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EBMM StingRay Special Club

Did a rehearsal with the special 4 where I’d normally play a J bass and it sounded great. Still MMish but natural, punchy, full, with just the right amount of snap. I ended up leaving the EQ pretty flat, just a little bass boost. I tried the 30th 5 for a few songs last week and it sounded polite and electronic. The 30th isn’t bad but I’d never chose to play it on this gig.

Any difference on the G string? I don't want to go into the whole "weak G string" on Stingrays, but I do acknowledge that the G on Stingrays is snappier, brighter and thinner sounding G than say a Fender G string. It's something you get used to, and learn how to approach it, setup the bass, eq it, etc etc. But I'm just wondering, is there any tonal difference to the G string fullness wise.
 

I like having the Parallel/Series option, and I like the classic single pickup design, and if it's good enough for Tony Levin then it's good enough for me, so I just ordered a 5H in Classic Natural! :thumbsup:
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And for a side note, anyone who's looking at a new StingRay Special needs to check out Sweetwater's current deal on Music Man basses, zero down and
0% INTEREST FOR 48 MONTHS!

That's like almost giving it away!!! :laugh:
That’s what I did. That was the only way I could talk my “office manager” into it. Be here mid September.
 
I collected my 4H charcoal sparkle today. It's a very good bass. I am however a little disappointed by the weight after watching all the videos of the profiled players stating how light it is. Mine in 9.47 pounds. Is this the "slight" weight variation mentioned on the website and perfectly normal or am I a bit unlucky?
 
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I collected my 4H charcoal sparkle today. It's a very good bass. I am however a little disappointed by the weight after watching all the videos of the profiled players stating how light it is. Mine in 9.47 pounds. Is this the "slight" weight variation mentioned on the website and perfectly normal or am I a bit unlucky?

Phew! That’s definitely the heaviest I’ve heard of, even compared to the SR5 Specials in this thread.
 
I collected my 4H charcoal sparkle today. It's a very good bass. I am however a little disappointed by the weight after watching all the videos of the profiled players stating how light it is. Mine in 9.47 pounds. Is this the "slight" weight variation mentioned on the website and perfectly normal or am I a bit unlucky?


Looks like there a few out there online. Usually the ones that don’t sell it looks like. It is a pound over the 8lb 8oz average that’s advertised. With the weight being so desirable with these I definitely wouldn’t buy one without knowing it first.
 
I collected my 4H charcoal sparkle today. It's a very good bass. I am however a little disappointed by the weight after watching all the videos of the profiled players stating how light it is. Mine in 9.47 pounds. Is this the "slight" weight variation mentioned on the website and perfectly normal or am I a bit unlucky?
Return it. It's too much money to not be completely satisfied. They can get you another one that's lighter.
 
Thanks for the sympathy. Well as I live in Norway and I'm told that there was exactly 1 bass in charcoal sparkle coming to the country, it could take months before I could get another.

EDIT: I apologize for the inaccuracy, bass is weighed again with a "better"weight and shows 9,21 pounds.
 
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Thanks for the sympathy. Well as I live in Norway and I'm told that there was exactly 1 bass in charcoal sparkle coming to the country, it could take months before I could get another.

EDIT: I apologize for the inaccuracy, bass is weighed again with a "better"weight and shows 9,21 pounds.

Ooh...that's a tough predicament when you don't have a swarm of extra stock to choose from!

The first Stingray Special I tried was about 9 pounds. It felt great - it was so well balanced it didn't feel heavy to me.

However, probably because I read these forums ;) , I ended up swapping it for one a little under 8.5 pounds. I probably would have enjoyed the first one though.

Good luck with your decision. As others have said, you should be completely happy when you're plunking down this much for a bass.
 
Bottom line is whether or not you are happy with the instrument ;)

It's easy to forget that an "average 8.5lbs" is in fact, an average and not a guarantee-- some are heavier, some lighter, but the average is about 8.5.

Even at 9lbs, I consider that light as my Fender P is about 12lbs(!). Because I really like the sound/feel of that one, I offset the weight by using a comfortable strap ( Mega Strap for guitar, bass and banjo | Neotech ) and enjoy the heck out of my instrument.

Weight is just one element, and to some it's very important. If that is important to you, then return it and search for a lighter one. Patience is usually worth the investment. Otherwise, embrace your above average bass and rock on! :D
 
Thanks for the sympathy. Well as I live in Norway and I'm told that there was exactly 1 bass in charcoal sparkle coming to the country, it could take months before I could get another.

EDIT: I apologize for the inaccuracy, bass is weighed again with a "better"weight and shows 9,21 pounds.

Yeah, me personally I would rather have a lighter weight bass in some other color. That's a personal decision you will have to make. I would take any of the colors they make these in other than yellow if I could get a pound lighter.
 
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Like many international buyers, my SR 5H is a while away... but I expect the anticipation will be worth it.

Until then, I daydream about the first song I should play when I get it in my hands...

Currently on the top of the list... Sledgehammer! Seems appropriate to play a Tony Levin bass line.

How about you guys and girls? What was (or will be) the first song you play in your new SR...?
 
Like many international buyers, my SR 5H is a while away... but I expect the anticipation will be worth it.

Until then, I daydream about the first song I should play when I get it in my hands...

Currently on the top of the list... Sledgehammer! Seems appropriate to play a Tony Levin bass line.

How about you guys and girls? What was (or will be) the first song you play in your new SR...?


Not sure why but the first song I played was Funkifize by Tower of Power. 5 times in a row in the 5 different pickup configurations. I think my favorite positions are 1 and 4. For you other HH dudes what position are you liking most?
 
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