EBMM StingRay Special Club

[Stranger Danger]

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...

You may find like I did, that the 4th position on the HH allows you to sell the p bass.

 

[Turbo Sparky]

The 2018 EBMM Stingray Special is the Cat's Meow!

Current tool kit:
2014 Stingray 4HH Rosewood, Gloss Black, Chrome hardware, w/Hipshot
2017 5H, Arctic Dream, ebony, Stealth hardware
-and-
2018 Special, Jet Black, Ebony, Stealth hardware (and KICKING Azzzzz!)

The 2018 will be/is the new benchmark for the bass industry period.
Too often too many manufacturers over promise, over sell, and incredibly UNDER deliver. The 2018 Special is NOT one of those at all.
Your plucking/picking forearm rests more naturally, new pre-amp and Humbuckers only improve the Sr legendary tone and allows for little pushes into that total sweet spot. EBMM IMO even matched their string selection perfectly too. Typically switch strings shortly after (about 72hrs) post purchase, but I have reconsidered it; and to think I bought bulk GHS for other basses. I shall order some Slinkees now.
*I'm not a paid/sponsored player for any EBMM line or any of their subsidiaries. For what it's worth, I AM endorsing/recommending the 2018 Special as a general player/connisuer of all things awesome; it's that good!*

Eat them up, YUM!

 

[pbass6811]

So, I managed to get to a GC and it was a good news, bad news story, albeit with a happy ending.

I walked into the GC and they not only had a new Stingray, but it was a 5HH(we will ignore the fact that it was the Charcoal Sparkle, my 1st color choice)! That was the good news. The bad news? It was on the top row. Now I do get why it was up there, they don't want north-of-$2k-guitars within reach of just everyone, but that also means that none of the EMPLOYEES will touch it either. So, as the kid was climbing the ladder to get it down for me, I figured I was in for an adventure.

I was right.

As soon as he handed it to me, I felt how light it was compared to every other SR I've ever owned and I was really pleased.

Then I turned it over.

To say it was practically unplayable is almost an understatement. The strings were so high off the fretboard, you could fit another bass in there. The neck was so bowed, it could've held water. There was no way I could assess the playability of the bass. I decided to press on anyways. After going thru 5 amps to find one that worked, I came to a TCE BG combo. Not my thing, but at least it worked. I plugged in, and after turning everything back to flat, was greeted with a beefy, commanding, thick, and articulate sound that I've never heard from a Stingray. I'm sure they thought I was a complete noob, because all did was go back and forth on open strings, LOL! What I heard was a super wide range of tones just by using the switch. The EQ was very responsive and never seemed to get in the way, although I never actually played anything coherent. I will hafta get used to narrower string spacing, but that'll be fun.

I'm actually looking forward to this bass even more now!

 

[Stranger Danger]

The 2018 EBMM Stingray Special is the Cat's Meow!

Current tool kit:
2014 Stingray 4HH Rosewood, Gloss Black, Chrome hardware, w/Hipshot
2017 5H, Arctic Dream, ebony, Stealth hardware
-and-
2018 Special, Jet Black, Ebony, Stealth hardware (and KICKING Azzzzz!)

The 2018 will be/is the new benchmark for the bass industry period.
Too often too many manufacturers over promise, over sell, and incredibly UNDER deliver. The 2018 Special is NOT one of those at all.
Your plucking/picking forearm rests more naturally, new pre-amp and Humbuckers only improve the Sr legendary tone and allows for little pushes into that total sweet spot. EBMM IMO even matched their string selection perfectly too. Typically switch strings shortly after (about 72hrs) post purchase, but I have reconsidered it; and to think I bought bulk GHS for other basses. I shall order some Slinkees now.
*I'm not a paid/sponsored player for any EBMM line or any of their subsidiaries. For what it's worth, I AM endorsing/recommending the 2018 Special as a general player/connisuer of all things awesome; it's that good!*

Eat them up, YUM!

It’s definitely got the goods. I am curious about GHS Boomers on these or perhaps the GHS Balanced Nickels

 

[pbass6811]

Ya' know, if I could get Burnt Apple with black hardware, even without Ebony, I'd probably buy that, too...

I can't wait for Thursday! I'm just imagining a PLAYABLE 5HH...LOL!

