EBMM StingRay Special Club

[Jim C]

I've been requesting the weights of Stingrays for years on Reverb but the Specials do seem lighter.
My 3 band is 8.25 lbs. and I thought that was pretty good.
OTOH, check random colors to see a bunch of heavy weights.

 

[LLendrum]

I saw a 7.2 lb 5H on Sweetwater some time ago. Hard to believe.

A 5er at that weight is bananas... To the point I kinda think they made a mistake.

If I found it I'd buy it.

 

[MindinAction]

I have a 5H that's 7.8 lbs but nothing in the lower 7s. All my MM basses are at or under 8.5 lbs. Just can't play them with my bum shoulder otherwise.

 

[SteveFromBerlin]

Hi folks,

I am looking for people who have changed the electronics in their Stingray Special. Is there anybody here who did this? How did the sound change? Do you think the instrument benefitted from it? Was it complicated?

 

[Brandon Shea]

Hi folks,

I am looking for people who have changed the electronics in their Stingray Special. Is there anybody here who did this? How did the sound change? Do you think the instrument benefitted from it? Was it complicated?

I haven't heard of many people doing that. Personally I think it's a tough sell for instruments that cost $2-3k depending on whether you buy used or new. I'd look for a Ray34 or 35 if you're planning to swap the electronics anyway... SBMM has a killer purple finish available on those, too.

 

[dave64o]

THE LIGHTEST STINGRAY SPECIAL IN EXISTANCE??
I called my rep at Sweetwater to have them re-weigh serial #F96902 as the add said 7.3 lbs.
It actually weighs 7.2 lbs.!!
I just bought a Sandberg this weekend so no longer accessible for me.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...-bass-guitar-hot-honey-with-maple-fingerboard

Wow, that finish with the roasted maple fretboard is a beautiful combination!

 

[SteveFromBerlin]

I haven't heard of many people doing that. Personally I think it's a tough sell for instruments that cost $2-3k depending on whether you buy used or new. I'd look for a Ray34 or 35 if you're planning to swap the electronics anyway... SBMM has a killer purple finish available on those, too.

The reason I'm asking:
I own a GORGEOUS Stingray Special 5 in Amethyst Sparkle. It looks stunning and is wonderfully light.

BUT: I was able to compare it to two pre-Special versions and I do miss a certain low end heft and three dimensionality in its tone. Don't get me wrong, I am able to get some great sounds out of my Special. I don't really miss the overly aggressive highs, but I feel like there is something missing in the low end... it's a little... flat, maybe too linear.

I do wish the new Specials would be a combination of the old bass and mid frequencies with the newly chosen frequency for highs. I'd love that!

I am thinking about buying an older version. But these usually are a lot heavier. I tried looking into light replacement hardware (tuners) but couldn't find any without having to drill. Also, I would consider a refinish but I still won't be able to find golden hardware.

 

[ics1974]

The reason I'm asking:
I own a GORGEOUS Stingray Special 5 in Amethyst Sparkle. It looks stunning and is wonderfully light.

BUT: I was able to compare it to two pre-Special versions and I do miss a certain low end heft and three dimensionality in its tone. Don't get me wrong, I am able to get some great sounds out of my Special. I don't really miss the overly aggressive highs, but I feel like there is something missing in the low end... it's a little... flat, maybe too linear.

I do wish the new Specials would be a combination of the old bass and mid frequencies with the newly chosen frequency for highs. I'd love that!

I am thinking about buying an older version. But these usually are a lot heavier. I tried looking into light replacement hardware (tuners) but couldn't find any without having to drill. Also, I would consider a refinish but I still won't be able to find golden hardware.

I thought I read once that the Stingray Special pickup dimensions are different than the previous Stingray dimensions. you might want to double check that it will fit correctly.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

The reason I'm asking:
I own a GORGEOUS Stingray Special 5 in Amethyst Sparkle. It looks stunning and is wonderfully light.

