EBMM Stingray 5 HH

[two fingers]

If you want an oval pickguard on a Stingray 5 it can be had on a Classic series, but you can't get a Classic in HH config (cause' that didn't exist on the models the Classic series in emulating).

Neither did the 5th string.

 

[Spidey2112]

Pre 2008 Stingray 5ers were like a Sterling but in 5 strings (thin neck profile, ceramic pickup, 3 way switch), just a different body and the teardrop pickguard. When they introduced the HS and HH versions they changed the pickups, now everything Stingray (4, 5 and Classic 5) come with alnico pickups, still the Stingray 5 (non Classic) comes with the thin neck profile, 3-way switch and teardrop pickguard. And they created the Sterling 5 (only 5er with ceramic PUs), which also has the thin neck profile. I know as I have 2 pre 2008 Stingray 5s and a Sterling 5 HS. I'm a ceramic guy, love the aggressive tones you can get out of old ceramic Stingray 5s and Sterlings, altho' current production Sterlings (either 4 or 5 string) are just a tad more hi-fi (sorta' thinner) sounding than old ceramic Stingray 5ers, still can be EQed to sound similar. Sterling 5 and Stingray 5 (non Classic) necks the same too.

A side note on HH vs. HS: if you want more of the usual single PU sound I suggest the HS over the HH. The HH has only one sound out of the neck PU soloed (parallel -or series in Sterłings-), while the HS has 2 (single and parallel - or series for Sterlings-). Also the single neck PU sounds way more pleasant as a sorta' P tone than a humbucker (neck PU on HHs can only work as a humbucker when soloed). You get no dummy coil on the HHs, therefore no single coil combinations are possible, that takes away a lot of flexibility IME.

Good info, And! Thanks!

 

[andruca]

Neither did the 5th string.

Certainly. I find all the fiddling they did with old models after releasing the Bongo misleading (at least name-wise).

 

[Resonance129]

I see. So my confusion comes from the fact that what I'm looking for really DOESN'T exist without mods lol.
I figured that was the case because regardless of the search inquiry, I never came across it.

Seems I can get it in either the H/HS configuration with the body style I like, or I can get the HH configuration I want but have to be ok with the Sterling-like body style. I definitely prefer that HH config though, so I'll just have to get used to that body style. I don't dislike the Sterling body style so it's not a total loss (The Sterlings are quite sexy), especially with the HH setup. I just like the Stingray look better. Oh well.

I really don't like the naming scheme they came up with for their products. Love EBMM/SBMM instruments, but they could've been a LITTLE more imaginative (and less confusing...) with the names

Thanks for all the replies and clarification.

 

[TinIndian]

I had a Sterling 5HS for a little while. I did not get along with the ceramic pups too well. My playing style generated too much clanky noise off the frets. I find the alnico better suited to my playing.

YMMV

 

[Spidey2112]

I see. So my confusion comes from the fact that what I'm looking for really DOESN'T exist without mods lol.
I figured that was the case because regardless of the search inquiry, I never came across it.

Seems I can get it in either the H/HS configuration with the body style I like, or I can get the HH configuration I want but have to be ok with the Sterling-like body style. I definitely prefer that HH config though, so I'll just have to get used to that body style. I don't dislike the Sterling body style so it's not a total loss (The Sterlings are quite sexy), especially with the HH setup. I just like the Stingray look better. Oh well.

I really don't like the naming scheme they came up with for their products. Love EBMM/SBMM instruments, but they could've been a LITTLE more imaginative (and less confusing...) with the names

Thanks for all the replies and clarification.

Does EBBM have a custom shop?

 

[Resonance129]

Does EBBM have a custom shop?

Honestly, I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did. If they do, I know their custom stuff is probably way out of my price range though.

 

[mouthmw]

I see. So my confusion comes from the fact that what I'm looking for really DOESN'T exist without mods lol.
I figured that was the case because regardless of the search inquiry, I never came across it.

Seems I can get it in either the H/HS configuration with the body style I like, or I can get the HH configuration I want but have to be ok with the Sterling-like body style. I definitely prefer that HH config though, so I'll just have to get used to that body style. I don't dislike the Sterling body style so it's not a total loss (The Sterlings are quite sexy), especially with the HH setup. I just like the Stingray look better. Oh well.

I really don't like the naming scheme they came up with for their products. Love EBMM/SBMM instruments, but they could've been a LITTLE more imaginative (and less confusing...) with the names

Thanks for all the replies and clarification.

