EBMM StingRay Special Club

[kevmac]

Hey guys,I've always loved MM basses but could never afford one as we all know that one must make tough choices as to the basses we own.So now in my retirement I've picked up the DIY bug and this will be as close to a Stingray as I'll get at this stage.I take it that there are many MM experts here and maybe someone can help me with a question.I would like to upgrade the bridge in my kit but can't seem to find replacement ones except for cheap ones.Anybody have a suggestion ?

 

[_Obra_]

It's about setup. Stingrays are exceptionally finnicky if you want the D and G to balance in a mix at volume.

Thank you for your answer. For years back I've been doing setup for my instruments by myself, so I'm pretty sure I tried everything I could do to make StingRay setup as good as it can be, but the problem persist.
I'm just interested does anyone have ''weak G'' problem with the Special ?

 

[GRoberts]

Hello to everyone. I had a four different StingRays during past 15 years, and with last two of them I have a problem with ''weak'' G string. It become a real pain in the ass in the last few months. After reading a lot of forums with similar topic, I realized I was not the only one with the same problem.
Can someone with same experience tell me is there a problem with weak G string on new Special series, or EB solved it with new pickup, preamp and other settings ?
Thanks for answers.

One of the things that blows me away with the SR Special is how much texture ALL the strings. The G string is NOT weak at all on my SR 5H Special.

 

[StayLow]

Thank you for your answer. For years back I've been doing setup for my instruments by myself, so I'm pretty sure I tried everything I could do to make StingRay setup as good as it can be, but the problem persist.
I'm just interested does anyone have ''weak G'' problem with the Special ?

It's a strange problem given the pickups, hardware and preamps are ideantical for decades.

As a Stingray fan I'm curious, did you adjust the height of the pickup pole pieces?

 

[Kilgore777]

Just pulled the trigger on a Burnt Apple StingRay Special 4H. The seller is shipping tomorrow, so I have to patiently wait. That's always the easy part. Ugh. I never bought an instrument without playing before buying, but I'm fairly confident in the quality from everything I read. Nothing to worry about ... right? I have played a few here and there and never met a StingRay I didn't enjoy.

So, is there some sort of initiation to join this group?

More than likely if you like SRs, you are going to love it. Photos don’t do the finish justice, IMO. Let us know what you think!

 

[_Obra_]

It's a strange problem given the pickups, hardware and preamps are ideantical for decades.

As a Stingray fan I'm curious, did you adjust the height of the pickup pole pieces?

Hi StayLow. My pickup pole pieces are factory high. I took pickup out, but the pole pieces are to hard to move, so i decided not to put down the A and D one, in order not to damage them. I have been here before, so I do not asking for a help to fix that problem, I just want to know is anyone have that problem with new Special series?

 

[Stevorebob]

One of the things that blows me away with the SR Special is how much texture ALL the strings. The G string is NOT weak at all on my SR 5H Special.

Well, EBMM addressed the weak-G issue by leveling the pole pieces in the Specials. Whether this works for you, I think you’ll have to see for yourself. I have not experienced the weak-G in my older StingRays, so I’m not a good judge of the fix results.

 

[bdplaid]

It's about setup. Stingrays are exceptionally finnicky if you want the D and G to balance in a mix at volume.

My understanding is that the weak G string was a product of misplaced magnets in the pickups - it was too far off-center from the string. The Specials have no such limitation. The pickups are a new design and all the magnets line up with the strings.

Further, I can't believe EBMM allowed and allows this to continue. Dudes, order a new spec for the pickups!

 

[Stranger Danger]

Hello to everyone. I had a four different StingRays during past 15 years, and with last two of them I have a problem with ''weak'' G string. It become a real pain in the ass in the last few months. After reading a lot of forums with similar topic, I realized I was not the only one with the same problem.
Can someone with same experience tell me is there a problem with weak G string on new Special series, or EB solved it with new pickup, preamp and other settings ?
Thanks for answers.

