pay for it!).

-The HH Rays are cool, but they use coil split combos to divvy output from the 2 pickups rather than coil taps and volume/blend. So the combinations are relegated to what Ernie Ball has chosen for you. That said, they do offer a broader variety of tones than a classic Ray and one of the preset tones is bridge pickup only, ala classic Stingray, so there you go.

-If you opt for the single H stingray (the classic), I would actually try to get a slightly older one if you can-- 1992 to 1995 to be exact. Basscentral should easily be able to source one for you if they don't already have one in stock, and in my opinion, these offer some goodies that you cannot get in a new model:

1) They had string mutes. Many people never use them, but they are good to have, and add to that, the bridge mass is greater to accomodate the mutes. I notice a difference but maybe I am imagining it.

2) You can get these older basses with all birdseye maple necks, including fingerboard. Definitely a brighter sound ala maple on maple and a better response I think too. Also, the Birdseye necks are cut a little deeper-- more of a 'C' profile which I dig, but then I am a big fan of old Aria Superbasses.

3) 1992 was the first year that the bridge saddles were cut and configured to give the Stingray's a perfectly straight stringpull from Tuner to bridge. Like on a Wal, and we both know how great those play! Not to say that the pre 92 Ray's aren't cool-- they are awesome-- but they are different basses with the 1992's and after being just a little easier to play, I think. So stay between 92 and 95 if you want the mutes, or 92 and 2000-ish if you want the birdseye.

As an obsessive collector, I advocate buying more than selling, as you will only regret it later, like with your Stingray. But if you really are thinning the herd, I am in the market for an RD Artist (as well as a pre 1980 Stingray) so if you are really looking to move one of yours, let me know.

Good luck with your search. I shopped for months for my first Ray back in 1995 and I decided that they were all good-- even the bad ones!


RBM

JMJ,

From one collector to another (and from what I have read and seen in the pics up here, we have quite a few pieces in common), here are my thoughts on Stingrays. Remember, free advice is what you pay for it!).

-The HH Rays are cool, but they use coil split combos to divvy output from the 2 pickups rather than coil taps and volume/blend. So the combinations are relegated to what Ernie Ball has chosen for you. That said, they do offer a broader variety of tones than a classic Ray and one of the preset tones is bridge pickup only, ala classic Stingray, so there you go.

-If you opt for the single H stingray (the classic), I would actually try to get a slightly older one if you can-- 1992 to 1995 to be exact. Basscentral should easily be able to source one for you if they don't already have one in stock, and in my opinion, these offer some goodies that you cannot get in a new model:

1) They had string mutes. Many people never use them, but they are good to have, and add to that, the bridge mass is greater to accomodate the mutes. I notice a difference but maybe I am imagining it.

2) You can get these older basses with all birdseye maple necks, including fingerboard. Definitely a brighter sound ala maple on maple and a better response I think too. Also, the Birdseye necks are cut a little deeper-- more of a 'C' profile which I dig, but then I am a big fan of old Aria Superbasses.

3) 1992 was the first year that the bridge saddles were cut and configured to give the Stingray's a perfectly straight stringpull from Tuner to bridge. Like on a Wal, and we both know how great those play! Not to say that the pre 92 Ray's aren't cool-- they are awesome-- but they are different basses with the 1992's and after being just a little easier to play, I think. So stay between 92 and 95 if you want the mutes, or 92 and 2000-ish if you want the birdseye.

As an obsessive collector, I advocate buying more than selling, as you will only regret it later, like with your Stingray. But if you really are thinning the herd, I am in the market for an RD Artist (as well as a pre 1980 Stingray) so if you are really looking to move one of yours, let me know.

Good luck with your search. I shopped for months for my first Ray back in 1995 and I decided that they were all good-- even the bad ones!


RBM

Sweeet info. Mine that I sold about 10 years ago was a '93. So awesome, I kick myself. It was that strange pinkish color transparent over swamp ash. Birdseye neck with string mutes. So there you go. I should keep it in that realm. What about alnico magnets or any differences in pickup design or tone?

Much, much obliged.

JMJ

Hey, glad this is useful info.

Yep-- that's the realm to be in for sure. Those basses are the bomb. Think about all the great music during that era made by bands whose bassists played that same bass. You know the ones, and because of them, I consider Stingrays to be classics as much as Fenders, just for a slightly more contemporary era. The Stingray is THE seminal active bass guitar.

