Yes I definitely still have it and have no plans to ever part with it. I am sorry to hear that you missed it so badly. I hope your new Special 5 brings you many years of happiness!Hey, Tony. That bass wasn’t gone for a week before I started missing it badly and plotting the purchase of another one. Glad to see you still have it.
It took a while and during the wait, I developed a craving for that SS tone all the time on everything! And it’s working out very well. So much so that I sold my previous #1 bass and as great as that one was, I’m just not missing it.
Yeah….I’m kinda curious about that “gunstreet wiring” as well….
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EBMM StingRay Special Club
- Thread starter MultiScaleMale
- Start date
Okay, I’ve read and heard other SS players talk about bridge saddle screws moving around on their own, but I saw it firsthand today on my Special 5H….
Playing the last song of our last church service this morning, I happened to glance down at the strings and noticed the E string sitting lower than the others. Looking at the bridge saddle, it was sitting at an angle where one of the screws had moved on its own, lowering that side of the saddle. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem to affect anything and I finished the song and the service just fine.
I think the solution to this issue would be to dab some blue Loctite on the saddle screw and let it dry before putting it back it the saddle. Gonna try that tomorrow.
What sucks is that I just put a heavier gauge set of strings on the bass and had it set up really nicely, I thought. I was trying to get used to 45s through 130s, but the Stingray Special seems to respond well for me with 50s through 135s with my Neanderthal technique…..
I know another SS player, a good friend, who had seen it on a previous SS he owned, but not on his current SS. And I never saw this on that beautiful Pearl Frost that Tony G has now.
Anyone else see this saddle screw thing happening?
Playing the last song of our last church service this morning, I happened to glance down at the strings and noticed the E string sitting lower than the others. Looking at the bridge saddle, it was sitting at an angle where one of the screws had moved on its own, lowering that side of the saddle. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem to affect anything and I finished the song and the service just fine.
I think the solution to this issue would be to dab some blue Loctite on the saddle screw and let it dry before putting it back it the saddle. Gonna try that tomorrow.
What sucks is that I just put a heavier gauge set of strings on the bass and had it set up really nicely, I thought. I was trying to get used to 45s through 130s, but the Stingray Special seems to respond well for me with 50s through 135s with my Neanderthal technique….
.I know another SS player, a good friend, who had seen it on a previous SS he owned, but not on his current SS. And I never saw this on that beautiful Pearl Frost that Tony G has now.
Anyone else see this saddle screw thing happening?
Fender Player 2 Precision bass for gigs where I want my cheap bass or its most appropriate.
JMJ Mustang for jazz or Motown.
My vintage and CS Fenders are largely just for recording these days.
Stingray Special for basically all rehearsals and corporate shows, weddings, etc and its even seeing use in my original band now.
I know I've only owned it for a few days, but mine has been through a couple gigs with no sign of saddle movement.Okay, I’ve read and heard other SS players talk about bridge saddle screws moving around on their own, but I saw it firsthand today on my Special 5H….
Playing the last song of our last church service this morning, I happened to glance down at the strings and noticed the E string sitting lower than the others. Looking at the bridge saddle, it was sitting at an angle where one of the screws had moved on its own, lowering that side of the saddle. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem to affect anything and I finished the song and the service just fine.
I think the solution to this issue would be to dab some blue Loctite on the saddle screw and let it dry before putting it back it the saddle. Gonna try that tomorrow.
What sucks is that I just put a heavier gauge set of strings on the bass and had it set up really nicely, I thought. I was trying to get used to 45s through 130s, but the Stingray Special seems to respond well for me with 50s through 135s with my Neanderthal technique….
I know another SS player, a good friend, who had seen it on a previous SS he owned, but not on his current SS. And I never saw this on that beautiful Pearl Frost that Tony G has now.
Anyone else see this saddle screw thing happening?
How long has it been since your screws were adjusted? I'm wondering if a recent setup occurred leaving less tension on the screw that moved.
In addition to looking for level saddles, I feel the tension of the screws to ensure they've got equal stress on them, so nothing rattles.
In any event, thanks for posting this up. It's something to watch for, to see if it's actually a thing for these hollow barrel saddles.