BUT: I was able to compare it to two pre-Special versions and I do miss a certain low end heft and three dimensionality in its tone. Don't get me wrong, I am able to get some great sounds out of my Special. I don't really miss the overly aggressive highs, but I feel like there is something missing in the low end... it's a little... flat, maybe too linear.

I do wish the new Specials would be a combination of the old bass and mid frequencies with the newly chosen frequency for highs. I'd love that!

I am thinking about buying an older version. But these usually are a lot heavier. I tried looking into light replacement hardware (tuners) but couldn't find any without having to drill. Also, I would consider a refinish but I still won't be able to find golden hardware.

Always felt the opposite but to each their own. I'm blanking on the member who builds early stingray preamp clones that put one in his Special 5H along with a Nordstrand pickup.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The reason I'm asking:
I own a GORGEOUS Stingray Special 5 in Amethyst Sparkle. It looks stunning and is wonderfully light.

BUT: I was able to compare it to two pre-Special versions and I do miss a certain low end heft and three dimensionality in its tone. Don't get me wrong, I am able to get some great sounds out of my Special. I don't really miss the overly aggressive highs, but I feel like there is something missing in the low end... it's a little... flat, maybe too linear.

I do wish the new Specials would be a combination of the old bass and mid frequencies with the newly chosen frequency for highs. I'd love that!

I am thinking about buying an older version. But these usually are a lot heavier. I tried looking into light replacement hardware (tuners) but couldn't find any without having to drill. Also, I would consider a refinish but I still won't be able to find golden hardware.

That might be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Perhaps you could try this pedal instead.



They also have the 2 band version .

 

[Nebadon2000]

The reason I'm asking:
I own a GORGEOUS Stingray Special 5 in Amethyst Sparkle. It looks stunning and is wonderfully light.

BUT: I was able to compare it to two pre-Special versions and I do miss a certain low end heft and three dimensionality in its tone. Don't get me wrong, I am able to get some great sounds out of my Special. I don't really miss the overly aggressive highs, but I feel like there is something missing in the low end... it's a little... flat, maybe too linear.

I do wish the new Specials would be a combination of the old bass and mid frequencies with the newly chosen frequency for highs. I'd love that!

I am thinking about buying an older version. But these usually are a lot heavier. I tried looking into light replacement hardware (tuners) but couldn't find any without having to drill. Also, I would consider a refinish but I still won't be able to find golden hardware.

My Special 4H has seeming no problem with Bass with knob at detent and can get overwhelming somewhat adding bass; I use variable HPF on my Mesa at 45-50hz and can hear difference when turning HPF down to 25hz so Special has no 70hz HPF as claimed by some in Pre-Special 3 Band

I understand your and my perception of what is Bass is very different unless maybe other equipment used or possible defect in preamp are at play

Ok done with my thoughts on Special in which I prefer tone over older/newer released Classic and Retro including Bass response 'Musicality' [as opposed to just perceived amount]

There is 1 TB Member that put in Darkglass Tone Capsule and is happy BUT he also makes a MM 2 BAND Copy that he sells [mainly to SBMM 4/5 customers and he hates all Stingray 3 Band Basses and trashes their sound; So I know better and dismiss his opinions; Not sure if he ever tried putting in his own 2 band copy

I Knew his TB Handle he changed it recently but he is over on Stingray Club Thread regularly along with many others whom dislike Specials and 3 banders in general; maybe try also posting there where there may be more who share your opinion/perception; the vast majority on Stingray Special Club are thrilled with their Bass; who would of thought

I respect his, Yours and a strong minority prefer 2 band versions or pre Special over New Stingray Special but I could enjoy all 3 non are 'Worse' just prefer Special and have been able to manipulate it's tone using technique and slight EQ adjustments to give me similar essence of 2band and pre Special to my perception/liking if wanted or need but ultimately prefer the Specials voice especially in a mix; Tone solo at home without mix or at least percussion has very little value to me

 

[SteveFromBerlin]

Loved the comments about people who hate 3-band-EQs and modern Stingrays in general!

