EBMM StingRay Special Club

[Stevorebob]

For me, it is the geometry of Music Man 5-string instruments that sets them apart. String spacing, nut width, neck profile, scale, contours, balance, even the control placement — all seem pretty much perfect to me. So, that 17.5mm string spacing, I think it’s exactly where it should be. YMMV.

 

[dave64o]

Agreed, it's different for every person. Personally, I find the ergonmics almost perfect for me as well, but I certainly get that other people have different preferences.

And the same goes for the pickup positions on an HH. I'm apparently some kind of small minority wacko because I prefer Position 4 - by a wide margin. I use all of them, but Position 4 is my default unless I feel like I need one of the others for a specific song/tone. But, even then, I don't always change to one of those others unless I'm consciously thinking of changing. If I miss the opportunity, I'm perfectly to use Position 4.

 

[Nuage420]

I'm apparently some kind of small moniority wacko because I prefer Position 4 - by a wide margin. I use all of them, but Position 4 is my default

I'm with you! I'll flip to 2 sometimes if 4 isn't getting where I want in the mix and I wanna try something different.

 

[2milehighspike]

I think each person's anatomy plays the most important factor in spacing preference. I've got big hands and the extra room let's me play more accurately and comfortably.

I have big mitts too, and I am also fighting arthritis, and the Ray 5 neck is not only very comfortable, it also lets me play longer without fatigue or pain. In fact when I play one of my 4s I find I have hand fatigue setting in sooner, and I’m so used to going to the B string, it feels weird with just 4 strings.

 

[CElton]

For me, it is the geometry of Music Man 5-string instruments that sets them apart. String spacing, nut width, neck profile, scale, contours, balance, even the control placement — all seem pretty much perfect to me. So, that 17.5mm string spacing, I think it’s exactly where it should be. YMMV.

+1

 

[PrimitiveMan]

If they would give them wider spacing I would be all in on an SR5. I just can't jive on that narrow a spacing. I've had a few 5s I loved and could adapt to the narrow spacing but then I'd play another one of my basses with 19mm and the difference in feel and ease of play for me was substantial enough not to keep them.

When I first started playing 5s I preferred 19mm spacing too. It just felt the most familiar. But over time I now prefer tight spacing, 17mm is my favorite. But anything 16.5-17.5 mm is good. Just easier for me to get around on, and less fatigue playing long periods

 

[Taustin Powers]

One thing I would change about my SRS5 HH is I wish the neck pickup was about 1/2-1 inch further back towards the bridge.

Is it in the way when you slap?

 

[Stranger Danger]

Is it in the way when you slap?

Yes. I can adjust but it’s definitely not ideal

 

[PhinDog]

One thing I would change about my SRS5 HH is I wish the neck pickup was about 1/2-1 inch further back towards the bridge.

Agreed. I find a pretty good PBass with the mids up a bit or flat and teen flat to a bit cut in position 3 with the single from the neck pickup. But yeah the neck is a bit thick for me.

 

[Wicked G]

Agreed, it's different for every person. Personally, I find the ergonmics almost perfect for me as well, but I certainly get that other people have different preferences.

And the same goes for the pickup positions on an HH. I'm apparently some kind of small minority wacko because I prefer Position 4 - by a wide margin. I use all of them, but Position 4 is my default unless I feel like I need one of the others for a specific song/tone. But, even then, I don't always change to one of those others unless I'm consciously thinking of changing. If I miss the opportunity, I'm perfectly to use Position 4.

I'm with you! I'll flip to 2 sometimes if 4 isn't getting where I want in the mix and I wanna try something different.

I find positions 3 and 4 to be my favorites. On this past Saturday's gig I stayed on 4 the entire night. And I should add that I have the EQ on the bass set flat. Sounded great.

 

[Quadzilla]

'87 in da house!

 

[dave64o]

Trans Red would be my first guess, but it looks like there are some other shades in there.

Whatever it is, it's pretty!

 

[Quadzilla]

Trans Red would be my first guess, but it looks like there are some other shades in there.

Whatever it is, it's pretty!

Looks like trans-red to me. In person, you can see the grain through the finish if you look closely. Thank you!

 

[Quadzilla]

Quick question all,

Been a long time since I owned an older 3 band Ray. On this 87 posted above, the bass control doesn't seem to have a real center-dent (but the mid and treb do). The control works fine otherwise. Is that normal? I don't really mind it. More of a curiosity thing....

 

[PhinDog]

I have big mitts too, and I am also fighting arthritis, and the Ray 5 neck is not only very comfortable, it also lets me play longer without fatigue or pain. In fact when I play one of my 4s I find I have hand fatigue setting in sooner, and I’m so used to going to the B string, it feels weird with just 4 strings.

This!
The 5 pits my thumb in a comfy position that I can’t get on my 4s. No cramping or aches later. It’s why I bought the bass. That and it sound sick. Oh and the trifecta, it looks sweet.

 

[PhinDog]

I find positions 3 and 4 to be my favorites. On this past Saturday's gig I stayed on 4 the entire night. And I should add that I have the EQ on the bass set flat. Sounded great.

I find position 4 inner coils the most P-bassish tone. I dig it. I play that and position 2 outer coils the most.
With the help of this forum I have a good preset on my aftershock pedal that gives me a nice round sound that really gives it a fender tone if needed for a sound. Really expands the already versatile tones.
I’m loving this bass, keeps getting better.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Quick question all,

Been a long time since I owned an older 3 band Ray. On this 87 posted above, the bass control doesn't seem to have a real center-dent (but the mid and treb do). The control works fine otherwise. Is that normal? I don't really mind it. More of a curiosity thing....

You probably don’t realize that you posted in the wrong club thread. This is the newer Specials Club.
You’ll get more response in the StingRay Club.
Music Man StingRay Club | PART FIVE

 

[Quadzilla]

You probably don’t realize that you posted in the wrong club thread. This is the newer Specials Club.
You’ll get more response in the StingRay Club.
Music Man StingRay Club | PART FIVE

Doh, you are correct. Thank you!

 

[Stevorebob]

'87 in da house!
View attachment 4613307 View attachment 4613308 View attachment 4613309 View attachment 4613310 View attachment 4613311 View attachment 4613313

You probably don’t realize that you posted in the wrong club thread. This is the newer Specials Club.
You’ll get more response in the StingRay Club.
Music Man StingRay Club | PART FIVE

It’s a special bass. Very special. Just not a Special.

 

[dave64o]

You probably don’t realize that you posted in the wrong club thread. This is the newer Specials Club.
You’ll get more response in the StingRay Club.
Music Man StingRay Club | PART FIVE

I'm sort of guilty of the same thing because I post in both threads, despite not even owning a Stingray Special.

...Yet! The Stingray Special should complement my 2007 ceramic-pickup Stingray 5 very well. Unfortunately I can't justify another bass right now without also selling one that’s in my small collection, and I don'twant to get tid of any of them. So I'm kind of waiting to retire so I can buy one as a retirement gift to myself.