No weak G on the Specials. No longer an issue.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

No weak G on the Specials. No longer an issue.

This has been my experience as well. No issues to with my Special . Best bass purchase I ever made.

 

[basschips]

No weak G on the Specials. No longer an issue.

Agreed. No weak G string at all. This particular SRS is even across all the strings. I'm extremely happy with this bass, so much so that I took the protective coating off of the pickguard yesterday. Happy to say, I'm in now!

 

[Jughead6]

An aged white pearl Chandler pickguard for my SRS5H is on its way to me now.

A question for those who have already done it... what is the best way to remove the knob from the switch, in order to then remove the pickguard?

 

[monkeyfinger]

Pull it off. It's held on by friction.

 

[Jughead6]

Pull it off. It's held on by friction.

Yup... she's on there pretty tight. Is there a trick to it, or do I just throw caution to the wind and yank on it?

 

[monkeyfinger]

I was able to just yank it off.

 

[StayLow]

Hi StayLow. My pickup pole pieces are factory high. I took pickup out, but the pole pieces are to hard to move, so i decided not to put down the A and D one, in order not to damage them. I have been here before, so I do not asking for a help to fix that problem, I just want to know is anyone have that problem with new Special series?

Understood. Trying to learn something here and clear up confusion some others may have. The pickups haven't changed in decades, yet not all of them have a "weak" G string. It'd be valuable to learn what's the difference.

String type or composition? The interactive qualities of the active EQ? There has to be something empirical at the root of any real issue. The E string is equally off-center from the pickup pole, and no one will ever say the Stingray lacks low end.

If it is an alignment issue, an aftermarket pickup should resolve it. Especially a blade type such as the one Nordstrand offers.

The stock pickup poles need a good whack with something to move them, but once they're loose they're fairly easy to adjust.

Again while this may not be of benefit or interest to you, it could be to others. Seems extreme if some people are buying an expensive new bass because of something easily remedied.

 

[mojomike001]

Understood. Trying to learn something here and clear up confusion some others may have. The pickups haven't changed in decades, yet not all of them have a "weak" G string. It'd be valuable to learn what's the difference.

String type or composition? The interactive qualities of the active EQ? There has to be something empirical at the root of any real issue. The E string is equally off-center from the pickup pole, and no one will ever say the Stingray lacks low end.

If it is an alignment issue, an aftermarket pickup should resolve it. Especially a blade type such as the one Nordstrand offers.

The stock pickup poles need a good whack with something to move them, but once they're loose they're fairly easy to adjust.

Again while this may not be of benefit or interest to you, it could be to others. Seems extreme if some people are buying an expensive new bass because of something easily remedied.

In the case of the new specials, the pickups have changed. They now have neo magnets. There is no misalignment. There is no weak G string.

 

[GRoberts]

Since this is my first Stingray (5H Special), How many hours can I expect from the batteries? If they die, I imagine the bass would not be usable. Is there any sort of battery life indication so I know when I should change them

 

[Stevorebob]

Since this is my first Stingray (5H Special), How many hours can I expect from the batteries? If they die, I imagine the bass would not be usable. Is there any sort of battery life indication so I know when I should change them

No one knows. The basses have not been out that long. The batteries last a long, long time. I’ve had my Special for 8 months — still on the original batteries. I test before every gig, important rehearsal or audition. They’re easy enough to pull out and test.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Since this is my first Stingray (5H Special), How many hours can I expect from the batteries? If they die, I imagine the bass would not be usable. Is there any sort of battery life indication so I know when I should change them

I can't find a current draw spec, but this is the generic statement from EBMM's FAQ:

Average alkaline battery life is 6 months. We recommend Duracell batteries as replacements mostly due to size inconsistencies between battery manufacturers. Do not leave your bass plugged in when you have finished playing, as this will drain your battery faster. Battery life of course depends on how often and how long you play. When the sound of your bass becomes distorted, it's ready for a new battery.