EBMM StingRay Special Club

[Kevin Wolfe]

Another funny thing is that I (previous to owning this Stingray) always used to play over the neck pickup on Fender basses. Now that I have played the Stingray exclusively since last July I looked down and noticed my right hand over the bridge pickup. I guess I am now a close to the bridge player. It's interesting how selling off all my other basses and only playing one has changed my style and what I like to hear. Stingrays make you play different than other basses that's for certain.

Yep, I definitely play differently. I’ve had to become much more conscious of my technique, or more accurately, lack of technique than ever.
Having a new bass in the quiver also distracts me from practice on the UB. That may not be a good thing since the majority of my gigs nowadays seem to be on the vertical bass. But man I’m lovin’ the ‘Ray.

 

[p k]

Mine is out for delivery...

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Mine is out for delivery...

 

[HD007]

Two nitpicky questions for the Stingray Special hive mind. (I'm still on the fence about the trial 5-string but think in the end I might really like it).

1. When I first plugged it in there was no sound. (I have a 4HH so controls are familiar; it wasn't that). Then there was a little sound then none, etc. There was nothing visibly wrong with the battery installation but I reinserted both of them anyway and it SEEMS fine now.

2. The edge of the nut for the G string is SUPER sharp, like a blade that could easily cut you. I'd smooth that down if it stays, but it made me wonder if they're always that thin? It almost seems like it could snap.

Other than that, after adjusting the truss rod, it is the usual exquisite Special sound, balance, feel, etc. It's right at 9 pounds, which is not heavy for a 5 but I'm spoiled and my main hesitation is wondering whether I should hold out for an even lighter one. Only in today's world would I be so ridiculously picky.

Overall I feel lucky to live in a world where a plethora of such exquisite basses are available to choose from.

 

[Groovegestapo]

Two nitpicky questions for the Stingray Special hive mind. (I'm still on the fence about the trial 5-string but think in the end I might really like it).

1. When I first plugged it in there was no sound. (I have a 4HH so controls are familiar; it wasn't that). Then there was a little sound then none, etc. There was nothing visibly wrong with the battery installation but I reinserted both of them anyway and it SEEMS fine now.

2. The edge of the nut for the G string is SUPER sharp, like a blade that could easily cut you. I'd smooth that down if it stays, but it made me wonder if they're always that thin? It almost seems like it could snap.

Other than that, after adjusting the truss rod, it is the usual exquisite Special sound, balance, feel, etc. It's right at 9 pounds, which is not heavy for a 5 but I'm spoiled and my main hesitation is wondering whether I should hold out for an even lighter one. Only in today's world would I be so ridiculously picky.

Overall I feel lucky to live in a world where a plethora of such exquisite basses are available to choose from.

The nut on my 5 is sharp too.
Getting it filed next week.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Two nitpicky questions for the Stingray Special hive mind. (I'm still on the fence about the trial 5-string but think in the end I might really like it).

1. When I first plugged it in there was no sound. (I have a 4HH so controls are familiar; it wasn't that). Then there was a little sound then none, etc. There was nothing visibly wrong with the battery installation but I reinserted both of them anyway and it SEEMS fine now.

2. The edge of the nut for the G string is SUPER sharp, like a blade that could easily cut you. I'd smooth that down if it stays, but it made me wonder if they're always that thin? It almost seems like it could snap.

Other than that, after adjusting the truss rod, it is the usual exquisite Special sound, balance, feel, etc. It's right at 9 pounds, which is not heavy for a 5 but I'm spoiled and my main hesitation is wondering whether I should hold out for an even lighter one. Only in today's world would I be so ridiculously picky.

Overall I feel lucky to live in a world where a plethora of such exquisite basses are available to choose from.

I tried to get a visual of the nut from the pic you posted. Couldn't get detailed enough view. Maybe take it to your local tech for a look. Batteries could have been seated improperly. Also might wanna quick test of that from your tech. Remove them again and see if any issues arise. As for the weight, personally I wouldnt fuss over what will probably amount to a few ounces. Id be surprised to see a 5 come in under 8.5 lbs. If you are happy with the way that one sounds and plays its a winner in my book.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I tried to get a visual of the nut from the pic you posted. Couldn't get detailed enough view. Maybe take it to your local tech for a look. Batteries could have been seated improperly. Also might wanna quick test of that from your tech. Remove them again and see if any issues arise. As for the weight, personally I wouldnt fuss over what will probably amount to a few ounces. Id be surprised to see a 5 come in under 8.5 lbs. If you are happy with the way that one sounds and plays its a winner in my book.

I think there’s been a few 5s in the 8,1-8.3 range

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Yep. A few.

 

[HD007]

I tried to get a visual of the nut from the pic you posted. Couldn't get detailed enough view. Maybe take it to your local tech for a look. Batteries could have been seated improperly. Also might wanna quick test of that from your tech. Remove them again and see if any issues arise. As for the weight, personally I wouldnt fuss over what will probably amount to a few ounces. Id be surprised to see a 5 come in under 8.5 lbs. If you are happy with the way that one sounds and plays its a winner in my book.

I'll attach a pic. It's probably fine, but even if not it's something that could be fixed easily.

