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Choosing my forever bass: Stingray vs Precision

#121
Such a subjective/ personal topic. Janek gwizdala recently said something like (and I paraphrase)... "You can get by 90% of today's gigs with a p-bass". I find this to be true. I personally would do what I could to have both in the arsenal. Two differently personalities, and great choices if your not in a monogamous bass relationship. If the ships going down I think I'd grab the p first. Great topic here with lots of interesting insight!
 
#125
Here is my review so far, but keep in mind that I've only had the bass for 2 days now and I've been working 12 hour shifts so I've only been playing it about 45 minutes a day.

The first thing I notice about this bass is the quality, It was definitely built by a true craftsman. The neck feels sooooooo sweet. No flaws anywhere. My Japanese Fenders pale in comparison. Next is how versatile it is, many sounds to be found, although I know many of you will disagree with me. So far I have found two settings: bass at 50%, treble slightly higher, and plucking at the pick-up give me a really great aggressive guttural tone that's reminiscent of dogs growling before an attack, "DONT MESS WITH ME!" Then the bass at about 80%, treble at 50%, plucking by the neck with the mutes on has a nice Motown thump, not quite P-Bass with flats, but echoing it in the overtones. I'm starting to think that those who accuse the Stingray of being a one trick pony simply have not spent the time to get to know the bass and learn all it's idiosyncrasies (but then again, I've only had the bass for two days, so don't flame me). Tantamount to this I have noticed a real learning curve. Having been primarily a P-Bass player I have always plucked near the neck, and never excessively messed with the tone knob, but the Stingray isn't a "set it and forget it" bass. Different hand positions and onboard EQ's are still pretty new to me. Because of this I'm using my P-Bass for band duties until I become better acquainted with the Ray.

All in all I'm super happy with the purchase and have yet to second guess myself. I'm really looking forward to getting to know this bass, all the new discoveries, and rocking the heck out of it.
 
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#126
Absolutely right on many points. Stingrays and Sterlings can do all sorts of things, and look great at the same time! Personally, I find the P bass to be incredibly inflexible, which is why I don't waste my time with them. :D With that Ray, work not only with the EQ but also your hand position. There are all sorts of tones to be had. Plus, don't forget that your amp will likely need some tweaking once you make the switch over.

EBMM quality is outstanding. The necks are incredible, and the workmanship is hard to match, let alone beat.

Congrats again on the amazing score!!!

neo 7 said:
Here is my review so far, but keep in mind that I've only had the bass for 2 days now and I've been working 12 hour shifts so I've only been playing it about 45 minutes a day.

The first thing I notice about this bass is the quality, It was definitely built by a true craftsman. The neck feels sooooooo sweet. No flaws anywhere. My Japanese Fenders pale in comparison. Next is how versatile it is, many sounds to be found, although I know many of you will disagree with me. So far I have found two settings: bass at 50%, treble slightly higher, and plucking at the pick-up give me a really great aggressive guttural tone that's reminiscent of dogs growling before an attack, "DONT MESS WITH ME!" Then the bass at about 80%, treble at 50%, plucking by the neck with the mutes on has a nice Motown thump, not quite P-Bass with flats, but echoing it in the overtones. I'm starting to think that those who accuse the Stingray of being a one trick pony simply have not spent the time to get to know the bass and learn all it's idiosyncrasies (but then again, I've only had the bass for two days, so don't flame me). Tantamount to this I have noticed a real learning curve. Having been primarily a P-Bass player I have always plucked near the neck, and never excessively messed with the tone knob, but the Stingray isn't a "set it and forget it" bass. Different hand positions and onboard EQ's are still pretty new to me. Because of this I'm using my P-Bass for band duties until I become better acquainted with the Ray.

All in all I'm super happy with the purchase and have yet to second guess myself. I'm really looking forward to getting to know this bass, all the new discoveries, and rocking the heck out of it.
Click to expand...
 
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#128
fedenybass said:
Such a subjective/ personal topic. Janek gwizdala recently said something like (and I paraphrase)... "You can get by 90% of today's gigs with a p-bass". I find this to be true. I personally would do what I could to have both in the arsenal. Two differently personalities, and great choices if your not in a monogamous bass relationship. If the ships going down I think I'd grab the p first. Great topic here with lots of interesting insight!
Click to expand...
You can get by 100% with a Jazz.
 
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#129
Wow, that Ray is a stunner. So far, the MM bug has not yet bitten me. Yet. Every time I contemplate the "one bass forever" question it gets confusing. Good on ya, OP, for trying to sort that out. And congrats on getting what you really wanted.

BTW my current favorite bass is a 2014 G&L LB-100. Perfect weight, balance, neck and playability. Tone is beautiful. But one bass? Not so sure I could do it. Many basses, one woman for me. :)
 
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#137
drummer5359 said:
The pea soup Stingray sounds fun. I'm a "P-guy" for the most part, as that has always been THE sound in my head as well. I a couple of P basses, but I also on an EBMM Ray, so I understand the draw.

I'd likely pick up the "Pea soup Ray" if I were you.


Then again I'd also likely pick up a Precision down the road when I found THE ONE.

Who's to say that you can't own two "forever" basses?
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This pea soup colour is most likely trans yellow, which is quite rare and has somewhat a cult following. They didn't make it for long. Sometimes called Heinz because it has the colour of a greeny yellow Heinz condiment!!

If you like the sound and feel of a Ray get one - but I suggest you wait for one with a more mainstream colour (natural or sunburst for instance) so if you do get fed up you have the option of moving it on more easily :-)
 
#138
drTSTingray said:
This pea soup colour is most likely trans yellow, which is quite rare and has somewhat a cult following. They didn't make it for long. Sometimes called Heinz because it has the colour of a greeny yellow Heinz condiment!!

If you like the sound and feel of a Ray get one - but I suggest you wait for one with a more mainstream colour (natural or sunburst for instance) so if you do get fed up you have the option of moving it on more easily :-)
Click to expand...
Solid advice! Color makes all the difference when your up against all these basses in the classifieds...
 
#139
fedenybass said:
Solid advice! Color makes all the difference when your up against all these basses in the classifieds...
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#140
Nice honeyburst - hey monstertruck I see you got the trans white Classic Ray. Great choice and one of the coolest colours EBMM did - it was around in the early 90s for a short while and reintroduced on the Classic Rays/Sabres for a year or so.

If you find yourself in a heavy mix say with multiple guitars, the 2 band Ray can be a little upper mid light from its natural scooped sound - you can enhance mids from your amp or if you turn the tone controls down the mids will be enhanced. Congratulations on your purchase anyway, the bass looks great and glad you're enjoying.
 
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