 

[Turbo Sparky]

It’s definitely got the goods. I am curious about GHS Boomers on these or perhaps the GHS Balanced Nickels

I use GHS Boomers Medium .45-.105 nickel rounds on the 2014 and 2017. It's definitely "the tone" for me on the 2014, but I am seriously considering Slinkees back on the 5H because I think my "ear" has changed a bit with the Ebony.
As an aside, I have played my '14 and 5H through a myriad of amps/cabs and they sound pretty darn good through Mesa D800+, Aguilar DB751, and a MarkBass 112 combo...one or the other paired with Barefaced Super Twin and or 610 cabs.but...
Decided to lessen the load recently, and discovered GK212 combo w/extension..."that" is what Sr's should be played through IMO. Almost imperceptible EQing on the 2018 Special, EQ on GK combo almost straight-up and limiter engaged... An old Batman show..."BOOM!" "BAM!" "POW!" All the other amps and cabs rock it like no tomorrow, but when your ear finds it, well...

Good Luck!

 

[keto]

I know everyone has their preferences, but holy smokes, at least acoustically, these strings sound great. Best I have ever been able to clearly hear a firm crispy open E, or first 3-4 frets. I always for 20+ yrs used EB guitar strings, maybe I’ll get lucky and do 20 with their bass strings. At home I play a ton just sitting or standing in front of the tv with no amp plugged in. If they last at least a little while, I’ll go with them again if I like them. Have been die hard DR Lo Rider user for quite a while. I think this bass will sound great with a brighter string.

Here it is: bar none, this is easily the best bass neck I have ever handled. Sooo fast and smooth, fretwork is so far perfect. I’m able to be very precise very easily, not that I am the most precise guy out there as I’m digging in and hammering away a lot of the time, but.....just wow. I am wondering, is it at least partly the ebony? Notes just jump off it.

 

[keto]

I use GHS Boomers Medium .45-.105 nickel rounds on the 2014 and 2017. It's definitely "the tone" for me on the 2014, but I am seriously considering Slinkees back on the 5H because I think my "ear" has changed a bit with the Ebony.
As an aside, I have played my '14 and 5H through a myriad of amps/cabs and they sound pretty darn good through Mesa D800+, Aguilar DB751, and a MarkBass 112 combo...one or the other paired with Barefaced Super Twin and or 610 cabs.but...
Decided to lessen the load recently, and discovered GK212 combo w/extension..."that" is what Sr's should be played through IMO. Almost imperceptible EQing on the 2018 Special, EQ on GK combo almost straight-up and limiter engaged... An old Batman show..."BOOM!" "BAM!" "POW!" All the other amps and cabs rock it like no tomorrow, but when your ear finds it, well...

Good Luck!

I just peed a little. First time with the band with my Fusion 500 will be this weekend.

 

[Chiliwailer]

I’ve got some Cobalt flats for my Special on their way to me, I had them on my old Lull PJ4 and loved them. I’ve always been a flats guy, have got Chromes on my 66P and Old Smoothie. But they didn’t suit my Special so I stuck with rounds.

Thing is, the Special is now my number 1 and gets played 99% of the time, so having rounds on it is starting to bother me. Even though it sounds great, I prefer the feel and tone of a flat.

If the Cobalt flats work, it’ll probably go from being played 99% to 100% of the time. If they don’t, it’ll still sound awesome, win-win

 

[Turbo Sparky]

I just peed a little. First time with the band with my Fusion 500 will be this weekend.

LOL! Not sure how the SrS will sound through a fusion, but in other threads/forums on TB I will again affirm that the GK MB500 is the absolute best solid state amp in the GK solid state line-up. For the price point, the wattage, general tone, accoutrements etc. probably one of the best on the market; plus it's a 1U. My single issue with it is that there is not a mute switch/function. I had a MB800, but I did not like the "blanket over cab" tone that could not be dialed out, and the Master Volume knob could easily be knocked/moved. Recently learned that MB800 uses a different pre-amp than the MB500. Please let TB know how the EBMM Special sounds through a GK Fusion.
If players also use the D800+ with a Special, the D800+ dominates the 800w solid state market for more modern tones with any Stingray. It completely has any accoutrement that is/should be within/on a solid state amp...except it's NOT rackable.

With that said, a Stingray, no matter the year, makes ANY amp/cab/combo sound better
Good Luck!

 

[Stranger Danger]

I’ve got some Cobalt flats for my Special on their way to me, I had them on my old Lull PJ4 and loved them. I’ve always been a flats guy, have got Chromes on my 66P and Old Smoothie. But they didn’t suit my Special so I stuck with rounds.

Thing is, the Special is now my number 1 and gets played 99% of the time, so having rounds on it is starting to bother me. Even though it sounds great, I prefer the feel and tone of a flat.

If the Cobalt flats work, it’ll probably go from being played 99% to 100% of the time. If they don’t, it’ll still sound awesome, win-win

I broke the piggy bank yesterday and ordered some TI Jazz Flats.

