All New Redesigned 2018 Music Man Stingray!

[rugrat]

I got my SR5 a week ago and it has some fret issues, so I sent it back to Sweetwater. They’ve had it since Wed and I haven’t heard back. Not sure if they sent it back to the manufacturer or not. Don’t think that i want it back unless they discount it. The thing is a beast though! Sounds really good and feels wonderful!

 

[mmbongo]

I got my SR5 a week ago and it has some fret issues, so I sent it back to Sweetwater. They’ve had it since Wed and I haven’t heard back. Not sure if they sent it back to the manufacturer or not. Don’t think that i want it back unless they discount it. The thing is a beast though! Sounds really good and feels wonderful!

Ahh man that stinks. What kind of issues? Was it a 2018 new style Stingray?

 

[rugrat]

Ahh man that stinks. What kind of issues? Was it a 2018 new style Stingray?

Yes sir. It’s got a high fret on the 19th fret, if I remember right. Not a huge deal, but for $2200 I think it’s unacceptable. It’s pretty much unplayable. I’ve been doing my own set ups (other than fret work) for 30 years, and I don’t think I should have to pay for that to be done.

 

[Christcr]

-------MEGA REVIEW (grab your pillow)--------

I just bought a new Stingray Special 4HH. Although I've been playing it into the wee hours of the mornings, I haven't gigged it yet (that will be the real test), so take at least the sound comments with a grain of salt. Here are my first impressions about the changes to the Stingray (I'll start with the non-sound items):

Tuning machines: they look nice. From an engineering standpoint, I'm sure they are higher quality than before. And of course, they are lighter. I don't really have an opinion one way or the other, because the old ones have never failed me. But, I'm not going to bellyache about this change... at least, my back won't bellyache. Overall they seem very nice and look good. Only concern I have is when I decide to get a Hipshot detuner. Then what do I do? I do regularly use them. (no. no 5-string)

Bridge: it seems I've already read a bunch of negative opinions about the bridge. Do y'all have the same negative opinions about 95% of other production basses? Because the bridge style and functionality is pretty standard for a lot of high-quality US made basses (or something really close). What are the changes that have inflamed some of you? Yeah, it is aluminum. Lighter... but softer metal as well. For me, that is a non-issue because I never manhandle my basses when setting them up. Also, there are no big honking studs on each side of the bridge saddles. So? What did those do? I'll tell you what they have done for me over the years: annoyed me. They serve no practical purpose in my opinion. All they've done for me is irritated me when I adjust the saddle height. They get bound up if the saddles are not perfectly flat. Personally, I can do without that, so in my opinion, this is a positive change. Either way, no huge issue for me, but I support the change... again, less weight and less calories.

Neck: Feels like a Stingray to me. The finish is always superb. Only thing I would add here is that they need to stick with the SLO option. Sure, I can play it just fine and it feels just fine. But I prefer the neck profile of my Sterling bass. Regardless, I'm sure most folks will find the neck to be very, very nice. No complaints. Frets, finish, detailing... all flawless.

Electronics: Okay, first let me admit that I have quite a lot of experience with single humbucker Stingrays and Sterlings (I've owned many over the years), but this is the first time I've owned an HH Stingray.

Let me start with the bridge humbucker setting--it sounds like a Stringray. But what I'm hearing is a bit more "organic growl" (It's VERY hard to explain sounds, no?). It seems that there is more variation with the new preamp and a slightly different voicing with the neo magnets. It still does sound like a Stingray, as I said, but perhaps a slightly different "color." Here is my take on what might happen come gig time. I think I will be happy with the variation in overall sound for finger or pick style, but I might not get quite the sort of slap sound I would out of a Stingray Classic. So, generally speaking, although it doesn't thrill me to the point of hyperventilation or anything, I'm happy or at least okay with the change there. Basically, I think it will be more versatile in general. As far as the 18 volt pre... ehhh, the 9 volt seemed to do the job and I'm not seeing a huge difference there. Again, I'm okay with that change. Extra battery to buy though...

Okay, now for the other pickup variations. Because I've had no experience with the HH Stingrays, perhaps what I'm going to say is par for the course and what is expected by those who play the HH Stingray. But what I hear out of all the other settings besides the bridge pickup soloed is a sort of slightly "hollow" or "nasal" or "out of phase" (without a signal drop) sound to varying degrees (is that typical?).

Setting 2 (outer single coils) gives a "grindy" sound. I can't really say it is a J-bass sound, maybe more like the love child of a Stingray and J-bass with features more resembling the Stingray. As for the "hollowness," it is quite pronounced in this setting.

