The Stingray 5 - the official no B.S. 5 string bass

[choad42]

Hey folks, I just picked up my latest pre-owned Stingray 5 (thx Murphy for the killer deal) and I wanted to share my thoughts.

It never ceases to amaze me just how great these basses are. This particular one is totally zoned in thanks to it's previous owner's meticulous attention to detail. Some bassists really know their instruments in and out and Murphy knows how to dial an SR5 in all the way.

This is my 11th SR5 so I must be going back to them for a reason. They record effortlessly, play great, sound fantastic and work in every situation a working bassist might encounter. While I have played many boutique basses I have yet to find anything that is so plug and play IME like the Stingray 5. Every time I sell or trade one away, a few months later I end up getting another one. Damn GAS has me running around in circles.

This particular SR5 has the piezo bridge and I have to say I just love it. I don't usually like piezos on anything but a fretless, but this one sounds brilliant on this bass, mind you that's because you can feather it in and out. The piezo bridge adds a level of versatility I have never encountered on a Stingray 5 before and fortunately it can be backed off completely if necessary, leaving the good ol' tried and true SR5 tone available as always.

Anyways, enough gushing. I just wanted to express my appreciation of one of the best 5 strings basses ever conceived. There are no short cuts, no surprises and no B.S. with a Stingray 5, not to mention they are affordable (especially pre-owned). While there are better basses if we venture into the boutique world with a huge stack of cash, I doubt you will get a better value for your hard earned money than with a Stingray bass, whether it be a 4 or a 5, I just happen to prefer the 5 string version.

Here's a recording of this SR5-P. The first half of this short demo tune features the piezo bridge in action. The second half of the tune is the straight up standard SR5 tone without any piezo blended in. http://soundclick.com/share?songid=9229612 This clip is a simple funk clip, my next clip will feature the SR5-P within a Prog Rock setting.

Cheers,
PT

[TechJunky]

Beautiful bass! I've always been a huge fan of SR5's. I've got a 4 string 'ray and I absolutely love it. Every time I think of getting rid of it for something else, I kick myself the next time I play it for even harboring such horrid ideas. The only exception i would make is to trade my 4 for a 5, but ideally I would rather own both simultaneously. I think with that, I would be set for my own personal needs.

[Craig_S]

I own a wonderful Stringray 5, as well. It's nowhere near as "plug and play" as a P-Bass.

Nice bass, BTW.

[CElton]

Very nice...

[Dr. Cheese]

Good to see you posting again. You are right about the SR5. It is the most consistently great production five string ever made.

[G RICH 5]

I thought I was the only one who has bought/sold 6-7 SR5's in my career. Now I am content with its little brother---- Sterling 5H.

I love these GD things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jfh2424]

Great playing and great tone. Thanks for posting!

John

[dougjwray]

Jeez, I feel like a peasant... I've had only ONE of these! I bought it in 1995, still have it, and it's probably the most responsive instrument I've ever played.
Lately (the past 8 years or so), I've been favoring passive four string basses, for various reasons. But Stingray 5s are wonderful.
I bought mine from a fine bassist who went on to be a busy session player in L.A., and he told me that he'd chosen it out of quite a few. So, it was "preselected" for me, and it's very lightweight and resonant.

[fffreddy]

I agree with all of the above. I mostly play in worship settings in church. When I played with a funk/blues band a few years ago it was if the instrument came alive. The tone and presence in a group setting is awesome. As a bonus, it is reliable, always seems to be in tune, plus I've found the neck adjustment wheel to be very handy.

[fffreddy]

Isn't the SR5 one of the first basses designed to be a 5-string from the get-go? Somebody (Ernie and Sterling?) got it right the first time.

[Rano Bass]

A true modern classic, the SR5 always delivers.

[Musicman20]

Ive spent 9 months looking for a decent 5 string bass. I love Stingrays anyway, and when I was much younger I knew the Ray 5 was for me...purely as it looks awesome and I know it will b great to play.

After all my research, Ive ordered a Ray 5 HS! Thats after testing Lakland Skylines, Fenders, Sadowsky Metros, Warwicks, etc.

Stingray 5s are popular for a reason; they work

Nice clip and nice bass!

[Sterling BMM]

Didn't have the money to shell out at the time to get the EBMMSR, so I had to go with the SBMM Ray35, maybe someday I can get the official. Still even though it's a knockoff, I love everything about it. I've never played anything like it ever...

[Mike M.]

How do the necks compare/differ from the Sterling 5 basses? I tried a Sterling a few weeks ago and while it felt comfy I'd still like to try a Stingray 5, if I can find one. I'm in the market for another 5 string and still haven't found "the one."

Thanks.

[randy clere]

@choad42 - I totally agree with you I had a beautiful SR%w/ piezos, maple board, vintage yellow tint.. I friggin sold her!! Now, I TOO am Gassing for another... Can not have too many basses, I always say, and my wife does not even care!

[bass4worship]

The Sr5 has one of the best tone around, looking to getting another one myself.

[thisSNsucks]

I will own an SR5 one day, its the only 5er I can really see myself holding on to.

[Double Agent]

I've always wanted a SR5 since I started playing bass in '95-96, but I've never managed to get one in the stable. One day, I will find a lighter one (less than 10 lbs.) AND have the money for it. Until then....

[bunkaroo]

Ooh that's the exact color I'd like to get. I have a black maple fretboard SR5 and while I love it, I'd really like to see how a rosewood SR5 would do for me. Gotta hold off for now though - just bought a Spector.