Hmm, could you elaborate on that? I tried to gel with jazz basses several times, but I always end up selling them, and going back to my Precisions and Stingrays (2 band models though, 3 band didn't do it for me as much). How are the Specials more like a jazz bass?
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2018 EBMM Stingray Special vs. 2017 and older Stingray years
- Thread starter Tony G
- Start date
Hmm, could you elaborate on that? I tried to gel with jazz basses several times, but I always end up selling them, and going back to my Precisions and Stingrays (2 band models though, 3 band didn't do it for me as much). How are the Specials more like a jazz bass?
The Special is not a Jazz Bass, let me be clear about that. But its tonal range plays a lot more in that classic area than on the extremes of a 2-band single-H 'Ray. Oh, the Special can get to those extremes, but there's a lot more range in its tones before one gets there.
If you like the full-on sound of a Classic 'Ray, the Special can get in that territory — but you'll probably prefer the Classic 2-band 'Ray. For those who have found StingRays difficult to dial in a more subtle or neutral tone (like a Jazz Bass) — and there have been many who just couldn't get along with StingRays in the past — the Specials will be much easier to work with.
With the Special, the StingRay is no longer on the fringes totally. They are more useable for more players' preferences.
But in the end, you'll have to place a Special to know if it's right for you — because, YMMV.
I don't crank the preamp on my Stingray. I usually have the treble at around 40% and bass around 60% (so, treble slightly below half and bass slightly bumped). That's the difference between the 3 band and the 2 band for me - 2 band doesn't have the untamable high mid clank, and I have no problem getting a nice, round, smooth tone from a classic 2 bander. I could never dial in the 3 band (previous versions), but the 2 banders have always been a breeze to dial in, they simply sound fatter and more open - there's no high pass filter on the preamp, it's just a different design. Sounds like I'd definitely prefer the new 3 band to old ones though. I do wonder if they also have a high pass filter - my guess is yes.
Warm and organic is they way to go for me. I hate twangy basses. Funny thing is that I loved the Stingray 5 a lot, but it was a little sizzly for me, so I went with a 2band stingray classic 4.
Loved the bass a ton but barely ever had tracks come to me that needed it.
I currently have all 4s and at some point need to add a 5. The fact that the EBMM took the 5er, warmed it up and gave it the 2band vibe is great.
The one that really speaks to me is that sky blue with rosewood neck. I didn't even know that companies were still making rosewood necks.
That is a nice color combo . Try one. You'll probably enjoy it. I like Cobalt Flats on mine. But the stock Slinky's sound good too.
Damn you guys to bass hell! After reading all the great reviews I've pulled the trigger on a Dropped Copper 5H... I needed another bass like I need another hole in my head....at least I'm a single guy 
I tried a StingRay Special 5H in Charger Green today at my local GC and while I only got a few minutes with it, I felt that although it was obviously lighter than my 2001 StingRay 5H in Honey Burst (the latter sporting an ash body), I was not blown away by the sound. It seemed somehow more subdued and polite to me, less forceful. Is it my imagination?
Maybe I should bring mine in for a little A/B test.
Maybe I should bring mine in for a little A/B test.
It's not your imagination. I initially thought the same. The StingRay Specials with their new electronics are much less edgy than the previous StingRays. Fans of that over-the-top StingRay thing may be disappointed. But those who found StingRays to be too much will be pleased.
The new Specials will fit in more places, something like a Jazz Bass-like ability. Yes, this is more mannered. You'll have to take their EQ to the extremes to get into the older StingRay sonic realm. And even then, they're not quite the 'Ray of old.
If you set your expectations for a versatile instrument, then the StingRay Special shows it's stuff. But don't expect it to replace your 2001 5H. It's just not that bass.
I like them both. Different tools for different needs. One's a truck, the other a sports car.
Excellent post, thank you! The crucial thing for me is I simply cannot imagine playing my 2001 StingRay 5H standing up for long periods, whereas I could definitely see doing that with the Special.
The Special are exactly what they are..... special.... and in every way!!!! Weight, tone, playability, etc. !!!! They are a big improvement over the older Stingrays which I never bonded with and since I have a Special, I just can't see myself part with her!!!!
Few weeks ago i was checking out the fender original 60 jaws bassin GC. I was not very impressed despite the raving reviews and big discount l. I saw a stingray 4H special and got my attention. I never interested in stingray before because I hate the white pear shaped pick guard. But this all black 4H special with roasted maple neck just looked stunning. I played it unplugged and immediately impressed how smooth and fast the ebony neck is. I came back to play it a few times and compared it with the fender ultra jazz and the American pro jazz. I ended up trading in my American G&L p bass with this bad boy. I am so impressed with the tone, workmanship and how comfortable to play with. Definitely worth the price.
