EBMM StingRay Special Club

[CElton]

I think the 3 settings on an SR5H are more useful than the 5 settings on the HH. You can’t get series on the HH.

+1

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I just 20 pages of this thread after discovering a SR Special 5H at my local shop yesterday. It was the bright Green, Ebony, Black hardware model. I LOVED the bass. Probably the best feeling 5 string neck I've touched and I am very proud of my Nordstrand VJ5's. I would have bought the bass had it not been for the somewhat Loud green color. Not my first choice. But It might look better with a black Pickguard to match the black hardware. It was very lightweight. I am guessing 9lbs or less. I am tempted to pull the trigger on the 'one I got to play' rather than ordering elsewhere.

My main question is whether I would prefer the HH version? And yet, I have my Nordy VJ5 with two PU's. That said, I usually play one bass for an entire gig.

I've read where many SR Special HH owners still tend to use the bridge PU mostly. But I wanted to ask first so I get this right the first time.

5H or 5HH? I love the Ebony Fingerboard too. I am not sure if I would prefer rosewood or maple sonically, but this bass speaks to me in terms of feel, weight, sound, overall vibe. (except for the green). But I might try it anyway. Welcome your thoughts.

This would be my first Stingray ever!

I actually use 2nd gear most often. But I do use 1st gear and 4th gear almost as much. 3rd gear is beginning to grow on me. Sounds great with pedals. It really depends what you want to hear. Everyone is different . I have no issue slapping on my 5HH.
One of the main reasons I purchased my 5HH is due to its versatility . If I had to get rid of all the others , this would be my 1 keeper. I can get some convincing Pbass and jbass type tones as well as classic Stringray. I don’t need series switching option.

 

[Stevorebob]

I just 20 pages of this thread after discovering a SR Special 5H at my local shop yesterday. It was the bright Green, Ebony, Black hardware model. I LOVED the bass. Probably the best feeling 5 string neck I've touched and I am very proud of my Nordstrand VJ5's. I would have bought the bass had it not been for the somewhat Loud green color. Not my first choice. But It might look better with a black Pickguard to match the black hardware. It was very lightweight. I am guessing 9lbs or less. I am tempted to pull the trigger on the 'one I got to play' rather than ordering elsewhere.

My main question is whether I would prefer the HH version? And yet, I have my Nordy VJ5 with two PU's. That said, I usually play one bass for an entire gig.

I've read where many SR Special HH owners still tend to use the bridge PU mostly. But I wanted to ask first so I get this right the first time.

5H or 5HH? I love the Ebony Fingerboard too. I am not sure if I would prefer rosewood or maple sonically, but this bass speaks to me in terms of feel, weight, sound, overall vibe. (except for the green). But I might try it anyway. Welcome your thoughts.

This would be my first Stingray ever!

I’ve really only used the bridge pickups on my pre-Special HH StingRays, so I went with the 5H Special.

I find positions 2, 3 and 4 on my HH Stingrays too mid-scooped to be of much use in my band situations. They sure sound nice, but lost in the mix. Again these are pre-Special HH StingRays; the HH Specials may be another thing altogether, and I have not played one in a band mix.

Now, for the series and filter positions (3 and 2) on the 5H Special, I don’t find these of much use either. I guess I’m a Classic StingRay man at heart.

YMMV.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I think the 3 settings on an SR5H are more useful than the 5 settings on the HH. You can’t get series on the HH.

The first sentence is definitely an opinion.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I’ve really only used the bridge pickups on my pre-Special HH StingRays, so I went with the 5H Special.

I find positions 2, 3 and 4 on my HH Stingrays too mid-scooped to be of much use in my band situations. They sure sound nice, but lost in the mix. Again these are pre-Special HH StingRays; the HH Specials may be another thing altogether, and I have not played one in a band mix.

Now, for the series and filter positions (3 and 2) on the 5H Special, I don’t find these of much use either. I guess I’m a Classic StingRay man at heart.

YMMV.

That’s why they have that knob in the middle. Lol

 

[Stranger Danger]

I actually use 2nd gear most often. But I do use 1st gear and 4th gear almost as much. It really depends what you want to hear. Everyone is different . I have no issue slapping on my 5HH.
One of the main reasons I purchased my 5HH is due to its versatility . If I had to get rid of all the others , this would be my 1 keeper. I can get some convincing Pbass and jbass type tones as well as classic Stringray. I don’t need series switching option.

The 4HH allowed me to dump all my other basses. Like the Highlander, there can be only one

 

[HD007]

Thanks! I am able to demo it at my gig tonight!!

Let us know how it goes

 

[Stevorebob]

That’s why they have that knob in the middle. Lol

Yep, you’re right. But for me, the frequency and shape of the preamp mid control isn’t aligned very well with the scoop that happens with both pickups selected. YMMV, of course, and plenty do.

 

[Stranger Danger]

Yep, you’re right. But for me, the frequency and shape of the preamp mid control isn’t aligned very well with the scoop that happens with both pickups selected. YMMV, of course, and plenty do.

Thats why they make both!

 

[HD007]

I'm interested to hear people using their Stingray Specials with volume not on full - I have the amp set to the highest volume I'm likely to need and control the volume from the bass. Works fine (as it does with my other Stingrays).

I do this too- works great

 

[pickles]

The first sentence is definitely an opinion.

That’s why it starts with “I think”.

 

[Stranger Danger]

That’s why it starts with “I think”.

