EBMM StingRay Special Club

[Nebadon2000]

What does EBMM say about it when you enter the serial number in their Serial Number Finder?

My serial# lookup does not show body wood; is it supposed to?

Manufactured May 15th, 2023
Build Code 107-35-11-01-BT-CR
Model StingRay Special
Color Burnt Apple
Neck Roasted Maple Neck Maple Fretboard Matching Headstock
Pickguard Black/White/Black Pickguard
Hardware Chrome Hardware

 

[Tony G]

What does EBMM say about it when you enter the serial number in their Serial Number Finder?

They don’t mention body wood anymore I guess?

My serial# lookup does not show body wood; is it supposed to?

Manufactured May 15th, 2023
Build Code 107-35-11-01-BT-CR
Model StingRay Special
Color Burnt Apple
Neck Roasted Maple Neck Maple Fretboard Matching Headstock
Pickguard Black/White/Black Pickguard
Hardware Chrome Hardware

Ok, same here. My specs don’t list body wood either

 

[Gluvhand]

They don’t mention body wood anymore I guess?

View attachment 5224804



Ok, same here. My specs don’t list body wood either

Hmm. I'll have to check mine. Interesting.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Hmm. I'll have to check mine. Interesting.

Mine was GC Exclusive and was listed as Ash in Specs online at GC; but 5 String version had no mention in listing

New Pastel finish Specials show Select Hardwood

I never trust Retail Store info

PS; It would be nice if EBMM put Body wood and weight in info

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The first run of Specials were ash. When the great ash shortage happened , they switched to using alder as well as Okume on some of the BFR models, but they usually specify that wood.

I can usually pick out alder be ash with my ears and or eyes.

 

[dave64o]

View attachment 5224580

Oooo, that’s pretty!

 

[tremor100]

My serial# lookup does not show body wood; is it supposed to?

Manufactured May 15th, 2023
Build Code 107-35-11-01-BT-CR
Model StingRay Special
Color Burnt Apple
Neck Roasted Maple Neck Maple Fretboard Matching Headstock
Pickguard Black/White/Black Pickguard
Hardware Chrome Hardware

I remember when i was looking into ordering mine watching some reviews and there is one dude on youtube who went into a bitchfest about the "select hardwoods" crap where you don't even know what they are using on your bass.. and while i think he was overly critical of it, it is a bit absurd to not know on a bass at that price range what wood they are using. He tried the same thing with the serial number lookup and it doesn't say lol... apperently he contacted them and they said based off the build date they are fairly confident they used poplar in that run...

SOO your MiA highend bass is one of the follow several mystery woods:
Alder
Ash
Poplar
Okume

Like i said im getting a painted solid finish and im on board that tonewoods on an electric instrument is a myth / very minimimal tonal change in the grand scheme of things, but it is pretty wild they basically just use whatever wood they got a deal on from their vendor that month lmfao.

 

[Tony G]

Help out a stingray special newbie…. In reference to this thread, I am really enjoying the focused and punchy tone of that Ray34. In contrast to that, I’m really enjoying the ergonomics and playability, as well as the overall style of my EBMM Stingray Special 4HH. I understand the are different preamps and pickups, but no amount of knob turning seems to be getting me that tight focused punch of the Ray34. The EBMM Stingray Special is very airy by comparison, I seem to get a lot of overtones from the stainless steel frets, and the tone can be very huge in the low end and requires a bit of taming from the bass knob. Again, by comparison, on the Ray 34 I have the treble rolled back a bit, the mids and bass boosted just a bit, and the tone is so funky. The EBMM SS needs the bass cut, the treble rolled almost all the way off, and I keep the mids on center detent (roll it back it gets scooped very quickly, roll it a bit forward and it gets very woody and muddy). I did just put a set of DR Pure Blues on this EBMM SS 4HH yesterday, so maybe the were not the best choice?

 

[Nebadon2000]

but it is pretty wild they basically just use whatever wood they got a deal on from their vendor that month lmfao.

