EBMM StingRay Special Club

[Stranger Danger]

I own an HH Special and find the plucking space very tight. The pickup height has nothing to do with it unless one winds it down to pickguard height. I blame the extra fret. I really wish Ebmm hadn't done that. How many of us need an extra fret, but the extra space would be much appreciated.

I think pickup height does have something to do with it. At least it does for some of us. When I got the bass, I kept hitting the neck pickup with my fingers which sounded pretty bad so I lowered the pickup and now it’s gone and sounds great so that was my experience. YMMV

 

[MultiScaleMale]

What's with all this hostility?

That’s what I also ask.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Ditto. Can't waste my time on people who lack logical thinking.

Likewise.

 

[bdplaid]

I think pickup height does have something to do with it. At least it does for some of us. When I got the bass, I kept hitting the neck pickup with my fingers which sounded pretty bad so I lowered the pickup and now it’s gone and sounds great so that was my experience. YMMV

The problem is trying to sneak a finger under the string to pop or pull it. Can't do that on top of the pickup.

If this were a fender-type bass or not so expensive, I'd take off the neck, remove the extra fret and grind the neck flat to the body. It would probably also solve the buzzing problem I'm having.

 

[Groovegestapo]

The problem is trying to sneak a finger under the string to pop or pull it. Can't do that on top of the pickup.

If this were a fender-type bass or not so expensive, I'd take off the neck, remove the extra fret and grind the neck flat to the body. It would probably also solve the buzzing problem I'm having.

The front pickup in my HH is about 1/8 of an inch above the pick guard. That seems low to a lot of people but still has a strong output with the neo-magnets. It was also sent back to me that way from EB Musicman.
Slapping and pulling isn’t a problem for me. My hands are small anyway.

 

[Hypercaffium]

If posting is this thread is allowed only if you OWN a Special Ray, I'm guilty as much as the guy who tried to give me some infos. I don't have one, I didn't even own a StingRay in my entire life. Ever.
@mouthmw @RichSnyder ignoring someone is something big imho, even if you don't know him/her in person. Don't hate me for saying this, but I think you're ignoring each other for a very silly reason. You don't need to do that, come on.

 

[mouthmw]

If posting is this thread is allowed only if you OWN a Special Ray, I'm guilty as much as the guy who tried to give me some infos. I don't have one, I didn't even own a StingRay in my entire life. Ever.
@mouthmw @RichSnyder ignoring someone is something big imho, even if you don't know him/her in person. Don't hate me for saying this, but I think you're ignoring each other for a very silly reason. You don't need to do that, come on.

Oh I didn't block anyone lol, in fact I think it's very silly to get mad at me for saying something that's basically "try them both and get whichever one works better for you". Nah, I'm not blocking anyone.
I guess - sorry if I offended anyone? Didn't want to. Great basses either way, no doubt. I've always been a fan.

 

[Hypercaffium]

I'm just trying to bring some peace between you guys. That's not what I usually do in my life, but I'd hate to see this place become like other forums I used to check. I've always considered TB like a safe happy island, compared to the other places I see.

 

[Kilgore777]

Oh I didn't block anyone lol, in fact I think it's very silly to get mad at me for saying something that's basically "try them both and get whichever one works better for you". Nah, I'm not blocking anyone.
I guess - sorry if I offended anyone? Didn't want to. Great basses either way, no doubt. I've always been a fan.

Hey, I guess we are all passionate about basses here, so sometimes tempers flair.... in the end, I think we're all on the same side!

 

[maplenecked]

Get two stingrays. An h for slapping and an hh for the tonal variety.

 

[mouthmw]

I'm just trying to bring some peace between you guys. That's not what I usually do in my life, but I'd hate to see this place become like other forums I used to check. I've always considered TB like a safe happy island, compared to the other places I see.

No problem man, no bad blood from my side anyways. Kilgore777 said it great.

Hey, I guess we are all passionate about basses here, so sometimes tempers flair.... in the end, I think we're all on the same side!

Very nicely said!

 

[Stranger Danger]

The front pickup in my HH is about 1/8 of an inch above the pick guard. That seems low to a lot of people but still has a strong output with the neo-magnets. It was also sent back to me that way from EB Musicman.
Slapping and pulling isn’t a problem for me. My hands are small anyway.

