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2018 EBMM Stingray Special vs. 2017 and older Stingray years

2018 Stingray Special vs. 2017 and older Stingrays

  • 2017 and older Stingrays

    Votes: 52 34.7%

  • 2018 Stingray Special

    Votes: 74 49.3%

  • They are pretty equal

    Votes: 24 16.0%
  • Total voters
    150
Tony G

Tony G

Supporting Member
Jan 20, 2006
11,211
1,651
#1
I've been reading through the threads to get an idea of what the general consensus is on the whether the newest "Special" is the best yet, or just a new take on a classic design. I guess I'm talking about the intangibles. Yes, they have updated hardware and body sculpting to make them lighter, an 18v preamp, and some sweet roasted maple.

But the question I have is, if I was to take two basses, a 2018 Stingray Special (4h or 5h) and a 2017 Stingray 4h (or 5h), and compare them apples to apples, which one would come out on top? Would they be equal?

My second question is based on cost. Would you go for the $2000 2018 model, or the marked down to $1000 2017 model (new old stock or used)? Again, all things being equal with color and style, etc.

I'll add a poll, and I'm pretty sure it is going to be skewed towards the 2018 model as they are the hot new bass, but here we go for science!
 
#2
Well, there are 3 different Stingrays now. The 2 Band. The 3 Band. And now the Special. (And of course the 4HH.)

The Special has that 18 volt preamp and Neo magnet pickups.

Seems to me, IMHO, if ya want a Stingray to sound like a Stingray. Get the 2 band. Otherwise, the 3 band.

The Special is a whole different bass because of the redesigned pickups and preamp. It's biggest selling point is the weight. It is lighter.

There's quite a few used older style Stingrays floating around out there for under $1,000.

You decide. You are the one "pulling the trigger".
 
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#3
Thanks for commenting. I was just curious to hear from those who have experience with both the new and old stingray models, nothing else. Those that own or have owned both I would really love to hear from.
 
#4
I've owned a 2band Ray and now own the Special. I've auditioned 3band Stingrays before.

I'm not going to say one is better than the other. They are all different but good. It's just a matter of personal taste and you are going to have to decide which feel , play, and sound best TO YOU FOR YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS.

For me the bodies and necks and heavier weight didn't fit comfortably. The 3band tones were also not my preference.

I still like the 2band Ray tones. That's what drew me to a Stingray in the first place. But I sold it because of the weight and neck.

Fast forward to the Stingray5 Specials which gives me 2band warmth plus a whole lot of extra Usable Fender tones with a great comfortable neck and body weight and I've found the perfect bass for me.
 
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#6
NorseBear0903 said:
So many threads about this right now. Go play them and see which one fits you the best. I chose a special 5 HH in aqua sparkle
Click to expand...

There are many threads dedicated to the general consensus as to which Talkbass prefers the new vs. old stingrays? I'm not asking what one people think I would like better. I can make that decision myself. I'm wondering what the whole of TB thinks of the old versus new.
 
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#8
I only own a 2018 Special.

The Special, for me, is more than the sum of its parts. It's a total package that feels and plays and sounds just right.

Some prefer the older models.

I've heard complaints the Special is not as aggressive as a classic Ray. And also praise that the Special is warmer and more organic.

How that equals out is up to the driver's preference, it seems.
 
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#10
Good topic for a thread. I love the Stingray, and I'm a little apprehensive on the Special.

I am in love with the idea of lighter hardware and a better contoured body for a lighter, more comfortable bass!

Not so sure about the electronics reconfigurations. I adore the 2-band 'Ray. Having a whole new neo pickup seems... Bongo-ish? And for whatever reason, the idea of having two batteries in a bass is off-putting to me (for no logical reason I admit).

I need to get my hands on one and try it. That will be the deciding factor.
 
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#11
I'm curious in whether they will do away with the Neck-thru models or make them Special as well. I actually forgot they made a neck-thru model until I looked at their site. I am actually surprised they killed the Caprice/Cutlass as quickly as they did and kept the neck-thru's on....I don't think they sold as many as they did the Caprice/Cutlass...
 
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#12
I voted older, simply for the fact that to me, 2 band Stingrays sound the best. I didn't get that along with the old 3 band (I like it, but not as much as the 2 band), so the Specials probably would be more to my liking as they're tamed a bit, but it aint' no classic 2 band, that's for sure. I like that they cut the weight.

So my preference would most likely be: 2 band > Special > old 3 band.

If I were on the hunt for one, I'd grab a 2 band that doesn't weigh a ton. That's what I did.
 
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#16
I think it may be comparing an apple to a different type of apple... It's not about better or worse, it only comes down to taste... I'm sure the specials are great but a 90s or 2000s stingray with a waxed neck, a 2eq, neck on the chunky side and a bit on the heavier side fits my tastes perfectly...
 
Last edited:
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#17
I have a 2007 Stingray 4HH, and a 2018 Stingray Special 4HH. For me, the special is better hands-down:
  • Much more lightweight.
  • Even string-to-string volume, no more half-dead G-string.
  • No more hard to contain, glassy highs.
Fixes exactly the issues that I have with my '07. The only thing awesome about the older ones, is there were way more colors available, matching headstocks, etc. My '07 is honeyburst with a matching headstock. Can't get that on a 2018 Special.
 
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#20
eastcoasteddie said:
I'm curious in whether they will do away with the Neck-thru models or make them Special as well. I actually forgot they made a neck-thru model until I looked at their site. I am actually surprised they killed the Caprice/Cutlass as quickly as they did and kept the neck-thru's on....I don't think they sold as many as they did the Caprice/Cutlass...
Click to expand...

Neck through models are done.
 

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