I do love my Special and I know that the bass knob has LOTS to offer. I never go there. It's just a different kind of flavour and I think - regarding only the bass and mid frequencies and how they are implemented on the Special Series - I prefer the old version. But I certainly did not want to encourage this old discussion. I was just looking for someone who felt the same as me. There may not be many, but reading through the comments of the following video I know I'm not alone.

 

[Jim C]

Hi folks,

I am looking for people who have changed the electronics in their Stingray Special. Is there anybody here who did this? How did the sound change? Do you think the instrument benefitted from it? Was it complicated?

The Special uses a pickup with different magnets so not exactly the same.
I've used the 2-band advertised on eBay from a guy in Serbia as his has solid shaft pots and sounds exactly like my 83' (when installed in a 3-band SR).
I don't think the Manta Ray pedal is available anymore.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Loved the comments about people who hate 3-band-EQs and modern Stingrays in general!

I do love my Special and I know that the bass knob has LOTS to offer. I never go there. It's just a different kind of flavour and I think - regarding only the bass and mid frequencies and how they are implemented on the Special Series - I prefer the old version. But I certainly did not want to encourage this old discussion. I was just looking for someone who felt the same as me. There may not be many, but reading through the comments of the following video I know I'm not alone.

I am familiar with that video and reviewer; He sets his action super low because he mainly does a lot of Slapping, chording and tapping and B string on both basses have some buzzing on B string more so on Special and a little buzzing throughout fretboard

I have both Basses sound much better for Finger and Pick in other video's and at Home with my Special; yes maybe Slap sounded better with pre Special in this video but when he he did major cut or boost both sounded let's say not so good

Since EBMM won't let you buy Pre Special preamp or pickup need to find aftermarket one that closely resembles original;

Most players that changed electronics with aftermarket on pre-special bought one that sounded more like 2 band[more Bass] or mellowed somewhat like Special[less treble]

Like I said I can respect and understand your preference for Pre Special but for me a 4 string player the 5 string Special is best 5er I have ever heard

This was just posted here recently but video made me want to go through frustration of learning 5 string at being 70 at time

This is what a Special can sound like as opposed to that Vid [ this was also done by TB member who recently bought 1986 2 bander]

 

[Schpeaker]

Loved the comments about people who hate 3-band-EQs and modern Stingrays in general!

I do love my Special and I know that the bass knob has LOTS to offer. I never go there. It's just a different kind of flavour and I think - regarding only the bass and mid frequencies and how they are implemented on the Special Series - I prefer the old version. But I certainly did not want to encourage this old discussion. I was just looking for someone who felt the same as me. There may not be many, but reading through the comments of the following video I know I'm not alone.

I watched the video. It's an excellent comparison with wonderful playing.

I'm not hearing any more bass with the old StingRay. What I'm hearing is less mids. No matter where the EQ is, the Special has an additional dose of low-mids (maybe around 500Hz?) compared to the older model. That makes the Special sound more "musical" and the old one more scooped and "aggressive". Perhaps that's what you're perceiving as additional bass?

I read through the comments too. Most commenters seem to prefer the Special. There are a few who prefer the old one, but the reason they state is always that it's more "aggressive" with a more emphasized treble. Some of them may be perceiving the additional fret buzz as more treble, because I'm not hearing any additional treble.

I think rolling down the mids a smidge on the Special will get you closer to the flat-mid-knob tonality on the old one. But if you compare fully-rolled down mids on both they'll sound different again.

My personal opinion is that the Special is hands-down better than the old 3-band StingRay. The 2-band though seems to be a completely different beast. Almost a different bass altogether.

 

[SteveFromBerlin]

I watched the video. It's an excellent comparison with wonderful playing.

I'm not hearing any more bass with the old StingRay. What I'm hearing is less mids. No matter where the EQ is, the Special has an additional dose of low-mids (maybe around 500Hz?) compared to the older model. That makes the Special sound more "musical" and the old one more scooped and "aggressive". Perhaps that's what you're perceiving as additional bass?

I read through the comments too. Most commenters seem to prefer the Special. There are a few who prefer the old one, but the reason they state is always that it's more "aggressive" with a more emphasized treble. Some of them may be perceiving the additional fret buzz as more treble, because I'm not hearing any additional treble.