Yep. Just teasing. If it works that way for you then that’s awesome

 

[bdplaid]

That's what I'm putting on mine next, right now they have the original super slinkies they shipped with. Has anyone tried the Hybrid cobalt slinkies on this bass? Thoughts?

You mean the cobalt flats? I tried a set and like them so much I put them on my P-bass. Fingerstyle on the lower strings sounds more flatwound, but when plucking the upper notes they are every bit as bright as rounds. They're a great compromise, better than GHS progressives IMO. No fret noise and feel like butta.

 

[Iofflight]

Actually I was talking about the Cobalt Hybrid Slinkies which are roundwound 45-105 though I do have some cobalt flats though sitting in the package. What gauge are you using?

 

[bdplaid]

Actually I was talking about the Cobalt Hybrid Slinkies which are roundwound 45-105 though I do have some cobalt flats though sitting in the package. What gauge are you using?

45 65 85 105

 

[GRoberts]

Gig Demo REPORT! I just got back from my band gig/demo with the Cruz Teal 5H Stingray Special.
A few comments first.

(Short version: Wow!!)

Longer version:

1. The Cruz Teal color is growing on me. It is bright and a bold. (in terms of visual aesthetic) I think it would look better with a black pick guard to match the black hardware. A friend and band patron said it reminded her of an old T-Bird. (that was kinda cool)

2. THIS specific 5H Special weighs, .... only 8.3lbs!!!!! My shop weighed it for me. This is another reason I wanted to demo "this one". It is super comfy and I've done a ton of business at this shop. (Hence the opportunity to do the Out-of-store demo)

3. The band plays a variety of material ranging from Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Police, U2, Incubus, Shawn Mendez, Kings of Leon, Ed Sheehan, Prince, funk, reggae and classic rock.

4. The neck profile most definitely works GREAT for me. It has the tightest string spacing and narrowest Nut width than what I am used to. The comfort of the satin neck finish is unparalleled. I love the slab Ebony Fingerboard. Feels great and looks rich. The neck needs to be adjusted slightly, but it still plays like butter. I was able to play with more finesse than usual. Nuances from my left hand fretting and bending were translated to the amp nicely. Very responsive! Great feeling neck.

5. The light weight cannot be dismissed. No Neck dive. Just super comfy on a strap. I love the slim body and the sculpting. it hangs on a strap in an ideal position for me.

5. The tone controls are super intuitive and easy to dial what I wanted up or down. Growl? Get outta town! Wow. While its not a Jazz bass, it has tons of what I call "Jaco-burpy-growl". It really CUTS in the mix and has a nice rich punchy presentation without being overly boomy.

6. I wound up playing the selector switch in the most forward position most of the gig (the switch pointed toward the neck) I tried a bit in the middle (2) position? That worked nice too, but we were louder than usual tonight and the (3) position was punchier.

7. My band mates loved it and said I was playing as if I was 'inspired!'

8. I had an Amp challenge that was my fault. I was using a mismatched bass rig. I picked up a Fender Rumble 500 (2x10) combo this week for small quiet gigs with a grab n go 2x10 combo would be cool. I stacked it on top of a Baer ML112 12" Cab. I normally stack a MarkBass CMD121p Combo (LMIII head) but I wanted to try pairing a 2x10 combo on top of the Baer ML112 to get the quickness and punch of 2x10's. Well, it just can't hold up to the punch this bass, Preamp and B String put out. It was OK and tolerable. But I was not happy with the bass rig. But it was the ideal venue to try that rig, so I went for it. (Not knowing I would also be demo'ing this SR 5H Special.

8a. I have a GK MB Fusion 800 and Bergantino CN212. I'll try that rig at a show on Sunday (St. Patty's day)
8b. My Markbass LMIII (CMD121p combo/Baer ML112) mix/match rig actually is very solid and punchy. So I will make sure to test the SR 5H special with those.

Caveats aside; I LOVED the SR 5H Special. LOVED IT!!! I have two more gigs this weekend and I'm sure my local shop will be OK with me using it for the weekend.

The likelihood of me buying THIS bass (8.3 lb 5 string classic monster)???? = VERY PROBABLE!!

I played my Nordy VJ5 on one song near the end of the show and it sounds great. It is a KILLER bass. But it sounded like a jazz and after playing the SR 5H Special all night, my Nordy sounded a little 'scooped'. (Alder/RW/Big Singles) Go figure. It is NOT a scooped sounding bass. That just speaks to how well the SR 5H Cuts in the mix ...with growl and tone.

 

[GRoberts]

PS: Can you guys give any idea what sort of discount can be had? Is a 15% holiday discount maybe the best? (If they are possible) There might be a St Patricks Day coupon floating around that I can try and get my shop to price match. I think the tag on this bass was $2149. Not bad, but if I can do better, that would help.

 

[Jughead6]

Giving my SRS5H its first outing tonight... small private party gig.

Edit: BTW acoustics in this room were terrible, so not a fair test for the instrument.

 

[5StringPocket]

I think the 3 settings on an SR5H are more useful than the 5 settings on the HH. You can’t get series on the HH.

I think a series/parallel switch for the bridge pickup would be a useful aftermarket mod. Series bridge has a meatier tone but retains the cut and focus.

 

[JimHouchin]

The 4HH allowed me to dump all my other basses. Like the Highlander, there can be only one

This is no joke... I had my lesson this morning with Mr. Hubbard and he said my bass sounded better then ever.... AHHH YEA, I think the MM is going to be my number one.... period. (I SOOOO never would have thought that!!)