EBMM Stingray Classic - who doesn't like em?

[Tom F]

I've had 2 StingRays, a fretless Sterling, and a StingRay5 which all suffered from weak G string syndrome. But, the Classics I've played were awesome and did not have this issue.. I actually wish they made a passive StingRay bass.

There are a few passive Stingray's out there. There were some passive SUBs, the PDN Gilded Stingray's are active/passive, and I just picked up a GC limited run active passive Classic 5.

I love the 2-Band EQ, but the passive tone of the Stingray pickup is massive.

 

[bassfart]

I had a Stingray Classic 5 that I thought played great, I just couldn't get a sound that I liked out of the thing. I know what you're thinking, I just like the sound of my G&L ASAT and my P basses more. They both have a rounder more natural sound than the MM CLassic did, and now I have a Gibson Thunderbird in my arsenal and I couldn't be happier.

 

[Hizzoner]

Never a problem with my classic 4 and the neck is one of the tightest, most comfy for me I have ever played...far more solid and substantial than the geddy jazz I own, and faster feeling than my old mid 70's Precision. Neck profile is like 1.65 at nut and full but not baseball bat thick in hand..I have a gunstock oil finished version and love the feel and fit..the slab body is an adjustment for sure but it is a keeper IMO.

 

[english4bw]

My Ray 5 Classic only has like 2 sounds... BUT THEY ARE BOTH AMAZING.

 

[RickenBoogie]

I've played mainly Rics all my life, with a few Fenders, Gibsons and Ibanez for good measure. Just got a Classic Ray 4 string recently, and I absolutely love it. Solid construction, and the best neck I've ever played. Sounds massive, if a little bright, and somewhat clanky when I dig in. Raspberry sorbet is also a great color, and the 2 band eq is perfect. It's a keeper.

 

[Kmonk]

I had a Stingray for a couple of months and wasn't happy with it. I haven't even considered another one since then.

 

[JEDI BASS]

Obviously, I love mine!

 

[Ric5]

EBMM Stingray Classic - who doesn't like em?

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I don't like any preamp that has no mid control.

 

[Bassmunnky]

Hate Them Hate Them Hate Them...

P BASS...One Pickup is all I need...even though it's a one trick pony..well..except when and Where I put my hands..or use rounds instead of flats..or...use a pick (no I really don't use a pick cuz then I wouldn't be a bass player)...it has that distinct SOUND that ONLY a P Bass Can make...you know..NOT like the front pickup of a JAZZ.

That Low mid Growl of the P Bass really cuts...

Just like a Ray but different..

Just kidding. Love the Classic. It's Killer. I'm slightly surprised the mods don't consider this Thread a "that bass you like sucks"...

Classic Ray is just that...Classic. Lotsa folks on TB begged for the Re-issue and got it.

Want all the classic sounds..get all the classic basses...they work - Quirks and all.

 

[JEDI BASS]

Egggzactlee

 

[KeithPoker]

i love the Ray Classic, only deal breaker for me is no body contours.

 

[RaginRog]

Hate Them Hate Them Hate Them...

P BASS...One Pickup is all I need...even though it's a one trick pony..well..except when and Where I put my hands..or use rounds instead of flats..or...use a pick (no I really don't use a pick cuz then I wouldn't be a bass player)...it has that distinct SOUND that ONLY a P Bass Can make...you know..NOT like the front pickup of a JAZZ.

That Low mid Growl of the P Bass really cuts...

Just like a Ray but different..

Just kidding. Love the Classic. It's Killer. I'm slightly surprised the mods don't consider this Thread a "that bass you like sucks"...

.

It doesn't suck by any means...I loved the neck and 2 band...and it nails the classic vibe. I prefer a contoured body and prefer 2 pickups.

 

[Snailbass]

I just returned one. I liked it, but it was going to take substantial repair work to get the neck to the right place. There was also a hump that was going to require serious work. Maybe the criticism of the flame maple necks is warranted. I liked the sound and feel, but it was just going to cost too much to repair a brand new bass to keep it.

 

[Duckwater]

They look and feel great, and I love how they sound, just not in my hands. For some reason my right hand just doesn't coax a pleasant sound from MM basses. Someday I will find the "one".

 

[sawzalot]

I love Stingrays and I would love to love the Classic 5, but the neck just feels too fat in my hand when I play them in the store. I might just have to check out a few more to see if they're all like that.... If not, it's a Bongo 5 or Big Al 5 for my next bass!

Tom

 

[wyld stallyn]

Oh man, I want to hear more bad-mouthing of Stingray Classics please.

I love it when these types of threads get rolling. I own an unbelievably awesome amp that was very expensive when it first came out and I got it in the TB classifieds for cheap in no small part due to a mile long thread bashing it.

So, PLEASE continue to bash them, maybe I'll be able to get a 5er out of the classifieds for under a grand eventually. It could be the backup to my current one which happens to be my favorite bass of all time (I've owned about 100 different basses in over 20 years of playing).

I'm all ears.

Agreed. Own more expensive basses, but for me - my ray is hard to beat.

Foolishly let one go but came to my senses and replaced it a few weeks later.

Definitely want to own more.

Disclaimer - I like deep aggressive bass and cutting through the mix.

 

[bassmachine2112]

I,ve a/b them through same amp with same settings.
Classic and an ebmm SUB bass which is mine for the last 10 years and wait for it.
It,s a SUB in new clothes with through body stringing and mutes.
They sound the same and play the same.
Finish is different but is it worth the extra.
Putting my tin helmet on now

 

[Tonegasm]

I've got an NOS 2010 powder blue Classic 4 which I purchased from MF this year (2013). I usually find myself turning the treble off completely (that's bright enough for me).

It does have a slightly weaker G string sound and I'd like to remedy that somehow. I tried angling the pickup, but that still jacks the D string poles way too close.

Other than the G string gripe, it's a super solid tone beast. Not the lightest tool in the shed but it's the punchiest and it looks absolutely stunning. I haven't had a need to use the mutes yet.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[JEDI BASS]

What causes the "weak G" issue that I've heard so much about?

Is it a bad pickup? Because mine works perfectly. I have 10+ other non-EBMM basses (and a few other Balls) to compare it too, so I'm not just imagining there's no issue.

I'd contact the company and get something done.

 

[Ric5]

Well, to put it short... I was GASing hard for a ray classic and thought it would be the bass to own all the other basses, but turns it out it was not the case.

I have only, heard people give them positive reviews over here. Why not share what you not like about them?

I mainly got rid of it due to it being sounding too mellow. It sounds too mid scooped compared to a regular ray. I have not played a real pre-EB so I cant compare them to that. I can imagine it sounding fine in a pop cover band or whatnot, but it doesnt cut through with distortion guitars like I hoped it would... it doesnt help that its also one of the heaviest basses Ive played

Other than that, it looks gorgeous and really does play like butter.

2 band preamps are a big no no for me. My 2 favorite preamps are Audere 4 band and J-retro 3 band with sweepable mids ... If I can't have one of those then a passive wiring will do. But 2 band preamps don't do it for me.