Edit: I mentioned a hum earlier but it's actually some odd crackling when my fretting finger is lightly on a string. It's probably just new round wounds and I'm used to flats. I'll try those cobalt flats on this down the road.

 

[Bass7755]

Two nitpicky questions for the Stingray Special hive mind. (I'm still on the fence about the trial 5-string but think in the end I might really like it).

1. When I first plugged it in there was no sound. (I have a 4HH so controls are familiar; it wasn't that). Then there was a little sound then none, etc. There was nothing visibly wrong with the battery installation but I reinserted both of them anyway and it SEEMS fine now.

2. The edge of the nut for the G string is SUPER sharp, like a blade that could easily cut you. I'd smooth that down if it stays, but it made me wonder if they're always that thin? It almost seems like it could snap.

Other than that, after adjusting the truss rod, it is the usual exquisite Special sound, balance, feel, etc. It's right at 9 pounds, which is not heavy for a 5 but I'm spoiled and my main hesitation is wondering whether I should hold out for an even lighter one. Only in today's world would I be so ridiculously picky.

Overall I feel lucky to live in a world where a plethora of such exquisite basses are available to choose from.

I had the same problem with mine. No sound. Popped open the battery compartment reinsirted the batteries and it worked fine...for a while. Right before my first gig with the special. Made a popping noise and again no sound. We took the batteries out and compared them to a new Duracell and one of the batteries that came in the bass was a hair shorter. I replaced the short battery and it has be fine ever since. Many practices, rehearsals and gigs. No problems with it at all.

 

[Stevorebob]

Two nitpicky questions for the Stingray Special hive mind. (I'm still on the fence about the trial 5-string but think in the end I might really like it).

1. When I first plugged it in there was no sound. (I have a 4HH so controls are familiar; it wasn't that). Then there was a little sound then none, etc. There was nothing visibly wrong with the battery installation but I reinserted both of them anyway and it SEEMS fine now.

2. The edge of the nut for the G string is SUPER sharp, like a blade that could easily cut you. I'd smooth that down if it stays, but it made me wonder if they're always that thin? It almost seems like it could snap.

Other than that, after adjusting the truss rod, it is the usual exquisite Special sound, balance, feel, etc. It's right at 9 pounds, which is not heavy for a 5 but I'm spoiled and my main hesitation is wondering whether I should hold out for an even lighter one. Only in today's world would I be so ridiculously picky.

Overall I feel lucky to live in a world where a plethora of such exquisite basses are available to choose from.

The nut on my 5 is sharp too.
Getting it filed next week.

I'll attach a pic. It's probably fine, but even if not it's something that could be fixed easily.

Edit: I mentioned a hum earlier but it's actually some odd crackling when my fretting finger is lightly on a string. It's probably just new round wounds and I'm used to flats. I'll try those cobalt flats on this down the road.

View attachment 3312843

The sharp-edge nut is not uncommon on EBMM basses — not just the StingRay Specials. Sometimes, the sharp edge appears on the top B- orE-string as well. It’s a result of the machining to achieve the compensated nut. Easy enough to deal with or remove.

 

[thumbs&fingers]

So I did a bad thing.........picked up a 5H special to keep my 4HH special company. And it under 9lbs, it’s ridiculous they are making these that light and makes an already easy platform to play that much easier.

 

[eyeballkid]

Yeah.. I never really thought some of my other basses were heavy until I go to pick one up after playing my Special. They feel like anchors now and none are over 10lbs.

 

[Kevin Wolfe]

Yeah.. I never really thought some of my other basses were heavy until I go to pick one up after playing my Special. They feel like anchors now and none are over 10lbs.

Yep. My ‘74 Pbass weighs 10 1/2 pounds.

 

[Bass7755]

My SR5 30th Anniversary is 10lbs. It's heavy but is not bad on a strap. I love it but wish it weighted the same as my special.
Dan

 

[Corevalay]

Someone locally is selling a Stingray Special and interested in a trade for a jazz... PERFECT for me... until he told me the bass is 9.5lbs... bummer to the max.

 

[Stranger Danger]

Someone locally is selling a Stingray Special and interested in a trade for a jazz... PERFECT for me... until he told me the bass is 9.5lbs... bummer to the max.

How sure are you about the weight? Some folks are challenged with weights and measures.

 

[HD007]

I had the same problem with mine. No sound. Popped open the battery compartment reinsirted the batteries and it worked fine...for a while. Right before my first gig with the special. Made a popping noise and again no sound. We took the batteries out and compared them to a new Duracell and one of the batteries that came in the bass was a hair shorter. I replaced the short battery and it has be fine ever since. Many practices, rehearsals and gigs. No problems with it at all.

Good to know- I’ll pop in some Duracells

 

[HD007]

So I did a bad thing.........picked up a 5H special to keep my 4HH special company. And it under 9lbs, it’s ridiculous they are making these that light and makes an already easy platform to play that much easier.

What’s bad about that?

 

[HD007]

How sure are you about the weight? Some folks are challenged with weights and measures.

And the Specials are really well balanced, so even if it’s heavier than average it still might feel better than the jazz for someone who isn’t super concerned about weight.