Finding the custom build feature at EB is giving me ideas for a custom build.
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EBMM StingRay Special Club
- Thread starter MultiScaleMale
- Start date
Charcoal sparkle and amethyst sparkle
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Hey there, long time listener, first time caller. Seems to be a nice thing y‘all got going here so I thought I might just as well join the club:
Coming from a decade of playing almost exclusively custom basses with my band, being used to having all the bells and whistles, I missed having a simple, solid workhorse - to just jam with friends and to decidedly not stand out visually when playing the occasional gig as a sideman.
After looking at other american brands I started wondering what’s keeping me from just going out and buying my first Stingray, an instrument I‘ve always loved from afar. I couldn‘t come up with anything but the price, which really isn’t my kind of argument: I‘d much rather have fewer great basses than more okay ones.
So I started looking and found exactly two single H black/chrome/maple Specials in all of Europe - and I really wanted the classic look, although I usually prefer black hardware.
When I found this one in Spain, my choice was made for me: This particular bass weighs all of 7.5 lbs. I still can’t believe it when I pick it up - and there‘s not a hint of neck dive, either. I had EBMM confirm it’s indeed made from ash, otherwise I would have kept wondering about a helium core.
I can confirm this Stingray Special to absolutely be in the same league as my canadian basses: Killer fit & finish, great ergonomics and feel, quiet electronics with a great, natural sounding range. And as a bonus, the most subtle hint of flame in the back of the neck when the sun hits it just right.
So glad I made this decision.
Coming from a decade of playing almost exclusively custom basses with my band, being used to having all the bells and whistles, I missed having a simple, solid workhorse - to just jam with friends and to decidedly not stand out visually when playing the occasional gig as a sideman.
After looking at other american brands I started wondering what’s keeping me from just going out and buying my first Stingray, an instrument I‘ve always loved from afar. I couldn‘t come up with anything but the price, which really isn’t my kind of argument: I‘d much rather have fewer great basses than more okay ones.
So I started looking and found exactly two single H black/chrome/maple Specials in all of Europe - and I really wanted the classic look, although I usually prefer black hardware.
When I found this one in Spain, my choice was made for me: This particular bass weighs all of 7.5 lbs. I still can’t believe it when I pick it up - and there‘s not a hint of neck dive, either. I had EBMM confirm it’s indeed made from ash, otherwise I would have kept wondering about a helium core.
I can confirm this Stingray Special to absolutely be in the same league as my canadian basses: Killer fit & finish, great ergonomics and feel, quiet electronics with a great, natural sounding range. And as a bonus, the most subtle hint of flame in the back of the neck when the sun hits it just right.
So glad I made this decision.
Was at GC today and played a 4 string Special singe H, beautiful Jackpot finish with maple roasted neck and fretboard. Fit and finish was superb. Sound did not disappoint! It just felt soooo good!
I got an early Sub Ray 4 at an incredibly low price. Changed pup to Nordstrand, pre to JohnEast 3 band with sweepable mids, what a transformation. Turned it into an awesome Ray now, BUUUUTT, it is NOT a USA STRING RAY. IT DOES NOT play, feel, or sound like a USA Special, there IS a difference. If your on the fence about buying the USA Special do it if you have the coin, just get input from @LadyLoveStingRay5 , she knows and has quite the StingRay stable.
I got an early Sub Ray 4 at an incredibly low price. Changed pup to Nordstrand, pre to JohnEast 3 band with sweepable mids, what a transformation. Turned it into an awesome Ray now, BUUUUTT, it is NOT a USA STRING RAY. IT DOES NOT play, feel, or sound like a USA Special, there IS a difference. If your on the fence about buying the USA Special do it if you have the coin, just get input from @LadyLoveStingRay5 , she knows and has quite the StingRay stable.
Kind words my friend. I do hope that you are able to get one for yourself if you so desire. Treat yourself . They are worth the coin.
I will add that as goos as the build quality, playability and looks are on the USA versions, the real value is how great they are in a mix. That is where the real magic comes IMO. I was floored at how good my new one did.
