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EBMM StingRay Special Club

A 5HH, no pickguard, blocks, matching headstock, roasted maple top, and a finish close to my Honeyburst ceramic? It could almost be my signature model.
:hyper:

Actually, the Lignite version is really pretty, too. It looks similar to my Tobacco Burst Special.
 
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Anyone know which SR5Specials come with the Mahogany body?

All I keep coming across is "select woods" in the description, but have also seen Mahogany as one of these woods used, I just can't figure out if it's a specific color/fingerboard combo

I really don't like Ash and would prefer Mahogany.
I know the Ray35 is Mahogany, but I want the quality and electronics of the Special
 
This Forum seems to be focused on the Art(asthetics) of Stingray with a touch of greatness of Bass as Instrument🙂

Yes most are beautiful and as a bonus great sounding and well built Basses
Just like anything else in life , beauty is fleeting. If the character isn’t there , all the beauty in the world won’t matter.
My basses all play and sound even better than they look.
That’s why I am a repeat customer .
I’ve found what works for me.
 
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NGL i think like this is kinda misbranding lol... The top is great the unique color looks dope, but typically BFR means top top of the line everything boutique stuff, and it’s just a standard maple neck on a cool colored body with a killer finish.
You make a good point .
Some of these features are available on standard models , others I. The Design Experience. The finish , the bevel, the figured top are all BFR only . This bass is exclusive only to Sweetwater .

So call it what you will. It is what it is.
Some of these features will be worth the money to some. Others ….. nope .
Some will chose to wait and pick up a used model for less dough. Have to be in the right place at the right time for that.
 
NGL i think like this is kinda misbranding lol... The top is great the unique color looks dope, but typically BFR means top top of the line everything boutique stuff, and its just a standard maple neck on a cool colored body with a killer finish.
I think the fretless version demands the price more than the fretted. Unique neck and fretboard finish that one can't get on the design experience.
 
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Just like anything else in life , beauty is fleeting. If the character isn’t there , all the beauty in the world won’t matter.
My basses all play and sound even better than they look.
That’s why I am a repeat customer .
I’ve found what works for me.
What playing do you do? I'm waiting for your official endorsement and signature model. 🤣

I just put the TI Jazz Rounds back on my Stingray because after a long process of elimination my originals band have decided that my Vintage P with Rounds is *the sound* for my originals band (playing pseudo-jazz instrumentals).

This left me not sure what I'd use the Stingray for in a flats config since these days I only do my originals, wedding/corporate work and the very odd jazz jam at a friends house.

So I took it to a wedding over the weekend alongside my Player 2 P strung with the same TI rounds and asked the drummer & singer/guitarist what they preferred having alternated sets with the 2 basses.

I also took note of my own experience and perceived audience reaction.

Unanimously, the Stingray was picked as the favourite. Drummer said he noticed the bass more when it was the Stingray and later that it's the better sound for what we're doing. Guitarist asked "is it beefier? It seems beefier. I like that one."

My perception was that it seemed to grab the audience more also. I notice also that despite both basses being equally easy to play that I tend to play out more on the Stingray... Much more like when I was much younger and less tasteful and restrained 🤣

I was fully anticipating the P bass to win out but just goes to show. The Stingray might not be the go-to studio bass but for live its a real powerhouse.

I'm just glad it's still got a prominent spot in the stable as I was a bit disappointed that it didn't win for my original band with TI Flats as I was personally loving the unique tone. I may revisit it at a later date because there's definitely something there.
 
That'd be great, but only if it's not an inconvenience.

Yes, given how I like to use my 2 band EQ, it seems like the flats may be more in line with my expectations on a StingRay - I agree, the TI rounds sound incredible on a passive P-bass, I'm just surprised how different they sounded on a 'Ray in that example; still great tone, just very different from what I anticipated based on a P-bass.

I'll definitely check out your rehearsal recording over the weekend (I just need to find my Google password 😲 ).
Do you still need a TI Rounds demo? I have them on again.

My originals band preferred the P Bass for what we do.
 
Hello. This is my first post in Talkbass. I’ve been a member over at TGP under the same name since 2003 or so.
This is also my first bass. 2025 Music Man DarkRay in Gold Bar.
I’ve been playing guitar since 1985 and have always wanted a bass, but the chase for guitar gear has taken priority.
Anyway, here she is… I’ve also picked up a Darkglass Infinity 500 combo. Stoked to say the least. Crazy color change depending on the angle.
IMG_3918.jpeg
IMG_3884.jpeg
 
Hello. This is my first post in Talkbass. I’ve been a member over at TGP under the same name since 2003 or so.
This is also my first bass. 2025 Music Man DarkRay in Gold Bar.
I’ve been playing guitar since 1985 and have always wanted a bass, but the chase for guitar gear has taken priority.
Anyway, here she is… I’ve also picked up a Darkglass Infinity 500 combo. Stoked to say the least. Crazy color change depending on the angle. View attachment 7337950View attachment 7337951
💖!!!
 
Hello. This is my first post in Talkbass. I’ve been a member over at TGP under the same name since 2003 or so.
This is also my first bass. 2025 Music Man DarkRay in Gold Bar.
I’ve been playing guitar since 1985 and have always wanted a bass, but the chase for guitar gear has taken priority.
Anyway, here she is… I’ve also picked up a Darkglass Infinity 500 combo. Stoked to say the least. Crazy color change depending on the angle. View attachment 7337950View attachment 7337951
That's some finish!

I played a DarkRay locally and it's such an interesting concept.

Seems like a no brainer for people who play in that world.
 
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That's some finish!

I played a DarkRay locally and it's such an interesting concept.

Seems like a no brainer for people who play in that world.
Thanks ya’ll. It really came down to what felt best in my hands when I bought. Been saving for some time. After a discount and before the price increase it became affordable-ish.
It was between this and a Stingray 4H and 4HH.
Onboard drive is nice. Almost sounds like it’s running parallel to my ears when blended in modestly.
Fit and finish are absolutely perfect. Set up is perfect.
 
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Thanks ya’ll. It really came down to what felt best in my hands when I bought. Been saving for some time. After a discount and before the price increase it became affordable-ish.
It was between this and a Stingray 4H and 4HH.
Onboard drive is nice. Almost sounds like it’s running parallel to my ears when blended in modestly.
Fit and finish are absolutely perfect. Set up is perfect.
A 5H dark-ray for the low B, coiltap and distortion is almost enough utility I could justify it lol.

Realistically I don't need it though.

If anyone ever feels like they paid too much for a Stingray I paid $5500aud at the very top of the market.

Insurance is paying for it but still... the prices came down months after I purchased it and I felt pretty sore about it.
 
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Amazing collection! It's gonna be tough to choose what goes back. 😁

Also, nice looking Schecter guitar on the wall!
I think I've come to the conclusion that I'll keep them all.

The maple was the one I thought I'd send back but it actually sounds the most StingRay and when playing some disco last night it sounded epic.

The ebony looks cool as hell which inspires me to pick it up and it has a unique tone to it, similar to the others in tone but at the same time different. The whole instrument feels solid and expensive, just feels great to hold.

The purple rosewood also looks cool as hell, is lighter than the other two and is great for some slightly more chilled playing.

Love them all, I think the G&L I have is the one that will have to make way.

Call me weird but they smell nice as well :laugh:
 
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