Setting 3 (both humbuckers, all four coils) gives a scooped sound--it's actually a great slap sound that rivals the soloed bridge, but a lot smoother. It could be described as the Stingray bridge pickup soloed sound with more low end beef. Definitely fills in the low frequencies. Again, there is that slight "hollowness," but not as noticeable as Setting 2.

Setting 4 (inner single coils) is the "hollowest" sounding of all. I don't know quite how to explain this sound. Very "grindy" again, but more focused than setting 2. I actually love it for slap--probably my favorite (so, three good and different slap sounds: Bridge soloed, both humbuckers, and inner coils). I'll probably end up using this setting most often for slap--it's a little bit like a P-bass slapped... but not quite (hows that for commitment?). For fingerstyle, like I said, grindy... and focused. However, again, that "hollowness" sort of unsettles me. I'm not used to that sound. In fact, other than the fact that it is 1000% more focused sounding, it almost reminds me a little of a Gibson SG (EB) bass crossed with a Stingray.

Setting 5 (bridge humbucker) still has a bit of hollowness, but to me this is as close as a Stingray is going to get to a P-bass. Less defined and "tubby," but fills the sonic space well, especially in the low end. I'll be using this for most of the old rockers from the 60s and early 70s, I'm sure.

Of course, all of these settings can be refined or changed a bit with the 3-band EQ. What I will certainly say about the 5-way switching and two humbuckers is that there is definitely some DIFFERENT sounds in those settings. It's not just a little variation on the "Stingray Sound" like the 3-way switching on the Sterling bass. If you want variation from the Stingray, yet the ability to have the stingray sound in there as well, this is the way to go.

Fit, finish, and workmanship are all perfect as has been the case with all new Music Man basses I've ever bought. Class act all the way. Nothing cheesy or halfassed.

Overall, I'm quite happy with it--and I'll tell you, I'm very picky and analytical about these things. And, I know it is sort of vain/trite of me and missing the important points (see above), but I'm THRILLED with the new colors. All of them. Mine is the Charcoal Sparkle. It shifts color depending on its surroundings. Very cool. So cool that I want to get an Aqua Sparkle down the road with single humbucker. I still see me playing my Sterling and Sterling Classic a lot, but this new Stingray will be in my hands any time I need to be able to quickly change sounds, which is a good deal of the performances.

Okay... time to wake up now!

 

[IronLung1986]

The bridge studs were nice because you knew the saddles would never ever wiggle on you, especially when playing with a pick.

My vote would have been to make all these changes to the Stingray 5, as they are more in character with that model, and keep the Stingray 4 the same. But whatever, I guess progress and stuff.

 

[Christcr]

The bridge studs were nice because you knew the saddles would never ever wiggle on you, especially when playing with a pick.

My vote would have been to make all these changes to the Stingray 5, as they are more in character with that model, and keep the Stingray 4 the same. But whatever, I guess progress and stuff.

If the "regular" Stingray were the only model of Stingray, I'd agree. But there is the Stingray Classic, which has all the details (and a couple of definite improvements) of the original design, including the bridge. I'd think that gives Music Man a bit more "wiggle room" to refine the "regular" Stingray.

Honestly, though... when you play a Fender bass, do the bridge saddles *really* slide back and forth on you as you're playing? Man, if they do, you are putting a lot of serious, deadly force into your picking. Those strings are under pretty heavy tension to start with and that distance from the back plate of the bridge to the saddle would need oodles of sideways force/torque (on the saddle) to get it out of alignment, even temporarily, beyond micrometers--not to mention that all four of the saddles support each other (except the top and bottom in the outward direction), so that's four times the force required to move those babies.

Plus, each saddle has a good deal of downward force onto the bridge plate as well. Again, to get that tip of the adjustment screw(s) to slide (overcoming the static friction across all eight saddle screws) you'd need some serious force for that alone.

 

[IronLung1986]

If the "regular" Stingray were the only model of Stingray, I'd agree. But there is the Stingray Classic, which has all the details (and a couple of definite improvements) of the original design, including the bridge. I'd think that gives Music Man a bit more "wiggle room" to refine the "regular" Stingray.

Honestly, though... when you play a Fender bass, do the bridge saddles *really* slide back and forth on you as you're playing? Man, if they do, you are putting a lot of serious, deadly force into your picking. Those strings are under pretty heavy tension to start with and that short distance from the back plate of the bridge to the saddle would need oodles of force/torque to get it out of alignment beyond micrometers--not to mention that all four of the saddles support each other (except the top and bottom), so that's four times the force required to move those babies.

