Stingray Slo Special vs New Classic Stingray

[mam1862]

Just trying to get a feeler to see what people like better. Both of these basses are very interesting to me. I have had my eye on both of them. I have never owned a Music Man bass and am thinking of getting one. Wanted some feedback on the pros and cons of each. Thanks.

[Jay Ralston]

I don't own a SR SLO but I do own a Sterling that has the same neck, a regular Stingray and a Stingray Classic as well. If you like thinner necks, go with the SR SLO. If you like your bass to have a wider neck, and look a little nicer go with the Classic as it has a chrome wheel, neck through body bridge, chrome battery cover and nicer necks.

Now as far as tone goes, both have similarities but also there differences. On the Classic I can use the mutes but a regular SR does not have that option. But on the regular SR I have the mid frequency knob added so each bass has the ability to sound identical but each one can also have it's own unique sound depending on how you eq it or use the mutes.

As far as my favorite, that is really tough to say? I really do love all of my Music Man basses for various reasons. My Bongo's are my favorite but I love my Stingrays and my Sterling too. I would recommend playing some different ones and then going with which one you like best.

[mam1862]

Thanks for the info.

[zortation]

I like the narrower neck on the SLO but the Classic trumps it with vintage specs and wood selection, and tone.

A Classic SLO would be nice.

[mam1862]

I read somewhere that on the classics the frets are smaller. Wouldn't that make it a little easier to play than the older versions and possibly be comparable to the slo?

[zortation]

Smaller frets, smaller radius, lacquered flame maple or birdseye maple tinted neck. They're the best stingray necks EB makes.

[Caca de Kick]

Originally Posted by mam1862

I read somewhere that on the classics the frets are smaller. Wouldn't that make it a little easier to play than the older versions and possibly be comparable to the slo?

Well it's all going to depend on the individual bass. My '10 Classic while it had smaller frets, the neck was much fatter than my '07 2eq regular StingRay.
EB says the necks are hand sanded and final shaped, so there will be differences, which is exactly what I've experienced with the ~25 I've owned.

But your original question, the SLO is still a regular StingRay, just a narrower neck. You get to order all the same options on the regular StingRay list: 2eq single H, 3eq, single pickup, dual pickups, fretless, more colors, matching heastocks...you get the idea.

I loved the Classic, but limited color choices, and no fretless available!

[mam1862]

Good stuff. Thanks.

[zortation]

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

I loved the Classic, but limited color choices, and no fretless available!

Bah! That's what pliers and boat epoxy are for!