We don't know that but yes EBMM not being transparent on Body Woods and Operation/Specs for Active preamp/Tone Controls is perplexing and can cause negative speculation

In the end their Basses overall Quality, Playability and Sound Speak for them

 

[makanudo]

Help out a stingray special newbie…. In reference to this thread, I am really enjoying the focused and punchy tone of that Ray34. In contrast to that, I’m really enjoying the ergonomics and playability, as well as the overall style of my EBMM Stingray Special 4HH. I understand the are different preamps and pickups, but no amount of knob turning seems to be getting me that tight focused punch of the Ray34. The EBMM Stingray Special is very airy by comparison, I seem to get a lot of overtones from the stainless steel frets, and the tone can be very huge in the low end and requires a bit of taming from the bass knob. Again, by comparison, on the Ray 34 I have the treble rolled back a bit, the mids and bass boosted just a bit, and the tone is so funky. The EBMM SS needs the bass cut, the treble rolled almost all the way off, and I keep the mids on center detent (roll it back it gets scooped very quickly, roll it a bit forward and it gets very woody and muddy). I did just put a set of DR Pure Blues on this EBMM SS 4HH yesterday, so maybe the were not the best choice?

Well, as far as I know, the special has a Neodymium pickup and the preamp is voiced to be less harsh in the high end than the regular Stingrays. Brand new strings will always sound steely and bright. Maybe the Ray34 stringset is more broken in?

 

[ics1974]

Help out a stingray special newbie…. In reference to this thread, I am really enjoying the focused and punchy tone of that Ray34. In contrast to that, I’m really enjoying the ergonomics and playability, as well as the overall style of my EBMM Stingray Special 4HH. I understand the are different preamps and pickups, but no amount of knob turning seems to be getting me that tight focused punch of the Ray34. The EBMM Stingray Special is very airy by comparison, I seem to get a lot of overtones from the stainless steel frets, and the tone can be very huge in the low end and requires a bit of taming from the bass knob. Again, by comparison, on the Ray 34 I have the treble rolled back a bit, the mids and bass boosted just a bit, and the tone is so funky. The EBMM SS needs the bass cut, the treble rolled almost all the way off, and I keep the mids on center detent (roll it back it gets scooped very quickly, roll it a bit forward and it gets very woody and muddy). I did just put a set of DR Pure Blues on this EBMM SS 4HH yesterday, so maybe the were not the best choice?

This is just the way the Specials sounds with factory specs. Very "airy" as you say, and I know what you mean. If you want more of a focused sound, try lowering the pickups. The Neo pickups are very hot along with a 18V preamp there is a lot of output. I have my Stingray Classic and pre-special pickups set slightly above factory specs but my Special has the pickups much lower to get the same relative output.
This is from the Ernie Ball setup specs FAQ

If you have a single pickup bass set the pickup height to 6/32" from the plastic pickup cover to the bottom of the G string. Adjust the bass side of the pickup to be parallel with the pickguard.

If you have a dual pickup bass set the bridge pickup to the specs above. Follow the same procedure for the neck pickup except set that to 8/32".

I find this pickup height is too high and you get the tone you are talking about.
I set mine to 7/32 using the same method and to my ears it sounds closer in tone to my Stingray Classic and pre special 3 EQ. Try 7/32 bridge pickup and 10/32 neck pickup.

 

[Nebadon2000]

The Ray 34 is setup like a pre-Special and there has been a 'Rumor' preamp has an HPF at 70hz
But Special does not my experiment using my Mesa Amp with variable HPF seems to confirm

I understand sound you are after: I have 4H when first got Bass with Amp set neutral and OEM Slinky strings and HPF at lowest setting 25hz
Set Bass at 48% and Treble at 25-30% Mids 48-52%
Playing over pickup
Had Bass now 2 months so I can now set treble to 35-40% strings are broken in and use HPF to get Bass right

I am not familiar with pure blues and have Mesa WD 800 with Subway 1x15 so my numbers need adjusting (Special can get sound your after)

That is only 1 good tone Bass is capable of and will do for you: there are many others just don't be afraid to think out of Box with adjustments and don't limit yourself to past knowledge and traditional accepted settings

The EBMM Slinky Flats may be worth trying

PS: I had a 2018 Ray 34H for about 6 months put aside Quality of build,finish,playability etc. The EBMM Special is a significant upgrade and very Musical at almost any setting

I am not trying to get it sounding like 2 band, 3 band,
a P or J

 

[Geri O]