It actually doesn't take as much force as you would think. Fender saddles wiggle all over the place if you play near the bridge with a pick. It's easily perceptible on the G string, especially once the little grooves start to get scratched into the plate by continued wiggling. There can start to be a couple mm swing on the G without much force. The studs were a nice acknowledgment that yes we know this is a thing and yes we have your back.

 

[phillipkregg]

In a moment of weakness I walked into Guitar Center and came out with a brand spankin new Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special 4H completely blacked out with an ebony board.

Just got home with it and did some minor tweaking to adjust the action and now she's perfect.

I'll try to post some pics later, but I'm just so blown away by this new design. I've alway loved Music Man basses - and owned many - but the Stingrays were always too heavy and harsh sounding at times.

This new preamp is voiced so well. Just everything - fingerstyle and slap - sounds so full and punchy but without the harsh, hissing bite that existed before. I can still get a great "spank" with the slap tone if I want it.

The other big factor for me is that this bass weighs approximately between 8.5 and 9 lbs. VERY light for a Stingray.

What made me fall in love though is the neck. These roasted necks are like nothing I've ever played. There's a video where Dave Matthews bassist - Stefan Lessard - is talking about these new Stingray necks and he sums it up well by saying that it's hard to go back to playing any other bass after you've tried them.

Man, I realize I'm in the honey moon period, but this is not the first one I've played and I've been consistently amazed by how good they are.

 

[HD007]

In a moment of weakness I walked into Guitar Center and came out with a brand spankin new Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special 4H completely blacked out with an ebony board. -

What a coincidence - the same thing happened to me today! But a 4HH.

I’m still in trial period but don’t foresee bringing this back. The neck is SO nice. It balances perfectly- zero dive.

I was worried about my relatively new Caprice getting outshadowed, but that’s not the case, phew. Different beasts.

Great job EBMM.

 

[Jim C]

I've got an 83' 2-band Stingray that weighs 10.1 lbs
Also have a 96' 3-band Stingray that weighs 8.15 lbs
They both play beautifully and certainly have the signature sound
IMO, the weak G-string is a defect.

It's not the output volume (when checked with a VU meter); it's the lack of low end compared to other strings (and not based on pitch or string gauge)
If something were to be changed/improved, that would be it (for me)
Asking respectfully about this on the forum is a guranteed way to be chastised or banned; emperor's new clothes...

 

[phillipkregg]

Here's a couple pics...

At first I couldn't decide on the single H vs the HH. The previous Stingray I had was an HH and I used both pickups to get a fuller, thumpier sound. But with this new preamp, I can get all the thump I'll ever need out of that single H and I love the simplicity of just having one pickup. I only ever used a couple of settings on the HH anyways.

If you're thinking that black is gonna end up with lots of fingerprints, you're right. I love relic'd basses and to me the lightest form of relicing is having fingerprints all over it.

This baby is headed to jazz rehearsal today and I'll probably put some TI flats on it soon (even though it sounds killer with the nickel rounds on it now).

 

[aproud1]

Spent some time with some of these today. The HH is now on my gas list. I'm a fan of everything but kind of meh when it comes to the bridge. Serviceable and light I suppose. Doesn't bother me either way.

The preamp is KILLER! I liked the H model but the HH really won me over. Both played great and were very well balanced and not silly heavy. Necks felt great and the whole bass was very comfortable. Never really bonded with the few Stingrays I've played. Immediately liked the new model. Honestly wasn't expecting much.

G String sounded great BTW. Regardless of settings.

 

[Tuna Can Dan]

I just got my new stingray and I think it’s amazing! I do think the new bridge looks cheesy but it does the job. Other than that I have no complaints. I do own both a 2017 and now a 2018. As far as weight I do notice a tiny difference but nothing crazy. I won’t say the sound is better but it’s different in a good way! A lot of people complain about the weak G string and my buddies who have complained about this in the past replaced their preamps and pickup with the Seymour Duncan set up and said the problem went away. This new one does not have the problem. The roasted maple neck on these new ones are amazing! On my 2017 I have a tinted maple that feels like a fender neck. It’s not that bare wood feel that the standard stingrays come with. Mine has a light coat of poly but feels like a satin gloss. I prefer the feel of the new necks on the 2018. It was explained to me that the roasted maple process takes the moisture out of the wood which then causes less movement of the neck. Way less bowing. Over all I’m happy with the bass!