 

[keto]

LOL! Not sure how the SrS will sound through a fusion, but in other threads/forums on TB I will again affirm that the GK MB500 is the absolute best solid state amp in the GK solid state line-up. For the price point, the wattage, general tone, accoutrements etc. probably one of the best on the market; plus it's a 1U. My single issue with it is that there is not a mute switch/function. I had a MB800, but I did not like the "blanket over cab" tone that could not be dialed out, and the Master Volume knob could easily be knocked/moved. Recently learned that MB800 uses a different pre-amp than the MB500. Please let TB know how the EBMM Special sounds through a GK Fusion.
If players also use the D800+ with a Special, the D800+ dominates the 800w solid state market for more modern tones with any Stingray. It completely has any accoutrement that is/should be within/on a solid state amp...except it's NOT rackable.

With that said, a Stingray, no matter the year, makes ANY amp/cab/combo sound better
Good Luck!

Band just went on hiatus lol. I'll fire up the big rig tonight. I have the MBFusion and a Subway (non+), and I use Subway cabs, having 15 and 2@210, tho the 15 is at band space I do have the 210s stacked in the garage. I have reported in both the GK and Subway threads, the Subway cabs are excellent match to GK amps, so I suspect it will all sound great with the Ray.

 

[Chiliwailer]

I broke the piggy bank yesterday and ordered some TI Jazz Flats.

Love those strings, good move
I’d like to try them on my Old Smoothie, a friend of mine has offered me a spare set

 

[pbass6811]

I haven't even got my 5HH yet(it'll be here tomorrow), and I'm trying to finagle a 4HH. Being this excited about an Musicman product is kinda freakin' me out, LOL! I suppose I should play and evaluate the 5HH at this weekends show and, maybe, make a move for next week. That makes more sense...

 

[Chiliwailer]

I haven't even got my 5HH yet(it'll be here tomorrow), and I'm trying to finagle a 4HH. Being this excited about an Musicman product is kinda freakin' me out, LOL! I suppose I should play and evaluate the 5HH at this weekends show and, maybe, make a move for next week. That makes more sense...

It’s just a matter of time....

 

[Treeman]

I’ve got some Cobalt flats for my Special on their way to me, I had them on my old Lull PJ4 and loved them. I’ve always been a flats guy, have got Chromes on my 66P and Old Smoothie. But they didn’t suit my Special so I stuck with rounds.

Thing is, the Special is now my number 1 and gets played 99% of the time, so having rounds on it is starting to bother me. Even though it sounds great, I prefer the feel and tone of a flat.

If the Cobalt flats work, it’ll probably go from being played 99% to 100% of the time. If they don’t, it’ll still sound awesome, win-win

I look forward to your Cobalt flats report. I was trying those for a spell but ultimately found them a little too twangy for my taste (P-bass with flats player in what seems like a former lifetime now that I've got the Special 4H). Just recently swapped them for my first ever set of EB Group flats (went with Group II), and am currently in tone heaven.

 

[Chiliwailer]

I look forward to your Cobalt flats report. I was trying those for a spell but ultimately found them a little too twangy for my taste (P-bass with flats player in what seems like a former lifetime now that I've got the Special 4H). Just recently swapped them for my first ever set of EB Group flats (went with Group II), and am currently in tone heaven.

I’m feeling what you said 100%. If I can get some of that twang on the Special, but with some flat loveliness too then I’ll be a very happy man. And will still have Chromes on my Smoothie and P for the flats heaven you mentioned. Mmmm.....

...well that’s the theory anyway! But it’ll always be a ‘middle ground’ string for me. I’ll definitely report back, should be around Friday.

 

[pbass6811]

It’s just a matter of time....

Yeah, about 4.5 hours...

Bad news: As I stated earlier, I have approximately ZERO impulse control.
Good news: I will have a Charcoal Sparkle 4HH on Friday.

Edit-Well, apparently, it's gonna be Christmas in November tomorrow. Both my 4HH and 5HH are scheduled to show up tomorrow. That's the one benefit of living in Indiana and Sweetwater being in Indiana, I inadvertently get free overnight shipping. One extra day to bond with my new gigging arsenal.

I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry.

 

[HD007]

Yeah, about 4.5 hours...

Bad news: As I stated earlier, I have approximately ZERO impulse control.
Good news: I will have a Charcoal Sparkle 4HH on Friday.

Edit-Well, apparently, it's gonna be Christmas in November tomorrow. Both my 4HH and 5HH are scheduled to show up tomorrow. That's the one benefit of living in Indiana and Sweetwater being in Indiana, I inadvertently get free overnight shipping. One extra day to bond with my new gigging arsenal.

I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry.

Well THAT is a nice day! Enjoy it

 

[Stranger Danger]

My SRS 4HH has a solid crew of friends