Hey, thanx for commenting on this (are there pics of your new SS somewhere? I’d love to see it!)I know I've only owned it for a few days, but mine has been through a couple gigs with no sign of saddle movement.
How long has it been since your screws were adjusted? I'm wondering if a recent setup occurred leaving less tension on the screw that moved.
In addition to looking for level saddles, I feel the tension of the screws to ensure they've got equal stress on them, so nothing rattles.
In any event, thanks for posting this up. It's something to watch for, to see if it's actually a thing for these hollow barrel saddles.
I’ve had my SS5H for a month now. I had put my usual light-gauge Pro Steels (45-130) on it right after I got it and played, oh, a dozen gigs. All the screws stayed put during this time, didn’t see any movement.
But I’ve not been able to lighten up my touch on the 45s, so a few days ago, I put on a set of Pro Steels 50-135. That when the bass was last set up to accommodate these heavier strings. Perhaps I wasn’t careful to make sure that saddle was level. I’m staying in today because of the really cold weather (I’m in middle MS, so we shut down below 40 degrees. Ya’ll up north go ahead and laugh….
). I’ll be pulling out the SS and looking into the saddle screw thing. More later….
I put this wiring harness in my p bass because the stock pots were scratchy.
Gunstreet P Bass Hand-Wired Wiring Harness
Our kits are a perfect drop-in replacement for your P style bass guitar, whether you want to change how your instrument sounds, or just want to improve the durability we have something perfect for you!gunstreet.co
Thanks!
That's an interesting option, as I always thought the EMG GZR kit was an elegant solution, but I don't necessarily want a GZR pickup - I've also been tempted by a ToneStyler, so I guess if I go that route, I might as well make a DIY version of the Gunstreet loom, with a ToneStyler, and my choice of pickups.
This has happened on a few basses in my life, loctite works and you don’t really need to let it dry. Tiny drop on the saddle and it should be good.Okay, I’ve read and heard other SS players talk about bridge saddle screws moving around on their own, but I saw it firsthand today on my Special 5H….
Playing the last song of our last church service this morning, I happened to glance down at the strings and noticed the E string sitting lower than the others. Looking at the bridge saddle, it was sitting at an angle where one of the screws had moved on its own, lowering that side of the saddle. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem to affect anything and I finished the song and the service just fine.
I think the solution to this issue would be to dab some blue Loctite on the saddle screw and let it dry before putting it back it the saddle. Gonna try that tomorrow.
What sucks is that I just put a heavier gauge set of strings on the bass and had it set up really nicely, I thought. I was trying to get used to 45s through 130s, but the Stingray Special seems to respond well for me with 50s through 135s with my Neanderthal technique….
I know another SS player, a good friend, who had seen it on a previous SS he owned, but not on his current SS. And I never saw this on that beautiful Pearl Frost that Tony G has now.
Anyone else see this saddle screw thing happening?
D
Today I recorded the bass on a song for a nu metal band (Korn, Bizkit type) with my Stingray 5 HH Raspberry. I love the Stingray sound in metal (ok, with effects: Cali76, Origin DCX, Origin BassRig SV and Darkglass Microtubes X Ultra).
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Got a Stingray Special 5HH – it's my "I have no idea what you want from me so here I am with the Everything bass"
Other basses are Fender AM Pro II P bass with Fralin P, and a 1997 Stingray H.
I prefer my 97 Stingray over all of them. It just sounds better and more characterful. The "best" bass is the Special though. I wonder often if I should have just got a 4 string version of it.
D
We are pretty close in taste, when I don't use Stingray Special 5, I use Sandbergs (usually in softer music - R&B/soul/funk), in metal and rock I prefer Stingrays. And I also have an Ibanez headless (EHB1505MS), which I don't like how it sounds because even though it has good pickups (Nordstrand Big Split), these are P Bass type pickups, meaning in series, so they have those specific low mids, and that's not my thing, I prefer the pickups to be connected in parallel (scooped and bright). But the Ibanez is comfortable and easy to carry.