 

[HD007]

I just got my new stingray and I think it’s amazing! I do think the new bridge looks cheesy but it does the job. Other than that I have no complaints. I do own both a 2017 and now a 2018. As far as weight I do notice a tiny difference but nothing crazy. I won’t say the sound is better but it’s different in a good way! A lot of people complain about the weak G string and my buddies who have complained about this in the past replaced their preamps and pickup with the Seymour Duncan set up and said the problem went away. This new one does not have the problem. The roasted maple neck on these new ones are amazing! On my 2017 I have a tinted maple that feels like a fender neck. It’s not that bare wood feel that the standard stingrays come with. Mine has a light coat of poly but feels like a satin gloss. I prefer the feel of the new necks on the 2018. It was explained to me that the roasted maple process takes the moisture out of the wood which then causes less movement of the neck. Way less bowing. Over all I’m happy with the bass!

Beautiful!! I find my 2018 special is perfectly balanced. No neck dive. How is yours?

 

[Tuna Can Dan]

man it’s perfect! Honestly the 5 bolt neck joint doesn’t matter to me because I don’t play that far down the neck. I can’t get over how smooth the neck is though. Honestly if I could get a hold of the new preamp and pickup and throw it in my 2017 model I’d be just as happy!

 

[Tuna Can Dan]

I guess I didn’t really answer your question about neck dive. There is no neck dive. It is perfectly balanced. I’ve actually never had a problem with this on any stingray.

 

[OldFunBass]

I just got my new stingray and I think it’s amazing! I do think the new bridge looks cheesy but it does the job. Other than that I have no complaints. I do own both a 2017 and now a 2018. As far as weight I do notice a tiny difference but nothing crazy. I won’t say the sound is better but it’s different in a good way! A lot of people complain about the weak G string and my buddies who have complained about this in the past replaced their preamps and pickup with the Seymour Duncan set up and said the problem went away. This new one does not have the problem. The roasted maple neck on these new ones are amazing! On my 2017 I have a tinted maple that feels like a fender neck. It’s not that bare wood feel that the standard stingrays come with. Mine has a light coat of poly but feels like a satin gloss. I prefer the feel of the new necks on the 2018. It was explained to me that the roasted maple process takes the moisture out of the wood which then causes less movement of the neck. Way less bowing. Over all I’m happy with the bass!

Beautiful bass! Enjoy.

 

[PeterH]

-------MEGA REVIEW (grab your pillow)--------

I just bought a new Stingray Special 4HH. Although I've been playing it into the wee hours of the mornings, I haven't gigged it yet (that will be the real test), so take at least the sound comments with a grain of salt. Here are my first impressions about the changes to the Stingray (I'll start with the non-sound items):

Tuning machines: they look nice. From an engineering standpoint, I'm sure they are higher quality than before. And of course, they are lighter. I don't really have an opinion one way or the other, because the old ones have never failed me. But, I'm not going to bellyache about this change... at least, my back won't bellyache. Overall they seem very nice and look good. Only concern I have is when I decide to get a Hipshot detuner. Then what do I do? I do regularly use them. (no. no 5-string)

Bridge: it seems I've already read a bunch of negative opinions about the bridge. Do y'all have the same negative opinions about 95% of other production basses? Because the bridge style and functionality is pretty standard for a lot of high-quality US made basses (or something really close). What are the changes that have inflamed some of you? Yeah, it is aluminum. Lighter... but softer metal as well. For me, that is a non-issue because I never manhandle my basses when setting them up. Also, there are no big honking studs on each side of the bridge saddles. So? What did those do? I'll tell you what they have done for me over the years: annoyed me. They serve no practical purpose in my opinion. All they've done for me is irritated me when I adjust the saddle height. They get bound up if the saddles are not perfectly flat. Personally, I can do without that, so in my opinion, this is a positive change. Either way, no huge issue for me, but I support the change... again, less weight and less calories.

Neck: Feels like a Stingray to me. The finish is always superb. Only thing I would add here is that they need to stick with the SLO option. Sure, I can play it just fine and it feels just fine. But I prefer the neck profile of my Sterling bass. Regardless, I'm sure most folks will find the neck to be very, very nice. No complaints. Frets, finish, detailing... all flawless.

Electronics: Okay, first let me admit that I have quite a lot of experience with single humbucker Stingrays and Sterlings (I've owned many over the years), but this is the first time I've owned an HH Stingray.

Let me start with the bridge humbucker setting--it sounds like a Stringray. But what I'm hearing is a bit more "organic growl" (It's VERY hard to explain sounds, no?). It seems that there is more variation with the new preamp and a slightly different voicing with the neo magnets. It still does sound like a Stingray, as I said, but perhaps a slightly different "color." Here is my take on what might happen come gig time. I think I will be happy with the variation in overall sound for finger or pick style, but I might not get quite the sort of slap sound I would out of a Stingray Classic. So, generally speaking, although it doesn't thrill me to the point of hyperventilation or anything, I'm happy or at least okay with the change there. Basically, I think it will be more versatile in general. As far as the 18 volt pre... ehhh, the 9 volt seemed to do the job and I'm not seeing a huge difference there. Again, I'm okay with that change. Extra battery to buy though...

