EBMM StingRay Special Club

[jam.majors]

Question for the 5 HH owners ? Is the low B side of your pickups seated lower than the G string side?

I noticed that mine are and that the B sting does not come through as clear as I would prefer. I’m thinking that I need to raise it up some ? It’s not the strings or the set up. I’m thinking that it has to be that the pickups are too far away from the string.
Thoughts ?

I dunno, but what I've been doing for setups is taking the measurement they suggest for the G string, then ignore all of the rest of their suggestions. From there, I press down on the last fret of the G, and measure from bottom of string to top of pickup cover. Then I use that measurement and apply it to the B/E side.
It's what I go back to after I've tried something else that I've read on talkbass and realized that new thing wasn't working for me.

 

[Shane Watts]

 

[Shane Watts]

I dunno, but what I've been doing for setups is taking the measurement they suggest for the G string, then ignore all of the rest of their suggestions. From there, I press down on the last fret of the G, and measure from bottom of string to top of pickup cover. Then I use that measurement and apply it to the B/E side.
It's what I go back to after I've tried something else that I've read on talkbass and realized that new thing wasn't working for me.

Do you know what that measurement is?

 

[Nebadon2000]

Not being a 5HH owner can't really help with experience but if it is a clarity problem[not volume or amount of Bass] I would think the opposite and fry lowering first.

On my 4H I set Bass side slightly lower than treble[ to get better clarity from E string and overall balance of output from strings]

The EBMM FAQ still has pickup setup as 6/32 for G and then bass side of the pickup to be parallel with the pickguard. But I read on forum they now recommend Bass Side at 7/32 distance and with Neck pickup at 8/32 Distance for G maybe 9/32 for E/B?

All measurements are with Open Strings NOT fretted at last fret

EBMM has no distinction for 4 or 5's;

I would recommend playing B string through Headphones so room is out of picture [or Amp if that is more how you play] and starting at were it is and lowering a Tad then raising above starting point listening for change and will tell you if Pickup height is culprit

 

[dave64o]

View attachment 6983403View attachment 6983404View attachment 6983405View attachment 6983406

Oh yeah!

And I'd bet that white pickup covers would take it another level higher.

 

[rasicci]

Stunning! What is the name of that finish?

Hot Pink

 

[jam.majors]

Do you know what that measurement is?

@Nebadon2000 references it, but here's the link: MusicMan FAQ (click "How do I set up my Music Man Bass?")

I'll just tell you my measurements at the moment: .15"
This is from bottom of string to top of plastic pickup cover, while pressing string at last fret. (May not really conform to my earlier statements...)
This is for both G and B strings, and both neck and bridge pickups.

Works for me, could work for you. At worst, you can eliminate it from your list of things tried! ;-)

 

[Spectre Gunner]

Very pretty instrument - how is the painted neck? I've fallen in love with the neck finish on my regular special.

I haven't had any issues with stickiness and I live in humid Florida but only my calloused thumb is on the back when I play. If it was an issue then a little chalk or baby powder would take care of that. But with that said, you can't beat the smooth satin feel of the gunstock oiled and waxed neck you find on most Stingrays and MTDs.

Stunning! What is the name of that finish?

EBMM calls it "Kinetic Blue". I've been told it was originally used on a special edition HP Ford Mustang at one time. Quote from the BFR website - KINETIC BLUE FINISH
Usually only found on the Majesty guitar this color shift metallic blue finish covers the entire body, headstock, and back of the neck.

 

[Spectre Gunner]

Question for the 5 HH owners ? Is the low B side of your pickups seated lower than the G string side?

I noticed that mine are and that the B sting does not come through as clear as I would prefer. I’m thinking that I need to raise it up some ? It’s not the strings or the set up. I’m thinking that it has to be that the pickups are too far away from the string.
Thoughts ?

Try raising it a little at a time until the tone or volume improves. If not then just set it back down to its original height. But first measure the height with digital (or analog) calipers or precise ruler so you know exactly where the starting position was.

 

[Cesar Vortmann]

Question for the 5 HH owners ? Is the low B side of your pickups seated lower than the G string side?

I noticed that mine are and that the B sting does not come through as clear as I would prefer. I’m thinking that I need to raise it up some ? It’s not the strings or the set up. I’m thinking that it has to be that the pickups are too far away from the string.
Thoughts ?

Here's some suggested pickup heights from a while ago.

This is what they sent me for a 5 string:

View attachment 3514445

 

[Nebadon2000]

Do you know what that measurement is?

See HD007 post above BUT Don't fret last fret leave string open if using EBMM Numbers

 

[Shane Watts]

Here's some suggested pickup heights from a while ago.

Is this from bottom of strings to top of pickup cover? If that is correct then my pickups are almost even with the pickguard.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Is this from bottom of strings to top of pickup cover? If that is correct then my pickups are almost even with the pickguard.

Your not fretting last fret are you? Pickup is a good bit above pickguard with E side set at 7/32 and G at 6/32 measured with Open strings[4H]

 

[Shane Watts]

Your not fretting last fret are you? Pickup is a good bit above pickguard with E side set at 7/32 and G at 6/32 measured with Open strings[4H]

This is on the money with the sheet they attached above without fretting the strings.

 

[Eneade]

I have just received a 2018 Stingray 5 Special. Haven't plugged it yet !

The serial number checks as a fretted bass with rosewood fretboard. But the fretboard looks like Pau Ferro. Very small pores and freckles look just like my PF fretboards (which I like).

How do your rosewood fretboards look on your Specials ?

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I have just received a 2018 Stingray 5 Special. Haven't plugged it yet !

The serial number checks as a fretted bass with rosewood fretboard. But the fretboard looks like Pau Ferro. Very small pores and freckles look just like my PF fretboards (which I like).

How do your rosewood fretboards look on your Specials ?

View attachment 6984731

Mine look like dark chocolate .

 

[Eneade]

Mine looks lighters than the online pictures of Vintage Tobacco Burst Specials with rosewood fretboard.
Probably a Pau Ferro fretboard that espaced the stock for fretless basses...
Makes it even more "Special".

 

[Shane Watts]

I thought about selling or sending this bass back but after going through it and getting the pickups and everything setup up perfect that this bass is amazing. I like every setting except for all the way just the neck pickup.

 

[Nebadon2000]

This is on the money with the sheet they attached above without fretting the strings. View attachment 6984474

That' looks right

 

[Eneade]

Here is the bass which I think has a Pau Ferro fretboard :