EBMM StingRay Special Club

[dave64o]

Already in the plans . Either Caprice , short scale Ray, or P5.

I don’t play my P5 often but, every time I pick it up, I question why I don’t play it more often. It fits any playing situation and you can tweak the flavor of tone by choosing different strings. It might not always be the right bass, but it’s rarely, if ever the wrong bass.

But then, the next time I pick up my Stingray, I answer my question. It’s still a really nice bass, though.

But if MM made a 5-string Caprice, I might be answering differently.

 

[FirewalZ]

Some people have done a mod to get their action lower. I have slam bang low action without it. Check back a few pages.

I just bought a 2018, the bridge saddles bottom out and wont allow me to get the action as low as id like, or within specs. What is this mod? Or did they update the bridge saddles?

 

[N4860]

I just bought a 2018, the bridge saddles bottom out and wont allow me to get the action as low as id like, or within specs. What is this mod? Or did they update the bridge saddles?

Typically you would just add a shim in the neck pocket if your saddles have bottomed out.

 

[FirewalZ]

Typically you would just add a shim in the neck pocket if your saddles have bottomed out.

Yea, that’s were I was probably headed. I’ll set up an appointment with my luthier to take a look at frets and level any high spots and shim the neck. It’s a 2018, in new condition and I got it for a good price. It’s expected it will need some fine tuning….all my basses need this same treatment to get low action with no buzzing.
As mentioned in another thread, I also have a 96 Stingray, it has lower action and no buzz, and I cannot get the Special set up to the same specs. However, I had taken it to my luthier and had the frets leveled and such

 

[Stevorebob]

…But if MM made a 5-string Caprice, I might be answering differently.

From your lips to the Ball Family’s ears…

I’ve oft imagined routing a pair of StingRays to set up as P- and J-style basses. Just lack the courage.

 

[LP Freak]

Anybody use flats on your Stingray Special? I’m considering it and looking for opinions.

 

[dave64o]

What are you looking for in terms of feel (stiff or loose?), in tone (trsdigtional flat sound or more mids or highs), and what kind of music are you playing? Your answers might help get a more applicable response.

I never tried flats on a Special, but on a 2007 SR5 HH (has the Sterling 5 preamp and ceramic pickups) and I LOVE the sound on Chromes on that bass. They're the only flats I've tried on that particular bass, but I've had had Chromes on most of my basses at some point and have liked the sound of them regardless which bass I put them on. They start out pretty zingy for a flat, but will mellow out so they still have more top end than a typical/traditional flat, but not as much as with a typical round. They're also a relatively stiff feeling string, which I love, but if you prefer a more supple feel then I wouldn't suggest them.

I've tried other flats on other basses and could decribe what I like and don't like about them, but I don't know if those opinions would apply since they weren't on a Stingray. Although, I have had three different types of flats on my L-2500, which is also a pretty aggressive sounding bass, so I could offer opinions based on that bass if you want.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Anybody use flats on your Stingray Special? I’m considering it and looking for opinions.

Yep. ….Cobalt Flats on mine. Once they break in they feel better and mellow out some. But they still maintain their punch and clarity.

 

[Paradilum]

I finally decided to get a matte black pickguard for my Charcoal SparkleSR5 Special. Picked it up from Chandler, who I understand is the OEM.

 

[Pet Sounds]

Anybody use flats on your Stingray Special? I’m considering it and looking for opinions.

This was discussed a few pages ago. Like @lowdownthump, I have Cobalt Flats on a Special (in my case, a 4H), and I think they sound great. Years ago, I also used GHS Precision Flats on a pre-Special 3-band and also liked the results, although that bass had a serious case of weak G-string syndrome and i didn't keep it too long.

 

[FirewalZ]

This was discussed a few pages ago. Like @lowdownthump, I have Cobalt Flats on a Special (in my case, a 4H), and I think they sound great. Years ago, I also used GHS Precision Flats on a pre-Special 3-band and also liked the results, although that bass had a serious case of weak G-string syndrome and i didn't keep it too long.

I bought my 1996 3 band new, way back than….it had the missing G string issue bad. This was really pre Internet, and I couldn’t figure it out. I replaced the pup and preamp with Basslines when they came out, problem was solved.

 

[Pet Sounds]

I bought my 1996 3 band new, way back than….it had the missing G string issue bad. This was really pre Internet, and I couldn’t figure it out. I replaced the pup and preamp with Basslines when they came out, problem was solved.

I tilted the pickup way toward the treble side and it helped somewhat, but not enough. It was a great bass, other than that. Beautiful Inca Silver with pearloid pickguard and rosewood board. Boo hoo.

 

[Pet Sounds]

I bought my 1996 3 band new, way back than….it had the missing G string issue bad. This was really pre Internet, and I couldn’t figure it out. I replaced the pup and preamp with Basslines when they came out, problem was solved.

I really feel that the Special solved all the problems I've encountered with the old StingRays. I give the Ernie Ball company major kudos for this design.

 

[2milehighspike]

Anybody use flats on your Stingray Special? I’m considering it and looking for opinions.

Labellas Low Tension Flats on a Ray is the shizzle IMHO.

 

[bonin in the boneyard]

I think it's been a while since we talked about strings here. What do you guys like?

This was my first bass with stainless steel frets (I've got the maple fretboard, too), and it took a few tries to find strings that worked. I tried a few different sets of my usual favorites, but even coated nickel-plated strings were distractingly clanky. And I don't mind a bit of subtle fret buzz when I play some songs, but not this awful grinding.

I finally found an old set of Fender pure nickel 7150s and they're great! Anyone else have similar experience/luck with other strings?

 

[FirewalZ]

I think it's been a while since we talked about strings here. What do you guys like?

This was my first bass with stainless steel frets (I've got the maple fretboard, too), and it took a few tries to find strings that worked. I tried a few different sets of my usual favorites, but even coated nickel-plated strings were distractingly clanky. And I don't mind a bit of subtle fret buzz when I play some songs, but not this awful grinding.

I finally found an old set of Fender pure nickel 7150s and they're great! Anyone else have similar experience/luck with other strings?

I recently got my first Special...I've started with my standard DR Sunbeams, so far so good. However I may try a few other just to see, RC Boomers and maybe Nickle Lo-Riders.

 

[monkeyfinger]

I've got S.I.T. Foundations, 45-125, on now. They sound great and setup well. I am going to try GHS Pressurewounds next.

 

[Lesfunk]

I've got S.I.T. Foundations, 45-125, on now. They sound great and setup well. .

Same strings I use

 

[bonin in the boneyard]

I've got S.I.T. Foundations, 45-125, on now. They sound great and setup well. I am going to try GHS Pressurewounds next.

Huh. Those were completely off my radar. I'll keep them in mind.

 

[FirewalZ]

Same strings I use

How are they tension/stiffness wise....i play alot and hands are getting "old". I usually need more flexible roundcore's. I can get by with ML Lo-Riders, but that's about as stiff as i can go.