Buying EBMM Stingray 5 Brand New...

[CarmineCarnage]

So, I've been looking around, I really want to find a brand new axe.

Looking for a Stingray 5H in Black Cherry Burst, Rosewood neck.

I've never bought an instrument brand new, and known exactly what I was looking for... Is there a way I can go straight to Ernie Ball/Music Man and order the bass, or would I need to go through one of their retailers?

 

[StuartV]

Check BassCentral.com. And your local Guitar Center.

Also, if you've never checked out an EBMM Sterling 5H, you might consider it. It is the same pickup, preamp, etc., as the Stingray 5H from pre-2008. So, if the Stingray 5 sound you like is from a pre-2008 Stingray 5, the only way to get that exact sound from a new bass is actually to buy a Sterling 5.

I tried a new Sterling 5H and Stingray 5H back to back in a GC one day a few months ago and I liked the Stingray, but the Sterling sound blew the Stingray out of the water (to my tastes, of course).

 

[mexibass]

Yeah, those guys at bass central have the best prices. I just asked for a quote on a custom Stingray I wanted to order (nothing special, I only wanted a specific color, a fretless unlined fretboard and pickup configuration) in different stores and they gave me the best price. They also told me it takes 2-3 months to have a custom bass completed. In the end I bought it from musiciansfriend.com since they had a similar bass in stock and offered me a wonderful price, so I'm waiting for it to arrive home as we speak. Hope this helps!

 

[jlepre]

Call EBMM Customer Service and they can do a search in their dealer database for the exact specs you desire. If they can't locate one, they will recommend a local dealer who can order you one. Be prepared to wait about 3 months.

 

[Freddels]

When you say "rosewood neck" do you mean rosewood fretboard or the whole neck?

I ask b/c they did a limited run of rosewood necks a while back but it's not an option you can just order now.

 

[CarmineCarnage]

Thanks for your help, guys. Sorry for not being specific, Rosewood fretboard, not solid neck.

 

[georgestrings]

Check BassCentral.com. And your local Guitar Center.

Also, if you've never checked out an EBMM Sterling 5H, you might consider it. It is the same pickup, preamp, etc., as the Stingray 5H from pre-2008. So, if the Stingray 5 sound you like is from a pre-2008 Stingray 5, the only way to get that exact sound from a new bass is actually to buy a Sterling 5.

I tried a new Sterling 5H and Stingray 5H back to back in a GC one day a few months ago and I liked the Stingray, but the Sterling sound blew the Stingray out of the water (to my tastes, of course).

I've owned both, and definitely prefer the Sterling 5 HS I have currently over the Stingray 5 HH it replaced...


- georgestrings

 

[LowEndWooly]

Is this true? Preferring a sterling over a new Stingray? I'm going to have to check this out at GC myself.

I own a Ray34ca, and.. while it is the best bass I've ever owned, I definitely jones for the Stingray 5.. ooooooooweee.

 

[solderjunkie]

Is this true? Preferring a sterling over a new Stingray? I'm going to have to check this out at GC myself.

I own a Ray34ca, and.. while it is the best bass I've ever owned, I definitely jones for the Stingray 5.. ooooooooweee.

StuartV is right-on about the difference in tone from post-2008 SR5 models. EB switched from ceramic magnets back to the alnico and changed a few bits in the preamp. The post-2008 sounds more like an "old" Stingray... smoother and mellower. EB kept the ceramic magnet pups and older preamps in the Sterling models, so the pre-2008 tone can still be had.

I prefer the more aggressive bark of the pre-2008 ceramic mag pickup. My little 2006 Dargie Delight SR5H fits me perfectly

 

[georgestrings]

Is this true? Preferring a sterling over a new Stingray? I'm going to have to check this out at GC myself.

I own a Ray34ca, and.. while it is the best bass I've ever owned, I definitely jones for the Stingray 5.. ooooooooweee.

Yup - the Sterling has ceramic pups, instead of alnicos like the Stingray - so, it's more mid present than the 'ray... Also, my sterling is about a pound lighter than my 'ray was, and the neck is a little slimmer, too - which definitely works for a 5er *for me*... If you want to check out some REAL excellence, check out a Stingray 5 Classic: ceramic pups, 2 band preamp, slim neck like the Sterling, and really pretty necks, besides other nice touches... If I get rid of my Sterling 5 HS for anything, it'll be a Classic...


- georgestrings

 

[StuartV]

I couldn't ever see going from my Sterling to a Stingray Classic. I like my Series mode too much. And I like the contoured body better for the shape and the lighter weight.