Regarding pickups, they have been pretty consistent over the years. Most of the variation in electronics has been with the preamps which went from soldered parts in the old days to printed circuitbaords in more recent times. Here is a good page on a musicman devotee site that has some info for you to peruse on that end.

http://musicmanbass.org/mycustompage0019.htm

Lots of people who get Rays replace the pickups with SD's, Barts, Kent Armstrongs, etc. I like to keep things stock, myself. Why fix something that isn't broken?! But there are certainly lots of aftermarket options if that is what does it for you.






Sweeet info. Mine that I sold about 10 years ago was a '93. So awesome, I kick myself. It was that strange pinkish color transparent over swamp ash. Birdseye neck with string mutes. So there you go. I should keep it in that realm. What about alnico magnets or any differences in pickup design or tone?

Much, much obliged.

JMJ

Justin, I have played both the Stingray and Sterling and have come to prefer the Sterling, mainly because of its extremely comfortable neck. I have the single pick-up version, with a rosewood neck. You may want give the Sterling a try, if you haven't already.

My other fretted bass is a U.S.-made Peavey Cirrus 4 string, a very different bass in almost every respect, but each is a pleasure to play.

-John

I have a great transparent green 1994 Stingray and from what I've noticed, that (or maybe 1995) seems to be one of the last years the MM basses were made really, really well. Mine and a lot of others from that era have really nice woods...an insane birdseye neck, and the whole thing just resonates like a million bucks. For some reason, the ones from the late 90's and on seem to be lacking a bit....much more mass production feeling.

I don't really use the Stingray bass that much these days, but I could never sell it...because it's kind of special to me and you never know when you might need it for something...

Just out of interest how much do gibson rippers go for out in LA? I'd love to pick one up next time im out there!

I've got a black on black with maple neck stingray 5 string - i used to love it when i was in my old funk punk band... it's pretty trashed now but still sound great and it looks a bit more quirky to my eyes than the normal mm shape..something about comfortable about a beat up bass!

Since i joined a more rock orientated band i've favoured a 4 string jazz reissue tho... the drop d sound is just loads more punchier than the d on a five string bass.. it just gets muddy!

I recomend replacing the pickup of whatever you get with a Nordstrand MM. The sound difference will blow your mind.

I recomend replacing the pickup of whatever you get with a Nordstrand MM. The sound difference will blow your mind.

Dood! Sweet!

What does it sound like vs. stock?

His pickups are amazing...got some great ones for a Jazz bass.


JMJ

There's a cool clip on basstasters.com . He recorded a single-h stingray with both the stock and Nordie pickup.

Glenn

That...is very illuminating. Nordie pickup way more old school, way less scooped. Awesome midrange personality and still has booty.

The Nordstrand pickups are more like the old alnicos but, with more dynamics and definition.

Plus, the Nordstrand's cut through live without sounding brash. They are very musical. I have them in all my basses..except the Jack Casady.

One last thing: Nordstrand actually built me a stingray like bass on their Nordy body. It's very cool. Just something else to think about.

Yo,

I got a Ray. Sweet. It's new, but a blemished one. Sounds rad, looks rad. The "blemish" is a cool-looking knot in the wood on the back of the neck. Whatever. This thing is light, resonant, and plays really well. Too sizzly with treble on over, say, 70%, but it really has good booty and a definitely cooler and more vintage-y sounding tone (particularly in the mids) than the 3-band ones, including the '92 that I used to have. Thanks for all the tips, I really appreciate being steered this way (natural/maple 2 band).

By the way, where is "flat" on this EQ? There are no detents on the knobs.

Pic:

http://flickr.com/photos/justinmj/2397827790/

Best,
JMJ

Interesting...So you think that the 2 and 3 band eqs are voiced differently? Maybe that's why I thought I didn't like new stingrays. I just don't like the 3 band.
I think simpler is usually better anyways.

That was the phrasing I was looking for in a previous post; 'voiced differently'. Sorry, I speak english not so good...

Congratulations, JMJ, that's really nice! On the 2-bands, it's boost only. Flat is all the way down. Most of the time I play mine with only a little bass boost.

Thanks guys. Yeah, the 2 is definitely less bright, and the EQ points are themselves different, maybe less broad and hi-fi. It's a total winner. Boba, thanks. I was wondering what was considered flat. There seems to be some controversy about the treble control; some say the middle is flat, but with no detent on that pot, it's hard to feel where the middle is.