I think rolling down the mids a smidge on the Special will get you closer to the flat-mid-knob tonality on the old one. But if you compare fully-rolled down mids on both they'll sound different again.

My personal opinion is that the Special is hands-down better than the old 3-band StingRay. The 2-band though seems to be a completely different beast. Almost a different bass altogether.

You definitely are right about the difference in mids. If I remember correctly, the new mid frequency is 800 Hz as opposed to 500 Hz with the older Stingrays. That's probably why they sound different with the cut in the mids. (Makes me wonder if one could modify that frequency somehow.)

I also perceive the low end differently and this is my main "complaint": To me, the old low band EQ leaves more space in the low mids, the Specials goes a little higher up which can occupy other instruments. I guess that's what I hear as a "more clear low end" . I won't go as far as to say the Special becomes boomy - no way. But it does take up a bit more space when you boost the lows and you can hear that in the video.

I have gotten pretty close to the Pre-Specials with an Empress Effects Bass ParaEQ. But I could swear there is some kind of HPF that sits just a little bit higher than with the older models, so you never fully come close. This comments make a point of what I felt when playing the old version in a dense band compared to my lovely sparkly Special:



Anyway, I won't bother you anymore with this. Thank you all for your input and long live the Stingray!

 

[Nebadon2000]

I'm not hearing any more bass with the old StingRay. What I'm hearing is less mids. No matter where the EQ is, the Special has an additional dose of low-mids (maybe around 500Hz?) compared to the older model. That makes the Special sound more "musical" and the old one more scooped and "aggressive". Perhaps that's what you're perceiving as additional bass?

Yes I just came here to post just that as PS; to my post

The slightly more scooped Pre Special [also how most used 2 band] does change the interaction of Bass and Mids which Steve is alluring to and can't question him wanting that

I prefer more present mids not only like you consider it more musical but with 45+ years of gigging found it works better in mix with most music; yes there is times scooped works with some music and certain Band instrument setups also many players prefer scooped tone by their amp on stage or solo in bedroom it can be pleasing

PS; Just read Steve's post he may have a point with a little more space with low mids; never heard about 500 to 800hz since EBMM has never confirm or deny what others think EQ center points are

I never boost Bass but a tad sometimes more often reduce and mostly leave flat except for times when boost works for song

 

[Nebadon2000]

You definitely are right about the difference in mids. If I remember correctly, the new mid frequency is 800 Hz as opposed to 500 Hz with the older Stingrays. That's probably why they sound different with the cut in the mids. (Makes me wonder if one could modify that frequency somehow.)

I also perceive the low end differently and this is my main "complaint": To me, the old low band EQ leaves more space in the low mids,

Yes I will agree boosting Bass on Special can get overwhelming as I said before and also when I want scooped tone I prefer to use Passive Mid on my Mesa WD 800 not Mid on Bass; Passive mid is somewhat complicated in its curve but does center at 250hz

And you have been absolutely no bother debating personal preference and perceptions is a strength in this forum

 

[Schpeaker]

I also perceive the low end differently and this is my main "complaint": To me, the old low band EQ leaves more space in the low mids, the Specials goes a little higher up which can occupy other instruments. I guess that's what I hear as a "more clear low end" . I won't go as far as to say the Special becomes boomy - no way. But it does take up a bit more space when you boost the lows and you can hear that in the video.

I would have to agree with this. The Special is a more "wide-band" instrument. And I have perceived its impact in a live setting. It's amazing in a song with tons of space, but in a busy rock song you have to play a delicate balance between being either inaudible in the mix or bulldozing over the other instruments.

Anyway, I won't bother you anymore with this. Thank you all for your input and long live the Stingray!

It's no bother, this sort of discussion is amazing and informative as long as we stay objective and don't get sentimental or defensive about our instruments.

 

[SteveFromBerlin]

Thank you all for your kind and well-informed comments!

By the way, this is my beloved Stingray Special 5H in action: