EBMM StingRay Special Club

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I had a SR Special 5H and let it go because I couldn't get a more jazz bass-like classic slap tone (even if just for slap and pop accents) But I loved the Fingerstyle tone and the bass felt and played like a Ferrari. I now have a Sadowsky 5 JJ and love it, but want another low weight 5 string option.

So ...HH or H? I love the simplicity of the 5H but wonder if challenges of the HH are worth the trouble? I've read EQ can require more care depending on which PU switch mode you are in. I've also watched a video where the guy was comparing the HH to the H and he commented the neck Humbucker is right where your hand is typically position and that it is distracting.

I have found a few 8lb to 8.8lb Stingray Special 5H and 5HH. So the weight will work great.

Also wanted to ask about the sonic differences of Maple FB versus Rosewood or Ebony FB's?

Thanks!

I had the HH Special5. I sold it for many reasons. I couldn't certain Jazz bass tones out if . The wood combinations did work for me either.
Fast foward 2-3 yrs and I now have a 70' style Jazz bass that exceeds all of my expectation. So this time I was after something different. That is what my new Special5 H is giving me, that Classic StingRay tone that I have long desired but could never achieve with other models I tried and owned.

If you want a jazz bass, get that. Nothing else will do. If you want classic Stingray tones, wether it be Pre Ernie Ball or later, I believe the right wood combo, strings, playing technique, amps can get you there with the Stingray5 Special H. Id forgo the HH because to me it doest quite capture the true essence of that classic Stingray tone. It can do a lot of different tones and that is good if you want to use those tones. I didn't find much use for most of them . But that's totally up to the individual.

 

[Interspace Station]

Visited my local GC last night with some excess guitar stuff to trade in and this happened. Was marked clearance, and $600 off list. New, 2018 stock. The trade in gear gave me another 10% off, and it was worth more than the bass so no tax and I came home with this and a full pocket of cash. Good day, eh?
View attachment 4322622

GC in Commack by chance? Saw you're in NY and my local shop no longer has that one. Very nice bass, played it once last month while considering MM options. Great deal, beautifully appointed and amazing tones. Congrats!

 

[Gregc57]

That would be the one!

 

[Siiverado44]

Are the Specials still made of Ash? Website list specs as select hardwood.

I would bet the swamp ash shortage made them change it, maybe it’s basswood but that’s just speculation. My special was made this year, on the one hand it’s a bummer it probably isn’t traditional ash (since it’s not a transparent finish) but on the other I don’t believe in tone woods.

Have nothing bad to say about it regardless of what it’s made of, fantastic bass.

 

[Groovegestapo]

I had the HH Special5. I sold it for many reasons. I couldn't certain Jazz bass tones out if . The wood combinations did work for me either.
Fast foward 2-3 yrs and I now have a 70' style Jazz bass that exceeds all of my expectation. So this time I was after something different. That is what my new Special5 H is giving me, that Classic StingRay tone that I have long desired but could never achieve with other models I tried and owned.

If you want a jazz bass, get that. Nothing else will do. If you want classic Stingray tones, wether it be Pre Ernie Ball or later, I believe the right wood combo, strings, playing technique, amps can get you there with the Stingray5 Special H. Id forgo the HH because to me it doest quite capture the true essence of that classic Stingray tone. It can do a lot of different tones and that is good if you want to use those tones. I didn't find much use for most of them . But that's totally up to the individual.

I went back to the 5H for the same reason, agreed

 

[NickBassCentral]

If I lived closer to Bass Central I'd be a lot more broke

Try working there!

 

[Saneadg]

Guys have you tried flatwounds on Stingray special ? Lately I've been trying to nail Bernard Edwards basslines but my sound is so bright with roundwounds .

 

[Wolfhound32]

Guys have you tried flatwounds on Stingray special ? Lately I've been trying to nail Bernard Edwards basslines but my sound is so bright with roundwounds .

Had a set of Chromes on my 4HH for a few weeks, but in my case they didn’t do it for me; overly muffled sounding. Changed those out for a set of Cobalt flats and I am enjoying the heck out of those.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Guys have you tried flatwounds on Stingray special ? Lately I've been trying to nail Bernard Edwards basslines but my sound is so bright with roundwounds .