Help out a stingray special newbie…. In reference to this thread, I am really enjoying the focused and punchy tone of that Ray34. In contrast to that, I’m really enjoying the ergonomics and playability, as well as the overall style of my EBMM Stingray Special 4HH. I understand the are different preamps and pickups, but no amount of knob turning seems to be getting me that tight focused punch of the Ray34. The EBMM Stingray Special is very airy by comparison, I seem to get a lot of overtones from the stainless steel frets, and the tone can be very huge in the low end and requires a bit of taming from the bass knob. Again, by comparison, on the Ray 34 I have the treble rolled back a bit, the mids and bass boosted just a bit, and the tone is so funky. The EBMM SS needs the bass cut, the treble rolled almost all the way off, and I keep the mids on center detent (roll it back it gets scooped very quickly, roll it a bit forward and it gets very woody and muddy). I did just put a set of DR Pure Blues on this EBMM SS 4HH yesterday, so maybe the were not the best choice?

I kee seeing where folks say they have found tones for their Specials closer to the Classics by lowering the pickup. In my case, I’ve found the exact opposite on my Special to give me the aggressive, punchy Stingray tone I like. Just a bit….1/16th to no more than 1/8th higher than the specs.
M

 

[Maxi Funkl]

I never cared about what any Bass sounded like historically.
I'm not flats make everything sound better guy.
I'd prefer a P Bass with a Jazz neck. I prefer a Jazz bass with 70's pickup spacing.
I love Louis Johnson but I could careless that he played 2 band Stingrays.

Things evolve for a reason and I'm here for it!! The Specials have a great tone that I love with plenty of power and grit and umph. I do not chase a sound/tone of someone else or a certain era I take on what's in my hands in front of me and try to make it sound as best as I can. I have 2 Specials and seek 2 more a short scale & 5HH to round out my collection. The only setup I wanted was to get the strings as low as possible without any buzz. EBMM could be more forth coming about the body woods used but knowing alder vs. ash vs. etc etc would not have made a difference or had an affect in what I bought. I highly recommend Stingray Specials if you're chasing some historical tone go elsewhere if the tone isn't to your liking find what works for you. But if you want a high end professional instrument on par with other high end builders Lakland, Sadowsky, MTD, Lull, Nash, F Bass, etc. grab one and enjoy the hell out of it for what it is not what it isn't nor trying to be. BTW I've played all of those brands I mention and more an the build quality of those are not any better just in many cases a much heftier Price Tag.

 

[Nebadon2000]

I never cared about what any Bass sounded like historically.
I'm not flats make everything sound better guy.
I'd prefer a P Bass with a Jazz neck. I prefer a Jazz bass with 70's pickup spacing.
I love Louis Johnson but I could careless that he played 2 band Stingrays.

Things evolve for a reason and I'm here for it!! The Specials have a great tone that I love with plenty of power and grit and umph. I do not chase a sound/tone of someone else or a certain era I take on what's in hands in front of me and try to make it sound as best as I can. I have 2 Specials and seek 2 more a short scale & 5HH to round out my collection. The only setup I wanted was to get the strings as low as possible without any buzz. EBMM could be more forth coming about the body woods used but knowing alder vs. ash vs. etc etc would not have made a difference or had an affect in what I bought. I highly recommend Stingray Specials if you're chasing some historical tone go elsewhere if the tone isn't to your liking find what works for you. But if you want a high end professional instrument on par with other high end builders Lakland, Sadowsky, MTD, Lull, Nash, F Bass, etc. grab one and enjoy the hell out of it for what it is not what it isn't nor trying to be. BTW I've played all of those brands I mention and more an the build quality of those are not any better just in many cases a much heftier Price Tag.

Your Rant(so to speak) was much better than my cautious feeble attempt

I am with you and have been for a good while every time I hear " How can I make my Special Sound like a P Bass Etc."