Yep that’s what I do too

 

[MultiScaleMale]

If posting is this thread is allowed only if you OWN a Special Ray, I'm guilty as much as the guy who tried to give me some infos. I don't have one, I didn't even own a StingRay in my entire life. Ever.
@mouthmw @RichSnyder ignoring someone is something big imho, even if you don't know him/her in person. Don't hate me for saying this, but I think you're ignoring each other for a very silly reason. You don't need to do that, come on.

Nope, I've put about 10-15 people on ignore on TB and the experience here has been 10x more positive. I don't go into the Dingwall club and tell everyone that their frets look funny and give advice because I played one in a store once. Also of note, I haven't seen a Fender Rumble 40w is a suitable replacement for an SVT post in a long, long time. Heh.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

How many of you guys find the neck pickup on the HH version a little bit intrusive and uncomfortable when slapping? I've never tested an HH Ray, but I'm reading this thing pretty often. I'm not that much of a slapper but I'm curious.
I've also read that using just the bridge pickup of an HH sounds different from an H Ray.

I don’t find it to be an issue at all. But I am a female with small hands.

What works for me , honestly might not work for you . It’s all about how it feels in YOUR hands and if you are ABLE or even DESIRE to adjust your playing technique to suit that particular bass.

I’m made some adjustments due to the G string and where it sits on the fretboard as well as my slap/pop technique due the neck pickup placement.

To me, it was worth the small amount of time and effort because I liked everything else about the bass.

This is now my favorite bass. But I’m not a 6 foot something man or tall lady with long fingers or large hands.

My suggestion would be to try and purchase from a place with a return policy that would allow you ample time to spend with the bass in your hands.

I hope it works out on your favor .

 

[Hypercaffium]

I don’t find it to be an issue at all. But I am a female with small hands.

What works for me , honestly might not work for you . It’s all about how it feels in YOUR hands and if you are ABLE or even DESIRE to adjust your playing technique to suit that particular bass.

I’m made some adjustments due to the G string and where it sits on the fretboard as well as my slap/pop technique due the neck pickup placement.

To me, it was worth the small amount of time and effort because I liked everything else about the bass.

This is now my favorite bass. But I’m not a 6 foot something man or tall lady with long fingers or large hands.

My suggestion would be to try and purchase from a place with a return policy that would allow you ample time to spend with the bass in your hands.

I hope it works out on your favor .

I'm 175 centimeters tall and I have relatively small hands. I'll try both versions as soon as I can, thanks.

 

[HD007]

I don’t find it to be an issue at all. But I am a female with small hands.

What works for me , honestly might not work for you . It’s all about how it feels in YOUR hands and if you are ABLE or even DESIRE to adjust your playing technique to suit that particular bass.

I’m made some adjustments due to the G string and where it sits on the fretboard as well as my slap/pop technique due the neck pickup placement.

To me, it was worth the small amount of time and effort because I liked everything else about the bass.

This is now my favorite bass. But I’m not a 6 foot something man or tall lady with long fingers or large hands.

My suggestion would be to try and purchase from a place with a return policy that would allow you ample time to spend with the bass in your hands.

I hope it works out on your favor .

This.


It's really best if you can try both out in real life. Are you able to do that in Italy?

I also have the HH Special (a 5 string now is my No. 1). I don't slap a lot but am able to do so just fine. I'm a female player, but my hands are fairly large for a girl.

The OP mentioned wanting to explore a modern instrument, so it seems worthwhile to try the HH. I use the "in between" gears most. The variety of tonal options with the HH is fantastic.

The bass maintains simplicity with a single volume knob. The number of knobs and switches is the same on the H and HH models (with two more options on the pickup selector blade).

The 5HH does not have the series option etc in the bridge pickup, but otherwise the 5H and 5HH are identical.

I like the extra fret and use it, though obviously others here don't.

At any rate, the fantastic necks, lightweight hardware, ergonomic design and 18v preamp all add up to a great modern, versatile bass that's not over-the-top fancy.