Okay, now for the other pickup variations. Because I've had no experience with the HH Stingrays, perhaps what I'm going to say is par for the course and what is expected by those who play the HH Stingray. But what I hear out of all the other settings besides the bridge pickup soloed is a sort of slightly "hollow" or "nasal" or "out of phase" (without a signal drop) sound to varying degrees (is that typical?).

Setting 2 (outer single coils) gives a "grindy" sound. I can't really say it is a J-bass sound, maybe more like the love child of a Stingray and J-bass with features more resembling the Stingray. As for the "hollowness," it is quite pronounced in this setting.

Setting 3 (both humbuckers, all four coils) gives a scooped sound--it's actually a great slap sound that rivals the soloed bridge, but a lot smoother. It could be described as the Stingray bridge pickup soloed sound with more low end beef. Definitely fills in the low frequencies. Again, there is that slight "hollowness," but not as noticeable as Setting 2.

Setting 4 (inner single coils) is the "hollowest" sounding of all. I don't know quite how to explain this sound. Very "grindy" again, but more focused than setting 2. I actually love it for slap--probably my favorite (so, three good and different slap sounds: Bridge soloed, both humbuckers, and inner coils). I'll probably end up using this setting most often for slap--it's a little bit like a P-bass slapped... but not quite (hows that for commitment?). For fingerstyle, like I said, grindy... and focused. However, again, that "hollowness" sort of unsettles me. I'm not used to that sound. In fact, other than the fact that it is 1000% more focused sounding, it almost reminds me a little of a Gibson SG (EB) bass crossed with a Stingray.

Setting 5 (bridge humbucker) still has a bit of hollowness, but to me this is as close as a Stingray is going to get to a P-bass. Less defined and "tubby," but fills the sonic space well, especially in the low end. I'll be using this for most of the old rockers from the 60s and early 70s, I'm sure.

Of course, all of these settings can be refined or changed a bit with the 3-band EQ. What I will certainly say about the 5-way switching and two humbuckers is that there is definitely some DIFFERENT sounds in those settings. It's not just a little variation on the "Stingray Sound" like the 3-way switching on the Sterling bass. If you want variation from the Stingray, yet the ability to have the stingray sound in there as well, this is the way to go.

Fit, finish, and workmanship are all perfect as has been the case with all new Music Man basses I've ever bought. Class act all the way. Nothing cheesy or halfassed.

Overall, I'm quite happy with it--and I'll tell you, I'm very picky and analytical about these things. And, I know it is sort of vain/trite of me and missing the important points (see above), but I'm THRILLED with the new colors. All of them. Mine is the Charcoal Sparkle. It shifts color depending on its surroundings. Very cool. So cool that I want to get an Aqua Sparkle down the road with single humbucker. I still see me playing my Sterling and Sterling Classic a lot, but this new Stingray will be in my hands any time I need to be able to quickly change sounds, which is a good deal of the performances.

Okay... time to wake up now!

Good read, really learned a lot from this post! But I'm really interested with how this measures up against a Stingray Classic/2-Band - does it get closer to that 2-band sound? if I'm really after that 2-band sound I should just go for it and get a Classic 5 instead of a Special 5 (which is more "flexible"- but couldn't I EQ the Classic with my rig)?

 

[Tuna Can Dan]

The classics are nice! I used to have one and loved it but I honestly prefer the 3 band over the 2. I think most people are the other way around. The 3 band and the new three band I feel has more balls but you will never go wrong with the 2 band! That’s the sound 90% of people want! I think this new 3 band takes the old 3 band and brings it in a whole new level of power. It’s crazy loud and even more balls!

 

[PeterH]

The classics are nice! I used to have one and loved it but I honestly prefer the 3 band over the 2. I think most people are the other way around. The 3 band and the new three band I feel has more balls but you will never go wrong with the 2 band! That’s the sound 90% of people want! I think this new 3 band takes the old 3 band and brings it in a whole new level of power. It’s crazy loud and even more balls!

Like nice and phat low mids/end? When I watch Tony Levin demo the Special 5, my ears explode from the subs that thing makes... And yeah, I think the new preamp sounds amazing but to my ears at least the 2-band is less "filtered" and sounds more... for lack of a better term... "organic" (hate that term, but I think you know what I mean).