Some of you may remember that I bought a purple EBMM SR5 from Sweetwater earlier this year. Due to a series of unfortunate incidents, I chose to return it (tbh: I shouldn’t have bought it. It was a total impulse buy… close to the register).
After some time, I really missed the bass. And my daughter kept reminding me that it was her favorite bass I ever owned. Sooo…. last weekend, I went back to Sweetwater and ordered another one. To my surprise, my Sales Engineer canceled my order, refusing to sell it to me, because of the prior return. D’oh!!
Not to be denied, I went shopping and found this beauty at Willcutt Guitars in Kentucky. It’s even prettier than the one I returned. Plus, I got a KILLER discount!!
It’s gorgeous, lightweight and in NO danger of going anywhere.
And in case you’re wondering, one carefully worded letter to Sweetwater’s VP/Director of Sales (with a strategic cc to the CEO) and I now have a new Sales Engineer (he plays bass!). Life is good.
After some time, I really missed the bass. And my daughter kept reminding me that it was her favorite bass I ever owned. Sooo…. last weekend, I went back to Sweetwater and ordered another one. To my surprise, my Sales Engineer canceled my order, refusing to sell it to me, because of the prior return. D’oh!!
Not to be denied, I went shopping and found this beauty at Willcutt Guitars in Kentucky. It’s even prettier than the one I returned. Plus, I got a KILLER discount!!
It’s gorgeous, lightweight and in NO danger of going anywhere.
And in case you’re wondering, one carefully worded letter to Sweetwater’s VP/Director of Sales (with a strategic cc to the CEO) and I now have a new Sales Engineer (he plays bass!). Life is good.
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Zzounds is even worse, even if it's their fault and they sent you a damaged bass, a used defective amp that was supposed to be new or the completely wrong bass all together which actually happened to me. They sent me a Fender jazz bass when I ordered a precision. Under any of these circumstances if an item is returned it will be held against you and after a few times like this even with it being their fault they will cancel any further orders. I tell people to stay well clear of Zzounds and stick with Sweetwater. Sounds like your new Sales Engineer may be Dave Brow, great guy!
Not Dave. But a really good dude called Andy. He’s a heck of a player. Plays upright and electric. I think he’s a TBer as well.
Just posting to get to page 667 ….. hopefully !!! 
I have not ordered from zzzounds in a few years . This is good info to know.
This bass is the all powerful.Just posting to get to page 667 ….. hopefully !!!
Zzounds and American Musical Supply are sister companies & work from the same inventory. Nothing against ZZounds but I’ve always felt like AMS is the easier company to deal with.
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Zzounds has been great to deal with over the years for me.
I ordered my new Stingray from them, and like usual, it came in great shape. Their customer service and return policy has been good to deal with as well over the years. I must have order at least 20 basses from them, and even more Mesa gear over the last 5 years.
I just got my matte black pickguard for my new Brulee Special and it looks good. I have a creme colored one coming as well, not sure which one I’ll go with.
-ScottM
I ordered my new Stingray from them, and like usual, it came in great shape. Their customer service and return policy has been good to deal with as well over the years. I must have order at least 20 basses from them, and even more Mesa gear over the last 5 years.
I just got my matte black pickguard for my new Brulee Special and it looks good. I have a creme colored one coming as well, not sure which one I’ll go with.
-ScottM
Same with me. I’ve never had a bad interaction with Zzounds. I’ve just gotten really good customer service from AMS so I tend to lean toward them when I have the choice. Truth-be-told, Sweetwater has always been great too. I just had a Sales Engineer who wasn’t a good fit. The company really took care of me when I let my voice be heard.
It is, thanks. I bought it to be more of a workhorse 5-string. Turns out it’s prettier than my high-end boutique basses. lolIt's stunning, and I bet it looks even better in person,
Wilcutt's is a really nice shop close to me. You have to make a appointment to see the high end basses and play them. Really nice selection of basses. That is a looker man.
