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EBMM StingRay Special Club

#941
pbass6811 said:
I've owned a myriad of Stingray's and Sterlings in my life. Always parted ways with them for either aesthetics or feel. Usually, the sound was pretty decent, but it wasn't perfect for me. It seems like with this refresh, Ernie Ball has addressed almost every "issue" I had with their basses!

-I always thought it needed, at least, one more fret-Done!
-Sometimes, I felt like I was pushing it to get the sound I wanted, so an 18v preamp would be nice-Done!
-I always liked the feel of Stainless frets-Done!
-I always wanted to put black hardware on my 'Ray's-Done!
-I'm a sucker for Ebony fretboards-Done!
-Although I don't think I'm a wuss, I always thought they were a bit on the heavy side and needed to be lighter-Done!

I love my F Basses, and I've got Dingwalls on order, but I'm trying to talk myself out of buying a new Stingray 5HH, and I'm losing...
Click to expand...

I don’t remember reading ‘stainless frets’ anywhere, are they all or an order option?

Just played since I last wrote, getting to know it. Love this neck profile, sort of a slightly wider Jazz or I think actually it’s like a Yamaha maybe I tried in a store and loved the neck. Downside is a personal issue, coming from guitar I hold a pick in ‘strummer position’ close to the neck, and dig in hard. I can’t make myself pick over the bridge, or even in between pickups on most 2 pickup basses. So, the closer the neck pup is to the fretboard the less space I have to operate. Something I’ve run into on several basses with a small space like this one, I may or may not get used to it, but early returns are OK. The pickups are very low profile and I don’t find myself banging into them much.

Sounds big just acoustically and stock strings, which is an excellent starting point. At the store, I plugged in for 20 min thru a Fender 800, I had a SuperBassman so know what that sounds like with other basses. Not big volume, but big sound.
 
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#942
keto said:
I don’t remember reading ‘stainless frets’ anywhere, are they all or an order option?

Just played since I last wrote, getting to know it. Love this neck profile, sort of a slightly wider Jazz or I think actually it’s like a Yamaha maybe I tried in a store and loved the neck. Downside is a personal issue, coming from guitar I hold a pick in ‘strummer position’ close to the neck, and dig in hard. I can’t make myself pick over the bridge, or even in between pickups on most 2 pickup basses. So, the closer the neck pup is to the fretboard the less space I have to operate. Something I’ve run into on several basses with a small space like this one, I may or may not get used to it, but early returns are OK. The pickups are very low profile and I don’t find myself banging into them much.

Sounds big just acoustically and stock strings, which is an excellent starting point. At the store, I plugged in for 20 min thru a Fender 800, I had a SuperBassman so know what that sounds like with other basses. Not big volume, but big sound.
Click to expand...

Stainless steel frets are now standard!

I'm looking at moving funds now...DAMMIT!
 
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#943
keto said:
Downside is a personal issue, coming from guitar I hold a pick in ‘strummer position’ close to the neck, and dig in hard. I can’t make myself pick over the bridge, or even in between pickups on most 2 pickup basses. So, the closer the neck pup is to the fretboard the less space I have to operate.
Click to expand...

When I use a pick that’s also where I play. For me, the neck pickup hasn’t really gotten in the way, so hopefully you’ll adjust OK.
 
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#947
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#948
It's good to know that you guys are just as horrible enablers as every other club on here, LOL!

Order placed. Should have an Aqua Sparkle 5HH, with an 18v PREAMP, EBONY fretboard w/STAINLESS STEEL FRETS, and BLACK HARDWARE, before this weekends festivities! DAMN YOU ALL and my non-existent impulse control! :D:roflmao::D:roflmao:

BryanB said:
I know what you mean. I had the opposite situation. I've owned and sold SR's at least three times in my life. Each time I could not get used to the tone. It was a little too harsh in the upper mids for me. Then I tried this bass in person. I was blown away immediately by it clear modern tone that still remains fat and warm. That is all it took to convince me to buy one. I hope you have the same opportunity to try it in person so you can decide for yourself.
Click to expand...

Groovegestapo said:
Same here, i’ve Owned several SR5’s over the years, but the specials are the “tone in my head”.
Click to expand...

