EB Stingray Classic VS EB Stingray Classic 5

[basscrab]

Just a quik note about my experience with these two basses in case anyone is on the fence about one or the other … i’ve owned and used both for some time … still do
… As is true with my American J & J5, the idiosyncratic nature & tonal response of many 5 necks is there … if you’re not familiar, i’ll simply say … a 5 string typically does not sound, feel, or respond like a 4 string bass that just has another string … … … For that reason, and after many gigs & sessions … my statement is this … … To my ears … EB Classic 5 STRING tonally is closer to a Jazz bridge pup than an EB Classic 4 … … the type of gig i do determines which bass comes out … i’ll wait for comments if any … thanx for ur time … i won’t bore anyone with details unless asked ; - )

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Nice collection.

 

[basscrab]

slightly addicting

 

[Grooveline]

Interesting observation and something i've never thought about. I have a Classic 4. First truly amazing bass i've owned as far as quality/workmanship. What is the other 4 string you have there? Anybody else have a 4 and 5 string version of a same bass and feel the same way?

 

[IronLung1986]

There is something different about 5 strings. They certainly play and feel different, and cause you to play differently from a 4 string. The notion that they are not simply 4 strings with another string rings true. You can typically attack the strings differently between the two. A lot of root notes are on the E string, which you attack very differently when there's another string before it. It gets played more like the A string. On a 4 you can just smash the E like an ape. I prefer the latter.

You can't exactly play a B string the way you would normally play the E string on a 4. The key or general vibe of songs doesn't always call for notes on that string. Even if it does, the B string doesn't respond like an E string. It has to be coaxed a bit more. Often times on a 5 I like to live further up on the neck, using the 5th fret E as my starting point. I love the tubby root notes halfway up a good B string. But obviously that's a really different vibe from playing them on the E.

As for the actual tone being different, I'm not sure I've really observed that myself but I've never owned a 4 and a 5 of the same model. It would be interesting to see a note for note comparison. I'd believe there's some difference. Different is different, and 5 string basses are not built the same as 4's. It sounds like the most obvious thought in the world but for some reason guitar gear is full of people who think different things are the same and it's all some shared delusion or conspiracy lol.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I have four StingRay5 Specials …… 1 H, 2 HH, 1 H Fretless . I keep one of my HH models strung E-C.

I also have 1 StingRay Special that is a short scale . It’s a four string and it plays differently.

Ive had a 4 string fender jazz and a 5 string fender jazz simultaneously .. The different feel makes you play differently.

Fours have more punch and a faster note response . My four string is my go to for old school funk, and disco type music. Everything else I’m using the 5. I can play everything on the 5’s. But it’s nice to have options .

 

[mikeswals]

I have wanted to pickup a Classic 5 "one of these days" sort of thing. I have a Classic 4, and a preEB, and have always been a huge 2eq fan.

If you feel like trading for a 20th Anniv SR5 HS I'd be game.

 

[mikeswals]

Interesting observation and something i've never thought about. I have a Classic 4. First truly amazing bass i've owned as far as quality/workmanship. What is the other 4 string you have there? Anybody else have a 4 and 5 string version of a same bass and feel the same way?

Are the pickups remotely set at the same height? Have you measured the distance from either the 12th fret or bridge saddles to the poles and verified the pickups are in the exact same spot? Any differences changes things.

 

[Element Zero]

I wonder if a 4 string StingRay tuned B-D would give the same vibe as a standard tuned one. I’ve not played a 4 stringer in 12 ish years so I’ve no basis for comparison. I simply adore both of my 5’s.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I wonder if a 4 string StingRay tuned B-D would give the same vibe as a standard tuned one. I’ve not played a 4 stringer in 12 ish years so I’ve no basis for comparison. I simply adore both of my 5’s.

I can tell you that my 5 HH Special tuned E-C certainly gives me that 4 string vibe. I love it!! Nice and snappy , can funk with the best of them , with a little added sparkle and chime on the high C.

 

[five7]

String spacing and width of neck is what makes a 5 feel different than a 4 to me. I feel limited on a 4.

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

Depends on your Eq!

Jazz bridge pickup????
When I had cobalt strings and had bass cranked and treble just to biting point

It was fat!