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You are right.
The main difference is in the treble.
After I changed the strings on the Special to DR Lo Riders, it was even more softer on the treble side.
The special is amazing !
If you look thru my gear list youll see Ive owned dozens of Stingrays. Ive kept an SLO, and early 90s with bridge mutes that I will never sell and Ive got the Special. Hands down the Special is the best of them all. Its become my main bass. It fits EVERYTHING perfectly. Its more comfortable, its lighter, it feels better on the body while playing. Then one day I thought "ya know, my SLO was my "Go-To" for a decade. Im being stupid not playing that in the band". So next practice I brought it and the Special. I started off the practice playing the SLO. The whole time I was thinking "Why am i not playing this like always? This thing sounds and feels great!". We took a break and then I put on my Special. 10 seconds into our first song I was thinking "THIS IS WHY!!".. It just sounded sooooo much better in the mix, felt soooo much better playing. Even the drummer looked over to see what had changed and smiled. If I never played a Special I would be forever happy with a regular Stingray, but having played them, well.... they are aptly named.
If you prefer the softer and more toned down Stingray tone, you'd prefer the new Specials. If you want the older style aggression and spank that the Stingrays had, go for the older 3 bander.
I've seen most of your videos, and all your basses sound great, but to me, your 90s Stingray has a lot more character than the Special you have. More so in your cover videos than the direct comparison video. It's all personal preference though.
I've seen most of your videos, and all your basses sound great, but to me, your 90s Stingray has a lot more character than the Special you have. More so in your cover videos than the direct comparison video. It's all personal preference though.
I've listened to You video hundred times. It may be the only one of that kind on the internet, which is pretty strange considering how popular the topic is. It would be nice to see that kind of comparison with 4H also.
I had a few Stingrays in past decade, but never been 100% satisfied with one. Either because of to much weight, weak G string, inability to setup the neck the way I wanted, or a rather inconsistent neck that constantly requires adjustment.
It seems that all of that issues are addressed with Special.
I love them so much, but havent found the correct one for me in the past.
Can you tell me your experience with Stingray Special related to the problems I have had with my Stingrays in the past?
Thanks a lot
I've had a few Stingrays myself too (both 2 band and 3 band) and the weak G string issue was always just a good setup away. I always lower the pole pieces stagger though, and Specials already have them flush, so that's a plus IMO. I'll be honest, I've never had a neck setup problem either, and my action is pretty low (1.5 mm at the 12th fret).
I don't see how the setup has been addressed though? It's still a Stingray, still oil&wax finish, just roasted maple. Some people did report issues with buzzing on low setup, so it's still a luck of the draw, but I bet still better QC than most other mass production basses. Again, never had that issue with the older ones (apart from one HH fiver that I setup for a friend, that needed a neck shim for low action).
Weight has been addressed, and the tone is now a bit more "tamed" IMO, not as aggressive and spanky. Not quite what I want, but many people do. Doesn't quite do that 90s dirty punk alt rock funk thing.
Check out more of pertybass' videos, check out the covers with his old Stingray and the new Special. That might help. I personally found his 90s ray to have much more character to it, but that's also partially because I don't really like the tones of HH rays (except the bridge pup obviously), as I find them too scooped, muddy or just bland. YMMV of course, just my opinion.
I've listened to You video hundred times. It may be the only one of that kind on the internet, which is pretty strange considering how popular the topic is. It would be nice to see that kind of comparison with 4H also.
I had a few Stingrays in past decade, but never been 100% satisfied with one. Either because of to much weight, weak G string, inability to setup the neck the way I wanted, or a rather inconsistent neck that constantly requires adjustment.
It seems that all of that issues are addressed with Special.
I love them so much, but havent found the correct one for me in the past.
Can you tell me your experience with Stingray Special related to the problems I have had with my Stingrays in the past?
Thanks a lot
first of all thank you very much!
Second, the two basses are quite lightweight, around 4.2 pounds. I've never dealt with the G string, it always sounds just fine to me. Although it's hard to hear in my video, the two basses sound different to my ears, especially when playing with an amplifier. The special preamp is much louder, but on the other hand much more gentle and pleasant than the old basses, especially the treble.
Keep looking of that one for you!
