• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

EBMM Stingray Classic 4

#21
phatbass1 said:
Well,

I just added another Stingray to my arsenal...
2012 Ernie Ball Music Man Classic Stingray 4 (Butter Cream)
* Flamed Maple Neck, Rosewood fretboard
Man this thing is sweet! I can't put it down...it plays like a dream.

It is amazing to me how different Stingray models can be. I used to have a 2014 HH (Pacific Blue Burst) with the 3 band EQ and multi-position pick up switch and was very disappointed with it. In my opinion the built quality was average in comparison, the action was inconsistent up and down the fingerboard and it just sounded thin and un-Stingray like.

I also currently own a 2013 EBMM Stingray Classic 4 in Candy Red, Flamed Maple neck and Birds-Eye Maple fretboard and it also is a pure pleasure to play.

Anyone out there have one of these beauties? I'd like to hear your opinions and observations.View attachment 627970
Click to expand...

Nice bass. I used to have a Stingray and may go to a 5 string version. The only thing I didn't like about the classic is the lack of arm contour on the body. I like having the extra space and rounded feel for my arm.
 
#22
I had an 82 that weighted a ton, with a fat neck that at the time I didn't care for, and wasn't for me. I didn't think I'd ever want another Stingray, but I found I really like the modern version much more, and I recently purchased a 4H about six months ago.
The contures,3 band eq, 11" fingerboard radius, compensating nut, and med jumbo frets make for a better playing more versatile bass in my opinion.
 
#23
Nice Bass ! I have 2 Classics.. 4 and 5 String.. Great feel and tone.. I wasn't a fan of the High Gloss Polyester on the back of the neck though.. Sanded it off both of them and oiled the necks... Now they are smooth, fast and never get a build up from playing long hours "Live" and Studio sessions...
 
#24
Buttercream is my favourite EBMM colour for sure. Very nice bass there. I have a black Stingray Classic 4 and although I really love the neck, superb build quality, and sound, the slab body is noticeably uncomfortable to me. I can't bring myself to sell it though. Still looks beautiful and play's awesome.
 
#25
Bellcountyblues said:
Congrats to the op on acquiring a beautiful bass. I was lucky enough to pick up a buttercream classic 4 with birdseye maple neck earlier this year. As far as fit and finish it's at the top of what i've seen and played (pretty limited compared to some of these lifers). Very solid with a great feeling neck (I like a bit of chunk). It has helped me realize my preference of gloss over matte, and 1.65 nut width over 1.75 and 1.5. The sounds are amazing and it is quite easy to eq in sounds similar to your favorite recordings also done with a ray. Yes the body is slab but the edges are rounded off enough to me to be comfortable. Perhaps it's the high in the chest players need the cutout and have problems with slab bodies. Mine is also very light weight (around 8.5 pounds) for a stingray so I lucked out there. Haven't had any mids problems with the 2 band eq but I guess that's because the amps I use have a mid knob that can boost if needed. All in all after having mine for like 2-3 months now and seeing yours got to say the buttercream just screams class no matter the fretboard wood! Here's a link to the thread that has photos of it if you'd like to see the buttercream with maple.

SOLD - NEAR MINT STINGRAY CLASSIC | TalkBass.com
Click to expand...
I just checked out your pics and your bass looks great with the maple neck!
 
#27
Helix said:
Beautiful Basses.
I’m thinking about purchasing a Ray34CA. Besides the Made in Indonesia and some pretty cheap looking tuners it looks and sounds great. It’s has an all maple neck and from what I can tell the p/u and bridge is the same as an EBMM Stingray
Anyone have any thoughts? Any experience’s with these basses?
Click to expand...
The PU and bridge are not the same as an EBMM. There are plenty of threads discussing these and I'm sure they're good for the price point. But they are not at the same level as a real EBMM.
 
#33
DirkP said:
On the other hand I like it that EB doesn't pay endorsers or has 100 artist models. I remember somebody told me that you could have every option you want if you pay for it, but I'm not sure. They just don't make it public and they don't tell people like me for whom it was made...
Click to expand...
I have spoken with them. You can only order certain colors and options on certain models..they wint even let you swap out original parts for upgraded ones on warranty repairs.
 
Last edited:
#36
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
They are beautiful basses - here is mine with its near cousin, Classic Sabre in Neptune blue - they both get a lot of gig time but the Classic Stingray reminds me so much of playing a Ray back in the early 80s - but the Classic is perfection for me
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tbone76
#37
phatbass1 said:
Well,

I just added another Stingray to my arsenal...
2012 Ernie Ball Music Man Classic Stingray 4 (Butter Cream)
* Flamed Maple Neck, Rosewood fretboard
Man this thing is sweet! I can't put it down...it plays like a dream.

It is amazing to me how different Stingray models can be. I used to have a 2014 HH (Pacific Blue Burst) with the 3 band EQ and multi-position pick up switch and was very disappointed with it. In my opinion the built quality was average in comparison, the action was inconsistent up and down the fingerboard and it just sounded thin and un-Stingray like.

I also currently own a 2013 EBMM Stingray Classic 4 in Candy Red, Flamed Maple neck and Birds-Eye Maple fretboard and it also is a pure pleasure to play.

Anyone out there have one of these beauties? I'd like to hear your opinions and observations.View attachment 627970
Click to expand...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back