Hopefully you can get some of these in hand to answer questions no forum post can. Specifically, which one is right for you, if any!

 

[Stranger Danger]

Nope, I've put about 10-15 people on ignore on TB and the experience here has been 10x more positive. I don't go into the Dingwall club and tell everyone that their frets look funny and give advice because I played one in a store once. Also of note, I haven't seen a Fender Rumble 40w is a suitable replacement for an SVT post in a long, long time. Heh.

I don’t find it to be an issue at all. But I am a female with small hands.

What works for me , honestly might not work for you . It’s all about how it feels in YOUR hands and if you are ABLE or even DESIRE to adjust your playing technique to suit that particular bass.

I’m made some adjustments due to the G string and where it sits on the fretboard as well as my slap/pop technique due the neck pickup placement.

To me, it was worth the small amount of time and effort because I liked everything else about the bass.

This is now my favorite bass. But I’m not a 6 foot something man or tall lady with long fingers or large hands.

My suggestion would be to try and purchase from a place with a return policy that would allow you ample time to spend with the bass in your hands.

I hope it works out on your favor .

This.


It's really best if you can try both out in real life. Are you able to do that in Italy?

I also have the HH Special (a 5 string now is my No. 1). I don't slap a lot but am able to do so just fine. I'm a female player, but my hands are fairly large for a girl.

The OP mentioned wanting to explore a modern instrument, so it seems worthwhile to try the HH. I use the "in between" gears most. The variety of tonal options with the HH is fantastic.

The bass maintains simplicity with a single volume knob. The number of knobs and switches is the same on the H and HH models (with two more options on the pickup selector blade).

The HH does not have the series option etc in the bridge pickup, but otherwise the two are identical.

I like the extra fret and use it, though obviously others here don't.

At any rate, the fantastic necks, lightweight hardware, ergonomic design and 18v preamp all add up to a great modern, versatile bass that's not over-the-top fancy.

Hopefully you can get some of these in hand to answer questions no forum post can. Specifically, which one is right for you, if any!

All true. Thanks for being voices of reason

 

[Kilgore777]

This.


The variety of tonal options with the HH is fantastic.

The bass maintains simplicity with a single volume knob. The number of knobs and switches is the same on the H and HH models (with two more options on the pickup selector blade).

The HH does not have the series option etc in the bridge pickup, but otherwise the two are identical.

I like the extra fret and use it, though obviously others here don't.

At any rate, the fantastic necks, lightweight hardware, ergonomic design and 18v preamp all add up to a great modern, versatile bass that's not over-the-top fancy.

Hopefully you can get some of these in hand to answer questions no forum post can. Specifically, which one is right for you, if any!

Thanks for your post, it is great to hear that you like the bass so much. I don't/can't slap well, so that isn't an issue for me.

I have a HH 4 (burnt candy apple) coming tomorrow.... can't wait! I am imagining the different sounds you can dial in considering the PU configurations/selector switch. It is replacing a MM Cutlass1 from 1983 (graphite neck). I finally found a worthy replacement! I think the Special should be called the Stingray Deluxe!

So maybe you can help.... the 4 string H doesn't have a selector switch but the 5 string does? If so, that would make the 4 string a lot less versatile, right? Just curious about that and wondering (if true), why MM made that decision.

 

[HD007]

Thanks for your post, it is great to hear that you like the bass so much. I don't/can't slap well, so that isn't an issue for me.

I have a HH 4 (burnt candy apple) coming tomorrow.... can't wait! I am imagining the different sounds you can dial in considering the PU configurations/selector switch. It is replacing a MM Cutlass1 from 1983 (graphite neck). I finally found a worthy replacement! I think the Special should be called the Stingray Deluxe!

So maybe you can help.... the 4 string H doesn't have a selector switch but the 5 string does? If so, that would make the 4 string a lot less versatile, right? Just curious about that and wondering (if true), why MM made that decision.

Edited: my info was all wrong so I’m deleting it- see later posts.

This remains accurate though:

Can’t wait to see your burnt apple- those are delicious!

 

[Taustin Powers]

The 4H doesn’t have a selector switch. (Or maybe I just haven’t found it?) Only EQ pots.