Stingray to Stingray differences

Groove7 · #1 02-27-2011, 06:57 PM

I am more than ready to buy my first Musicman bass. I have loved the sound for years and now have Bass fever. Is it safe to buy one without playing it? I have $1000 limit and will have to buy used or wait. Some of you have enviously owned many Musicman basses. Were they all amazing or were there substantial tonal differences? I have not been able to compare many MM basses side by side. However, I was able to play a SBMM Ray (I realize they are a different company) followed by an EBMM Stingray Classic and what an incredible difference! The classic had a roasted birds eye maple neck and incredible tone. If I had the extra cash and it did not have the gloss finish on the neck I would have walked out of the store with it. It sort of had this meaty bright punchy almost compressed tone. The sound of the SBMM was dismal in comparison, although it looked similar and didn't feel bad in the hand. My local music store has a sunburst 4 string single H Musicman Sterling on order with a maple neck, but it won't be in for about 3 months. So, I am trying to figure if it is worth the wait or to buy now used. I hear that the EBMM Sterling allows you to switch from parallel for series. Does that give you the classic stingray plus other tones? I am looking for a funk machine and want to be sure to get that classic Earnie Ball Musicman Stingray tone.

basstotheface · #2 02-27-2011, 07:00 PM

It is safe to buy without playing, Ernie Ball is the most consistent big name in the game.

parsons · #3 02-27-2011, 07:06 PM

quality on EBMMs is definitely industry leading. I'd buy one without playing, but Ive owned and played enough of them to know what Ill be getting. Weight can vary. The Stingrays typically run a little heavier than the Sterlings do. I cant compare either to a Modulus, but if you prefer a thicker neck, the Stingray will do it. The Sterling however, is the most comfortable thing Ive ever played, but I have the hands of an adolescent. You can add a switch to change from parallel to series wiring on a Stingray with little work. The Sterling has 3 switch positions, series, single coil (with the phantom coil to prevent hum) and parallel.

Groove7 · #4 02-28-2011, 08:09 AM

Has anyone else played a roasted Birdseye maple neck? Do you think this wad a factor in why the EBMM Stingray that I played was so amazing?

mikezimmerman · #5 02-28-2011, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groove7

Has anyone else played a roasted Birdseye maple neck? Do you think this wad a factor in why the EBMM Stingray that I played was so amazing?

Many people seem to really like the roasted necks, but they are expensive and hard to find used! However, another factor that may have made a big difference is the 2-band EQ used on the Classic. Stingray users seem either really like the 2-band, or really like the 3-band!

I'd say keep your eyes open for a 2-band Stingray. Since you didn't care for the gloss finish on the neck, a regular Stingray rather than a Classic might suit you better. You also might look for a maple or rosewood board depending on which one this Classic that you liked so much had. (There's some disagreement over how much difference the fretboard wood makes, but it can't hurt to look for the one you've already tried and liked...)

Like any brand, there are some Stingrays that just seem to be magical, and you can't count on finding one of those without playing it first, but EBMM does have a reputation for being fairly consistent.

Mike

bassman74 · #6 02-28-2011, 03:41 PM

I strongly suggest you wait until you can afford a sterling or stingray classic.

I think they offer the best of what ernieball have to offer.

Since i bought my sterling classic i went back to playing and practicing. To only Time i come on talkbass now, is when i'm sitting on the toilet with my iPhone.

bassman74 · #7 02-28-2011, 03:43 PM

You can fond them used for 1250$ or not much more

Pet Sounds · #8 02-28-2011, 03:49 PM

Two-band is the way to go, IMHO. The roasted necks are beautiful, but can't say if you'd find it worth the extra buckage. I really like the classics.

svtb15 · #9 02-28-2011, 03:56 PM

I love the classics.. I only wish i could find one that is lightweight..

MysterMunky · #10 02-28-2011, 04:09 PM

If you can luck out, like I did, and find a used Pre-EB Musicman for around a thousand that is in need of some TLC, I would say do it. After a couple of minor repairs (new pots, rewired and some fret work {all for less than $100}, this bass plays and sounds like a million bucks, if not more!

That being said, every random Musicman I have ever played, whether in a GC or elsewhere, have been set up well and sounded great.

Good luck!

MysterMunky · #11 02-28-2011, 04:11 PM

I just noticed that svtb15 is selling one! ^^^^^^^^^

anakeesta · #12 02-28-2011, 04:18 PM

I played a musicman stingray, loved it.
mail-ordered a sterling trying to save some money, took it back and mail-ordered a musicman, big difference, imo. in short, hold out for an ernie ball.

bassman74 · #13 02-28-2011, 04:24 PM

My sterling classic is 8.5 lbs.

The stingray classic they have at my local music store is barely over 9 lbs

If you are patient you Will fins a lightweight One

Jim C · #14 02-28-2011, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svtb15

I love the classics.. I only wish i could find one that is lightweight..

+1
2 band EQ; lacquer finish on the 1 5/8" neck
Wouldn't mind a tummy tuck but the original body never caused a problem

The Perfect Bass lists actual weights of the instruments they have in stock; have seen as much variance as low 8lb to low 10lb for the same model; still not sure how a 20% variance can exist but will say that the EB instruments are very consistent in setup and workmanship IMO

mr.mow · #15 02-28-2011, 05:24 PM

Ive had 3..

1) ok but decent finish, loosish neck gap, medium weight, mellow sound
2) a neck gap you could park a bus in, weighed like a boat anchor, hard aggressive sound, finish peeling off
3) light, perfect finish, tight neck, nice all round

Personally not a brand I'd buy sight unseen.. But then again what is?

Greg75 · #16 02-28-2011, 07:41 PM

Have purchased two before trying--a Stingray and my current Stingray Classic. Both were perfect: tight neck pocket, flawless finish, accurate factory-spec setup.

weekend warrior · #17 02-28-2011, 07:56 PM

Yep! The Musicman Stingray has always had a soft spot in my heart,and ive owned a dozen of them over the years.I have found that they were all very different!in fact i though finding a good jazz bass or a rick was hard! Well good is not the word im looking for...Lets say...MAGIC bass!With a Stingray there are a couple of major factors.Mainly,wether or not is has a strong G string output is the main thing.This of all things to me is the biggest iffy with a Stingray.Leo's pickup placement on the Stingray was a little off causing inconsistencys in every one of them.The preamp is another issue.Some are very transparent and get lost in the mix..Finding the MAGIC stingray takes a little leg work but once you find it,Its love at first slap!I have a Musicman Sub stingray right now that is believe it or not one of the best ones ive owned!Bottom line! TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!!!