EBMM StingRay Special Club

[KaseOfBass]

Mine also had/has the issue with string buzz, in my case especially above the 12th fret on the G string, but really anything above the 3rd fret / G string rattles. I've either learned to deal with it or ignore it. But not happy about it considering the price of this bass, and the potential it has. As much as I like the bass, I'd have to think about buying it again knowing what I now know.

Yeah, that sounds disappointing for sure. The TB’r that I bought the 5HH Special from put in over $300 to have some fret issues worked out. It plays great, but it’s no better (even after a PLEK) than my 5H that hasn’t had any work done to it at all. I get that it’s a production bass, and I no doubt really like ‘em, but there seems to be some pretty big variances out there.

So, after reading some of the disappointment on here, I’m glad I ended up with two that play fantastically (both bought online without trying them first), but just have the dead spot.

 

[bdplaid]

I've gotten mine to the point where it plays well with low action, but it needed some fret work to get it there. I need to do a full fret levelling on it. PLEK, IME, isn't nearly as good as a human who knows what he's doing.

EBMM isn't alone. The PLEK job on my G&L isn't bad, but not as good as a parts neck from Warmoth or even Mighty Mite. Everything I've ever had from Fender America was, at best, fair; Mexican was better, every time. I think most guys just don't know what's good and what isn't.

I don't give companies a pass for it being a "production bass," not at these prices. I am a firm believer that anything coming from an American factory should have it's A-game on, and it shouldn't have to be a custom order for it to be that way.

Still, the Special has a great sound and I play it often.

 

[libanass]

My StingRay Special is no exception, also more fret buzz above the 12th fret on the G string, if you bend the 15th or so, it even stops.
To fix this (more or less), I had to raise back the G string a little bit alone from the saddle, but also add a small bow to the neck, which was a tiny bit back bowed after 2 days.. Not anymore the action I prefer.. Don't know if Plek'ing it would fix it, and allow me to set the action as low as my higher end basses.

I just received it, so it can still be acclimating for a while. I see on Ernie Ball's website it was manufactured July 11th, 2018. That's still a fresh bass, I heard from Luthiers that woods will still move for a few years until they finally start to adapt.

Unfortunately, IMO the area of 2k priced instruments are not considered high-end anymore these days, at least not to me. It's more into the mid-end range. High-end starts from 5k and above, in general.
I've never considered any MusicMan instrument to be high-end anyway.. Fender included.
My former 1979 MusicMan Sabre I would consider it to be a low-end, or entry mid instrument at best.. with tons of issues. Ahh that's thing with Vintage basse

Modulus, and Fodera are definitely high-end, MusicMan and Fender, definitely NOT. But it remains an instrument of its kind, tonally irreplaceable.

 

[libanass]

I've gotten mine to the point where it plays well with low action, but it needed some fret work to get it there. I need to do a full fret levelling on it. PLEK, IME, isn't nearly as good as a human who knows what he's doing.

EBMM isn't alone. The PLEK job on my G&L isn't bad, but not as good as a parts neck from Warmoth or even Mighty Mite. Everything I've ever had from Fender America was, at best, fair; Mexican was better, every time. I think most guys just don't know what's good and what isn't.

I don't give companies a pass for it being a "production bass," not at these prices. I am a firm believer that anything coming from an American factory should have it's A-game on, and it shouldn't have to be a custom order for it to be that way.

Still, the Special has a great sound and I play it often.

Made in the USA does not necessarily mean high-end..
But it does mean higher salary = More expensive instruments..

So you get less for what you pay for, in general. Especially when you have a name such as Fender, or Gibson on your instrument.

 

[Jughead6]

Made in the USA does not necessarily mean high-end..
But it does mean higher salary = More expensive instruments..

So you get less for what you pay for, in general. Especially when you have a name such as Fender, or Gibson on your instrument.

Overly simplistic.

 

[bdplaid]

Made in the USA does not necessarily mean high-end..

I agree, and it should change. Which is why I said what I said. I can't believe that American national pride seems to be all about the Benjamins and nothing more.

I was in London last week (Oxford, actually, seeing Tears for Fears, who knocked it out of the park, er palace, should I say) and had an interesting conversation with guy about the USA vs Britain and the classes. It dawned on me that we have a similar class structure as they, but ours is based on who has the most money. I even disgusted myself when I realized, and said, "Apparently the Kardasians are our Royal Family."

I compare us to Britain because their national pride is off the chart, and I really admire that. They have really great products that are made in the UK, and the people who make them are proud to make them in Britain. I know this because I stopped by the Barefaced shop in Brighton, and had a wonderful time with the guys there, who stood behind every aspect of their work. The Big Twin they set up for me to play through was something to behold, BTW.