Turn treble off. Mids flat or decrease as needed depending on your amp. I set my amp flat as well. Slight bass boost.Worn in
TI flats are my go to flat. Cobalt are more stiff and bright.
Find a way to mute with either your hand technique or make your own mute .
Practice practice practice.
Bernard was a Stingray master.

 

[CElton]

Just added a Special and she’ll see her first gig tomorrow. Very impressed. So comfortable to play. Just a hair over 8lbs!

 

[FirewalZ]

All, as mentioned in a previous thread, I'm thinking grabbing a new Stingray Special 4HH. My only other Stingray reference is my 1995 4sting, 3 band. With limited ability to test drive, How different are the new specials tonally. Also is soloing the rear pickup on the HH really the same as the H? Lastly any thoughts between Ebony vs rosewood FB’s? Thanks

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Just added a Special and she’ll see her first gig tomorrow. Very impressed. So comfortable to play. Just a hair over 8lbs!

View attachment 4336347

BLUETIFUL!!

 

[Nobis17]

Guys have you tried flatwounds on Stingray special ? Lately I've been trying to nail Bernard Edwards basslines but my sound is so bright with roundwounds .

I have la Bella flats on my SRS 4HH. Personally I love the way they sound on it. With the active eq, there is so much available sound range, I don't feel limited by flats at all.

 

[Pet Sounds]

All, as mentioned in a previous thread, I'm thinking grabbing a new Stingray Special 4HH. My only other Stingray reference is my 1995 4sting, 3 band. With limited ability to test drive, How different are the new specials tonally. Also is soloing the rear pickup on the HH really the same as the H? Lastly any thoughts between Ebony vs rosewood FB’s? Thanks

IMO, the Special is considerably different from the previous three-band Ray. And also IMO, it's different in a good way. The Special isn't as harsh and "zingy," while still sounding different from a Fender. It's also generally lighter. For me, it solves what I perceived as problems with the older Ray. YMMV.

 

[Pet Sounds]

Guys have you tried flatwounds on Stingray special ? Lately I've been trying to nail Bernard Edwards basslines but my sound is so bright with roundwounds .

I have Cobalt Flats on one, and love 'em.

 

[2milehighspike]

I have la Bella flats on my SRS 4HH. Personally I love the way they sound on it. With the active eq, there is so much available sound range, I don't feel limited by flats at all.

+1 , LaBellas are great with the SRS. Very balanced and great punch with just the right amount of treble. I don’t like strings that are to bright, I would rather dial up treble with that great Special 18v pre amp than try to dial treble out.

 

[Bassclef46]

Guys have you tried flatwounds on Stingray special ? Lately I've been trying to nail Bernard Edwards basslines but my sound is so bright with roundwounds .

I had cobalt flats on my 4hh. It’s sounded so amazingly good. I have sold this bass but flats on a stingray special are the answer.

 

[markbmbass]

Just snagged the last one of these that Sweetwater had in stock. I deliberated for two days over this or the Dark Ray, since GC had a couple. They sold out so I went with this one for a decent discount included.

I'm really hoping I can use this for most playing situations and cop a Pbass tone (sorta) when needed. My only concern is if I'll love the neck or if it will take time getting used to, as I play two jazz basses for my 4 string stuff right now.

I will say, this is a beautiful machine!

 

[Nobis17]

Just snagged the last one of these that Sweetwater had in stock. I deliberated for two days over this or the Dark Ray, since GC had a couple. They sold out so I went with this one for a decent discount included.

I'm really hoping I can use this for most playing situations and cop a Pbass tone (sorta) when needed. My only concern is if I'll love the neck or if it will take time getting used to, as I play two jazz basses for my 4 string stuff right now.

I will say, this is a beautiful machine!

View attachment 4340850

I went from an ibby SR900 (even thinner than a Jazz neck) to my SRS 4HH. It took about 15 seconds to get used to the neck and completely fall in love with the feel. I have not been disappointed once since.

 

[vivaknoxvegas]