I've been fully indoctrinated into the cult of Bongos for the last year. It does most everything I want and just has such a great sound
I’ve had three Specials (two 5’s and a four ) and both 5 strings had this issue. I have loc-tite on one and it works fine until I go to adjust the saddle height and I can’t ! The other 5 I sold. If it continues to be a problem Ernie Ball might send you new bridge saddles at no cost. I really wish there was an aftermarket bridge replacement that wasn’t so finickyOkay, I’ve read and heard other SS players talk about bridge saddle screws moving around on their own, but I saw it firsthand today on my Special 5H….
Playing the last song of our last church service this morning, I happened to glance down at the strings and noticed the E string sitting lower than the others. Looking at the bridge saddle, it was sitting at an angle where one of the screws had moved on its own, lowering that side of the saddle. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem to affect anything and I finished the song and the service just fine.
I think the solution to this issue would be to dab some blue Loctite on the saddle screw and let it dry before putting it back it the saddle. Gonna try that tomorrow.
What sucks is that I just put a heavier gauge set of strings on the bass and had it set up really nicely, I thought. I was trying to get used to 45s through 130s, but the Stingray Special seems to respond well for me with 50s through 135s with my Neanderthal technique….
I know another SS player, a good friend, who had seen it on a previous SS he owned, but not on his current SS. And I never saw this on that beautiful Pearl Frost that Tony G has now.
Anyone else see this saddle screw thing happening?
It's a beautiful bass...I just hate the picture angle when G string looks so high
It is a little high but not as high as it looks. I actually always raise my g string a bit as I feel it allows the string to have better sustain on those really high notesIt's a beautiful bass...I just hate the picture angle when G string looks so high
Decided to take the SS Lo Riders off the Grape Crush 4H and try Dunlop Super Bright Nickels. So far they sound really good to my ears on this bass. I can’t believe how sensitive the Specials are to string changes. Might try some Pure Blues on the 4HH next. I’m really enjoying these basses.
Have you tried SIT Pressure Wounds nickel with tapered B/E? I think they sound fantastic on both my 5H and 5HH.
I’ll add them to list. I tried them on a Precision and liked them.
So sensitive.
As a recommendation for slap I put some DR Hi-beams on my maple board bass and they are horrible in feel and sound OK. In contrast I put some Elixir nickel plated steels on another and they feel great and sound tremendous. These and the cobalt flats are my new favs.
Interesting. I tried Hi Beams in my 4HH as they are my favourite string. Didn’t sound that great. Lo Riders sounded better but now I’m thinking I’ll try Pure Blues on that bass.
So I had to make a run to the local GC to buy a couple of mics for a last-minute gig where we are doing our own production.
While there, I saw a Sterling HH 5-string model and asked to play it.
First, it was of course, not set up well at all, so I had to wade through that as I played. Decent strings at least (round wound flavor of some kind. Best thing about the bass, sadly).
Still, I was pretty disappointed. I didn't find a single usable tone on this bass that I'd care to use. I've heard MM HH models where I liked the both-pickup position. That didn't happen on this bass. And I didn't find anything resembling the classic Stingray H tone, which I thought was possible on the HHs.
Perhaps I'd be better trying an MM Stingray HH over this Sterling. It wasn't happening. At all. and probably for a few reasons.
I mention this here because of the many HH players here to run my xperience by. I can't imagine you guys suffering through what I heard today.,
I just remembered, I wish I had asked about the condition of the battery. Oh, well.
While there, I saw a Sterling HH 5-string model and asked to play it.
First, it was of course, not set up well at all, so I had to wade through that as I played. Decent strings at least (round wound flavor of some kind. Best thing about the bass, sadly).
Still, I was pretty disappointed. I didn't find a single usable tone on this bass that I'd care to use. I've heard MM HH models where I liked the both-pickup position. That didn't happen on this bass. And I didn't find anything resembling the classic Stingray H tone, which I thought was possible on the HHs.
Perhaps I'd be better trying an MM Stingray HH over this Sterling. It wasn't happening. At all. and probably for a few reasons.
I mention this here because of the many HH players here to run my xperience by. I can't imagine you guys suffering through what I heard today.,
I just remembered, I wish I had asked about the condition of the battery. Oh, well.
