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Buying my first "great" bass, stuck between two

Which one?

  • EBMM Stingray

    Votes: 47 73.4%

  • Fender Marcus Miller (with free amp)

    Votes: 17 26.6%
  • Total voters
    64
F

fowlerclone

Jun 9, 2009
30
0
Grand Rapids MI
#1
I finally have the money for a new bass after playing my $200 ibanez for three years, but I'm stuck between two. It's either a MM stingray HH (or maybe H) or a fender Marcus Miller (with a free fender b-dec 30 amp).
I love stingrays, and it probably would be my #1 choice if it wasnt for the free amp with the Marcus Miller fender (I only have a small practice amp). I play all styles and I really can't decide for the life of me.
Any suggestions?
 
#3
I played a Stingray for years and loved it. I played a Marcus Miller for years and loved that too.

When the Miller was $699 new, it was a better deal. But these days, all else being the same, the Stingray is a much better value... if that's what you're looking for. I found the Miller to be more versatile, but they're both great instruments that can be used in any situation.
 
#9
The Fender 30 W amp is still another practice amp. A nice one, but still only a practice amp.:rollno:

The Fender Marcus Miller and the Sting Ray could not be more different. I like 'em both but for totally opposite reasons. The Marcus Miller is an awsome slapping bass. The single coils sound bright and clear. The Sting Ray with the big fat humbuckers has such a completely different character.

In a perfect world you would get to own both...

So, my humble opinion is...
1. Forget about the amp issue. It's still a practice amp.
2. Decide which of the two sounds you are looking for.
3. Rob a bank so you can get both.;)
 
#11
my personal opinion is find a nice use stingray. i never buy new, it seems like such a waste unless you just flat out have the money for whatever you want. a used ray should leave you with enough for a nice combo amp.
 
#12
Nightlyraider said:
Haha my thoughts exactly when it comes to Stingrays.

I'm sure there are some nicer necks out there, but every time I go into a music store I almost always try their Stingrays, and every time all I can think is BIG.
Click to expand...

That's why I sold my Fender Marcus Miller Jazz and got a Music Man Sterling...it was the neck in the Sterling that was the closed the deal for me.

But if you can handle a P Bass, you can handle the Sting Ray.
 
#13
The two people I know who have had the Marcus weren't happy with it in the long run. It was a matter of, "Sure it's a nice bass, but it's kind of a one trick pony. I would have been just as good or better off with a (insert other bass here)." I guess if you REALLY want to sound like Marcus, go for it. If not, the EBMM totally has my vote.

Plus, the B-Dec 30 sucks. I have played through one, much to it's shagrin, and was unsatisfied with it's features and sound. Yes. Even as a practice amp.
 
#14
kb9wyz said:
The two people I know who have had the Marcus weren't happy with it in the long run. It was a matter of, "Sure it's a nice bass, but it's kind of a one trick pony. I would have been just as good or better off with a (insert other bass here)." I guess if you REALLY want to sound like Marcus, go for it. If not, the EBMM totally has my vote..
Click to expand...

I agree completely about the Marcus Miller. Thats why I sold it.

But if the dude who started this thread has an Ibanez, that's going to be a big change in neck size...again, the reason I got a Sterling instead.
 
#16
Very different instruments. The instrument that makes you smile when you play it, is what you should have. Personally i would not buy a signature bass. I would prefer a "normal" jazz. I dont think the Miller signature bass looks good on anyone except Marcus Miller.
 
#19
I do not understand posts calling a MM J bass a 1-trick pony, esp in comparison to a 'ray. IMO the quality is equal, but the J is the more versatile bass. Personally, I'd just get a regular J bass, like a Geddy.
 
#20
lomo said:
I do not understand posts calling a MM J bass a 1-trick pony, esp in comparison to a 'ray. IMO the quality is equal, but the J is the more versatile bass. Personally, I'd just get a regular J bass, like a Geddy.
Click to expand...

You know what bugs me about the Geddy Lee Jazz...not Geddy of course, he's awesome...but the location of the truss bar adjusment. Its really hard to get at.

I still like J basses, I may buy one again in the future. But yeah, not a signature one.
 

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