JMJ

JMJ,

Congrats on your new bass. My 3 EQ is the same finish and pickguard. Smart looking bass for sure. Glad you are digging it.

Do you have any projects in the pipeline for which you are planning to use this bass? If so, it would be great to hear you putting the smackdown on that thing.

RBM

PS- I hear 2 Band Rays are great for slapping and popping:hiding:

PS- I hear 2 Band Rays are great for slapping and popping:hiding:

Dammit! I can't get away from slapping and popping! Maybe it's my destiny to be the new slap guru for the 21st century.

Anyway, yeah, the bass is sick. THe perfect "pseudo-vintage-active" sound I'm looking for. No projects yet, but wrote with it today on a writing session. Cool sound!

JMJ

Justin, great choice of a ray. My SR5 is in that color combo and I think it's dead classy! Enjoy, and I look forward to hearing it on some upcoming recordings.

Hey Justin, congrats on scoring the 2eq StingRay. I new you'd like it. Yup, way smoother sound. Love the natural/maple...it's that classic look like Louis Johnson, Bernard Edwards and Paul Denman.
The 2 band has no center detents because it's boost only. Yeah the treble can be sizzly if run too high...I have all my 2eq Rays set with bass and treble set about the same 65-70%.

I loves' me some 2eq! :D
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/Negative7bass/DSC02827.jpg

That is a sick collection. Wow!

Thanks for tips on 2EQ settings, cool. I'm running it with no boost at all, and it sounds great. This particular bass is a real tone machine, actually. Stoked on my purchase!

Visirale, thanks glad you like! It's a cool combo, eh? I'm always down for natural, plain wood basses...I like brown too (like some guilds I have, Ovation Magnum, Fender P, Epiphone Newport, etc)...but as soon as I see some serious "burl" or "flame" to a bass, I run away. Those finishes are the visual equivalent to slapping and popping to me...or the sound of no mids, and a super glassy tone. ;-)

JMJ

I would go for the rosewood board stingray HH. It is my go to bass and is very versatile.

Justin, I just wanted to let you know this thread you started is solely responsible for a large hole in my checking account. ;) It kept stirring up that Stingray GAS and overtime I realized only a Stingray with 2 band EQ would cure it. If JMJ can have one, why can't I? :crying: :D

I sincerely thank you. :bassist:

Damn! Sorry...and your welcome.

JMJ

Are we sure the 2 band is boost only? I've played a pre-EB model that had a preamp bypass switch fitted and with the controls centred the active and passive tone were pretty much exactly the same. I own a '93 model that I swapped the 3-band out for a 2-band and agree 100% on the tone comments. I also had it converted to string thru body which has also added a bit more pre-EB flavour to it.

According to the aforementioned website authority: " Although the Treble and Bass controls have no centre detent position, the pre-amps appear to be CUT and BOOST with respect to the treble control . On the other hand, the pre-amp is boost only with respect to the bass control ".

I have owned several Stingrays, my current duo comprises a 3 bander from 1991 and a pre-EB '77. The latter has only been with me a week or so, but already I am so impressed with it, I think I've finally found my sound. None of the clack and sizzle of the newer ones. Darker and more organic, if I may use such terms. More Fender-ish in vibe. I've ordered a Nordstrand MM.2 for my '91 3 bander, to see if I can get closer to the older tone. If that doesn't work, I may have to conclude that it's a preamp issue rather than a pickup one (other variables aside), and that a 2 bander is the only way to go.

Hey Justin, congrats on scoring the 2eq StingRay. I new you'd like it. Yup, way smoother sound. Love the natural/maple...it's that classic look like Louis Johnson, Bernard Edwards and Paul Denman.
The 2 band has no center detents because it's boost only. Yeah the treble can be sizzly if run too high...I have all my 2eq Rays set with bass and treble set about the same 65-70%.

I loves' me some 2eq! :D
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/Negative7bass/DSC02827.jpg

Man those dargies are the whole reason I want a music man!

My £ is going towards a Sandberg Terra Bass!

http://www.rammsteinworld.com/images/rammstein/materiels/oliver-riedel/live/sandberg-terra-bass-signature.jpg

The tone is just sick!

noticed the pic of your stingray has been deleted. Still have it?

Oh yeah, just makin room for other photos. Great bass.