 

[libanass]

I agree, and it should change. Which is why I said what I said. I can't believe that American national pride seems to be all about the Benjamins and nothing more.

I was in London last week (Oxford, actually, seeing Tears for Fears, who knocked it out of the park, er palace, should I say) and had an interesting conversation with guy about the USA vs Britain and the classes. It dawned on me that we have a similar class structure as they, but ours is based on who has the most money. I even disgusted myself when I realized, and said, "Apparently the Kardasians are our Royal Family."

I compare us to Britain because their national pride is off the chart, and I really admire that. They have really great products that are made in the UK, and the people who make them are proud to make them in Britain. I know this because I stopped by the Barefaced shop in Brighton, and had a wonderful time with the guys there, who stood behind every aspect of their work. The Big Twin they set up for me to play through was something to behold, BTW.

It doesn't have to change, American made is just like made everywhere else in the world, there is excellent, there is good, there is less good, and there is even bad.. Only difference is that the price for "excellent" is quite higher, but that's also the case in Europe and Japan, even probably more than in the US.

Hand fabricating an instrument takes hours, and I mean like somewhere from 30 to 150 hours to complete (depending on specs). Therefore, a 2000 USD American made instrument is actually a *cheap* instrument.. There is no way so many hours were put into it, it will not be profitable, and they have to sell a lot more than smaller Custom shops.

When buying a MusicMan, I am 100% aware that I will not get the same quality I get with a Fodera. The "US" made part means very little to me, until I know who made it, how and with what level of craftsmanship and attention it was made.
I was actually interested in getting and trying the cheap Sterling by MusicMan first, but it costs 1100 Euros here, and having seen the StingRay Special at 1800 Euros, I figured that an extra hardcase, 22 frets, 18 volts, a more valuable instrument and a few improvements would be a much better investment But I would never pay the full 2450 Euros price for the StingRay that is sold here. The price difference was too small, and I think many would have done the same.

That said, all my instruments are US made, woops! Actually, they are cheaper than European made Custom instruments!

 

[bdplaid]

It doesn't have to change, American made is just like made everywhere else in the world, there is excellent, there is good, there is less good, and there is even bad.. Only difference is that the price for "excellent" is quite higher, but that's also the case in Europe and Japan, even probably more than in the US.

Hand fabricating an instrument takes hours, and I mean like somewhere from 30 to 150 hours to complete (depending on specs). Therefore, a 2000 USD American made instrument is actually a *cheap* instrument.. There is no way so many hours were put into it, it will not be profitable, and they have to sell a lot more than smaller Custom shops.

When buying a MusicMan, I am 100% aware that I will not get the same quality I get with a Fodera. The "US" made part means very little to me, until I know who made it, how and with what level of craftsmanship and attention it was made.
I was actually interested in getting and trying the cheap Sterling by MusicMan first, but it costs 1100 Euros here, and having seen the StingRay Special at 1800 Euros, I figured that an extra hardcase, 22 frets, 18 volts, a more valuable instrument and a few improvements would be a much better investment But I would never pay the full 2450 Euros price for the StingRay that is sold here. The price difference was too small, and I think many would have done the same.

That said, all my instruments are US made, woops! Actually, they are cheaper than European made Custom instruments!

I am aware of this, as I am friends with a couple of famous builders, and I make my own basses on occasion (nothing like theirs, though). Having been a lifelong woodworker, I am aware of the hours one can put in. I am also aware of the attention one should put in. I'm not asking for Sadowsky/Fodera-level at Squier prices.

I am (and have been) asking for one simple thing; they could even add it to the cost of the instrument and it would be negligible: level the frets.

I level frets often, it doesn't take that long, and doesn't even require a huge amount of skill with proper training (although the more one does it the better and faster he becomes.) So let's say for argument's sake it takes a builder 1 man-hour to level and crown the frets. He pays that tech $35 an hour. I'd gladly pay $50 (considering that's a profit-ized number) for the joy of having a great playing instrument out of the box.

IME, some, like G&L, try levelling frets using a PLEK machine. I don't much like PLEK'd instruments. My PLEK'd G&L Jazz had to go back, because of a high fret the machine (and apparently QC both) missed.

I'm not asking for exotic woods, ultra-super expensive hardware, or galactic blessings from Zul. Just a good - no, great - playing instrument out of the box, one that I don't immediately have to take file-in-hand to make it play as good as it should. That means levelled frets, and it's not much to ask.

 

[libanass]

What if they are leveled, and once they reach the 12th fret, they start to hurry up to pass on to the next bass

I think these small extra services on mass produced instruments, can make a tremendous financial impact over their sales. But I do agree, paying an extra 50 Euros for leveled frets is no big deal. Well, probably I will go to my luthier and see if he can work it out.. for now, I just have to play my StingRay with a bit high action that I am used to. But it's still reasonably comfortable and low compared to many other instruments out there.

