OLP Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray

Gazwolf321 · #1 03-09-2013, 01:01 PM

I found an ad for a 5 string OLP EB stingray bass for a really good price, but I'm not sure whether its actually that good. I've never played one of these but I know the reputation for EB is class. I was wondering could anyone give me any insight into whether its worthwhile??

msb · #2 03-09-2013, 01:33 PM

Never was a fan of the OLPs , they did not compare to the real thing despite the slight resemblance .

Luke19Boarder · #3 03-09-2013, 01:40 PM

What's a really good price? I use an OLP 5-string as my main bass - but I got it for free and the only money I have in it is upgrading pickups and a new paint job.

Stinsok · #4 03-09-2013, 01:43 PM

Have you looked at the SUB 5's?

groucho · #5 03-09-2013, 03:57 PM

Gotta disagree on that - I had a Tony Levin Barbie Flesh Edition 5 string
and it was quite nice! I did some repair work on a genuine 5 string Ernie Ball
stingray and so had both in my studio to play through my 1969 SVT.
The OLP accounted well for itself - playability and tone. Thing with ANY of
the OLPs is you need "pick of the litter"! Quality varies quite a bit from one to another
and mine was a PRIMO example of an OLP to be sure. I modded the wiring to get
series/parallel out of the pickup and had the frets dressed etc.
Was the EB nicer? yes..But not 5 times the price nicer. The big setback in the OLPs
is the single position wiring (series only) with series parallel they open up a lot.
And the slightly narrower spacing towards the bridge may or may not annoy you.
Since i have small hands it didn't bother me at all.

msb · #6 03-09-2013, 04:34 PM

I have a San Luis Obispo Stingray , and I have yet to play an OLP that comes remotely close . I have played SUBs and Sterlings that do though ... but not an OLP .

Mykk · #7 03-09-2013, 07:25 PM

I just picked up an OLP stingray copy last weekend. So far I think it's great. It was in awful condition when I got it. Almost unplayable. After changing the strings, giving it a set up, filing frets and changing the electronics to an active 3 EQ it's actually a great playing and great sounding bass that I'm looking forward to sharing some stage time with next weekend.

I gave mine a custom paint job (see my OLP "Road Worn" Stringray thread) but really the best thing for this bass was the BassMods preamp and a solid set up.