As Paul sang I just try to Let it Be and them be for they have their own choices valid to their wants

 

[Wicked G]

Help out a stingray special newbie…. In reference to this thread, I am really enjoying the focused and punchy tone of that Ray34. In contrast to that, I’m really enjoying the ergonomics and playability, as well as the overall style of my EBMM Stingray Special 4HH. I understand the are different preamps and pickups, but no amount of knob turning seems to be getting me that tight focused punch of the Ray34. The EBMM Stingray Special is very airy by comparison, I seem to get a lot of overtones from the stainless steel frets, and the tone can be very huge in the low end and requires a bit of taming from the bass knob. Again, by comparison, on the Ray 34 I have the treble rolled back a bit, the mids and bass boosted just a bit, and the tone is so funky. The EBMM SS needs the bass cut, the treble rolled almost all the way off, and I keep the mids on center detent (roll it back it gets scooped very quickly, roll it a bit forward and it gets very woody and muddy). I did just put a set of DR Pure Blues on this EBMM SS 4HH yesterday, so maybe the were not the best choice?

Yep, they are both different sounding. The Ray34 goes for the older 3 band Ray tone and the Special is the next generation of Stingray. Strings may help, but I think you may end up chasing your own tail trying to get them to sound the same.

 

[Tony G]

This is just the way the Specials sounds with factory specs. Very "airy" as you say, and I know what you mean. If you want more of a focused sound, try lowering the pickups. The Neo pickups are very hot along with a 18V preamp there is a lot of output. I have my Stingray Classic and pre-special pickups set slightly above factory specs but my Special has the pickups much lower to get the same relative output.
This is from the Ernie Ball setup specs FAQ

If you have a single pickup bass set the pickup height to 6/32" from the plastic pickup cover to the bottom of the G string. Adjust the bass side of the pickup to be parallel with the pickguard.

If you have a dual pickup bass set the bridge pickup to the specs above. Follow the same procedure for the neck pickup except set that to 8/32".

I find this pickup height is too high and you get the tone you are talking about.
I set mine to 7/32 using the same method and to my ears it sounds closer in tone to my Stingray Classic and pre special 3 EQ. Try 7/32 bridge pickup and 10/32 neck pickup.

Thank you! I will definitely try this!

 

[Tony G]

Yep, they are both different sounding. The Ray34 goes for the older 3 band Ray tone and the Special is the next generation of Stingray. Strings may help, but I think you may end up chasing your own tail trying to get them to sound the same.

You may very well be right about chairing my tail. To be clear, I like the tone of the special very much, but I think I’m very familiar with the classic stingray tone which I’ve always loved.

 

[Tony G]

I never cared about what any Bass sounded like historically.
I'm not flats make everything sound better guy.
I'd prefer a P Bass with a Jazz neck. I prefer a Jazz bass with 70's pickup spacing.
I love Louis Johnson but I could careless that he played 2 band Stingrays.

Things evolve for a reason and I'm here for it!! The Specials have a great tone that I love with plenty of power and grit and umph. I do not chase a sound/tone of someone else or a certain era I take on what's in my hands in front of me and try to make it sound as best as I can. I have 2 Specials and seek 2 more a short scale & 5HH to round out my collection. The only setup I wanted was to get the strings as low as possible without any buzz. EBMM could be more forth coming about the body woods used but knowing alder vs. ash vs. etc etc would not have made a difference or had an affect in what I bought. I highly recommend Stingray Specials if you're chasing some historical tone go elsewhere if the tone isn't to your liking find what works for you. But if you want a high end professional instrument on par with other high end builders Lakland, Sadowsky, MTD, Lull, Nash, F Bass, etc. grab one and enjoy the hell out of it for what it is not what it isn't nor trying to be. BTW I've played all of those brands I mention and more an the build quality of those are not any better just in many cases a much heftier Price Tag.

I completely agree with your assessment about the stingray specials being as well crafted as many other boutiques you’ve listed and I’ve come across. The neck on my special 4hh is among the best I’ve ever seen. It was a really nice shock at how perfect it was constructed and shaped. I am finding tones on it that I really like, but it does seem more amp and eq dependent than I am used to with the classic stingray tone. My ears will adjust and I’m sure I’ll come to really appreciate the special’s tone.

 

[Tony G]

I kee seeing where folks say they have found tones for their Specials closer to the Classics by lowering the pickup. In my case, I’ve found the exact opposite on my Special to give me the aggressive, punchy Stingray tone I like. Just a bit….1/16th to no more than 1/8th higher than the specs.
M

Interesting! Guess I’ll have to try this too!