You guys are the main reason I went into this venture! Since our prior SR experiences are similar, I have high hopes for this new freshie! I've always wanted to love the 'Ray, I just couldn't get into them for the aforementioned reasons. I'm trying to keep my expectations reasonable, but I'm pretty stoked right now...:hyper::hyper::bassist::bassist:

I also did this without trying one, just going on blind faith, LOL! I guess if it ain't all that, I can send it back. I may run out to GC or SA and see if they have one to try out, but the order's already been placed, so...:whistle::thumbsup:
 
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#949
pbass6811 said:
It's good to know that you guys are just as horrible enablers as every other club on here, LOL!

Order placed. Should have an Aqua Sparkle 5HH, with an 18v PREAMP, EBONY fretboard w/STAINLESS STEEL FRETS, and BLACK HARDWARE, before this weekends festivities! DAMN YOU ALL and my non-existent impulse control! :D:roflmao::D:roflmao:





You guys are the main reason I went into this venture! Since our prior SR experiences are similar, I have high hopes for this new freshie! I've always wanted to love the 'Ray, I just couldn't get into them for the aforementioned reasons. I'm trying to keep my expectations reasonable, but I'm pretty stoked right now...:hyper::hyper::bassist::bassist:

I also did this without trying one, just going on blind faith, LOL! I guess if it ain't all that, I can send it back. I may run out to GC or SA and see if they have one to try out, but the order's already been placed, so...:whistle::thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I did the same thing. I've been playing Fodera's pretty much exclusively for about 5 years now. I've been on a Stingray kick for about 6 months and have bought 3. A regular SR5, a 30th Anniversary and a special. I still play my Fodera but I have been playing my special a LOT! It won't replace my Fodera but it will get a lot of playing time and I'm totally loving it!!
Dan
IMG_20181025_234309506.jpg
 
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#951
pbass6811 said:
It's good to know that you guys are just as horrible enablers as every other club on here, LOL!

Order placed. Should have an Aqua Sparkle 5HH, with an 18v PREAMP, EBONY fretboard w/STAINLESS STEEL FRETS, and BLACK HARDWARE, before this weekends festivities! DAMN YOU ALL and my non-existent impulse control! :D:roflmao::D:roflmao:





You guys are the main reason I went into this venture! Since our prior SR experiences are similar, I have high hopes for this new freshie! I've always wanted to love the 'Ray, I just couldn't get into them for the aforementioned reasons. I'm trying to keep my expectations reasonable, but I'm pretty stoked right now...:hyper::hyper::bassist::bassist:

I also did this without trying one, just going on blind faith, LOL! I guess if it ain't all that, I can send it back. I may run out to GC or SA and see if they have one to try out, but the order's already been placed, so...:whistle::thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Good for you !! You won’t be disappointed . I understand where you are coming from. I had always wanted a Ray myself and even owned one. But I preferred 2 band vintage style Rays tonewise but couldn’t handle the weight, body size /shape or necks. So my 2band Ray was sold because if it doesn’t feel good I can’t play it and I won’t sound good on it. No one will bring out the best in an instrument they struggle with.
Then @HD007 and other members of the Caprice/ Cutlass Club suggested that I give the new Specials a try. I was reluctant at first . But that aqua sparkle was worth a try . Off to my local GC I went immediately smitten.
I always wanted a 4H but after trying the charlcoal sparkle 5HH I was blown away at the comfort, neck and variety of tones. I came home and immediately ordered a aqua sparkle 5HH. But it was hard to leave that charcoal sparkle one in the store . Knowing Ernie Ball consistency , I knew it was best to get my 1st choice color.

I hope you like yours as much as I do mine.
 
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#952
Bass7755 said:
I did the same thing. I've been playing Fodera's pretty much exclusively for about 5 years now. I've been on a Stingray kick for about 6 months and have bought 3. A regular SR5, a 30th Anniversary and a special. I still play my Fodera but I have been playing my special a LOT! It won't replace my Fodera but it will get a lot of playing time and I'm totally loving it!!
DanView attachment 3213472[/QUOT
A bad pic of all 3.
Dan
IMG_20181113_135525.jpg
Click to expand...
 
