• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

ATK vs STINGRAY

M

MR.ATK

Jan 6, 2006
54
1
#1
ok so i have a question for the guru's many many moons ago when i bought my ibanez atk 300 (lefty) i was wanting to purcahse a EB MM stingray but it was out of my range.. so i was introduced to the ATK.. apprently a clone of types to the MM.. and style.. now i have read some reviews and its said that some believe it to be a more diverse bass? anyways i now can purchase that music man i want.. and curious your opinion.. should i stay with the ATK? will the MM offer me any benefits? should i partially trade the ATK in as i only really want one bass as i have two now.. my first bass an ibanez EX.. any help greatly appreciated guys :) :bassist:

ryan
 
#2
You're going to have to change that cool name of yours if you get a 'Ray....

Seriously though, do you like the tone of your ATK?....then I would keep it.

I played one a looong time ago, but I remember that it was the best sounding bass in that store at the time....especially out of their Ibanez collection....

I like both basses, so I'd suggest playing them side-by-side...

That's the only way to know....
 
#3
thanks man tru enuff i like the ATK but its a damn boat anchor.. when playing gigs it can get annoying with the weight...plus i do find the neck is utterly wide.. for my finger stance and can be annoying.. but other then that its alright....its just hard to find a left MM to play side by side lol
 
#5
Yep, those things are pretty heavy, innit? Got on my nerves too. Have you tried a better, thicker strap?

I never got to play an actual lefty Stingray, but I've been told they have fairly thick necks as well. How about a Sterling? Although lefty Sterlings are even harder to find, of course.
 
#6
MR.ATK said:
thanks man tru enuff i like the ATK but its a damn boat anchor.. when playing gigs it can get annoying with the weight...plus i do find the neck is utterly wide.. for my finger stance and can be annoying.. but other then that its alright....its just hard to find a left MM to play side by side lol
Click to expand...
I haven't played an ATK in many, many years, but as I recall, it was quite similar to a Stingray when it comes to weight and neck proportions. So if you decide to buy a new Stingray-esque bass, make sure you try some EBMM Sterlings first. They sound a lot like Stingrays, but are a little lighter and sport a slimmer neck. Oh, and don't sell the ATK. It's always better to have two nice basses than one, and it's always annoying to sell a bass you really like, to buy a bass you might end up not liking as much.
 
#7
Another vote for the Sterling! I'm not a big fan of the dinky-er body, but it plays and sounds like a dream. It’s sort of the bastard child of a Ray and Jazz. Smooth, easy to play neck, more tonal options than a Ray, and much easier on the back and shoulders. G&L ASAT might fit the bill as well if you can deal the Tele body shape.

r
 
#17
I played the ATK and MMSR side-by-side when deciding on what 5 string to get (and I tested a whole bunch of fives) and for me there was no real comparison. The Stingray kicked its butt tone wise, and I thought the bass was a bit more comfortable as well. Both basses are monsters - large and very heavy, but I think the size contributes to the tone for sure. I found the MMSR to be the best sounding 5 string that I played - regardless of price - but man do I hate strapping it on some times, it's like wrestling a bear, lol. But I found it more comfortable then the ATK so...

Stingrays rule!!
 
#18
Tsal said:
Build quality on my japanese ATK is great. Between one of the 90's ATK's and Stingrays, it's apples and oranges.
Click to expand...

Agreed, it is apples and oranges! I don't think ATK is necessarily a "Stingray clone" but clearly somewhat inspired by a Stingray the way countless basses have been inspired by a Fender J or P, for instance. ATKs (in particularly the Japanese ones) are great workhorses and super bang for the buck. The hitch? as stated, heavy and big-ass neck! But if you can hang with this, you've got one cool bass.

r
PS Say, you could consider keeping it and getting the Ray. The ATK would make a great back up or...perhaps the other way around ;).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back