 

[bdplaid]

probably I will go to my luthier and see if he can work it out.. for now, I just have to play my StingRay with a bit high action that I am used to.

My point is that, philosophically, one should never have to do this with a new instrument, unless it's on the low end. Imagine if you buy a brand new car, and you have to take it to your mechanic to have it tuned up?

 

[libanass]

My point is that, philosophically, one should never have to do this with a new instrument, unless it's on the low end. Imagine if you buy a brand new car, and you have to take it to your mechanic to have it tuned up?

I agree, most mid-end instruments needs a visit to a luthier, but only if one really needs low action.. MusicMan is no exception at this.

I guess it's both a financial choice, but also a flexible one for players who like to keep their action as high as they are delivered out of the box..
I could never.. It's way too high action as they are delivered. First thing I did was lowering the saddles to the max, the G string did not survive above the 12th fret. But even then, it's not as low as I want it to be. I guess I will have to raise the neck and lowering the action even further. At that rate, a fret leveling might be a must for me, but it will be an awesome instrument

 

[KaseOfBass]

Eh, different strokes for different folks. The action on the three SR5s that I’ve bought new has been great - for me. I made minor adjustments to accommodate the Elixir strings I put on all of my basses, but have kept it virtually the same as shipped. Actually needed to raise it a bit on the 5HH I just bought used here on TB. I don’t play heavy, but like a little room to move around.

 

[libanass]

Eh, different strokes for different folks. The action on the three SR5s that I’ve bought new has been great - for me. I made minor adjustments to accommodate the Elixir strings I put on all of my basses, but have kept it virtually the same as shipped. Actually needed to raise it a bit on the 5HH I just bought used here on TB. I don’t play heavy, but like a little room to move around.

Absolutely, to each their own, and in your case, a PLEK / fret leveling is hardly needed, if ever..

 

[drTSTingray]

Well mine's great and also had no plek - as you can see from this photo at the weekend - no worry playing above 12th fret!!

The action on my 2003 SR5 (natural/maple) is a bit lower than the special will go but it doesn't affect my playing of the bass.

And it looks, sounds and feels absolutely brilliant!! Top notch - couldn't be happier.

 

[HD007]

Well mine's great and also had no plek - as you can see from this photo at the weekend - no worry playing above 12th fret!!

The action on my 2003 SR5 (natural/maple) is a bit lower than the special will go but it doesn't affect my playing of the bass.

And it looks, sounds and feels absolutely brilliant!! Top notch - couldn't be happier.

View attachment 3461796

Nice pic!

I’m utterly delighted with both my Specials. They work great and feel superb all over the fretboard.

 

[libanass]

Well mine's great and also had no plek - as you can see from this photo at the weekend - no worry playing above 12th fret!!

The action on my 2003 SR5 (natural/maple) is a bit lower than the special will go but it doesn't affect my playing of the bass.

And it looks, sounds and feels absolutely brilliant!! Top notch - couldn't be happier.

View attachment 3461796

Haha, it's not buzzing at all on your picture indeed!

Glad you're happy with it! Beautiful instrument, and ebony fretboard
I am too, it's a bit higher than my habits, but it's comfortable enough. I have other basses for the shredding pleasure..

 

[Pagorn Suebwong]

Here it is:

That's great players.

 

[pertyman]

Well mine's great and also had no plek - as you can see from this photo at the weekend - no worry playing above 12th fret!!

The action on my 2003 SR5 (natural/maple) is a bit lower than the special will go but it doesn't affect my playing of the bass.

And it looks, sounds and feels absolutely brilliant!! Top notch - couldn't be happier.

View attachment 3461796

Possition 3 is great!!!

 

[HD007]

Had to try the new Italia white strap w green backing with my Teal Cruz. Not a perfect color match of course but with the green only as interior accent I think it will be fun.

 

[drTSTingray]

Had to try the new Italia white strap w green backing with my Teal Cruz. Not a perfect color match of course but with the green only as interior accent I think it will be fun.


View attachment 3463658

Looks great to me. I must try something like that although I'm liking the all black 'trim' on mine.

Hey Pertyman, you're right position 3 is great.

A couple more shameless pics!!

If you look carefully you'll see the Stingray Fretless propped up against the side of the provided TC Electronics combo - I used it on the last two songs and confounded the sound guy even more than with the SR5HH Special - I had decided I was going all out early 80s on this gig - lots of slap and high fret solos etc when asked - great fun!! Temperature was about 34 degrees - my excuse for a bit of bass fun/madness!! Even the drummer looks shocked at the bass player's exploits......