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#953
LadyLoveStingRay5 said:
Good for you !! You won’t be disappointed . I understand where you are coming from. I had always wanted a Ray myself and even owned one. But I preferred 2 band vintage style Rays tonewise but couldn’t handle the weight, body size /shape or necks. So my 2band Ray was sold because if it doesn’t feel good I can’t play it and I won’t sound good on it. No one will bring out the best in an instrument they struggle with.
Then @HD007 and other members of the Caprice/ Cutlass Club suggested that I give the new Specials a try. I was reluctant at first . But that aqua sparkle was worth a try . Off to my local GC I went immediately smitten.
I always wanted a 4H but after trying the charlcoal sparkle 5HH I was blown away at the comfort, neck and variety of tones. I came home and immediately ordered a aqua sparkle 5HH. But it was hard to leave that charcoal sparkle one in the store . Knowing Ernie Ball consistency , I knew it was best to get my 1st choice color.

I hope you like yours as much as I do mine.
Click to expand...
Same here I could have compromised and gotten another color and had it here tomorrow but I've had enough bass regrets the last couple of years.

I was gonna buy a used HH and tweak it out but after seeing the Marc Bass Wizard videos and really hearing the difference between old and new Rays it was a no-brainer.

As much as I like them at least for my needs Rays have always been a compromise. I played a SBMM Ray 35 for a few years and it was heavy and I wasn't totally thrilled with how my thumb rests on the pickup. Then I got a Sterling 5 because it was a bit lighter and better quality than the imports models but the ceramic pickup is too bright and harsh and same pickup shape. I checked the Classic 5 and loved the pickup shape and sound of the old school 2 band pre but hated the slab body. So the new special HH looks to be the ticket. Lighter, warmer, and my thumb fits on the dog-ear pickup shape really well.

I play multiple styles from rock to pop to R&B to country and the added tones of the HH are gonna come in handy. I still need my P bass for the tribute band though.

Now the waiting starts... :meh:
 
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#954
BassGuyFL said:
Same here I could have compromised and gotten another color and had it here tomorrow but I've had enough bass regrets the last couple of years.

I was gonna buy a used HH and tweak it out but after seeing the Marc Bass Wizard videos and really hearing the difference between old and new Rays it was a no-brainer.

As much as I like them at least for my needs Rays have always been a compromise. I played a SBMM Ray 35 for a few years and it was heavy and I wasn't totally thrilled with how my thumb rests on the pickup. Then I got a Sterling 5 because it was a bit lighter and better quality than the imports models but the ceramic pickup is too bright and harsh and same pickup shape. I checked the Classic 5 and loved the pickup shape and sound of the old school 2 band pre but hated the slab body. So the new special HH looks to be the ticket. Lighter, warmer, and my thumb fits on the dog-ear pickup shape really well.

I play multiple styles from rock to pop to R&B to country and the added tones of the HH are gonna come in handy. I still need my P bass for the tribute band though.

Now the waiting starts... :meh:
Click to expand...

I actually wanted the charcoal sparkle first. The Aqua was my compromise color, BUT, I've been wanting to bust out of the Black/Gray/Gunmetal box for a bit. My F Basses are Natural Ash and Natural to Brown Fade on Flamed Ash, but this Aqua Sparkle is pretty sweet. I'm really excited.
 
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#956
pbass6811 said:
I actually wanted the charcoal sparkle first. The Aqua was my compromise color, BUT, I've been wanting to bust out of the Black/Gray/Gunmetal box for a bit. My F Basses are Natural Ash and Natural to Brown Fade on Flamed Ash, but this Aqua Sparkle is pretty sweet. I'm really excited.
Click to expand...
I like the charcoal sparkle too and almost went with it but I figured in over 30 years of playing I've never had a blue bass.
 
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#959
Aqua was probably 4th or 5th on my colour preference list, but nowhere near the bottom. Love the natural, the black (especially blacked out) as my top 2, the burnt apple is gaining steam, the bright yellow would have been OK with me. But, that I could find, I got the only 4HH in town, from a dealer I have a great relationship with. Traded a couple small things along with the Smoothie, so the bill wasn't that bad. Can't wait for rehearsal next weekend give it a run thru live.
 
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