It's not a Sterling style body, it's a Silhouette style body (like the guitar). My advice - get the Classic 5. You only need that one single sweet spot pup and the 2 band is better anyways, it's THE ray tone

 

[jakka1]

They do not. It's not like they don't have the capabilities, but that is not their business model. They instead choose to offer PDN limited run models a couple of times a year. Custom orders seem to only be made available to Endorsees and not your average Joe.

 

[king_biscuit]

Does EBBM have a custom shop?

No, and Sterling Ball will use this point to take a jab at Fender every time it comes up.

 

[MMiller28]

But that's just it: I DO want the Stingray body shape and oval pickguard and I was under the impression that what you posted/have is a EBMM Sterling.
Is what you've posted a EBMM Stingray or EBMM Sterling?

You've got it backwards. What he posted (and what I have) looks nothing like a Sterling, relatively speaking

 

[jefff100]

I have an SR5 HH as one of my main basses. When shopping for it the local stores either did not have or had one with a bad neck. I bought mine from Bass Central. Grasshopper was easy to work with and their pricing is reasonable.

I also didnt really care for the big hunk of plastic PG so I had this one nade up by West Va Wood Arts

SR5 with purpleheart pickguard installed

• jefff100
• Aug 27, 2015

Pickguard from West Virginia Wood Arts

 

[Dave W]

Neither did the 5th string.

Very true!

Certainly. I find all the fiddling they did with old models after releasing the Bongo misleading (at least name-wise).

Agreed.

I've said it many times, but whoever came up with the Sterling by MM name...and whoever agreed to it, made a bad decision IMO. I know it's EBMM so they'll filet me for questioning anything.

I really don't like the naming scheme they came up with for their products. Love EBMM/SBMM instruments, but they could've been a LITTLE more imaginative (and less confusing...) with the names

Confusing, isn't it?

Now when anybody says they want to get a "Sterling" you need to question which Sterling they're referring to. An original US made EBMM Sterling or something from the SBMM lineup?

 

[monkeyfinger]

I had a Sterling 5HS for a little while. I did not get along with the ceramic pups too well. My playing style generated too much clanky noise off the frets. I find the alnico better suited to my playing.

YMMV

I have a MM Sterling 5 H fretless. I think the ceramic p'ups work great for a fretless. Extra top end zing. But I can also see this being an issue for fretted basses.

 

[andruca]

Agreed.

I've said it many times, but whoever came up with the Sterling by MM name...and whoever agreed to it, made a bad decision IMO. I know it's EBMM so they'll filet me for questioning anything.

Not only that, the Stingray5 PU is now alnico so a 2008 Stingray5 sounds nothing like a 2007 (ceramic). They came out with the Sterling5 as per ceramic PU 5ers.

 

[Waltsdog]

Does EBBM have a custom shop?

They actually do have somewhat of a custom shop/Custom options, unfortunately just not for the likes of us (assuming you're not a mega star, could be way off base). Only big endorsing artists get to make special requests to EBMM.

 

[Spidey2112]

They actually do have somewhat of a custom shop/Custom options, unfortunately just not for the likes of us (assuming you're not a mega star, could be way off base). Only big endorsing artists get to make special requests to EBMM.

Depending on the day of the week, and what mood they're in, my kids consider me a megastar...

... can't remember which day...
... or which week, let alone which year...
... and I use the word 'consider' loosely.

 

[BigBigGuy44]

Some crazy info in this thread.

Only Stingray 5 to have a oval pickup is the classic model that came out around 2010. All other SR5's have the current pickguard.

Classic models come in single pickup, 2-band EQ only. Frets are smaller and the neck has a rounder radius than standard SR5's. Classics also have a figured neck with gloss finish. There are some exceptions to this. All rosewood necks are not finished. Some early ones have a standard maple neck without the gloss finish. Some of the PDN's may not have the gloss finish either.

Pickups were changed from Ceramic to Alnico in 2007.

Stingray 5 coes in H, HS and HH pickup configurations. YMMV but I've found less is better.

Sterling 5 has the same neck profile as the Stingray 5. Sterlings have a smaller body and tend to be lighter.

EBMM does not have a public custom shop but endorsing artists can do custom orders. Typically this is just limited to color of paint and hardware.

All options for all basses are listed on EBMMs website.

Try not to get a USA Sterling mixed up with the import Sterling by Music Man models. What a stupid naming convention.

 

[Dave W]

Not only that, the Stingray5 PU is now alnico so a 2008 Stingray5 sounds nothing like a 2007 (ceramic). They came out with the Sterling5 as per ceramic PU 5ers.

To further confuse, pre 1993 Stingray 5's had an alnico pickup.

 

[Benny4P]

... and the single H pickup models have staggered pole pieces while the HH/HS models have level pole pieces (probably to help out with the weak G string issue)