Ernie Ball may as well be boutique now.

[MrCash]

At least the instruments while getting more expensive are getting better or at least adding new features.

Many other things are getting more expensive and staying the same. Even in some cases getting more expensive while your getting less.

 

[hyp.spec]

At least the instruments while getting more expensive are getting better or at least adding new features.

Many other things are getting more expensive and staying the same. Even in some cases getting more expensive while your getting less.

Was just talking to my neighbor today about housing prices. A house he bought just a couple miles away in the 70s cost him $21,000. That exact same house today? Easily $160k+

Why is it $160k today? Because someone will pay that price, and the market supports it.

Why are Stingrays $2k+? Because someone will pay that price, and the market supports it. It's that simple...

Bonus points for Ernie Ball for producing an American made product AND paying it's employees a living wage.

Even more bonus points for taking an awesome product AND making it better.

I've decided my Stingray 5HH is without a doubt the best bass I've ever played. Fit, finish, sound, playability. I'm sold.

Does that make me a fanboy now?

 

[MrCash]

Was just talking to my neighbor today about housing prices. A house he bought just a couple miles away in the 70s cost him $21,000. That exact same house today? Easily $160k+

Why is it $160k today? Because someone will pay that price, and the market supports it.

Why are Stingrays $2k+? Because someone will pay that price, and the market supports it. It's that simple...

Bonus points for Ernie Ball for producing an American made product AND paying it's employees a living wage.

Even more bonus points for taking an awesome product AND making it better.

I've decided my Stingray 5HH is without a doubt the best bass I've ever played. Fit, finish, sound, playability. I'm sold.

Does that make me a fanboy now?

I'm a ebmm fan so I will agree with what you say.

To be honest though I do think prices for all things are too high compared to the wage standards today. As many people just don't get a fair wage and the price of general living is rising.

I applaud the fair treatment of the musicman staff. Also the fact they have improved there products with certain editions. And kept the quality standard high through the range and not compromising.

 

[rogerbmiller]

Far be it from me to wake a sleeping thread, but I realized that I neglected to mention that a few weeks ago I played a new SR Special.

It was pretty good! Light weight and BIG tone.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Far be it from me to wake a sleeping thread, but I realized that I neglected to mention that a few weeks ago I played a new SR Special.

It was pretty good! Light weight and BIG tone.

They are great basses. I'd say boutique quality on the ones I've played. And the price is nice on them as well. A lot less expensive than boutique builds . Great Made in the USA value .

 

[citizenchris099]

Far be it from me to wake a sleeping thread, but I realized that I neglected to mention that a few weeks ago I played a new SR Special.

It was pretty good! Light weight and BIG tone.

yep. my SR Special is fantastic.

They are great basses. I'd say boutique quality on the ones I've played. And the price is nice on them as well. A lot less expensive than boutique builds . Great Made in the USA value .

100% agree

 

[bovinehost]

I went to, um, let us say a large chain store the other day and had a few minutes to kill. I really wanted a shock mount for a large-ish condensor microphone but nope, they didn't have that exotic item.

But they did have some new Stingrays! They were hung up at about Uranus level. Me and another older dude (WE HAVE THE FREAKING INCOME, GUYS) stood around, gazing upward, shooting the breeze about what was new with these basses. If just ONE sales monkey had come around, I think I could have sold the bass for him/her. But that was not gonna happen. Oh, and - the sales monkeys had the customers outnumbered. I counted. Middle of the afternoon. Man.

So as sad as it may be, I've STILL never played one of the new models. *sigh*

I bought the shock mount - and a spendy new condensor mic - from Sweetwater. They get my money these days.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I went to, um, let us say a large chain store the other day and had a few minutes to kill. I really wanted a shock mount for a large-ish condensor microphone but nope, they didn't have that exotic item.

But they did have some new Stingrays! They were hung up at about Uranus level. Me and another older dude (WE HAVE THE FREAKING INCOME, GUYS) stood around, gazing upward, shooting the breeze about what was new with these basses. If just ONE sales monkey had come around, I think I could have sold the bass for him/her. But that was not gonna happen. Oh, and - the sales monkeys had the customers outnumbered. I counted. Middle of the afternoon. Man.

So as sad as it may be, I've STILL never played one of the new models. *sigh*

I bought the shock mount - and a spendy new condensor mic - from Sweetwater. They get my money these days.

I hit three of the likely same chain stores - one had a gouge in the neck the next store had the pole pieces pushed in, the next the bass took a bi fall and had two knobs bent and a big gouge out of the body. I had to go to another state to get my 4HH dropped copper. But it was worth it.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I hit three of the likely same chain stores - one had a gouge in the neck the next store had the pole pieces pushed in, the next the bass took a bi fall and had two knobs bent and a big gouge out of the body. I had to go to another state to get my 4HH dropped copper. But it was worth it.

Sounds like they took the name literally .

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Was just talking to my neighbor today about housing prices. A house he bought just a couple miles away in the 70s cost him $21,000. That exact same house today? Easily $160k+

Why is it $160k today? Because someone will pay that price, and the market supports it.

Why are Stingrays $2k+? Because someone will pay that price, and the market supports it. It's that simple...

Bonus points for Ernie Ball for producing an American made product AND paying it's employees a living wage.

Even more bonus points for taking an awesome product AND making it better.

I've decided my Stingray 5HH is without a doubt the best bass I've ever played. Fit, finish, sound, playability. I'm sold.

Does that make me a fanboy now?

If you are a fanboy and really happy with your gear, why sweat it? It's your money and time.

 

[Stevorebob]

The new Specials are, indeed, special.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

My money was well spent .
Quality vs price, I'd say I came out the winner .

 

[*Tempest*]

Music Man instruments are produced in the USA, of near-boutique quality, and Sterling Ball pays his workers a living wage. That's where the money goes, and that's fine by me.

I agree 100%, Music Man quality and consistency is legendary. Their roasted necks are nicer than anything I've played personally. The customer service is phenomenal. Plus, we're talking about Ball Family Reserve, which is not standard run by any means.

 

[Samatza]

Music Man instruments are produced in the USA, of near-boutique quality, and Sterling Ball pays his workers a living wage. That's where the money goes, and that's fine by me.

I stand by that ethic too. If you want good quality product made by people that care you're going to pay for it. You guys are pretty lucky, in Australia a new Stingray special is over AU$4K. It's a fact of life that these things are going to get expensive if the quality is to be maintained however it's an instrument that will serve you well for a lifetime if you maintain it properly.